Ferrara to Gubbio: Epic Road Trip Guide with Hidden Gems

Ferrara and Gubbio, two jewels of Italy, are connected by a 240-kilometer route primarily along the A13 and A14 highways, crossing the Po Valley and the Apennines. The drive takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes without stops, but the real magic lies in the detours. The first known Roman road in this area, the Via Amerina, once linked Fano to Rome, and today's asphalt traces a similar path through history.

This guide answers your top questions: how long to drive Ferrara to Gubbio, is it worth driving Ferrara to Gubbio, and what things to do between Ferrara and Gubbio. We also show you how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

The A13 and A14 are modern, well-lit motorways with guardrails and emergency phones. The SS3bis is a dual carriageway with some unlit sections; most of it is in good condition. Minor roads near Gubbio can be narrow with sharp bends. Toll gates are automated; keep change or a credit card ready. Night driving is safe on motorways but requires caution on provincial roads due to wildlife (deer, wild boar).

• Surface: A13/A14 – excellent; SS3bis – good; local roads – fair to poor.
• Toll gates: A13 exits Ferrara Sud, Bologna; A14 exits Forlì, Cesena, Rimini.
• Night illumination: Full on motorways; none on most of SS3bis.

Family and Child Suitability

The route offers several kid-friendly stops. The Piramide di Giotto at the Autogrill “Giotto” near Arezzo has a small play area. The Oltremare theme park in Riccione (35 min detour) is great for families. Near Cesena, the “Museo dell'Infanzia” (Children's Museum) has interactive exhibits. For nature, the Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi (between Forlì and Gubbio) offers easy hiking trails.

• Play areas: Autogrill Giotto (A1/A14 junction), Oltremare Riccione.
• Interactive museums: Museo dell'Infanzia Cesena, Museo del Balì (science) in Saltara.
• Outdoor parks: Foreste Casentinesi, Parco del Monte Cucco (near Gubbio).

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most Autogrills allow pets on leash in outdoor areas. The “Covo del Gatto” café in Santa Sofia (just off SS3bis) welcomes dogs and has a water bowl. The Sentiero degli Asini in the Foreste Casentinesi is a pet-friendly trail. In Gubbio, the Ristorante degli Ex Amici allows dogs on the terrace.

• Roadside stops: Autogrill “Arezzo Ovest” has a designated pet area.
• Cafés: Covo del Gatto (Santa Sofia), Bar Centrale (Sansepolcro).
• Walks: Sentiero degli Asini (Bagno di Romagna), Parco del Monte Cucco.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

After about 1.5 hours of driving, take a break at the Autogrill “Sillaro” on the A13 (km 48), which has a quiet lounge. Alternatively, the Parco Urbano di Forlì offers a shady rest spot with benches. For a short nap, use the rest area “Corneto” on the A14 southbound (km 112) – it's safe and less crowded.

• Recommended stops: Autogrill Sillaro (A13), Parco Urbano Forlì (off A14), Rest area Corneto (A14).
• Safe parking: Autogrills are well-lit and monitored; avoid parking on SS3bis shoulders.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Within a 5-minute detour from the main highway, discover the abandoned village of Montecodruzzo (off SS3bis near Sansepolcro) – a ghost town with a 12th-century castle. The tiny hamlet of Raggiolo (in the Foreste Casentinesi) has a free traditional chestnut mill. The medieval bridge Ponte della Vittoria in Bagno di Romagna is a perfect photo stop.

• Montecodruzzo: Abandoned village with castle ruins.
• Raggiolo: Free chestnut mill and museum.
• Ponte della Vittoria: Romanesque bridge over the Savio river.

Culinary Infrastructure

Dine at Osteria del Vecchio Mulino (Bagno di Romagna) for handmade tortelli with mushrooms. Roadside trattorias near Cesena serve piadina and squacquerone cheese. In Santa Sofia, try the Trota alla griglia (grilled trout) at Ristorante La Trota. For quick bites, the Autogrill “Giotto” offers local pecorino and salami at the deli counter.

• Traditional restaurants: Osteria del Vecchio Mulino, Ristorante La Trota.
• Roadside eateries: Piadineria La Romagnola (Cesena), Bar Trattoria da Graziella (Sansepolcro).
• Local specialties: Piadina, tortelli, truffle, Sangiovese wine.

The route crosses three distinct geographical zones: the flat, fertile Po Valley; the gentle hills of Romagna; and the rugged Apennines that lead to Gubbio. The transition is abrupt near Forlì, where the landscape suddenly rises into wooded slopes and limestone cliffs.

• Po Valley: Endless fields of corn and wheat, interrupted by canals and medieval towers.
• Romagna Hills: Vineyards and cherry orchards, especially around Cesena and Bertinoro.
• Apennines: Dense oak and chestnut forests, with panoramic views near the Passo della Spugna (700 m).

Local Commerce & Culture

In the Romagna hills, roadside stalls sell Sangiovese wine and local honey. Near Bertinoro, the “Strada dei Vini” offers wine tastings. In the Apennines, look for chestnut flour and porcini mushrooms at small markets in Santa Sofia. Gubbio itself is famous for ceramics and truffle products.

• Ceramics: Hand-painted plates at Gubbio's artisan shops on Via Piccardi.
• Truffles: Black truffle pesto at La Bottega di Gubbio.
• Wine: Sangiovese di Romagna DOC from Cesena area.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Ferrara's Renaissance city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Within a short detour from the route, you can visit the Byzantine basilicas of Ravenna (20 km east of A14 exit). Gubbio itself is not UNESCO, but the nearby Palazzo Ducale in Urbino (40 km detour) is part of the UNESCO site “Historic Centre of Urbino”.

Climatic Conditions

The Po Valley often has fog in autumn and winter, reducing visibility. In summer, temperatures can exceed 35°C. The Apennines are cooler and windier; Passo della Spugna frequently experiences crosswinds. The best scenic sunset view is from the Pieve di San Donato, a Romanesque church on a hilltop just off the SS3bis near Sansepolcro.

The journey from Ferrara to Gubbio uses the A13 motorway south to Bologna, then the A14 east toward the Adriatic, and finally the SS3bis (E45) and smaller provincial roads into the Umbrian hills. Toll costs total approximately €12.50 for the A13 and A14 combined. Fuel stations are abundant along the motorways, with Autogrills every 30–40 km.

• Fuel costs: Estimated €25–30 (gasoline) for the full trip; diesel around €20–25.
• Efficiency tip: Use cruise control on flat Po Valley sections (A13) to save fuel; the Apennine climb after Forlì requires steady acceleration.
• Station distribution: 7 major service areas on A13/A14; fewer on SS3bis—fill up before leaving the motorway.

Parking in Gubbio is best at the large lot near Piazza Quaranta Martiri (€1.50/hour). For overnight stops, consider a hotel with free parking, like the Park Hotel ai Cappuccini.