Emilia-Romagna Travel Guide

Wheels of Parmigiano on meter-high shelves, Ferrari red in Maranello, and a piadina on the Adriatic beach in the evening: Emilia-Romagna spans approximately 22,400 km² between the Po Valley, the Apennines, and the Adriatic Sea; it has a population of about 4.4 million and, with Bologna, a capital city considered the culinary heart of Italy. Between the „Food Valley“ around Parma and Modena and the approximately 110 kilometers of coastline along the Riviera Romagnola, hardly any other region combines culinary delights, culture, and beach vacations so seamlessly.

On this page, you'll find an overview of all the Emilia-Romagna articles from italien.news: from the Bologna Travel Guide about the Top Attractions in Parma until Ferrari Museum in Maranello and beach resorts such as Riccione. You'll also find key facts, accommodation options, and answers to frequently asked questions—all updated regularly.

Which places in Emilia-Romagna are worth visiting?

Six cities form the backbone of any trip through the region—all are located along a rail corridor and can be easily combined:

• Bologna: A capital city home to Europe’s oldest university, founded in 1088, medieval towers, and kilometers of arcades—read more in the article about the Portici di Bologna.
• Parma: Home to Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano, as well as Renaissance buildings such as the cathedral and the Teatro Regio.
• Modena: The City of Balsamic Vinegar and the Heart of Motor Valley – in the Enzo Ferrari Museum The story of the Commendatore takes center stage.
• Ravenna: Eight UNESCO sites featuring Byzantine mosaics, most notably the Basilica of San Vitale.
• Ferrara: The Renaissance city of the Este family, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Po Delta—read more in our article about Ferrara and the Po Delta.
• Rimini & the Romagna Riviera: About 110 kilometers of Adriatic coastline with flat sandy beaches, plus beach resorts such as Riccione and Cesenatico with its canal harbor, which was surveyed by Leonardo da Vinci. The rocky town beckons visitors into the mountainous hinterland San Leo with its Fortezza.

What makes Emilia-Romagna so special?

Hardly any other region in Italy boasts so many protected gourmet products in such a small area: In the „Food Valley“ between Parma and Modena, Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham, and Aceto Balsamico di Modena are produced—products that have shaped cuisine far beyond Italy’s borders. Just a few kilometers away, the „Motor Valley“ roars: Ferrari manufactures cars in Maranello, Lamborghini in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Ducati in Bologna.

Add to that a cultural history that is second to none: Europe’s oldest university was founded in Bologna in 1088; Byzantine mosaics have been shining in Ravenna for some 1,500 years; and in Ferrara, the Este family planned an ideal Renaissance city. Science, craftsmanship, and the finer things in life have been intertwined here for centuries—you can feel it in every trattoria and every museum.

What are some worthwhile activities to do in Emilia-Romagna?

Beachgoers on the Riviera Romagnola can choose from about 110 kilometers of gently sloping sandy beaches with well-organized bagni. Nature lovers can explore the Po Delta by bike, boat, and canoe – The flat lagoon landscape around Comacchio is one of Italy’s largest wetlands. Motorsports fans tour the museums of Motor Valley between Modena, Maranello, and Bologna, while culture enthusiasts follow the Eight UNESCO Mosaic Sites in Ravenna. And golfers will find courses scattered throughout the region, from Parma to Rimini—the Golf section above features a selection of them.

What should you eat and drink in Emilia-Romagna?

The classics are tortellini in brodo and tagliatelle al ragù—both inventions from the Bologna area that compete with Romagna’s piadina for the title of regional dish. Then there are the “Big Three” of Food Valley: Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham, and Aceto Balsamico di Modena; many producers open their cheese dairies, curing facilities, and vinegar cellars to visitors. In your glass, you’ll find sparkling Lambrusco from Emilia or Sangiovese from Romagna—both pair perfectly with the region’s hearty cuisine.

What events are worth attending in Emilia-Romagna?

Motorsports weekends at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola regularly push the region to its capacity limits—you should book accommodations early. In the summer, the Ravenna Festival brings concerts and opera to the churches and squares of the “City of Mosaics,” and at the end of August, the Ferrara Buskers Festival the Old Town into a stage for street musicians from all over the world. Along the coast, the Notte Rosa – the „Pink Night“ on the Riviera Romagnola – beaches and boardwalks bathed in pink for an entire weekend.

Whether it's a city break, a culinary tour, or a beach vacation, Emilia-Romagna has something to offer in every season. Browse the article overview above and plan your itinerary from Bologna to the Adriatic Sea.

Note: Disclaimer – Italien.news is not the owner or organizer of the attractions, accommodations, and events listed here and is therefore not responsible for changes to the program, event cancellations, or any incorrect information. The editorial team at Italien.news always endeavors to provide detailed and accurate information. However, it is possible that events, attractions, etc. may be changed and not updated promptly. Exact details of dates, times and programs can be obtained directly from the owner of the attractions and accommodation.

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