Parco Fluviale del Savio
The Savio river cuts through the landscape immediately south of Cesena, and the protected Parco Fluviale del Savio stretches along its banks for kilometres of easy walking, cycling and birdwatching through riparian woodland, gravel beaches and reed beds. It is one of the most accessible pieces of genuine nature within a five-minute bike ride of any Italian city centre.
Walking and Cycling the River
A well-maintained cycle and footpath follows the eastern bank of the Savio from the southern edge of the city all the way toward the hills, passing through corridors of white poplar, willow and alder. The flat terrain makes it ideal for families; the path is wide, shaded and free of traffic for most of its length.
In spring the riverbanks explode with wildflowers — yellow iris, purple loosestrife and white umbellifers — and the gravel bars in the river are nesting habitat for the little ringed plover. Bring binoculars if you have them; the park is a serious birdwatching destination, with kingfishers, grey herons and occasional otters recorded regularly.
Swimming and Picnicking
In summer the shallow, clear stretches of the Savio attract locals for paddling and informal wild swimming. The water quality is generally good in the upper reaches, and the gravel beaches make natural picnic spots that fill up on Sunday mornings with Cesenati families armed with cool boxes and folding chairs.
The park is also an excellent place to rent a bicycle and explore independently. Several rental shops in the city centre offer e-bikes, which makes the gentle uphill ride toward the Apennine foothills an effortless pleasure even in the heat of summer.
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