Pineta di Classe: trails and access from Milano Marittima

Pineta di Classe lies along the SS16 Adriatica between Classe, Fosso Ghiaia and Savio. The Comune di Ravenna gives its address as Strada Statale 16, Fosso Ghiaia (RA), 48123, and identifies vehicle access from the highway at Fosso Ghiaia and Via Sila.

The forest is municipal land. Its history reaches back to around the year 1000, when Camaldolese monks based at the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe cared for and preserved the woodland, partly for its pine-nut economy. The stone pine also appears in Ravenna’s coat of arms.

The landscape combines Mediterranean vegetation and dry grassland with wet depressions fed by brackish or fresh water. Near the mouth of the Bevano river, the Ortazzo and Ortazzino wetlands add a distinct wetland habitat to the area.

Stone pines grow alongside holm oak, downy oak and white hornbeam. Birds identified in the woodland include nightingale, robin, nuthatch and tawny owl, though sightings depend on conditions and timing.

Parco I° Maggio in Fosso Ghiaia is the main starting point for marked paths that branch through the forest. At Ponte delle Botole, several trails meet, including the Dantesque loop called “Le Querce di Dante.”

There are other entrances if you are heading to a particular route. Via Sila, at the southern edge of Fosso Ghiaia, leads to Casa delle Bufale, where the horse-riding route starts. On Via della Sacca, one access is just beyond the level crossing; another is where the track reaches the bank of Fosso Ghiaia.

You can walk on the main and secondary tracks. Cycling is allowed only on main tracks marked for bicycles, and the Comune describes the routes as unpaved, recommending a mountain bike for the terrain. People with disabilities can access the forest.

Use the Fosso Ghiaia entrances to plan your approach from Milano Marittima, and choose a starting point based on the trail you want to follow. The forest’s address is on the SS16 Adriatica; vehicle access is identified at Fosso Ghiaia and Via Sila.

If you are arranging your trip around Milano Marittima, this practical guide to the town covers the local setting.

Hotel Centrale FRONTE MARE is a three-star hotel in Milano Marittima.

You can view its guest rooms.

Access to Pineta di Classe is free, but the rules differ by activity and season. The Comune di Ravenna gives the standard-time period as the second Sunday in October through the second Sunday in May. The summer period runs from the second Sunday in May to the second Sunday in October, excluding both Sundays marking the seasonal change.

During the summer period, access on foot or by bicycle from Parco I° Maggio is limited to marked routes. The Comune says those routes can change to meet woodland conservation needs.

Motor vehicles are generally restricted to authorized service, study or surveillance users, who must display a specific permit; during summer, vehicles may use the parking area beside Parco I° Maggio.

Equestrian itineraries are available year-round, but horses may use only the signposted horse route. At Parco I° Maggio, picnic tables and designated fire areas are available. Check the Comune di Ravenna’s official site before you go, especially for seasonal hours and route restrictions.