A scenic cycle route through the rolling hills of the Fermo area, ancient hilltop villages and the Tenna River Valley, stretching from the Sibillini Mountains to the Adriatic coast.

Our journey begins in Montegiorgio’s historic centre, whose urban layout dates back to the Middle Ages, when Benedictine monks settled here in the ninth century. The monks welcomed Montegiorgio’s earliest inhabitants around the Church of Santa Maria Grande—now the Church of San Francesco with its Farfa Chapel—and the adjoining monastery.

After an enjoyable visit to the historic centre, we set off by bicycle, descending along the ridge of the hills towards Alteta, a small village steeped in history. In the castle square, the Galee Sibilline association has created an art installation featuring a stylised bicycle made entirely from recycled materials by a local carpenter. As well as being an interesting landmark, the installation also provides a convenient place to carry out minor bicycle repairs.

We then get back in the saddle and continue towards Magliano di Tenna, another charming historic village. The circular layout of its fourteenth-century walls evokes the atmosphere of the original medieval settlement.

Continuing our ride, we head towards the Tenna River Valley and follow the river as far as Belmonte Piceno. From here, we cross the valley and take a beautiful country road leading us back to Montegiorgio, where our route comes to an end.

SECTION TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FLOOD DAMAGE

The section running alongside the Tenna River between Grottazzolina and Belmonte Piceno is currently awaiting repair following flood damage. Cyclists are advised to travel through Grottazzolina’s historic centre and then continue towards the historic centre of Belmonte Piceno.