Forlì-Cesena Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Forlì-Cesena, Italy with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, local food and drink, where to stay and how to get around. Start planning your adventure!


Introduction to Forlì-Cesena

Nestled in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Forlì-Cesena is a stunning destination that boasts a rich history, unmatched natural beauty, and a vibrant culture. Situated just a short drive from the coast and the rolling hills of the Apennine Mountains, this charming destination offers visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy throughout their stay.

List of Places to Visit in Forlì-Cesena

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Forlì-Cesena is home to a number of museums and historical landmarks that offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s fascinating past. These must-see attractions include:

  • Musei San Domenico: This museum complex is one of the largest and most significant cultural attractions in the region. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from art and history, to archaeology and science.

  • Rocca di Forlì: Built in the early 1400s, this castle is a stunning example of medieval architecture. Visitors can explore the castle’s many towers, courtyards, and defensive walls, and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.

  • Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Sarsina: Located just outside of Forlì-Cesena in the picturesque town of Sarsina, this museum boasts an impressive collection of ancient Roman artifacts, including mosaics, sculptures, and architectural elements.

Natural Attractions of Forlì-Cesena: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

From rolling hills to pristine beaches, Forlì-Cesena is a nature lover’s paradise. Some of the most beautiful and scenic natural attractions of the region include:

  • Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi: This vast National Park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, enjoy a picnic by a tranquil stream, or simply take in the stunning views of the Apennine Mountains.

  • Po Delta Park: Located just a short drive from Forlì-Cesena, this stunning coastal park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including flamingos, herons, and otters. Visitors can take a boat tour to get up close and personal with the region’s birdlife, or simply relax on the park’s many pristine beaches.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Forlì-Cesena

For outdoor enthusiasts, Forlì-Cesena is the perfect destination for hiking and biking. Some of the best routes in the area include:

  • The Via degli Dei: This stunning trail stretches for over 130km from Bologna to Florence, passing through some of the most beautiful countryside in the region.

  • The Foreste Casentinesi National Park: With over 600km of hiking trails, this National Park offers something for hikers of all levels of experience. Visitors can choose from short day hikes, or multi-day treks that take them deep into the heart of the park.

Best Things to Do in Forlì-Cesena: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, Forlì-Cesena offers visitors a wide range of other activities and tours to enjoy. Some of the best include:

  • Wine Tasting: With its many wineries and vineyards, Forlì-Cesena is the perfect destination for wine enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy guided wine tastings, take tours of local wineries, or simply enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Truffle Hunting: For foodies, Forlì-Cesena’s truffle hunting tours are not to be missed. Visitors can join experienced truffle hunters and their trusty dogs as they search for the elusive fungi in the region’s forests.

Week-Long Itinerary for Forlì-Cesena

To help visitors get the most out of their trip to Forlì-Cesena, we recommend the following week-long itinerary:

  • Day 1: Explore the historic city of Forlì, including the Musei San Domenico and the Rocca di Forlì.

  • Day 2: Visit the charming town of Cesena and take a guided tour of the Biblioteca Malatestiana, one of the oldest public libraries in the world.

  • Day 3: Hike the Via degli Dei, stopping in picturesque towns like San Piero a Sieve and Firenzuola along the way.

  • Day 4: Take a wine tasting tour of the region’s many wineries and vineyards.

  • Day 5: Visit the stunning National Park of Foreste Casentinesi and take a guided tour of the park’s many hiking trails.

  • Day 6: Explore the picturesque town of Sarsina and visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Sarsina.

  • Day 7: Relax on the pristine beaches of Po Delta Park before heading home.

Food and Drink Scene of Forlì-Cesena

No trip to Forlì-Cesena would be complete without sampling some of the region’s delicious food and drink. Here are some local specialties to look out for:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cappelletti: These stuffed pasta squares are a local favorite, often served in a delicious chicken broth.

  • Piadina: This traditional flatbread is made with flour, lard, and salt, and is typically filled with cheese, ham, or vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Sangiovese: This full-bodied red wine is a favorite in Forlì-Cesena thanks to its rich flavor and fruity notes.

  • Aperitivo Romagnolo: This refreshing cocktail is made with Campari, red vermouth, and sparkling white wine.

Where to Stay in Forlì-Cesena: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly hostel, Forlì-Cesena has plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Some of the best include:

  • Hotel Doria: This luxury hotel is located just steps from the historic center of Forlì, and offers stunning views of the city’s many landmarks.

  • Albergo diffuso Torriana: This charming guesthouse is located in the picturesque town of Torriana, and offers visitors a unique and authentic experience of life in rural Italy.

What to Buy in Forlì-Cesena: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

From artisanal cheeses and cured meats, to handcrafted ceramics and jewelry, Forlì-Cesena is full of unique and high-quality souvenirs to bring home. Some of the best items to look out for include:

  • Pecorino romagnolo: This delicious sheep’s milk cheese is a local favorite, and can be found in nearly every market and cheese shop in the region.

  • Sangiovese wine: Take home a bottle or two of this classic Emilia-Romagna red wine to share with friends and family.

Local Culture and Customs of Forlì-Cesena

Forlì-Cesena is a friendly and welcoming destination, where visitors are encouraged to get to know the locals and immerse themselves in the region’s rich culture and traditions. Some important customs and traditions to keep in mind include:

  • Saying “buongiorno” or “buonasera” when entering shops and restaurants.

  • Dressing appropriately when visiting religious sites, such as churches and monasteries.

Best Time to Visit Forlì-Cesena

The best time to visit Forlì-Cesena is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be hot and crowded, but offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and beach-going.

Do’s and Don’ts of Forlì-Cesena

Do:

  • Do try the local food and drink, including the region’s famous piadina and sangiovese wine.

  • Do take advantage of the many hiking and biking trails in the area.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.

  • Don’t be rude to the locals, who are known for their warm hospitality and friendly demeanor.

Safety and Health

Safety in Forlì-Cesena

Forlì-Cesena is a safe and welcoming destination, with low rates of crime and a friendly, community-minded population. Visitors are advised to take the same precautions they would in any unfamiliar city, such as being aware of their surroundings and avoiding carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items.

Health in Forlì-Cesena

The healthcare system in Forlì-Cesena is modern and efficient, with a number of high-quality hospitals and clinics available to visitors in need of medical attention. Visitors are advised to purchase travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

Getting to Forlì-Cesena: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Forlì-Cesena

The closest airport to Forlì-Cesena is the Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini, which offers direct flights to a number of major European cities.

Bus Stations Near Forlì-Cesena

Forlì-Cesena has excellent bus connections to other major cities in the region, including Bologna, Ravenna, and Rimini.

Other Options

For visitors looking to explore the region at their own pace, renting a car is a great option. There are a number of car rental companies with offices in Forlì-Cesena, such as Hertz and Europcar.

How to Get Around in Forlì-Cesena

Forlì-Cesena has a reliable and efficient public transportation system, including buses and trains, which make it easy to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Taxis and rideshare services are also available for those who prefer private transportation.

Where to Go Next from Forlì-Cesena: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Forlì-Cesena is located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, which offers a wealth of fascinating and beautiful destinations to explore during your stay. Some nearby destinations and excursions to consider include:

  • Ravenna: This stunning city is known for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics, and is just a short drive from Forlì-Cesena.

  • Bologna: Known for its delicious food, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Bologna is a must-visit city in Emilia-Romagna.

Conclusion

Forlì-Cesena is a hidden gem in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, offering visitors a wide range of experiences to enjoy throughout their stay. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, food, or adventure, this stunning destination has something to offer everyone. Start planning your trip today, and get ready to experience the best of Forlì-Cesena!



    Cesena
    Cesenatico
    Mercato Saraceno