Listen, I thought I knew Italian beauty until I visited Emilia Romagna. The moment I stepped into Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore at sunset, watching that golden light hit those ancient terracotta towers, I knew this region would be different. And don’t even get me started on the day I spent in Ravenna, where I literally sat on the floor for an hour, jaw dropped, staring at the glittering Byzantine mosaics that cover every inch of San Vitale’s ceiling.
From the Ferrari-filled streets of Modena to the colorful fishing boats bobbing in Rimini’s harbor, these are the most beautiful places in Emilia Romagna that made me fall hard for northern Italy. Get ready for my favorite spots in this incredible region where every single town feels like it belongs in an Italian movie set!
Best Places to Visit in Emilia Romagna
Visiting Emilia Romagna? Spend the day exploring the historic streets of Bologna, admire the scenic beauty of Cascate del Dardagna Waterfalls, or discover the charming murals in Dozza. Take a refreshing hike to Cascate del Perino Waterfalls, enjoy shopping and dining in the region’s vibrant cities, or savor traditional Italian cuisine at a local trattoria. Whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures, or cultural charm, Emilia Romagna has plenty to offer!
1. Bologna
Bologna seriously surprised me the first time I visited – I thought it’d just be another Italian city, but the food scene here is absolutely insane. Torre degli Asinelli is currently closed for renovations (winter 2025 update), so you can’t climb it right now, but honestly, the porticoes alone make this place worth the trip. Over 62km of covered walkways throughout the city, and they’re actually UNESCO-listed now.
The Quadrilatero market district is where you need to go for serious food hunting. I spent hours wandering through Osteria del Sole where you bring your own food and just buy drinks – it’s the oldest bar in Bologna and pretty genius actually. Mercato delle Erbe has killer lunch options, and Cremeria Santo Stefano serves what I’m convinced is the best gelato in Italy (yeah, I said it). Expect a line on weekends though.
Piazza Maggiore gets crowded but it’s still magical at sunset. The Basilica of San Petronio is free to enter, and that unfinished facade tells a crazy story about papal politics. Two days here lets you actually enjoy the food culture instead of rushing through – trust me, you’ll want time for multiple meals.
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2. Cascate del Dardagna Waterfalls
These waterfalls are exactly what you need when Bologna‘s summer heat gets brutal. The three-tiered drop is 100 meters of pure drama, and I got completely soaked trying to get the perfect photo – pack waterproof gear seriously.
The 45-minute hike through beech forests to reach Cascate del Dardagna isn’t too tough, but wear proper hiking boots because those rocks get slippery. Spring brings maximum water flow, which means the most spectacular displays but also the most mist everywhere. I went in May and the whole area felt like some mystical fairy tale.
What’s cool is you can continue upstream on the Sentiero delle Cascate trail to find smaller cascades and hidden pools. Some locals were swimming in the turquoise pools below, though the water’s pretty cold even in summer. Early morning visits mean fewer crowds and better light for photography. The drive from Bologna takes about an hour, and there’s parking near Lizzano in Belvedere. Honestly, it’s one of those spots that makes you forget you’re just an hour from a major city.
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3. Dozza
This tiny hilltop village completely blew my mind – imagine if someone turned an entire medieval town into an outdoor art gallery. Dozza has been inviting artists from around the world since 1965 to paint murals on building facades, and now over 100 walls showcase everything from classical paintings to wild contemporary graffiti.
I wandered the cobblestone streets for hours discovering new artwork around every corner. The Rocca Sforzesca fortress houses the Enoteca Regionale where you can sample local Sangiovese wines while learning about the region’s wine heritage. The contrast between ancient stones and vibrant modern art creates this weird but wonderful atmosphere.
September’s Biennale del Muro Dipinto is when you can actually watch artists create new masterpieces. I caught one artist working on a massive mural and ended up chatting with them about their process – pretty cool experience. The Cantina di Dozza also does wine tastings if you want to make it a proper afternoon. Half a day covers this artistic gem thoroughly, and it’s only 30 minutes from Bologna so it’s perfect for a day trip when you need something different.
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4. Cascate del Perino Waterfalls
These waterfalls are properly hidden in the Trebbia Valley, and I mean hidden – you’ll feel like you discovered some secret swimming spot. Multiple cascades drop into emerald pools along the Perino River, and the water’s so clear you can see straight to the bottom.
The 2-kilometer hike upstream follows ancient chestnut forests, and it’s actually pretty peaceful since most tourists don’t know about this place. The main waterfall drops 40 meters into a large pool that’s perfect for swimming if you can handle mountain water temperatures. I jumped in during July and nearly froze, but it was totally worth it after sweating through the hike.
Rocky sections require careful footing, especially after rain when everything gets super slippery. Pack hiking boots, swimwear, and definitely bring a picnic because you’ll want to hang out by the pools for a while. The smaller cascades upstream offer quieter spots if you want more privacy. I spent about four hours here including swimming time, and the isolation means you really need to be self-sufficient. It’s about an hour from Parma, so plan accordingly.
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5. Castell’Arquato
Medieval perfection doesn’t get much better than Castell’Arquato – movie directors use this place constantly because it looks exactly like what you’d picture for a period film. The village sits above vineyards and rolling hills, and I swear every angle looks like a postcard.
Piazza Municipio is the heart of everything, surrounded by the Collegiate Church and Palazzo del Podestà. The Rocca Viscontea fortress gives you sweeping views across the Arda Valley that’ll make you understand why people have been fighting over this spot for centuries. Those narrow streets wind past artisan shops and cozy osterias where locals still hang out.
What really makes this place special is the wine culture. The surrounding hills produce exceptional Malvasia and Barbera, and many wineries have atmospheric medieval cellars carved right into the hillsides. I did a tasting at one place where the cellar was older than most American cities. Autumn harvest festivals showcase both wine and local cuisine – the tortelli di zucca here is incredible. Plan a full day to properly explore both the village and enjoy wine-paired lunches without rushing.
6. Comacchio
They call Comacchio “Little Venice” but honestly, it has its own distinct personality that’s way more chill. Over 150 canals connect 13 small islands, and the whole place has this laid-back fishing village vibe that Venice lost decades ago.
The Trepponti Bridge from 1638 showcases some seriously impressive triple-arched architecture – I spent way too much time trying to get the perfect photo from every angle. The Loggia dei Mercanti tells the story of traditional fish markets, while the Po Delta Park Visitor Center explains the unique ecosystem that supports thousands of waterfowl.
The Manifattura dei Marinati museum details centuries-old eel fishing traditions, and you can actually taste UNESCO-recognized anguilla marinata at local restaurants. I tried it and was surprised how good it was – not fishy at all. The Po Delta nature reserves around Comacchio are perfect for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. Use Comacchio as your base for exploring the delta since accommodations here are way better than in smaller towns. Two days gives you time for both cultural discoveries and wildlife observations without feeling rushed.
7. Parco del Delta del Po
Europe’s largest wetland ecosystem is absolutely massive – 70,000 hectares where the Po River meets the Adriatic. Over 370 bird species live here, including thousands of resident pink flamingos that honestly look surreal against the marshland backdrop.
Valle di Comacchio hosts spectacular flamingo colonies year-round, and I couldn’t believe how close you can get during boat tours through Sacca di Goro. The Saline di Cervia salt flats attract massive flamingo gatherings during certain seasons – timing your visit right means seeing hundreds of them at once. It’s like nature’s own pink parade.
Pomposa Abbey showcases stunning Byzantine mosaics that rival Ravenna‘s famous sites. Traditional casoni fishing huts reveal delta heritage, and extensive bike trails connect different park sectors. I rented a bike in Comacchio and spent a full day cycling between various zones. The park’s so vast you really need two days minimum to experience it properly. Stay in Comacchio or Goro for optimal access since the park spans multiple areas and you’ll want different starting points for various activities.
8. Ravenna
Walking into San Vitale and seeing those Byzantine mosaics for the first time literally stopped me in my tracks. The gold backgrounds make everything glow like it’s lit from within, and these are 1,500 years old but look like they were finished yesterday.
Ravenna‘s eight UNESCO sites are all within walking distance in the historic center. The combination ticket costs €10.50 and covers five major sites including San Vitale, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, and the Neonian Baptistery. You’ll need time-slot reservations for the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (€2 extra charge), but book online and it’s simple.
Dante’s Tomb is here because Italy’s greatest poet spent his final years in exile here. The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe sits outside town but the mosaics are incredible – that starry sky dome feels infinite. I spent three days here and still found new details in the mosaics each morning. The Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel of St. Andrew showcase more masterpieces. Current opening hours run 9am-7pm March through November, 10am-5pm in winter. Start with San Vitale and Galla Placidia since they’re the absolute must-sees.
9. Rimini
Rimini gets written off as just a beach resort, but honestly it’s got this perfect mix of 15 kilometers of sandy coastline plus 2,000-year-old Roman monuments. The Arco d’Augusto from 27 BC still handles daily traffic, which is pretty incredible when you think about it.
The Ponte di Tiberio connects the city center to Borgo San Giuliano, this charming fishing village with pastel houses and Federico Fellini murals everywhere. The director was born here, and locals have painted scenes from his films all over the neighborhood walls. Biberius wine bar specializes in local wines including Rebola, which is light and perfect for beach days.
Beach culture here is serious business – Bagno Tiki 26 charges for sun loungers but you get hot tubs, volleyball, yoga classes, and a gym right on the sand. The seafood restaurants along the coast serve incredible piadina flatbread stuffed with local prosciutto and squacquerone cheese. After sunset, beach clubs and rooftop bars keep the energy high. The Fellini Museum opened recently and tells the story of Italy’s most famous director. This coastal city really does offer both cultural depth and summer fun.
10. San Leo
San Leo clings to a towering limestone cliff like something out of a fairy tale, and honestly, the approach is half the thrill. This mountaintop town of 3,000 residents was once the Duchy of Montefeltro‘s capital, and the Fortress of San Leo crowns everything.
You can only reach the fortress by a single narrow path carved into living stone – it’s pretty dramatic. Inside, prison cells once held notorious inmates including the alchemist Count Cagliostro. The climb rewards you with 360-degree views across the Marecchia Valley that stretch for kilometers. I spent an hour up there just taking it all in.
Down in the historic center, cobblestone streets wind past ancient houses barely wider than doorways. The Parish Church of San Leo houses precious artworks and the sword of Saint Francis himself. Local trattorias serve hearty regional dishes including casciotta di Urbino cheese that’ll fuel your fortress exploration. I stayed overnight to experience the town’s magical atmosphere after day visitors left – totally worth it. The narrow medieval streets become your own private movie set once the crowds disappear.
11. San Marino
Stepping into the world’s oldest surviving republic feels pretty surreal – all 61 square kilometers of San Marino has maintained independence since 301 AD. The Three Towers command the skyline, and each offers increasingly dramatic views toward the Adriatic.
The First Tower (Guaita) attracts most visitors, while the Third Tower (Montale) requires a scenic forest walk but has the best sunsets hands down. I climbed all three and each has a different perspective. The Palazzo Pubblico hosts changing of the guard ceremonies that are actually pretty cool to watch. The State Museum showcases 1,700 years of artifacts spanning this tiny nation’s remarkable history.
Duty-free shopping makes San Marino popular with locals hunting electronics and designer goods, but honestly, skip the tourist traps. Borgo Maggiore restaurants serve torta tre monti (three-tower cake) paired with local Sangiovese wine that’s way better than expected. This microstate deserves at least half a day, though staying overnight lets you explore after crowds disperse. Getting your passport stamped here is totally touristy but I did it anyway – when else can you add a country to your collection in one afternoon?
12. Sasso Simone and Simoncello Cross-regional Park
Wild Apennine beauty spreads across two regions where limestone peaks tower above ancient beech forests. Monte Simone at 1,415 meters rewards hikers with panoramic views spanning from the Adriatic to the highest Apennine peaks – the climb’s challenging but totally worth it.
The park’s trail network leads to haunting abandoned villages like Pennabilli, where stone houses slowly surrender to nature. I found these ghost towns incredibly atmospheric, especially in morning mist. Wildlife watchers should scan for golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and the elusive Apennine wolf. The challenging Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) ridge walk connects the twin peaks with spectacular 360-degree views.
Easier options include Monte Carpegna trails through pristine beech forests, perfect for autumn mushroom hunting. Mountain weather changes quickly up here, so pack layers and sturdy boots – I got caught in a sudden storm and was soaked within minutes. The park protects some of northern Italy’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. I planned three days to explore both peaks properly, and honestly, you could spend a week here if you’re into serious hiking.
13. Tosco-Romagna Apennines National Park
Ancient beech forests create cathedral-like spaces where wolves still roam free – Tosco-Romagna Apennines National Park protects 364 square kilometers of pristine wilderness straddling Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. This massive protected area encompasses the sources of both the Arno and Tiber rivers.
Monte Falterona (1,654m) anchors the western section with moderately challenging trails through old-growth forests to panoramic Tuscan views. The Foreste Casentinesi contain some of Europe’s oldest beech groves, where morning light filters through thousand-year-old canopies. I spent hours wandering these forests feeling completely dwarfed by the ancient trees.
Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s Apennine wolves, though tracks and haunting evening calls are more common than actual sightings. Ancient mulattiere (mule tracks) and portions of the Via dei Cento Laghi create extensive trail networks for hikers and mountain bikers. Hidden waterfalls and abandoned mountain huts dot the landscape. Local restaurants serve hearty tortelli di patate that refuels your wilderness exploration perfectly. The park’s vastness means you could easily spend a week exploring different sections.
