What You Need to Know: Useful Information

The Dante Trail is a historic 400 km loop connecting Florence, the poet's birthplace, with Ravenna, where his tomb is located. The route follows ancient medieval, Etruscan, and Roman roads traveled by Dante Alighieri during his exile, keeping paved roads to an absolute minimum. Best traveled counterclockwise across 20 fixed stages, this cultural and spiritual journey winds through Romagna, the Casentino, the Lamone and Montone River valleys, and the Casentinesi Forests. Because simple, authentic accommodations along the way are limited, booking 2–3 weeks in advance (and up to 2 months for July and August) is essential. 

Footsteps of the Poet: A Hiker’s Guide to the Historic Dante Trail -

Getting There: 

By Train:

Both Firenze Santa Maria Novella and Ravenna railway stations are highly accessible. High-speed lines (Frecciarossa and Italo) connect Florence to Milan, Rome, and Venice seamlessly, while regional trains link Ravenna to Bologna and the Adriatic coast.

By Car:

Florence can be reached via the A1 Motorway, while Ravenna is easily accessible via the A14 Motorway and the E45 highway. Leaving a vehicle in long-term parking at your chosen starting city makes completing the loop highly convenient.

By Bus:

Extensive long-distance bus networks (such as FlixBus) service both cities, providing budget-friendly transport directly to the main urban hubs where the trail officially begins.

Below you'll find the locations marked on Google Maps. Click on them to open the locations directly on your device's maps. 

Useful Contacts: 

What to Bring & Pro Tips: 

  • The trail crosses steep mountain ridges, dense forests, and humid valleys. Check regional weather forecasts daily and pack versatile layers, a reliable waterproof shell, and gear suited for rapidly shifting mountain conditions.
  • Secure your official Credenziale del Cammino (pilgrim passport) before setting off. Gathering stamps at local trattorias, hermitages, and accommodations grants access to traditional hospitality and serves as a wonderful memento of your pilgrimage.
  • While the trail passes through many small medieval villages, certain rugged sections through the Casentinesi Forests have limited water sources. Always carry a minimum of 2 liters of water and energy-dense snacks.

The “Hidden Gem”:

If you want a break from hiking through woods and quoting the Divine Comedy, make a short detour when passing through the Mugello valley to visit the town of Scarperia and its spectacular Palazzo dei Vicari.

Built in the 14th century, this imposing, fortress-like palace is covered in hundreds of stone and ceramic coats of arms left by the historic Florentine governors. Rather than a literary site, this palace serves as a living tribute to Scarperia's centuries-old legacy as the “City of Knives“. Inside, you can skip the poetry and explore the Museum of Cutting Tools, watching master blacksmiths hand-forge world-class artisanal blades and pocket knives using techniques passed down since the Middle Ages.