Getting to Vidiciatico: Travel and Transport Guide

Travelling to the Mountains

The Apennine roads are quite beautiful but can be winding in places, so take your time, enjoy the landscapes, and travel at a comfortable pace.

Arriving by Car from Bologna Airport

Hiring a car directly at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is an excellent option. Inside the terminal, you will find major international agencies alongside reliable Italian providers. Average daily rates typically range from €30 to €60, depending on the season and the class of vehicle chosen.

Leaving the airport, join the ring road (tangenziale) and exit at Casalecchio di Reno. From here, take the SS64 Porrettana, a historic road that winds its way through the Reno Valley. Follow the Via Porrettana until you reach the village of Silla. At the traffic lights in Silla, turn right onto the SP324, following the signs for Lizzano in Belvedere / Corno alle Scale / Vidiciatico. Follow this road for about 12 km as it climbs back into the mountains. You will drive through the main village of Lizzano in Belvedere; keep going for another 3 km until you reach the centre of Vidiciatico.

The entire journey of approx. 75 km takes roughly 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic. As for fuel, you can expect an estimated petrol cost of around €10 to €15 for the one-way trip.

Arriving by Car from Firenze Airport

Upon arriving at Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), you will find a wide selection of car hire companies: major international providers alongside reliable Italian firms. Hiring a standard economy car generally ranges from €40 to €70 per day, though prices can fluctuate significantly depending on the season, the vehicle class, and how far in advance you book.

Please note: The car hire desks are located at the Palagio degli Spini facility, which is connected to the arrivals terminal by a free, fast shuttle bus.

The entire journey of approx. 85 km takes roughly 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic. As for fuel, you can expect an estimated petrol cost of around €10 to €15 for the one-way trip, plus a motorway toll of approximately €2.

Once you have collected your vehicle, exit the airport area and follow the green signs for the A11 Motorway – Autostrada A11 Firenze-Mare heading towards Prato / Pistoia / Pisa. Merge onto the A11 and enjoy a straightforward drive for approximately 25 km. Leave the motorway at the Pistoia exit. You will pass through a toll booth to pay the small fee (payable by cash or contactless card). After the toll booth, follow the blue signs for Porretta Terme. This will lead you onto the SS64 road (historically known as the Via Porrettana). This scenic route will take you winding up through the Apennine hills and across the Passo della Collina. Continue along the SS64, descending into the valley towards Porretta Terme. Drive straight past the town of Porretta, staying on the main road for a further 3 km until you reach the small town of Silla. At the traffic lights in Silla, turn left onto the SP324, following the signs for Lizzano in Belvedere / Corno alle Scale / Vidiciatico. Follow this road for about 12 km as it climbs back into the mountains. You will drive through the main village of Lizzano in Belvedere; keep going for another 3 km until you reach the centre of Vidiciatico.

By Train and Local Bus

Alternatively, you can rely on public transport to reach the mountains. From Bologna Centrale railway station, regional trains depart for Porretta Terme (Alto Reno Terme) approximately every hour. The train ride takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering views of the changing landscape as you leave the plains behind.

Upon arriving at Porretta railway station, you can catch the connecting 776 local bus (traditionally known as corriéra) operated by Bologna transport network. This bus route winds its way up the mountain, stopping at Lizzano in Belvedere, Vidiciatico, before continuing further up to La Ca’, Madonna dell’Acero, Corno alle Scale and then directing to Querciola and Fanano.

The bus journey from Porretta to Vidiciatico takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Departures are fairly regular and often designed to coincide with the arrival of the main trains from Bologna. However, frequency can vary depending on the time of day and the season, so it is always highly recommended to check the up-to-date timetables beforehand. 

Also please note that the last bus services from Porretta to Vidiciatico run in the afternoon. For those travelling by train and bus, it is always best to arrange to arrive at least by late morning to ensure you catch a connection, particularly during the week. While weekend services (Saturday and Sunday) are generally more frequent, we still recommend following the same advice.