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The Italian region of Emilia-Romagna is a real gem for foodies, culture vultures and nature lovers. Nestled between the Adriatic coast and the Apennines, it offers the perfect blend of historic towns, stunning landscapes and unrivalled cuisine. From Bologna to Rimini, there are countless treasures to discover. Here are the ten most beautiful sights and hidden gems for a trip to Emilia-Romagna.
07.02.2025
Eliza
Contents:
Emilia-Romagna Attraction No. 1 – Bologna: Discover the arcades and local cuisine
Emilia Romagna Attraction No. 2 – Modena: Balsamic vinegar, cars & Michelin-starred cuisine
Top Attraction No. 3 in Emilia Romagna – Parma: Cheese, prosciutto & culture
Emilia-Romagna Attraction No. 4 – Ravenna: Byzantine mosaic art
Emilia-Romagna Attraction No. 5 – Rimini: Beach, History & Nightlife
Emilia Romagna Attraction No. 6 – Ferrara: Renaissance & a moated castle
Emilia-Romagna Attraction No. 7 – Piacenza: Wine Culture & Old Town Charm
Emilia-Romagna Attraction No. 8 – Comacchio: Lagoon Town & Fishing Tradition
Emilia-Romagna Attraction No. 9 – The Apennines: Experience nature & adventure
Emilia-Romagna Attraction No. 10 – Cesenatico: Fishing harbour & coastal charm
Photo: Bologna, the region’s capital, is famous for its kilometres of arcades, its medieval old town and, of course, Bolognese sauce.
The region’s capital is one of Emilia Romagna’s most popular attractions and is famous for its kilometres of arcades, its medieval old town and, of course, Bolognese sauce. Visit Piazza Maggiore, climb the Torre degli Asinelli and enjoy homemade tortellini in one of the traditional osterias. A special culinary tip is the Osteria dell’Orsa restaurant, which is renowned for its authentic pasta. If you’re looking for stylish accommodation, the Hotel Porta San Mamolo offers a charming and comfortable place to stay in Bologna with a cosy atmosphere. A real hidden gem in Emilia-Romagna is a trip to Dozza, a picturesque village with impressive murals and a rich wine-growing tradition, located just around 35 km south of Bologna.
Photo: Modena is home to the world-famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale and a paradise for food lovers.
Modena is one of the culinary and cultural highlights amongst the sights of Emilia Romagna. The city of Modena is home to the world-famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale and a paradise for foodies. Visit a balsamic vinegar producer, explore Modena’s UNESCO-listed cathedral and treat yourself to a meal at Massimo Bottura’s Michelin-starred restaurant. An insider’s tip is a visit to the Enzo Ferrari Museum, which offers insights into the life and work of the legendary car manufacturer. If you’re looking for comfortable accommodation, you’ll be in good hands at the Hotel Castello – a charming hotel with historic flair and excellent service.
Photo: As well as culinary highlights such as Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma’s historic centre, with its cathedral and baptistery, is definitely worth a visit.
Parma is a culinary highlight amongst the attractions of Emilia Romagna and a must-visit for food lovers. It is home to two of Italy’s most famous specialities: Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano. As well as the culinary highlights, the historic centre, with its cathedral and baptistery, is definitely worth a visit. A hidden gem is the small village of Torrechiara, which attracts visitors with its impressive castle and magnificent vineyards. When it comes to food, don’t miss Trattoria Ai Due Platani, which is renowned for its fresh, homemade pasta. If you’re looking for comfortable accommodation, Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati offers a charming and stylish place to stay right in the heart of the city.
Photo: Ravenna was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and boasts magnificent Byzantine mosaics, which can be admired, for example, in the Basilica of San Vitale.
Ravenna was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and boasts magnificent Byzantine mosaics, which can be admired, for example, in the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. These two cultural treasures are among the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy. A particularly worthwhile hidden gem in Emilia Romagna is the medieval town of Brisighella. This charming village delights visitors with its well-preserved fortress, the unique Via degli Asini and an authentic atmosphere. For a culinary experience, a visit to the Ca’ de Ven restaurant is well worth it; it is renowned for its traditional piadinas and homemade pasta specialities. Those looking for stylish accommodation will find Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi a charming place to stay, combining historic charm with modern amenities. Particularly impressive are the ornate frescoes that adorn the ceilings in some of the rooms, lending the stay a special atmosphere.
Photo: Rimini is not only known for its kilometres of sandy beaches, but also for its Roman past.
Rimini is not only known for its kilometres of sandy beaches, but also for its Roman past. Visit the Arch of Augustus and the Tiberius Bridge, and experience the vibrant nightlife on the beautiful Adriatic coast. An insider’s tip is to take a detour to Santarcangelo di Romagna, a charming little town with underground caves and a picturesque old town. When it comes to dining, La Marianna is particularly recommended – a traditional restaurant renowned for its homemade pasta and fresh seafood. For a pleasant stay, the Savoia Hotel offers elegant accommodation right on the seafront promenade, complete with a luxurious spa area. Alternatively, the Hotel Nizza Creative Hotel offers a creative and cosy atmosphere with uniquely designed rooms and warm hospitality.
Photo: Ferrara is one of Italy’s best-preserved Renaissance cities and boasts a charming old town with imposing palaces.
Ferrara is one of Italy’s best-preserved Renaissance cities and boasts a charming old town with imposing palaces. The Castello Estense, with its moats, for example, is the city’s landmark. A cycle ride along the imposing city walls surrounding Ferrara is particularly worthwhile. They offer wonderful views of the historic old town and take you past impressive sights such as the Palazzo dei Diamanti and the Certosa di Ferrara. An insider’s tip in Ferrara is the Teatro Comunale, a historic opera house with a fascinating interior and a varied programme of events. When it comes to food, don’t miss the Osteria del Ghetto, which is renowned for its traditional Ferrara specialities. For a stylish stay, the Hotel Annunziata offers charming accommodation with modern comforts and views of the Castello Estense.
Photo: The town of Piacenza lies on the border with Lombardy and is an insider’s tip for culture and wine enthusiasts.
The city of Piacenza lies on the border with Lombardy and is one of the lesser-known attractions in Emilia-Romagna – a real hidden gem for culture and wine enthusiasts. Visit Piacenza Cathedral, stroll through the winding alleyways and try the local speciality, pisarei e faso – gnocchi with beans and tomato sauce. The Ristorante del Ducato is particularly recommended for this. However, the Antica Trattoria dell’Angelo is also an excellent choice for a meal. The restaurant is renowned for its authentic regional dishes. A hidden gem is the La Stoppa winery, which produces outstanding natural wines and offers tastings. If you’re looking for cosy accommodation, Corte La Volta is a charming place to stay with a historic atmosphere and a peaceful location, ideal for a relaxing break.
Photo: With its canals and bridges, this charming lagoon town is reminiscent of Venice, yet it is quieter and more authentic.
This charming lagoon town, with its canals and bridges, is reminiscent of Venice, yet is quieter and more authentic. A stroll along the canals and a visit to the Trepponti, the famous bridge with three flights of steps, are an absolute must. For nature lovers, a trip to the Salina di Comacchio – an impressive nature reserve on the Adriatic coast – is well worth it. The area is home to numerous flamingos and offers a beautiful setting for walks and birdwatching. For a culinary experience, a visit to Ristorante La Locanda del Delta in Comacchio is well worth it; it is renowned for its fresh seafood and traditional regional fish dishes. Furthermore, Ristorante Osteria La Campanara is a real hidden gem for lovers of Slow Food cuisine. Here, regional ingredients are transformed into traditional dishes with great care and artisanal skill. Alongside hearty specialities, the restaurant also offers creative vegetarian options in a cosy atmosphere. For a relaxing overnight stay, Al Ponticello offers charming accommodation with a stunning view of the lagoon.
Photo: If you’re looking for cosy accommodation near the Apennines, Agriturismo L’Antico Frutto is the perfect choice.
The Apennines are among the most impressive sights in Emilia Romagna for nature lovers. They offer unspoilt nature and a wealth of outdoor activities. Whether it’s hiking, mountain biking or skiing in winter – nature lovers will be in their element here. The Foreste Casentinesi National Park is particularly worth a visit, with its dense forests and wild waterfalls. An insider’s tip is the remote Santuario della Verna, an impressive monastery perched on a rock that offers breathtaking views. For a culinary experience, it’s well worth visiting the Trattoria da Giorgione near Bagno di Romagna, which is renowned for its traditional Tuscan-Emilian dishes and warm hospitality. If you’re looking for cosy accommodation, you’ll be in good hands at Agriturismo L’Antico Frutto – an idyllic farmhouse serving regional cuisine, surrounded by nature and tranquillity.
Photo: The little harbour town of Cesenatico is notable for its canal harbour, designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
The little harbour town of Cesenatico captivates visitors with its canal harbour, designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The colourful fishing boats, the maritime museum and the cosy seafood restaurants create a particularly relaxed atmosphere. A real hidden gem in Emilia Romagna is the Parco di Levante, an idyllic park with leafy walking paths, picnic spots and a relaxing atmosphere – ideal for a break from the hustle and bustle of the town. Be sure to try the regional speciality, Brodetto di Pesce – ideally at La Buca restaurant, which is renowned for its authentic preparation. Also highly recommended is Frangipane, which charms with its lovely décor and vegetarian and vegan options. For a restful night’s stay, the Piccolo Hotel Kursaal offers cosy accommodation with modern comforts and an excellent location near the historic centre.
Photo: The best time to visit Emilia-Romagna is in spring and autumn, as the temperatures are pleasant and the region is less crowded.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are ideal, as temperatures are pleasant (averaging 15–25°C) and the region is less crowded. Summer is particularly suitable for beach holidays on the Adriatic coast.
Cuisine: Try local specialities directly from the producers; many offer guided tours and tastings. Typical specialities include Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham and the famous Bolognese sauce. For something sweet, Zuppa Inglese or Torta Barozzi are well worth trying. Among the best wines are the sparkling Lambrusco and the elegant Sangiovese.
Accommodation: Bologna and Parma boast charming boutique hotels, whilst the coast offers plenty of family-friendly resorts. Book your accommodation well in advance to secure the best deal.
Getting around: A hire car is recommended to explore the various towns and countryside with flexibility. Alternatively, the rail network offers good connections between the main destinations.
* To qualify for cashback, you must book your accommodation using the Travel Card via the Swiss Bankers booking page. Prices and availability may vary.
Conclusion: Emilia-Romagna uniquely combines culture, cuisine and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether in the historic towns, on the Adriatic coast or in the mountains – the region captivates with its diversity. Let yourself be enchanted by the warmth of the locals and the unforgettable delights on offer!
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