You don’t just travel to Italy, you get consumed by Italy; the words stumbled out of my mouth as I tried to explain why it was one of my favourite countries. The people, the passion, the food (oh boy, the food), the views, the attitude; there is something about the lifestyle here that transports you, and in this region, it’s all combined. Emilia Romagna offers up a fantastic mix of culinary, architecture and art based treats wrapped up in one.
I spent a week exploring this new to me region, and from the seaside towns to the hills of olive trees, I still don’t feel like I’ve genuinely scratched the surface so I happily booked a second return visit for a few months later. Grab a car, grab some mates and take a road trip through this region of Northern Italy. Or, for now, watch the video before reading all my Emilia Romagna must visits below.
Po Delta Nature Park
The Po Delta Nature Park sits across both Emilia Romagna and Veneto, and I stayed at the Spiaggia Romea Club Village on the Emilia Romagna side. This large resort, with pools, water sports, horse riding and a range of accommodation is set in a beautiful area that has been preserved by the current owners. Earmarked initially to be property development, the land was all brought, and the resort takes up just a fraction, leaving the rest of the area to nature and wildlife to blossom, an electric golf cart can take you on a ‘mini-safari’ through this part of the park.
But the real magic lies in the Lagoons and Saltworks of the park just outside Comacchio town. Whether you opt to cycle, take a boat, or both, the views are made that more special by the Flamingos that can be found on the lake. Although a migration spot, there are now permanent flocks of Flamingos who have set up their home here.
Other options in the Po Delta National Park include heading to the Sacca di Goro by the border of the region to see traditional clam fishing with the ‘rasca’ (although this is quite a detour so, not ideal if you are short on time) or relaxing in one of the spa and wellness facilities.
Bologna
The capital city of Emilia Romagna, Bologna is enjoying a moment on the centre-stage. Often overlooked for the likes of Venice, Rome and Milan, this city is seriously a star.
With the most extensive collection of Porticos in the world (the covered arch walkways), imposing towers littering the city, a hill-top monastery and countless restaurants, bars and markets serving up delicious treats around the clock, this is one epic city break.
The architecture throughout the city is outstanding, the cheap pizza slices from the hole in the wall restaurants delicious and the overall vibe is one of love and excitement. It’s damn romantic here, but it’s also a buzzing university city, the oldest in Europe in fact, and that gives it a real mix of cultural and modern experiences.READ MORE: A WEEKEND GUIDE TO BEAUTIFUL BOLOGNA
The historic streets of Ferrara
Ferrara
I’m gonna be honest, Janet and I spent much of our time in Ferrara drinking wine, Aperol and anything else we could use to ‘rehydrate’. While this large city has plenty going on it also seemed like the perfect place to have a lazy day of sight-seeing and bar-hopping.
Start your day off in the striking centre at the Castello Estense and marvel at the interior artwork before taking in the city from the viewing tower. The Palazzo die Diamanti holds the famous National Picture Gallery while Ferrara Castle, a marble facade 12th-century beauty towers in the central Piazza.
The city is split between medieval and renaissance art, and you can easily hire a bike as part of your Emilia Romagna day trip here to hope between each side and see the contrast of the little streets change as you ride through.
Just don’t get as tipsy as me and miss your train back to Bologna!READ MORE: EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF FERRARA BY BICYCLE
Cars and balsamic are big in Modena
Modena
Modena is famous for two things: Fast cars and Modena Balsamic Vinegar. That’s not to say you shouldn’t take a day trip here at least. While the Ferraris and Lamborghini compliment the more classic Opera scene, there are plenty of impressive sights to enjoy.
The Torre della Ghirlandia is perhaps the most famous and imposing, a giant bell tower offers panoramic views of the city and sits in pride of place. The Roman castle nearby also completes the impressive central square.
For those who are into art and sophisticated architecture, this might actually be one of the best day trips in Emilia Romagna. With multiple museums and palaces stretching over a thousand years you can slowly hop between each sight stopping for coffee refills as needed. The Galleria Estense is a notable must visit for its painting collection from the 14th-century onwards.
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