What You Need to Know: Useful Information
In Molise, nature and adventure lovers can enjoy a Canadian canoe tour on the Biferno River. This river flows through beautiful, untouched landscapes in Molise, allowing you to fully experience the countryside away from city chaos. Canadian canoe tours are ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers, as expert guides assist participants during the entire trip. Excursions mainly depart from the Bojano area, not far from Campobasso, and last an average of 1.5 to 2 hours. This activity is perfect for those who want to relax, get some exercise, and discover hidden corners of the Molise region while enjoying stunning natural views. Safety is always a priority: a thorough briefing is held before departure with instructions on paddling techniques and safety rules to follow, the canoes are fully equipped with life jackets, and all the necessary equipment is provided by the organization.
Getting There
By train
To approach the departure zone by rail, you can take a regional Trenitalia train directly to the Bojano railway station, which sits on the Campobasso-Isernia rail line. From the station, the river banks and local staging areas can be reached via a short taxi ride or a brief walk, depending on your meeting point.
By car
Driving is an incredibly straightforward option for this river excursion. From Campobasso, simply take the SS87 state road southbound for about 25 kilometers straight to Bojano; if you are coming from Rome or Naples, take the A1 highway, exit at San Vittore or Caianello, and follow the SS85 and SS17 highways directly into the Bojano valley area.
By bus
For regional public transit travelers who prefer this option, local intercity buses operated by the regional ATM network run frequent daily schedules connecting the central bus terminal in Campobasso straight to the main square of Bojano.
Useful Contacts
- Molise Avventura / Centro Canottaggio Biferno (Local River Excursion Organizers):
- Website: moliseavventura.it
- Ufficio Turistico Comune di Bojano (Bojano Municipal Information Desk):
- Phone: +39 0874 7721
- Ufficio Informazioni Turistiche Campobasso (Campobasso Regional Tourism Hub):
- Phone: +39 0874 4041
What to Bring & Pro Tips
- Because it is absolutely important to book in advance and check the weather conditions, remember to reach out to the organizers a few days early, keeping in mind that the activity may be postponed in case of bad weather.
- Since you will be paddling down a natural river corridor, dress in light, quick-drying sportswear and bring a complete change of clothes to leave in your car just in case you get splashed. Wear secure water shoes or old sneakers that you don't mind getting wet, as flip-flops can easily float away in the current.
- Bring a high-quality camera or smartphone to capture the stunning natural views and the chance to see herons, kingfishers, and mallards along the route, but make sure to secure it inside a waterproof dry bag or a floating pouch.
- Lastly, pack a strap for your sunglasses and apply water-resistant sunscreen, as the sun reflecting off the moving river surface can be surprisingly strong.
The “Hidden Gem”
Once you have finished gliding past the riverbanks and mastering your paddling techniques, leave the water to discover the ancient ruins of Civita di Bojano.
Instead of staying down on the modern valley floor, take a short drive up the winding mountain road just above the town to find this spectacular, ancient medieval village perched high on a rocky hillside. Originally built as a strategic mountain stronghold by the Samnites and later fortified by the Normans, the site features the atmospheric stone ruins of a massive medieval castle and old defensive walls that look out across the landscape. Walking through the quiet, stone-paved alleys of this high-altitude hamlet offers a wonderfully panoramic and historic break from the river valley, rewarding travelers with an incredible bird's-eye view of the entire Biferno basin stretching out below.
