1st STAGE: Cattolica – Mondaino (44.8 km)

The Malatesta Tour begins in Cattolica, the last outpost of the Riviera Romagnola. It starts from the Malatesta granary, passing on the cliff by the sea in Fiorenzuola di Focara, an ancient medieval village overlooking the Adriatic Sea at about 200 meters above sea level. Definitely worth a visit are its squares, alleys and portals, on one of which are even some verses from the Divine Comedy.

We are immersed in the Mount San Bartolo Park, where we enter now going along technical single tracks now going up hills. This leads to the stunning Castle of Gradara, actually a Rocca (castle-fortress) owned by the Malatesta family and which legend has it was the setting for the tragic love affair between Paolo and Francesca, wife of Gianciotto Malatesta.

After skirting the town of Tavullia and passing through Montegridolfo, among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, the stage ends at the Rocca di Mondaino, another imposing key piece of the Malatesta defensive line, indispensable for maintaining control over nearby castles and Montefeltro troop movements.

Length: 49 km
Elevation gain: 1537 m
Downhill elevation gain: 1152 m
Highest point: 390 m
Lowest point: 2 m
Type of surface: mixed

Technical tips:
The tour is suitable for all types of MTB: the first section is very technical and suitable for “full” bikes, while after the Monte San Bartolo Park the trail becomes very scenic and rideable. It is usually very easy to get a supply of water. Contact the Route Tutor for help with guides and possible E-bike rental.

Municipality of departure: Cattolica
Place of departure: San Giovanni in Marignano
Municipality of arrival: Cattolica
Place of arrival: Mondaino

Recommended period:
May to September

Where to park:
Free parking in San Giovanni in Marignano. The guided tour includes a return by shuttle from San Marino.

A dip into the past to the rhythm of mountain biking! The Malatesta Tour is an unmissable opportunity to ride along the roads and paths that were owned by the Lords of Verucchio between the 12th and 17th centuries. The Malatesta, one of the most prestigious families of the Middle Ages, ruled the Seignory of Rimini and numerous territories in Romagna and Marche.

The excitement of MTB, the history of a past still alive in well-preserved fortresses and castles, and the fascinating views of Mount Carpegna and the Sasso Simone and Simoncello Park are the elements that weave harmoniously together in designing an unforgettable tour.

This is a route suitable for those with some experience because of some technical sections and significant elevation changes.