📷 Photo by Monika Sojčáková on UnsplashMontefeltro: Rimini to Urbino and Gradara
Behind the Adriatic beaches: a Roman bridge, a fortress on a rock, Renaissance Urbino and the castle of Paolo and Francesca.
- Distance
- approx. 123 km (76 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 42 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 6
- Countries
- Italy
- Best time to go
- May and September–October
- Tolls and vignettes
- ≈ €7
- Updated
- September 15, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 123 km (76 mi) with 6 stops, from Bridge of Tiberius to Pesaro. About 1 h 42 min of driving in total. Best time to go: May and September–October. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €7 (Italy).
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Photos along the route
Route description
Begin at Rimini’s Bridge of Tiberius and the old fishermen’s quarter beyond it, then drive inland to Santarcangelo di Romagna, a hill town riddled with tuff caves and arcaded streets.
The SS258 follows the broad Marecchia valley into the Montefeltro hills, whose rocky outcrops appear in the backgrounds of Piero della Francesca’s paintings. San Leo’s fortress crowns a sheer slab of rock; the town has a single steep road in and a car park at the gate.
Minor roads wind south across the hills to Urbino, a university town of brick lanes around the Ducal Palace and Raphael’s birthplace. Park below the walls, where lifts and ramps lead up into the centre.
Head back towards the coast to Gradara’s double-walled castle, then finish at Pesaro, Rossini’s hometown, with a long beach promenade. Outside July and August the whole area is quiet, and autumn brings truffle fairs to the hill towns.
Which stops are on Montefeltro?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Bridge of Tiberius
HistoryRimini, ItalyA Roman stone bridge finished in AD 21 and still carrying traffic into Rimini’s old town. Walk across it into the Borgo San Giuliano fishermen’s quarter.
- 212 km
Santarcangelo di Romagna
Italy - 325 km
San Leo fortress
HistorySan Leo, ItalyA Renaissance fortress on a sheer rock slab above the Marecchia valley, where the adventurer Cagliostro died in prison. The village below has only one road in; park at the entrance.
- 438 km
Ducal Palace of Urbino
HistoryUrbino, ItalyFederico da Montefeltro’s palace, one of the purest works of the Renaissance, now home to the National Gallery of the Marche. Park below the walls and take the lift up.
- 533 km
Gradara castle
HistoryGradara, ItalyA complete medieval fortress with two circuits of walls, linked to Dante’s tale of Paolo and Francesca. Walk the ramparts for views to the Adriatic.
- 615 km
Pesaro
Italy
How do you drive Montefeltro in 3 days?
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Bridge of Tiberius → San Leo fortress · 37 km · 0 h 31 minOn the way: Santarcangelo di Romagna.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Marecchia (11 km); Camping Cippo (11 km).
- Day 2: San Leo fortress → Ducal Palace of Urbino · 38 km · 0 h 31 minOvernight nearby, for example: Agriturismo Pronto Campi (5 km); Area Sosta Abbazia Furlo (11 km).
- Day 3: Ducal Palace of Urbino → Pesaro · 48 km · 0 h 40 minOn the way: Gradara castle.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Norina (5 km); Camping Marinella (5 km).
When is the best time for Montefeltro?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
What should you know before driving Montefeltro?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €7 (Italy).
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
More routes for the best months
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FAQs
How long is Montefeltro: Rimini to Urbino and Gradara?
3-day road trip of about 123 km (76 mi) with 6 stops, from Bridge of Tiberius to Pesaro. About 1 h 42 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Montefeltro: Rimini to Urbino and Gradara?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 42 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Montefeltro: Rimini to Urbino and Gradara start and end?
It starts in Bridge of Tiberius and ends in Pesaro.
Which countries does Montefeltro: Rimini to Urbino and Gradara pass through?
Italy.
Where can you camp along Montefeltro: Rimini to Urbino and Gradara?
OpenStreetMap lists 83 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: L'Adriatico Parking, Camping Adria and Riccione.
How much are the tolls on Montefeltro?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €7 (Italy). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.
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