After the Rimini Marathon: Santarcangelo di Romagna

The Route: Rimini → Santarcangelo di Romagna (1 night) → Rimini or onward Logistics: The lower town has a rail station on the Rimini line, and buses link Rimini with the hill town. Check the timetable for Sunday and Monday, and take a taxi for the last stretch to the upper old town if your legs say so. Marathon Month: April Duration: 1 night

Rimini ──(train or bus, about 10-20 mins)──> Santarcangelo
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                       lower town ──(steep climb or taxi)──> upper old town
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                                 tufa caves, Piazza Ganganelli, dinner

Santarcangelo sits on a hill a few kilometres inland from Rimini, and the hill is soft sandstone, honeycombed with man-made caves. Some are said to date back centuries. They were used to store wine, grain and anything else that needed to stay cool, and a few can be visited on a guided tour. The streets above are narrow and steep, with a small main square and a clock tower.

The difficulty for a post-marathon runner is the slope. The lower town is flat, and the upper town is a climb. A taxi or a bus resolves it, and the old town itself is small enough to cover in an hour or two.

April in Santarcangelo: the hill is green, and mornings are cool and clear. Tourist numbers are low, and restaurants are open for locals. Rain showers are common in spring, so pack a light waterproof.

Getting there

From Rimini station, regional trains reach Santarcangelo in about ten minutes. A bus link serves the old town too. Check both timetables, and confirm the last return. Taxis wait at the station.

The old town

The upper town is a tangle of lanes around Piazza Ganganelli, a flat, elegant square with an arch dedicated to Pope Clement XIV, who was born here. Walk down the lanes slowly. The Malatesta fortress at the top has views over the valley, and the climb is short but steep, so plan a taxi for the way up.

The caves

The Grotte Tufacee, as the caves are known, are cool all year and reached by steps. Guided visits run on certain days, and you should check the times and book if the site requires it. They are not a good idea for stiff knees, as the steps are uneven.

Where to stay

A small hotel or guesthouse in the old town puts you in the lanes in the evening, but check that it is open and that it has a lift. Rooms are few, so book ahead. A hotel near the lower town station is a flatter alternative.

What to eat

The town is known for its restaurants, and many serve Romagnol food: handmade pasta, strozzapreti with sausage, grilled meats and local cheeses. The local wine is Sangiovese or Albana. Book dinner for a weekend.

Getting back

Take the train back to Rimini, or onward to Bologna or Ravenna. Check timetables the night before, and allow time for a taxi down from the old town.