Emilia Romagna Holidays

Emilia Romagna is a stunning region in northern Italy, which stretches from the Apennines to the Adriatic Coast. It’s been famous since Roman times for the hospitality of its people and its delicious cuisine, and Emilia Romagna continues to dazzle visitors with its immaculate medieval cities and lively seaside resorts. Bologna is the regional capital, a vibrant university city famous for its striped medieval porticoes. Ferrara, Ravenna and Modena are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, full of enchanting medieval art and architecture. There’s plenty more to see too, in this enchanting region. Most of the biggest names in Italian motors are here too, including Maserati, Lamborghini, Ducati and Ferrari. Down by the sea, you can party or bask on the beach in sun-drenched resorts like Rimini.

Emilia Romagna is home to world-famous delicacies from Parmesan cheese to Parma ham, and the local cuisine is out of this world. Wherever you decide to base yourself on your Emilia Romagna holiday, make sure you take the time to visit the local markets to be dazzled by the freshness and variety of the local produce. You’ll find restaurants to suit every taste and budget, including scores of traditional places where you can enjoy some of the local specialities. You could start with some figs stuffed with mozzarella and wrapped in Parma ham, then tuck into a plate of superb seafood along the coast. Or go for one of the traditional local pasta dishes such as tortellini served with an authentic ragù alla Bolognese sauce.

Emilia Romagna is a fantastic destination for all the family, whether you’re looking for a fun holiday by the beach or prefer a quiet escape in a tranquil country town. The beautiful medieval cities are a delight to explore on foot, and most are largely pedestrianized so that even the youngest kids can run around in safety. While some of the art museums may leave them cold, children will love the Gelato Museum in Carpigiani and the car museums and factory tours in Modena. The beaches in Cervia and Cesenatico are particularly good for families, and there is a wealth of child-friendly attractions such as theme parks and water parks along the coast.

Skiing, hiking, cycling, water sports – there isn’t much in the way of action and adventure that you can’t do in Emilia Romagna. Stretching all the way from the Apennines to the Adriatic Coast, the region encompasses everything from mountain peaks to beaches, and offers a wealth of attractions. There are no less than 15 ski resorts, which double as summer adventure centres, where you can go fishing, walking, climbing or canyoning. And along the Adriatic Coast, there are water sports galore, whether you want to rent out kayaks and paddle boards or want some adrenaline-fuelled fun on jet skis or water skis.

Emilia Romagna is home to the Adriatic Riviera – a string of vibrant resorts that extend along the Adriatic Coast. Rimini, Riccione and Milano Marittima are the biggest, and are popular party towns that overlook endless sandy beaches. These offer all the facilities you could possibly want, from sun beds and beach bars to every imaginable water sport. On hot summer nights, the bars and clubs fill up and the party goes on until dawn. There are more gorgeous beaches in Cervia and Cesanatico, which are quieter and are particularly popular with families. These resorts each preserve a charming historic quarter to explore along with a fun-filled seafront promenade.

Bologna, as you’d expect from a vibrant university town, boasts a fantastic nightlife all year round. All the major cities – including Parma, Modena and Ravenna – have enough bars and clubs to keep the party going all night throughout the year, but in summer the crowds move down to the coast. The biggest nightlife hubs are Rimini, Riccione and Milano Marittima, which all boast a dazzling array of bars and nightclubs to suit every taste. If a bottle of local wine and a vine-covered terrace is more your idea of fun, then you’ll also find a host of excellent enotecas where you can try the famous wines and some local appetizers.

Emilia Romagna has all the ingredients for a fabulous romantic holiday: great food, plenty of culture, beautiful scenery, and stunning beaches. You can explore the gorgeous medieval cities of Bologna, Parma, Ferrara, Modena and Ravenna, perhaps taking in some of the wonderful museums or the colourful markets, then head to the hills for some walking or to taste olive oil or wines from local producers. If you’re into Italian sports cars, you won’t want to miss the Ferrari, Ducati, Lamborghini and Maserati museums and factory tours. Down by the beach, you can take your pick from enchanting historic towns like Cervia and Cesanatico or fabulously fun resorts like Rimini and Riccione.

Emilia Romagna has a dazzling array of cultural attractions, many of which have been designated World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. These include the Renaissance city of Ferrara, the early Christian monuments in Ravenna, with their glittering mosaics, and Modena’s Romanesque cathedral, Torre Cívica and Piazza Grande. Beautiful Bologna boasts more than 20 miles of porticoes, some dating back as far as the 13^th century, and is home to the oldest university in Europe, founded in 1088.  There are scores of superb museums across the region, from Bologna’s Pinoteca Nacional, one of Italy’s most prestigious regional art museums, to the Fellini Museum in Rimini, dedicated to the celebrated film director. Car and motorsport enthusiasts will be thrilled with the Lamborghini, Maserati, Ducati and Ferrari museums.