Emilia Romagna
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Latest page update: 25 June 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna has an excellent range of highly rated hotels, with grand city properties, refined countryside estates and seaside retreats along its long Adriatic coast. In Bologna, Grand Hotel Majestic “già Baglioni” is the region’s most prestigious city hotel, offering historic interiors, polished service and an enviable location just steps from Piazza Maggiore. Also in the city, Art Hotel Commercianti provides a more intimate atmosphere beside the Basilica of San Petronio, appreciated for its character, comfort and immediate access to the medieval centre. In Parma, Grand Hotel de la Ville delivers a modern five-star option with spacious rooms and a reputation for attentive service, well placed for exploring the city’s celebrated culinary and cultural highlights.
Among the region’s inland estates, Palazzo di Varignana Resort & SPA in the hills outside Bologna combines extensive wellness facilities, landscaped grounds and panoramic views, offering a peaceful base within easy reach of the city. In the heart of Romagna’s countryside, Borgo Conde Wine Resort near Forlì is surrounded by vineyards, featuring elegant suites, pools and a strong focus on food and wine traditions, reflecting the agricultural heritage of the region. In Modena, Hotel Rua Frati 48 in San Francesco offers a refined boutique experience in a historic building, appealing to travellers seeking discreet luxury in one of Emilia-Romagna’s gastronomic capitals.
On the Adriatic coast, Grand Hotel Rimini is the region’s most iconic seaside property, known for its Belle Époque architecture, private beach and long-standing hospitality tradition. Further along the coast, i-Suite Hotel in Rimini provides a contemporary alternative with striking architectural design, sea-view suites and an emphasis on modern wellness facilities.
In Ferrara, Hotel Annunziata offers a well-reviewed stay opposite Castello Estense, combining modern comfort with a superb central position for exploring the Renaissance city on foot. Completing the region, Hotel Posta in Reggio Emilia blends historic charm with welcoming interiors and easy access to the city’s theatres, museums and piazzas, rounding out a selection that reflects the cultural richness and variety of Emilia-Romagna.
Among the region’s inland estates, Palazzo di Varignana Resort & SPA in the hills outside Bologna combines extensive wellness facilities, landscaped grounds and panoramic views, offering a peaceful base within easy reach of the city. In the heart of Romagna’s countryside, Borgo Conde Wine Resort near Forlì is surrounded by vineyards, featuring elegant suites, pools and a strong focus on food and wine traditions, reflecting the agricultural heritage of the region. In Modena, Hotel Rua Frati 48 in San Francesco offers a refined boutique experience in a historic building, appealing to travellers seeking discreet luxury in one of Emilia-Romagna’s gastronomic capitals.
On the Adriatic coast, Grand Hotel Rimini is the region’s most iconic seaside property, known for its Belle Époque architecture, private beach and long-standing hospitality tradition. Further along the coast, i-Suite Hotel in Rimini provides a contemporary alternative with striking architectural design, sea-view suites and an emphasis on modern wellness facilities.
In Ferrara, Hotel Annunziata offers a well-reviewed stay opposite Castello Estense, combining modern comfort with a superb central position for exploring the Renaissance city on foot. Completing the region, Hotel Posta in Reggio Emilia blends historic charm with welcoming interiors and easy access to the city’s theatres, museums and piazzas, rounding out a selection that reflects the cultural richness and variety of Emilia-Romagna.
Where is
Where is Emilia-Romagna?
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Occupying an area north of the Apennine mountains and much of the Po Valley, Emilia-Romagna is rich in every sense: from its prosperous cities to its famed cuisine.
It stretches from the Adriatic Coast in the east, to regional borders with Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria and Tuscany to the west. To its north is Veneto while Marche and tiny San Marino lie to the south. At the centre of life in the region, its capital Bologna is one of the oldest seats of learning in Europe and a treasure trove of culture. |
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Regione Emilia-Romagna
What People Ask About Emilia-Romagna
Is Emilia-Romagna worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Emilia-Romagna?
How do I get to Emilia-Romagna?
What is Emilia-Romagna known for?
When is the best time to visit Emilia-Romagna?
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Discover
Discover Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna: two regions combine
To understand Emilia-Romagna one must first explain that it consists of two historical regions combined to make one. The Romans built the Via Emilia road in 187 BC and the route that it took from Rimini on the coast to Piacenza in a north-westerly direction, still exists today in the form of the modern A1 motorway, also known as the Autostrada del Sole.
Using the motorway as a rough guide, we can divide the region from a point just to the east of Bologna: everything to the east belongs to Romagna and the remaining territory to the west is Emilia.
Using the motorway as a rough guide, we can divide the region from a point just to the east of Bologna: everything to the east belongs to Romagna and the remaining territory to the west is Emilia.
Romagna's seaside resorts
The main cities and towns of Romagna include Rimini: the most popular seaside resort in Italy, famed for its huge expanse of beach and fairly raucous nightlife. Along the same stretch of coast are some other holiday favourites including the seaside towns of Riccione and Cesenatico where you can also see a display of beautiful ships and their colourful sails.
The historic treasures of Ravenna
To the north of Rimini, further along the coast you eventually reach the city of Ravenna. Some of the most iconic images of Emilia-Romagna come from Ravenna which was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire. During that period between 402 and 476 AD, it gained a reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, where grand churches were decorated in Byzantine style.
Those Byzantine creations, typically mosaics, are still in evidence throughout the city, something for which it is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Among the greatest treasures still to be found in the city are the Basilica di San Vitale and the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe.
Those Byzantine creations, typically mosaics, are still in evidence throughout the city, something for which it is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Among the greatest treasures still to be found in the city are the Basilica di San Vitale and the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe.
A province of two cities: Forlì-Cesena
Forlì-Cesena is one of nine provinces in Emilia-Romagna, an amalgam of the two cities that form its name. Both cities offer beautiful medieval centres and rows of multi-coloured buildings in the typical style of the region. Along with the town of Faenza, they complete the main residential areas of Romagna.
La Grassa: Emilia-Romagna's capital Bologna and its gastronomic delights
Bologna is the capital city of Emilia Romagna and belongs to the Emilia half of the region. The city is famed for its cuisine; it's home to a number of pasta dishes including lasagne and tortellini, but strangely not to "Spaghetti Bolognese" which has never existed in Bologna where instead, the locals eat Tagliatelle al Ragù.
Apart from its culinary delights, Bologna is known for its miles of porticoes that help form covered medieval walkways, there are also two huge towers, slightly wonky, that you can climb for the best vantage points and for views down to the Basilica di San Petronio, the sixth largest church in Europe.
Apart from its culinary delights, Bologna is known for its miles of porticoes that help form covered medieval walkways, there are also two huge towers, slightly wonky, that you can climb for the best vantage points and for views down to the Basilica di San Petronio, the sixth largest church in Europe.
More gastro-provinces: Modena, Parma and Reggio Emilia
Culinary excellence is by no means restricted to Bologna however. The region has some of the finest historic cities in Italy including Modena, Reggio Emilia and Parma, each of which can bring to the table its own famous food.
Modena is another UNESCO World Heritage Site due its cathedral and historic centre but also the place where balsamic vinegar was invented and still produced today. Another city, Parma, can also boast historic buildings including its Cathedral and Baptistery, but is known throughout the world as the home of Parma Ham, or prosciutto di Parma in Italian.
Last but not least: Reggio Emilia is where the famous parmesan cheese (parmigiano-reggiano) comes from, a distinction it shares with Parma and other towns in the vicinity.
Modena is another UNESCO World Heritage Site due its cathedral and historic centre but also the place where balsamic vinegar was invented and still produced today. Another city, Parma, can also boast historic buildings including its Cathedral and Baptistery, but is known throughout the world as the home of Parma Ham, or prosciutto di Parma in Italian.
Last but not least: Reggio Emilia is where the famous parmesan cheese (parmigiano-reggiano) comes from, a distinction it shares with Parma and other towns in the vicinity.
Elegant Ferrara
Continuing within the realms of Emilia, the city of Ferrara is considered one of the jewels of the renaissance. Wide boulevards and elegant piazzas vie for position with the imposing Castello Estense, a huge castle that stands proud in the town centre. Ferrara and its Po Delta is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, pertaining in part to the Po Delta wetlands just east of the city.
Giuseppe Verdi's home towns
Both modern and historical culture have some important roots in Emilia-Romagna. Favourite Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi was from a little town called Le Roncole, close to Busseto.
The composer gained the epithet "Bear of Busseto", and the town's name is now inextricably-linked with his. Opera fans will find a great deal of interest in the town where regular theatrical productions and festivals take place at the Teatro Giuseppe Verdi.
The composer gained the epithet "Bear of Busseto", and the town's name is now inextricably-linked with his. Opera fans will find a great deal of interest in the town where regular theatrical productions and festivals take place at the Teatro Giuseppe Verdi.
World-class motoring brands
In more recent times, Emilia-Romagna has become synonymous with mechanical speed and elegance. Just south of Modena, the town of Maranello is famed as the home of Ferrari with a huge museum for the many fans to visit. If Ferrari wasn't enough, the names Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati can also all call Emilia-Romagna their home.
Smaller medieval towns and religious buildings
Apart from the major cities and smaller towns mentioned above, there are dozens of other fascinating sights within the region. The towns of Brisighella, Fontanellato, Castell'Arquato and Bobbio are all beautifully-preserved examples of medieval town-building, while the smaller town of Dozza has been transformed by the incredible murals that cover it from top to toe.
Further historical sites of interest in Emilia-Romagna include Pomposa Abbey with its own dazzling mosaics, and the city of Piacenza with its beautiful cathedral.
Further historical sites of interest in Emilia-Romagna include Pomposa Abbey with its own dazzling mosaics, and the city of Piacenza with its beautiful cathedral.
San Marino
Although strictly-speaking it doesn't come under the auspices of Emilia-Romagna, the Principality of San Marino is a country in its own right but occupies an area to the south of the region, on the border with Marche. San Marino's main town sits in a commanding position on a hilltop and offers a wonderful day out exploring its castle and medieval centre.
If time allows, a short diversion from San Marino to the little hill town of San Leo makes a lot of sense and provides an interesting contrast.
If time allows, a short diversion from San Marino to the little hill town of San Leo makes a lot of sense and provides an interesting contrast.
The airports of Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna has two international airports: Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport which serves the capital, and Rimini & San Marino Airport which serves the coastal area and southern portion of the region. All of the major cities are easily-accessible by rail with train stations usually located in the city centres. Everywhere else is linked by buses, but to access some of the hillier areas, a car is advisable.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Emilia-Romagna
- Bologna and the Two Towers form the historic and cultural heart of the region, known for its medieval porticoes, vibrant university scene, and rich cuisine. The Asinelli and Garisenda towers rise above the old town, while Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, and the Archiginnasio illustrate the city’s academic and civic history.
- Parma and the Romanesque Cathedral offer a blend of art, music, and gastronomy. The cathedral features frescoes by Correggio, while the nearby Baptistery is a pink Verona marble landmark. Parma is also famous for prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano, and home to historic theatres and opera venues.
- Modena and the Ghirlandina Tower showcase Romanesque architecture and motoring heritage. The Duomo and its iconic bell tower are UNESCO-listed, and the city also houses the Enzo Ferrari Museum. Modena is a centre of traditional balsamic vinegar production and Michelin-starred dining.
- Ravenna and the Byzantine Mosaics preserve early Christian monuments across eight UNESCO sites. Highlights include the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, with detailed mosaics dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries.
- Ferrara and the Este Castle are surrounded by Renaissance walls and moats. The castle, complete with drawbridges and dungeons, dominates the city centre. Ferrara also features broad avenues, a Gothic cathedral, and a Jewish quarter, reflecting its historical role as a cultural capital of the Este family.
- Rimini and the Roman Arch of Augustus lie on the Adriatic coast, combining sandy beaches with Roman and Renaissance landmarks. The Tiberius Bridge, Tempio Malatestiano, and archaeological museum show the city’s depth, while the seaside draws summer visitors to its lively promenade and beach clubs.
- Reggio Emilia and the Tricolour Museum highlight the birthplace of the Italian flag, adopted in 1797. The town includes a cathedral, civic museums, and vibrant piazzas. It also has a reputation for educational innovation and serves as a cultural link between Parma and Modena.
- Piacenza and the Palazzo Gotico sit on the western edge of the region, with a mix of Romanesque churches, art collections, and noble architecture. The city’s squares and riverfront reflect its strategic location on the Po River, and it is a starting point for visiting the Colli Piacentini wine hills.
- Faenza and the International Ceramics Museum are world-renowned for their production of majolica. The museum displays ceramics from around the globe, while the town’s elegant centre includes porticoes, a Renaissance cathedral, and artisan workshops continuing centuries-old traditions.
- Comacchio and the Po Delta Lagoons offer canals, bridges, and fishing traditions in a lagoon town often called “Little Venice.” The nearby Po Delta Regional Park is a haven for birdlife and boat trips, and the area is known for eel-based dishes and Roman archaeological remains.
Tours and Activities
Emilia-Romagna Tours and Activities
What to Eat
What to Eat in Emilia-Romagna
- Tortellini in brodo – Small, ring-shaped pasta filled with pork, mortadella, and Parmigiano Reggiano, served in a clear capon or beef broth. Originating in Bologna and Modena, it is a traditional festive dish eaten especially at Christmas and New Year.
- Tagliatelle al ragù – Flat egg pasta ribbons served with a slow-cooked meat sauce made from minced beef, pork, soffritto, and tomatoes. Known worldwide as 'Bolognese', the original version is drier and richer, and strictly served with fresh pasta, not spaghetti.
- Lasagne verdi alla bolognese – Layers of green spinach pasta with ragù, béchamel sauce, and Parmigiano Reggiano, baked until golden. It is a Sunday and holiday favourite across Emilia, especially in Bologna, showcasing the region’s skill in layered pasta dishes.
- Cappelletti romagnoli – Pasta filled with cheese or meat, similar to tortellini but often served with meat sauce or butter and sage. Traditionally made for special occasions like Christmas in the Romagna area, with each family having its own variation.
- Gnocco fritto – Squares or rectangles of fried bread dough, puffed and golden, typically served with prosciutto, salami, and cheese. Common in Modena and Reggio Emilia, they’re eaten hot from the fryer as a starter or shared snack with cured meats.
- Culatello di Zibello – A prized cured meat made from the heart of the pig’s thigh, aged in humid cellars along the Po River. Soft, fragrant, and finely marbled, it’s produced in limited quantities and served in thin slices with bread or Parmigiano.
- Erbazzone – A savoury pie filled with chard, spinach, onions, Parmigiano, and sometimes pancetta, baked in a thin pastry crust. Originating in Reggio Emilia, it is eaten warm or cold as a snack, starter, or rustic street food.
- Passatelli in brodo – Thick noodle-like strands made from breadcrumbs, eggs, and Parmigiano, pressed into broth and simmered briefly. A traditional comfort food in Romagna, it’s simple yet deeply satisfying, often prepared at home during winter.
- Cotoletta alla bolognese – Breaded veal cutlet topped with prosciutto and Parmigiano, then finished in stock or sometimes tomato sauce. This rich, lesser-known cousin of the Milanese version is found in classic Bolognese trattorias and Sunday kitchens.
- Zuppa inglese – A layered dessert made with sponge soaked in Alchermes liqueur, pastry cream, and sometimes chocolate custard. Despite its name, it’s an Italian invention from the Renaissance and remains a popular pudding across the region.
Photo Gallery
Emilia-Romagna Photo Gallery
Emilia-Romagna Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations
1. Bologna
2. Ravenna
3. Ferrara
4. Cesena
5. Parma
6. Cesenatico
7. Modena
8. Rimini
9. Brisighella
10. Comacchio
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Emilia-Romagna
1. Bologna
2. Ravenna
3. Ferrara
4. Cesena
5. Parma
6. Cesenatico
7. Modena
8. Rimini
9. Brisighella
10. Comacchio
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Emilia-Romagna
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Emilia-Romagna
By Rail: Emilia-Romagna is served by an extensive network of Trenitalia and Italo trains. Major rail hubs include Bologna, Parma, Modena, Reggio Emilia, Ravenna, and Rimini. High-speed trains connect Bologna with Milan, Florence, Rome, and Venice, while regional trains provide access to coastal towns and inland areas. Journey times are around 1 hour from Milan to Bologna and 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bologna to Florence.
By Road: The region is accessible via the A1 (Milan–Naples), A14 (Bologna–Taranto), and A13 (Bologna–Padua) motorways, along with regional routes connecting the Apennines to the Adriatic coast. The drive from Milan to Parma takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, from Venice to Bologna around 2 hours, and from Florence to Modena roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. Public parking is available in all major towns and cities, as well as beach resorts and spa towns.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The region is accessible via the A1 (Milan–Naples), A14 (Bologna–Taranto), and A13 (Bologna–Padua) motorways, along with regional routes connecting the Apennines to the Adriatic coast. The drive from Milan to Parma takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, from Venice to Bologna around 2 hours, and from Florence to Modena roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. Public parking is available in all major towns and cities, as well as beach resorts and spa towns.
Nearest International Airports:
- Bologna Airport (Aeroporto di Bologna Guglielmo Marconi): Located about 6 kilometres from Bologna city centre, the drive takes around 15 minutes. It is the region’s main international airport with connections across Europe and beyond.
- Parma Airport (Aeroporto di Parma Giuseppe Verdi): Approximately 5 kilometres from Parma city centre, reachable in under 15 minutes. It handles limited domestic and seasonal international flights.
- Rimini Airport (Aeroporto di Rimini Federico Fellini): Situated about 8 kilometres from Rimini, the drive takes 20 minutes. It mainly serves seasonal and low-cost flights to European destinations.
Private Transfers
Emilia-Romagna Private Transfers
A private transfer is the easiest way to travel to or from Emilia-Romagna, giving you a direct connection across the region without the need to manage train timetables or drive long stretches of motorway yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.
Within Emilia-Romagna, the main hub is Bologna city centre, which sits at the heart of the regional transport network. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is just 20 minutes from the city, while transfers to Parma take about 1 hour (100 km) and to Rimini around 1 hour 20 minutes (120 km). Florence can be reached in about 1 hour 30 minutes (110 km), while Milan Linate Airport is approximately 2 hours away at 200 km. For international arrivals, Venice Marco Polo Airport is about 1 hour 50 minutes from Bologna, covering 150 km.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Within Emilia-Romagna, the main hub is Bologna city centre, which sits at the heart of the regional transport network. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is just 20 minutes from the city, while transfers to Parma take about 1 hour (100 km) and to Rimini around 1 hour 20 minutes (120 km). Florence can be reached in about 1 hour 30 minutes (110 km), while Milan Linate Airport is approximately 2 hours away at 200 km. For international arrivals, Venice Marco Polo Airport is about 1 hour 50 minutes from Bologna, covering 150 km.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Metropolitan City of Bologna
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
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Ferrara Province
Pomposa Abbey, Ferrara Province
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Forli - Cesena
Rocca San Casciano, Forlì-Cesena
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Modena Province
Carpi, Modena Province
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Parma Province
Salsomaggiore Terme, Parma Province
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Piacenza Province
Bobbio, Piacenza Province
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Ravenna Province
Brisighella, Ravenna Province
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Reggio Emilia Province
Teatro Municipale, Reggio Emilia
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Rimini Province
Riccione, Rimini Province
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Emilia-Romagna by Category
Castles of Emilia Romagna
Emilia Romagna's Borghi Piu Belli d'Italia
Major Cities & Towns of Emilia Romagna
Orange Flag Towns of Emilia Romagna
Scenic Towns of Emilia Romagna
Seaside Towns of Emilia Romagna
Things to see in Emilia Romagna
Top 10 Places to Visit in Emilia-Romagna
Unesco World Heritage Sites in Emilia Romagna
Emilia Romagna's Borghi Piu Belli d'Italia
Major Cities & Towns of Emilia Romagna
Orange Flag Towns of Emilia Romagna
Scenic Towns of Emilia Romagna
Seaside Towns of Emilia Romagna
Things to see in Emilia Romagna
Top 10 Places to Visit in Emilia-Romagna
Unesco World Heritage Sites in Emilia Romagna
Emilia-Romagna Destinations A-Z
Bagno di Romagna
Bellaria
Bobbio
Bologna
Borgo San Giuliano
Brisighella
Busseto
Carpi
Castell'Arquato
Castelvetro di Modena
Castrocaro Terme
Cattolica
Cervia
Cesena
Cesenatico
Colorno
Comacchio
Compiano
Dovadola
Dozza
Faenza
Ferrara
Fidenza
Fiumalbo
Fontanellato
Forlì
Grazzano Visconti
Gropparello Castle
Gualtieri
Imola
Le Roncole
Levizzano Rangone
Lido degli Estensi
Longiano
Maranello
Marina di Ravenna
Milano Marittima
Modena
Mondaino
Monte Carpegna
Montefiore Conca
Montegridolfo
Monteleone
Montenovo
Parma
Piacenza
Portico di Romagna
Predappio
Premilcuore
Ravenna
Reggio Emilia
Riccione
Rimini
Rocca San Casciano
Rocca Sforzesca
Salsomaggiore Terme
San Benedetto in Alpe
San Giovanni in Marignano
San Leo
Santarcangelo di Romagna
Sassuolo
Terra del Sole
Torre Sant'Emiliano
Torrechiara
Torriana
Verucchio
Vignola
Vigoleno
Bellaria
Bobbio
Bologna
Borgo San Giuliano
Brisighella
Busseto
Carpi
Castell'Arquato
Castelvetro di Modena
Castrocaro Terme
Cattolica
Cervia
Cesena
Cesenatico
Colorno
Comacchio
Compiano
Dovadola
Dozza
Faenza
Ferrara
Fidenza
Fiumalbo
Fontanellato
Forlì
Grazzano Visconti
Gropparello Castle
Gualtieri
Imola
Le Roncole
Levizzano Rangone
Lido degli Estensi
Longiano
Maranello
Marina di Ravenna
Milano Marittima
Modena
Mondaino
Monte Carpegna
Montefiore Conca
Montegridolfo
Monteleone
Montenovo
Parma
Piacenza
Portico di Romagna
Predappio
Premilcuore
Ravenna
Reggio Emilia
Riccione
Rimini
Rocca San Casciano
Rocca Sforzesca
Salsomaggiore Terme
San Benedetto in Alpe
San Giovanni in Marignano
San Leo
Santarcangelo di Romagna
Sassuolo
Terra del Sole
Torre Sant'Emiliano
Torrechiara
Torriana
Verucchio
Vignola
Vigoleno
