The Forlì area is always ready to welcome travelers seeking fun or relaxation. For those who want to take a dip and cool off in the waters flowing through the valleys of Forlì, there are many opportunities to find refreshment and immerse yourself in nature; here are a few suggestions in the Montone River valley.
This is a day trip, but river enthusiasts can easily spread it out over several days to enjoy all the best moments our region has to offer.
Useful Info
A map with driving directionsis available.
Extra travel tips
Starting from Forlì, and continuing along Via Firenze for about 40 km, you’ll reach Portico di Romagna, a picturesque village at 309 meters above sea level, whose historic center has remained intact.
Travel tips
For those who, after a stroll through the village streets, want to cool off, you can cross the Ponte della Maestà bridge and head toward the “spiaggetta di Portico,” commonly known as “La Chiusa, ” where you’ll be greeted by a waterfall and rocky outcrops where both adults and children can comfortably stretch out in the sun.
Its waters are clear and crystal-clear, offering a chance to rejuvenate through the power of hydrotherapy in the midst of nature.
Useful Info
The walk to the “spiaggetta” is easy and suitable for everyone.
Continuing toward Bocconi, 4 km from Portico di Romagna, you’ll find other beautiful spots where you can stop and relax in the cool air.
The most picturesque spot is undoubtedly the Brusìa Waterfalls, where the Montone River is spanned by a unique three-arch humpback bridge—named after the waterfall itself.
Must-see
For lovers of hiking and walking, the Brusìa Waterfalls are an excellent starting point for exploring trails through the woods, perfect for any season. Among these is the loop trail from Bocconi to the Monti Gemelli, a roughly 13-kilometer route of moderate difficulty with an elevation gain of between 720 and 880 meters.
Useful Info
To best tackle these trails, we recommend hiking boots, layered clothing, and a good supply of water, as there are no water sources along some of the routes.
Continuing from Bocconi along the road leading to San Benedetto in Alpe, you’ll come across another picturesque spot in the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines where you can enjoy a pleasant time: the Acquacheta Waterfall.
Here, the Montone River offers an enchanting natural pool, overlooked by a towering cliff, and a spectacular waterfall that soars 70 meters high.
A unique and fascinating place, a must-see for any lover of untamed nature.
Curiosity
The fame of this waterfall is undoubtedly linked to Dante Alighieri, who extols it in Canto XVI of the “Inferno” in his “Divine Comedy.”
“Like that river that flows
first from Monte Viso toward the east,
along the left flank of the Apennines,
which is called Acquacheta upstream, before
before it descends into its lower bed,
and at Forlì that name is no longer used,
it roars above San Benedetto
of the Alps, before plunging down a slope
where it ought to have been contained a thousand times over;
so, down a steep slope,
we found that colored water echoing,
so that in a short while it would have hurt the ear.”
(Dante, The Divine Comedy, Inferno, XVI, 94–102)
Technical info
The trail to the waterfall is well marked and takes about two hours to complete. It is a moderately difficult hike, with short ascents along the stream.
