Why You Should Visit The Beautiful Towns Of Emilia Romagna
Actually, over the years, I found out that everywhere in Europe and most parts of the world, its in small cities and tiny hamlets that I had the most memorable experiences. In Shimshal, a small village in an isolated valley of northern Pakistan, I had the privilege to be hosted in local houses, learning about their traditions. Also, I fell in love with Corte and other charming hamlets during my road trip across Corsica. And I could mention many more.
The beautiful towns in Emilia Romagna are no exception. Here are some of my favorites, where youll have a wonderful time.
Luxury Hotels In Emilia Romagna
Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy is just as blessed as other regions of the country with mouth-watering local produce, historic architecture and glorious countryside. Emilia-Romagnas medieval city of Bologna is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and is famous as the site of Europes oldest university. The region also contains the wonderful cities of Ferrara, Parma, Ravenna, Reggio Emilia and Modena, with their beautiful renaissance architecture and lively piazzas. In the south is the Apennine Mountain range, a spectacular place for hiking.
At Condé Nast Johansens, our carefully selected collection of luxury hotels are guaranteed to offer only the very highest standards, from five-star hotels and venues to chic boutique hotels in the bustling centre of one of the regions cities.
Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Emilia
Emilia-Romagna is a region extending in the heart of central Italy between the hills and plains of Po Valley, which separates the cold alpine north from the warm Mediterranean south. Thanks to the fertile farmland, ancient cities and industrial expansion, Emilia-Romagna belongs to one of the most prosperous regions in the country.
Castello Estense, Ferrara by elvum
You will find this region south of Venice around the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It is full of beautiful sandy beaches, cafes, shops and restaurants with delicious Italian cuisine. There are lots of amusement parks within tourist destinations that attract not just children but also adults. Find accommodation and hotels in Emilia-Romagna:
This vast region is composed of two parts, originally two Papal States, that were united in 1947. Through the middle of the region leads the Roman military road Via Emilia, built in 187 BC, which later became part of the medieval pilgrimage route to Rome. The country is rich in natural beauty and boasts significant historical and cultural character left by the Etruscans , Byzantines and mainly by Romans.
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Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Italy
And dont forget to take out Travel Insurance for your trip! I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. Theyre easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.
Getting an estimate from World Nomads is simple just click the button or image below, fill out the necessary info, and youre on your way!
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Best Places To Stay In Emilia
Bologna is a great base and weve already mentioned our top picks for the city earlier in this guide but we love the smaller towns and cities for their authentic charm. Reggio Emilia is the home for parmigiano reggiano, and many other towns have their own unique dishes waiting to be sampled.
Best Airbnb in Emilia-Romagna: The Photographer Nest
It isnt called the Photographer Nest for nothing! This stunning apartment is packed with rustic charm and elegant finishes that make it an attraction in its own right. Right in the heart of Reggio Emilia, this is the perfect location to experience the best of the Emilia-Romagna culinary scene. The building it is located within is centuries old, and there is a small balcony in the room with views across the city.
Best Hostel in Emilia-Romagna: Ostello San Filippo Neri
Only a short walk from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Piazza Grande, this Modena hostel is perfect for getting to know small city life in Emilia-Romagna! Enzo Ferrari, founder of the famous car brand, was born in the city and there is an excellent museum dedicated to his life. The town is well connected by public transport to Bologna.
Best Hotel in Emilia-Romagna: Hotel Castello
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Top Places To Stay In Italy
Italy is truly an eclectic country with so much on offer. If you plan on visiting a few places in Italy, we recommend staying in at least one urban area and one rural area to get a grasp of the different ways of living in the country. We also reckon its worth visiting the North for history and culture, and the South for the laid-back lifestyle, stunning beaches and deeply held traditions.
If You Want To Explore The Citys Cultural And Gastronomical Highlights Easily Stay In Bolognas Historic Center
You can easily explore Bolognas most beautiful landmarks from the Centro Storico, the citys historical center. The Piazza Maggiore serves as the citys cultural hub, where locals and tourists gather to enjoy open-air performances over wine and aperitivo. The piazza is bordered by stately buildings and the Basilica di San Petronio and opens to many winding streets lined with restaurants and marketplaces.
If youre coming to Bologna for the citys food, history, and architecture, the Centro Storico is the perfect base for you.
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How Many Vacation Rentals Are Available Around Emilia
Our 2021 vacation rental listings offer a large selection of 2,599 house rentals around Emilia-Romagna. From 172 villa rentals to 734 house rentals, find unique vacation rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends. The best place to stay around Emilia-Romagna is on Vrbo.
Best Places To Stay In Positano
Positano is a small town but as it stretches up a cliff, we recommend sticking to the lower levels if youre interested in the beach, or the higher levels if you want to easily travel around the region and enjoy the view. It is a notoriously expensive town, but nearby Sorrento has some budget-friendly options and direct bus links.
Best Airbnb in Positano: Sumptuous Villa
When you imagine a house under the Italian sun, chances are you think of an image similar to this apartment! Its biggest selling point is the ornate balcony with views across Positano. The interiors are well designed, with a bright and airy feel that borrows from classic Italian design. There are two bedrooms in total, perfect for small groups and families.
Best Hostel in Positano: Ulisse Deluxe
Whilst there arent any budget-friendly hostels in Positano, Sorrento is nearby and is home to Ulisse Deluxe. Sorrento is a major gateway to the Amalfi Coast, with hourly connections to all of the major towns throughout the year. Operated by Ulisse Deluxe, this hostel is friendly and well equipped with modern comforts. It also comes with an indoor pool, a bar and even a full gym!
Best Hotel in Positano: Albergo California
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What Not To Miss
- The architectural beauty of Modena is staggering with its 12th century Duomo, spectacular Grande Piazza and impressive collection of Romanesque art and architecture.
- Modena is also known for cars as youre right by the famous Ferrari Museum. There are miles of cycling paths, numerous museums and libraries and the double twisted Ghirlandina Tower.
Our pick of the best places to stay in Modena is a very reasonably priced option, just out of town.
Where Is Emilia Romagna
Emilia Romagna is a region in northern Italy, which extends from the Po River to the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea.
Due to its geographic position, the landscape of Emilia Romagna is quite varied: plain, hills, coastline, and mountains. Bologna, the capital city of the region, is in between Milan and Florence, as well as almost halfway from Venice to Florence.
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Benefits Of Staying Outside Centro Storico
- the best area to stay for exploring the Emilia-Romagna region by car
- easy access if youre arriving by car
- only 20min walk from Piazza Maggiore
This is the best place to stay in Bologna if youre travelling by car. Although located outside the LTZ, the hotel is still close to the historic centre . Plus, there is a secure underground parking garage with lots of space.Why book 15min walk from the historic centre, air-conditioning, secure underground parking
Suite Hotel Elite is outside the LTZ, just a short walk from the ancient city walls. The location is easily accessible if youre travelling by car and not far from tourist attractions. In addition, the hotel features free parking places as well as discounts for the nearby car park.Why book 20min walk from the historic centre, air-conditioning, spacious rooms, private car parking
Emilia Romagna At A Glance
A mosaic of emotions. From the bright colors of the Riviera to the treasures conserved within its art cities, from the aromas of good food to the warmth of its people, honest and sincere like their land.
Emilia Romagna stretches across almost the entire width of Northern Italy, encompassing a landscape of many contrasts from the Apennine foothills to the Adriatic coast, to the rich alluvial plain of the Po river. Emilia Romagna was once a complex of small dukedoms, governed by noble families such as the Este in Ferrara and the Farnese in Parma. As a result, the countryside is dotted with castles and fortresses, many of which have survived the passage of time remarkably unscathed. The region is most famous, however, for its culinary specialities, including the renowned Prosciutto di Parma, Aceto Balsamico di Modena and Parmigiano Reggiano. The university city of Bologna’s reputation as Italys gastronomic capital is well deserved taste to believe.
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Venice Coolest Place To Stay In Italy
Chances are youve already heard about Venice but its well known for a reason! This stunning city dates back six hundred years, and the architecture has remained pretty much untouched since. Known for its canals, no trip to Venice is complete without taking a gentle gondola ride through the streets.
There are six major districts in the city, each with something different to offer. Aside from the historic architecture and romantic canals, Venice is also home to some of the best art galleries in the world. Food can be pricey but is totally worth it if you are willing to splurge! This city really is a destination everyone should visit once.
With rising sea levels and questions about over-tourism, Venice is a destination you should visit sooner rather than later. If youre planning an itinerary hitting the biggest spots across the country, you absolutely need to plan a few days in Venice.
Best Places To Visit In Emilia Romagna
Ive visited Emilia-Romagna many times and explored the region quite extensively. Based on these trips, Ive compiled this guide featuring the best places to visit in Emilia-Romagna on a road trip. You can do this in 1-2 weeks but I recommend taking your time to enjoy these places. If youre on a Tuscany road trip, I recommend venturing next door to Emilia-Romagna, a short hop across the Appenines from Florence.
Ive included a suggested 15-day Best of Emilia-Romagna self-drive itinerary below. This suggested itinerary starts in Bologna, where you can pick up a rental car. Alternatively, if youre coming from Milan, you can start the trip in the northwest and continue southeastwards. Find flights to Italy with KLM.
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Best Places To Stay In Bologna
Bologna is a small city, so most of the main attractions are located in the city centre. Try to stay close to the train station, as we recommend exploring further afield within the region to get to know some of Italys best cuisine.
Best Airbnb in Bologna: Bentivogli Panoramic
Located in the university district, this apartment is close to some of the cheapest bars and restaurants in Bologna. It is contained within an attic, with a skylight that provides gorgeous views of the surrounding city. The host also provides complimentary bike hire to guests if you arrange in advance a great way to get to know Bologna!
Best Hostel in Bologna: Il Nosadillo
Right in the heart of Old Bologna, Il Nosadillo is well placed to check out all of the historic attractions in the city. They provide a complimentary breakfast every morning saving you some cash on the most important meal of the day. Via del Pratello, a hip and modern dining and nightlife district, is only a short walk away.
Best Hotel in Bologna: Zanhotel Regina
As the highest-rated three star hotel in Bologna, this is perfect for budget travellers that want a little more privacy! It is only a short walk from Piazza Maggiore, with plenty of fantastic restaurants, boutiques and coffee shops nearby. They offer a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning, setting you up for the day ahead. They also provide single rooms, making it a great pick for solo travellers.
Where To Stay In Bologna With A Car
Almost all of the historic centre is a Limited Traffic Zone . Additionally, its divided into three smaller zones Zona Sirio, Zona T and Zona Universitaria.
You can access Zona Sirio if youre staying in a hotel in the area. Keep in mind that in this case, the hotel must communicate your license plate to the city office. Also, be careful not to enter in the Zona T and Zona Universitaria, because they have stronger restrictions and youll be fined.
The best place to stay in Bologna if youre travelling by car is outside the historic city centre. If you look at a map, this means outside the yellow hexagon. In this way, you wont accidentally enter the LTZ. Plus, youll be still within walking distance to the main tourist sites.
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Quick Answers: Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Italy
- Rome Overall Best Place to Stay in Italy
- Sardinia Best Place to Stay in Italy For Families
- Positano Most Romantic Place to Stay in Italy for Couples
- Venice Coolest Place to Stay in Italy
- Bologna Where to Stay in Italy on a Budget
- Florence One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Italy
- The Dolomites Where to Stay in Italy for Adventure
- Emilia-Romagna Where To Stay In Italy for Food Lovers
Ducal Palace Of Colorno
The Ducal Palace of Colorno was built by Francesco Farnese, the Duke of Parma, in the early-18th century. The Duke employed French architects to recreate the grandeur of Versailles, complete with ornamental gardens. In the 19th century, when the Duchy of Parma was annexed by the French Empire, the palace became a favoured residence of Marie Louise, the wife of Napoleon. The castle is situated about a 30-minute drive north of Parma. Visit the castle website.
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Books To Read While Backpacking Italy
These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in Italy, which you should consider picking up before you begin your backpacking adventure
- The Backpacker Bible Get it for free! Learn how to ditch your desk and travel the world on just $10 a day whilst building a life of long-term travel with an online income. To inspire and help the next generation of Broke Backpackers, you can now grab How to Travel the World on $10 a Day for free! Get your copy here.
- Under the Tuscan Sun One of the original travel novels that promoted Tuscany as a tourist destination.
- I, Claudius A semi-autobiographical novel concerning one of Romes most unlikely emperors, Tiberius Claudius, who witnessed the rise and fall of some the Empires most notorious figures.
- A Farewell to Arms One of Hemingways masterpieces. Illustrates the life of a pitiable soldier that fought in one of historys most pitiable wars.
- The Leopard One of the most highly regarded historical novels in modern literature. Tells the story of a Sicilian aristocracy and the trials that it must face.
Bologna Where To Stay In Italy On A Budget
Whilst many travel guides reference towns and cities in the South of Italy as the main budget destinations, Bologna remains somewhat a hidden secret when it comes to foreign visitors. With a large student population, Bologna is a great base for exploring the North of Italy from without breaking the bank.
Bologna is home to a major hub for budget airlines, with some excellent deals to the rest of Italy and further afield in Europe! It has the oldest university in Europe, and this academic history permeates every building in the city.
Well talk more about food in the Emilia-Romagna guide but Bologna is the largest city in the region, and a great pick for foodies that want to avoid the big tourist crowds.
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