San  Benedetto  in  Alpe​

Latest page update: 26 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in San Benedetto in Alpe
Accommodation in San Benedetto in Alpe is mainly limited to mountain lodges, rifugi and small B&Bs serving hikers on the nearby trails. For established full-service hotels with a stronger volume of reviews, the wider Province of Forlì-Cesena offers more reliable options, particularly in the nearby city of Forlì where larger properties provide better facilities.
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In Forlì, Grand Hotel Forlì is one of the leading choices, offering modern rooms, spa facilities, a rooftop pool and polished service standards suited to longer stays (€€€). Hotel Michelangelo provides a well-reviewed alternative with comfortable rooms, attentive staff and a practical location for exploring the city and wider province (€€€). Hotel Masini, set in the historic centre, offers a traditional base with easy access to the main streets and cultural sights, attracting positive feedback for convenience and hospitality (€€).

Where is

Where is San Benedetto in Alpe?
​The town of San Benedetto in Alpe is situated within the Province of Forlì-Cesena and stands at an elevation of 456 metres above sea level. It has a population of around 800 inhabitants.

Places of interest nearby include the towns of Premilcuore, San Benedetto in Alpe and Predappio, while the recommended accommodation is the Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort.
San Benedetto in Alpe - frazione di Portico e San Benedetto
Comune: Portico e San Benedetto

Province: Forlì-Cesena

Region: Emilia Romagna

Elevation: 456 metres

Close by: Premilcuore, San Benedetto in Alpe, Predappio

Recommended hotel: Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort (43 km)
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)

1 of 12 in Emilia Romagna listed by Touring Club Italiano

What People Ask About San Benedetto in Alpe

Is San Benedetto in Alpe worth visiting?
Yes, San Benedetto in Alpe is a small village in the Apennines known for its historic abbey and as the starting point for hiking trails to the Acquacheta waterfall in the Casentinesi Forest National Park.
What can you do in San Benedetto in Alpe?
You can visit the remains of the ancient Benedictine abbey, walk to the Acquacheta waterfall, and explore forest trails. The area is popular for hiking, nature photography, and picnics by the river.
How do you get to San Benedetto in Alpe?
San Benedetto in Alpe is about 45 km from Forlì and is best reached by car via the SS67. The nearest train station is in Forlì, with occasional buses or taxis needed to reach the village.
What is San Benedetto in Alpe known for?
It is known for the Acquacheta waterfall, mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy, and for its position within the Foreste Casentinesi National Park. The abbey remains are a key historical site.
When is the best time to visit San Benedetto in Alpe?
Late spring to early autumn is best for walking and outdoor activities. The trails are most enjoyable when the weather is mild and the waterfalls have a steady flow.
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Discover

Discover San Benedetto in Alpe
San Benedetto in Alpe is a mountain village in the province of Forlì-Cesena, set in the upper Montone Valley where several streams meet in the Tuscan-Romagnol Apennines. The settlement developed around a Benedictine abbey, from which it takes its name, and retains the character of a small community surrounded by forested slopes and mountain ridges.
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The main landmark is the Abbey of San Benedetto, which reflects the village’s medieval origins. Nearby, the Acquacheta Waterfall, made famous by Dante in the Divine Comedy, is a popular walking destination within the Foreste Casentinesi National Park. Trails from the village link with long-distance routes through the Apennines, while road connections provide access downstream to Portico di Romagna and eastwards to Forlì.

Things to Do

Things to Do in San Benedetto in Alpe
  • Abbazia di San Benedetto: Once a powerful Benedictine monastery, this abbey was founded in the early Middle Ages and played a key role in the region’s spiritual and political life. Though much of the original complex is in ruins, parts of the cloister and church remain and are accessible to visitors, offering a glimpse into its monastic past.
  • Cascata dell’Acquacheta: This waterfall, famously mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy, is one of the most popular natural attractions in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park. A well-marked trail from the village leads to the falls, passing through forests and rocky paths, making it a rewarding excursion for walkers.
  • Historic Hamlet and Stone Houses: The village itself is made up of stone buildings, narrow alleys, and a small central square. Its remote setting and traditional architecture reflect centuries of rural life in the upper Montone Valley, offering a quiet and authentic atmosphere.
  • Walking and Trekking Routes: San Benedetto in Alpe is a major access point to the Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, with trails leading to mountain ridges, chestnut woods, and hermitages. The area is popular with hikers, especially those following the path of Dante through the Apennines.
  • Day Trip to Portico di Romagna: Just a short drive away, Portico di Romagna offers medieval bridges, a historic centre, and literary associations with Beatrice Portinari. It makes for a relaxed cultural visit and complements the natural focus of San Benedetto in Alpe.

Tours and Activities

San Benedetto in Alpe Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Emilia-Romagna Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations

1. Bologna
2. Ravenna
3. Ferrara
4. Cesena
5. Parma
6. Cesenatico
7. Modena
8. Rimini​
9. Brisighella
10. Comacchio

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Emilia-Romagna

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to San Benedetto in Alpe
By Rail: San Benedetto in Alpe does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Forlì, about 40 kilometres away, on the Bologna–Rimini line operated by Trenitalia. From Bologna, the train to Forlì takes around 40 minutes, and from there San Benedetto in Alpe can be reached in about 1 hour by car or local bus.

By Road: San Benedetto in Alpe is located in the Apennines along the SS67 road, within the Foreste Casentinesi National Park. From Forlì, the distance is around 40 kilometres, with a driving time of about 1 hour. From Florence, the journey is approximately 75 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Parking is available near the entrance to the village and close to hiking trails.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport: About 100 kilometres from San Benedetto in Alpe, with a drive of around 1 hour and 40 minutes. This is the most convenient major airport, with a wide range of domestic and international flights.
  • Florence Airport (Peretola): Approximately 90 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 50 minutes. A practical choice for European services.
  • Rimini Federico Fellini Airport: Roughly 110 kilometres from San Benedetto in Alpe, taking about 1 hour and 50 minutes by car. Offers seasonal and international routes.

Private Transfers

San Benedetto in Alpe Private Transfers
A private transfer is the most convenient way to travel to or from San Benedetto in Alpe, offering a direct service without the need to rely on rural bus routes or drive the twisting Apennine roads yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a smooth and reliable journey.

From San Benedetto in Alpe, the nearest hub is Forlì, which can be reached in about 50 minutes, a distance of 40 km. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is around 1 hour 35 minutes away at 105 km, while Florence Airport can be reached in about 1 hour 20 minutes, covering 75 km. A transfer to Rimini usually takes 1 hour 30 minutes with a journey of 95 km. For those travelling further afield, Milan Linate Airport is about 3 hours away, a distance of 270 km.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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