If you love pedaling and immersing yourself in nature, Romagna offers a unique itinerary: the Canale Naviglio Zanelli cycle route, which connects Faenza to the Romagna Riviera amidst parks, villages, and nature reserves. For those who prefer "slow" travel, an informative brochure is now available, both in digital and paper formats, detailing the route and its hidden treasures.
A journey through history and nature
The journey begins in Faenza, from the historic Villa Orestina and its garden, the gateway to the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park, an area rich in sinkholes and natural caves. The path continues toward the green oasis of Parco della Rocca and the former Piazzale Sercognani, the canal's ancient dock, reaching Granarolo Faentino, where the Museo Diffuso preserves ancient crafts and folk art.
Heading down toward the plains, you pass through Cotignola, with its Parco Pertini and the Luigi Varoli Civic Museum, and Bagnacavallo, home to Podere Pantaleone—a protected hygrophilous woodland—and the Museo Civico delle Cappuccine. A little further on, in Villanova di Bagnacavallo, the Ecomuseum of Marsh Herbs awaits, guarding ancient traditional techniques.
Approaching the coast, Alfonsine welcomes the Ex Fornace Violani Nature Reserve, a habitat for rare species such as the pond turtle. The final stage leads to the Po Delta Interregional Park Emilia-Romagna, one of Europe's most important wetland ecosystems, with the NatuRa Museum in Sant’Alberto showcasing local fauna and flora.
A "Green and Blue" cycle route
The Canale Naviglio Zanelli brochure includes detailed maps, photo boxes, and QR codes with GPS coordinates for the main points of interest, facilitating navigation along the entire route. The initiative is promoted by the CEAS of Romagna Faentina in collaboration with the Ecosistema cooperative and supported by local municipalities and parks.
This cycle route is more than just a tourist itinerary: it is a true ecological corridor connecting the Apennine hills to the wetlands of the Lower Romagna, promoting sustainable and low-impact tourism. Already largely accessible, it will be completed by 2026 with new sections, equipped rest areas, and informative signage.
Why include it in your travels
The Canale Naviglio Zanelli is part of a well-established trend in Italy and Europe: the recovery of old infrastructures, such as canals or decommissioned railways, transformed into cycling paths. In addition to the pleasure of pedaling immersed in nature, these routes enhance lesser-known villages, create opportunities for local businesses, and promote a slower, more conscious form of tourism.
Between green and blue, history and nature, villages and museums, this cycle route is ready to welcome those who wish to discover Romagna in a sustainable way, with itineraries tailored for bicycles, culture, and relaxation.
Download
