Emilia-Romagna · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Emilia-Romagna: The Heart of Italian Culinary and Cultural Heritage

Discover Emilia-Romagna: Italy's culinary heartland, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, perfect for an unforgettable travel experience.

Nestled in the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna is a treasure trove of rich heritage, world-renowned cuisine, and picturesque landscapes. Known as Italy's gastronomic capital, this region is the birthplace of iconic foods like Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and traditional balsamic vinegar. The cities of Bologna, Modena, and Parma are culinary havens where you can indulge in delectable dishes that have been perfected over centuries. Beyond its culinary delights, Emilia-Romagna boasts an impressive array of cultural and historical sites. The city of Ravenna is home to stunning Byzantine mosaics, while the medieval towers of Bologna offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The region's charming towns and villages, such as Ferrara and Piacenza, are steeped in history and offer a glimpse into Italy's past. For those seeking adventure, Emilia-Romagna's diverse landscapes provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. From the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic coast, you can explore scenic hiking trails, enjoy water sports, or simply relax on beautiful beaches. The region's thermal spas, such as those in Salsomaggiore Terme, offer a perfect retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Bologna

Piazza Maggiore

Discover Emilia-Romagna: Italy's culinary heartland, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, perfect for an unforgettable travel experience.

Maranello

Museum Ferrari Maranello

Discover Emilia-Romagna: Italy's culinary heartland, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, perfect for an unforgettable travel experience.

Ferrara

Este Castle

Discover Emilia-Romagna: Italy's culinary heartland, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, perfect for an unforgettable travel experience.

Bologna

Two Towers

Discover Emilia-Romagna: Italy's culinary heartland, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, perfect for an unforgettable travel experience.

Sant'Agata Bolognese

Lamborghini Automobile Museum

Discover Emilia-Romagna: Italy's culinary heartland, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, perfect for an unforgettable travel experience.

Riccione

Oltremare

Discover Emilia-Romagna: Italy's culinary heartland, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, perfect for an unforgettable travel experience.

Grizzana Morandi

Rocchetta Mattei

Discover Emilia-Romagna: Italy's culinary heartland, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, perfect for an unforgettable travel experience.

Ravenna

Safari Ravenna

Discover Emilia-Romagna: Italy's culinary heartland, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, perfect for an unforgettable travel experience.

Ravenna

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

Discover Emilia-Romagna: Italy's culinary heartland, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, perfect for an unforgettable travel experience.

When is the best time to go to Emilia-Romagna?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsJul–Aug
Longest daylightMay–Jul
Driest periodJan–Feb, Jun–Aug

Explore places in Emilia-Romagna

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Emilia-Romagna sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Piazza Maggiore

    Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s historic plaza, surrounded by stunning architecture and lively cafés.

    Piazza Maggiore

    Museum Ferrari Maranello

    Discover the legacy of Ferrari at the Museum Ferrari Maranello, a must-visit destination for car lovers and tourists exploring Italy's automotive history.

    Museum Ferrari Maranello

    Piazza Santo Stefano

    Discover the historic charm of Piazza Santo Stefano in Bologna, a stunning square surrounded by ancient churches and vibrant local culture.

    Piazza Santo Stefano

    Santuario Madonna di San Luca

    Discover the awe-inspiring Santuario Madonna di San Luca, a sacred shrine with breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage in Bologna.

    Santuario Madonna di San Luca

    Dante's Tomb

    Explore the serene beauty of Dante's Tomb in Ravenna, a historical landmark celebrating the legacy of the great poet Dante Alighieri.

    Dante's Tomb

    Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

    Explore the breathtaking mosaics and rich history of Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ravenna, Italy.

    Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

    Rocchetta Mattei

    Discover the enchanting Rocchetta Mattei, a stunning castle blending eclectic architecture and rich history in the picturesque hills of Italy.

    Rocchetta Mattei

    Basilica of San Vitale

    Discover the breathtaking mosaics and rich history of the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Byzantine artistry.

    Basilica of San Vitale

    Fortress of San Leo

    Discover the captivating history and stunning views at the Fortress of San Leo, a must-visit medieval castle in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region.

    Fortress of San Leo

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    Designer Outlet Serravalle

    Discover unbeatable deals and a vibrant shopping experience at Designer Outlet Serravalle, Italy's premier outlet mall.

    Designer Outlet Serravalle

    Le Befane Centro Commerciale

    Experience the vibrant shopping scene at Le Befane Centro Commerciale in Rimini, featuring a variety of stores, dining options, and family-friendly entertainment.

    Le Befane Centro Commerciale

    Romagna Shopping Valley

    Discover Romagna Shopping Valley: A Shopping Haven with Fashion, Electronics, Dining, and Entertainment in Savignano sul Rubicone.

    Romagna Shopping Valley

    Grandemilia

    Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Grandemilia in Modena, featuring a diverse selection of stores, delightful dining, and a welcoming atmosphere.

    Grandemilia

    Fidenza Village

    Explore Fidenza Village, a premier outlet shopping destination offering luxury brands and charming Italian ambiance, perfect for every tourist.

    Fidenza Village

    Shopville Gran Reno

    Experience shopping bliss at Shopville Gran Reno, Bologna's premier shopping mall with diverse stores, dining, and entertainment options.

    Shopville Gran Reno

    Castel Guelfo The Style Outlets

    Discover unbeatable fashion savings at Castel Guelfo The Style Outlets, the premier shopping destination near Bologna, Italy.

    Castel Guelfo The Style Outlets

    Meraville • Parco Commerciale

    Explore a shopper's paradise at Meraville Parco Commerciale in Bologna, where shopping, dining, and entertainment meet in a vibrant atmosphere.

    Meraville • Parco Commerciale

    I Petali

    Discover I Petali, the ultimate shopping destination in Reggio Emilia, blending fashion, dining, and entertainment in one vibrant space.

    I Petali
    File:Colosseum - Rome - Italy (16800139540).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
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    Explore Emilia-Romagna in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    File:Bologna cityscape IMG 20220922 182332.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Enzo Ferrari Museum interior-2 2013 February.jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Beach of Rimini (14-07-2012).jpg - Wikipedia
    File:Mosaic of Theodora - Basilica San Vitale (Ravenna, Italy).jpg -  Wikimedia Commons
    File:San Marino panorama.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Cathedral facade, Parma, Italy, 2019, 02.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Ducati Museum (6079498269).jpg - Wikipedia
    Ferrara City Hall in Italy image - Free stock photo - Public Domain photo -  CC0 Images
    File:Panorama modena 30.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Castell'Arquato - Comune di Castell'Arquato - 2023-09-14 17-21-49  002.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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