Dante’s Way is 395 km long, divided in 21 stages along trails and paths, some of which date back to Etruscan times.
It can be covered by hikers between March and November, since it reaches altitudes of up to 1500 meters which can be covered in snow during the winter months. On top of that, accommodation in mountain areas and small villages may be hard to find in winter.
The route is loop-shaped, starting in Ravenna and travelling south-west to Florence via Brisighella, and the Acquacheta waterfalls.
From Florence, the ‘return’ path to Ravenna crosses the Casentino valley, and the charming villages of Premilcuore, Dovadola, and Portico di Romagna.
Dante’s Way crosses towns and villages where the poet stayed in real life, as well as places mentioned in the Divine Comedy, like Acquacheta waterfall.
Along the route, you’ll find info panels highlighting Dante’s connection with the place.
If you can’t spare three weeks or more to hike the entire way, it’s possible to cover most of the route by bicycle. Expert mountain bikers can cycle along the trails of Dante’s Way, and those on road bikes can opt for scenic secondary roads with little traffic, perfect to explore on two wheels.
Naturally, you can also reach locations along Dante’s Way. Here are some of the highlights you’ll encounter along the way, following the footsteps of Italy’s greatest poet on a journey through culture, history, and nature, between Romagna and Tuscany.