What to do in Sestola

Monte Cimone in winter, trails in summer and a village with a castle.

Sestola sits below Monte Cimone, the highest peak in the northern Apennines, and changes face twice a year: snow and ski runs in winter, cool air, woods and walks in summer. It is the right place for mountains without the queues of the big resorts.

In the village

The castleThe castle looks down over the village: you walk up from the centre and the view runs from the valley to the Apennine ridges.

The villageA few streets, shops, bars and restaurants serving tigelle, crescentine and tortellini. You can walk it all in half an hour, slowly.

The Cimoncino chairliftIt starts in the village and takes you up: for skiing in winter, and in other seasons for walking without doing the whole climb.

Places for childrenSestola is a family destination: the village is small and safe, and in summer there are camps and outdoor activities.

Nearby

Monte Cimone2,165 metres: the Cimone ski area in winter, and in summer the climb to the summit with a view over half of Italy.

Fanano and PievepelagoTwo nearby villages for a change of scene: trails, waterfalls and roads made for motorbikes, with stops to eat.

Lago della NinfaBelow Monte Cimone, reachable by car: an easy walk in summer, the start of the ski runs in winter.

ModenaAn hour away: the cathedral, the Albinelli market and Emilian cooking. A day trip, best taken hungry.

When to come

From December to March people come for the snow. From June to September for the cool air, the trails and cycling. In between there are long weekends and markets, which fill the village out of season too.

Where to stay