Cervia: nature, relaxation, and tradition

Cervia is a city that breathes to the rhythm of the sea and salt, a jewel of the Adriatic where historical elegance meets the wild beauty of nature.

 

Its heart beats in Borgo Marina, with the canal port reflecting colorful boats and the old salt warehouses, witnesses to a noble and proud past. Here, the scent of the sea breeze mixes with that of the centuries-old pine trees in its vast pineta, a green labyrinth offering cool shade and silence just steps away from the golden beach.

 

Cervia is not just about relaxing under a beach umbrella; it is the magical charm of its Salt Pans (Saline), where at sunset the water turns pink and flamingos dance in a landscape suspended in time. Between the well-kept avenues of the center, the boutiques, and the authentic flavors of Romagna, the city welcomes you with a refined warmth, perfect for those seeking a holiday that regenerates both body and spirit.

 

Just a few kilometers from Lido di Savio, Cervia is also accessible by bike via the cycle path. Famous for its salt pans and its connection with "sweet salt," it offers unique landscapes between nature and the sea. The historic center, cozy and well-tended, invites you to stroll among shops, restaurants, and charming views.

Ravenna: Art, culture, and wonder

Calling Ravenna "magical" is no exaggeration: it is a place where history is not just read in books, but is walked upon and admired on the walls. It served as capital three times (of the Western Roman Empire, the Ostrogothic Kingdom, and the Byzantine Exarchate), and this heritage can be felt in every corner. It is world-famous for its Early Christian and Byzantine mosaics—so precious that 8 of its monuments are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

• - Basilica of San Vitale: A masterpiece of octagonal architecture.
• - Mausoleum of Galla Placidia: Small, intimate, and breathtaking.
• - Sant'Apollinare Nuovo: Famous for the long processions of Martyrs and Virgins decorating the central nave.

 

Ravenna is also the city that offered the "Supreme Poet" his final refuge. Dante Alighieri spent the last years of his life here after his exile from Florence. Dante's Tomb is a simple neoclassical temple located in the "Zone of Silence." Fun fact: Every year, Florence sends olive oil to light the votive lamp that burns perpetually in the tomb as a sign of eternal reconciliation.

 

Ravenna surprises with its timeless elegance. It is a city to be discovered slowly, through its basilicas and details that tell centuries of history. Perfect for a cultural and contemplative day trip, away from the pace of the coast.

 

SPINARONI ISLAND (ISOLA DEGLI SPINARONI)

This site holds deep historical and natural significance, located in the heart of the Pialassa della Baiona, a vast brackish lagoon north of Ravenna. Rather than for its geography, the island is renowned for the crucial role it played in the Italian Resistance during World War II.

The island is accessible only by boat. Guided tours depart regularly from Porto Corsini, primarily catering to school groups and visitors eager to delve deeper into the local history.

The surrounding area, the Po Delta Park, is famous for its Delta Horses. These are Camargue horses, a breed that has perfectly adapted to the brackish environment of the wetlands.

BERTINORO - The Balcony of Romagna

A place where breathtaking panoramas blend with exquisite wine, Bertinoro is truly the ultimate destination. Nicknamed the "Balcony of Romagna," this medieval town towers over the plains, offering a view that, on clear days, stretches all the way to the Adriatic Sea.

 

What makes this village so special:

• The Colonna delle Anella (Column of Hospitality): The undisputed symbol of the village. Located in the central square, it tells a beautiful story: in the Middle Ages, local noble families would argue over who had the right to host foreigners arriving in town. To settle the dispute, this column was erected with 12 rings. Each ring belonged to a different family; depending on where the traveler tied their horse, they became the guest of that specific family. Today: Every first Sunday of September, this tradition is reenacted during the "Rite of Hospitality."

• The Temple of Wine: Albana and Sangiovese: Bertinoro is the homeland of wine. Legend has it that Galla Placidia, upon tasting the local Albana wine from a humble terracotta cup, exclaimed: "Non così umilmente ti si dovrebbe bere, ma berti in oro" (Not so humbly should one drink you, but drink you in gold). This is said to be the origin of the town's name (berti-in-oro). Albana di Romagna DOCG: The region's premier white wine, often served as a sweet passito. Historical Reserve of Sangiovese: Located in the caves beneath the Town Hall, this is a true vault where the finest vintages of Sangiovese are preserved.

 

What to See in the Village:

• The Rocca (The Fortress): An imposing fortress dating back to the year 1000. Today, it houses the Interreligious Museum, dedicated to the dialogue between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
• Piazza della Libertà: The beating heart of the town, home to the Town Hall and the spot where you can enjoy the famous panoramic view.
• The Via delle Sfogline: Walking through the narrow alleys, it’s common to catch the scent of traditional ragù and see the workshops where pasta is still hand-rolled with a rolling pin (mattarello).

FAENZA – The Elegant Drawing Room of Romagna

It is the elegant drawing room of Romagna. Situated along the Via Emilia, it is a city that exudes an old-world refinement, world-famous for one specific reason: ceramics.

 

Imagine passing through the ancient gates of Faenza and letting yourself be guided by the slow, orderly rhythm of a city that has made elegance its banner. Walking along the porticoes that surround the large central squares, the first sensation is that of being in an open-air lounge where the Middle Ages of the Manfredi family and Neoclassicism coexist in perfect balance. The heart of the city splits between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza della Libertà, where the white stone of the Renaissance Cathedral glows under the sun, facing the imposing Palazzo del Podestà and the monumental fountain bubbling nearby.

 

But the true soul of Faenza, which has given it universal fame, is hidden in the glossy reflection of its majolica. It is not just a matter of craftsmanship; it is a language that speaks through the centuries. Entering the International Museum of Ceramics, you immediately realize that clay here has become poetry: from plates decorated with the delicate blue and red carnation motif to the modern experiments of artists like Picasso, every piece tells the story of how this land has managed to turn mud into gold. Strolling through the less-trodden alleys, the sound of lathes turning in historical workshops provides the soundtrack to a journey scented with glaze dust and creativity.

 

If you then decide to visit in June, the city changes face and ignites with a visceral passion. The flags of the five districts begin to flutter from the windows and the air fills with the rolling of drums. It is the time of the Palio del Niballo, a challenge that brings the people of Faenza back to their chivalrous roots, where the precision of the lance strike matters as much as the honor of the neighborhood. And yet, despite this fierce spirit, Faenza also knows how to be incredibly sweet: simply take refuge among the frescoed rooms of Palazzo Milzetti or settle into an osteria to enjoy a dish of curzul with shallots, accompanied by a heart-warming Sangiovese. It is a city that never shouts, but conquers you with the grace of its details and the depth of its history.

As we move from the valleys of the Po Delta toward the Forlì Apennines, we enter a completely different world: that of the Ridracoli Dam and the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, and Campigna National Park. It is a transition from the realm of brackish waters to that of freshwater springs and ancient, thousand-year-old forests.

 

The Ridracoli Dam: The Water Giant

Built between 1975 and 1982, the dam is an engineering masterpiece perfectly integrated into the environment. It is not just a concrete wall, but the primary source of drinking water for the entire Romagna region.

 

Foreste Casentinesi National Park

surrounding the lake lies one of Italy’s oldest and most evocative national parks, a green lung stretching between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. It is one of the best places in Italy for monitoring and spotting large mammals, including wolves, red deer, fallow deer, and roe deer.

The park is home to two places of absolute peace that have protected these forests for centuries (as the monks managed the timber as a sacred resource): the Hermitage of Camaldoli and the Sanctuary of La Verna.

Amusement Parks in Romagna: Thrills just minutes away

 The Romagna Riviera is one of Italy's top destinations for theme parks. Just a short distance from Cesenatico, you can experience something different every day: adrenaline, water, nature, and fun for all ages.

 

Mirabilandia – Adrenaline and major attractions
One of Italy’s largest parks, perfect for thrill-seekers. Roller coasters, live shows, and themed areas make it ideal for adults and teenagers looking for intense fun.

Butterfly House (Casa delle Farfalle) – Ideal for biodiversity lovers
An exhibition area featuring a tropical greenhouse of over 500 square meters. Inside, hundreds of brightly colored butterflies fly freely in a perfect microclimate.

Atlantica – The water park of Cesenatico
Located just minutes from the hotel, Atlantica is perfect for a cool and dynamic day out. Slides, pools, and relaxation areas make it suitable for both families and groups of friends.

Oltremare & Aquafan – Nature and fun in Riccione
Two iconic parks of the Riviera. Oltremare is dedicated to nature and animals (perfect for families), while Aquafan is one of Europe’s most famous water parks, featuring spectacular slides and music.

Italia in Miniatura – A journey for the whole family
A unique park where you can discover Italy (and more) in miniature scale. Fun, educational, and perfect even for younger children.

Cesenatico: Where the sea meets the authentic soul of Romagna

Cesenatico doesn't try to overwhelm you with the frenzy of big cities; it welcomes you with the grace of an old fishing village that has become elegant over time. In the evening, the streetlights reflect in the canal and everything seems to stand still, suspended between the call of the sea and the sweetness of the Romagna land.

Its distinctive features

• The Leonardo Canal Port: The beating heart of the city. Designed by Leonardo da Vinci in 1502, it is lined with colorful houses, traditional restaurants, and bars where you can breathe in an atmosphere of yesteryear.
  
  

• Maritime Museum: Unique in Italy. Its "Floating Section" in the canal port displays historic boats with typical "al terzo" sails (colorful and decorated with symbols of fishing families), which are unfurled during the summer.
  
  

• A Bond with Cycling: Cesenatico is the home of Marco Pantani. A museum (Spazio Pantani), a famous statue, and the renowned "Nove Colli" amateur race are all dedicated to his memory.
  
  

• Gastronomy: The cuisine is dominated by fresh Adriatic fish, often served as "rustide" (grills) or accompanied by the classic Romagna piadina.
  
  

Strolling here means touching the true maritime identity of the Riviera.

Santarcangelo di Romagna - Atmosphere, culture, and slow living

Santarcangelo di Romagna is a medieval village of unique charm, perched on Jupiter Hill (Colle Giove) and dominated by the majestic Malatesta Fortress. It is famous for its poetic and mysterious atmosphere, thanks largely to the more than 150 tuff caves carved into the city's subsoil, once used as wine cellars or shelters.

 

The historic center is a maze of well-tended alleys and lively squares, where art is always at home thanks to its tradition of poets (such as Tonino Guerra) and the ancient Stamperia Marchi, which still uses a 17th-century press to decorate fabrics with the traditional "rust printing" technique. A city of good living and authentic Romagna gastronomy, it hosts the prestigious Santarcangelo Festival every year, one of Europe’s most important events dedicated to contemporary theater.

 

With its wine cellars, typical restaurants, and small cultural events, it is the ideal destination for those seeking an authentic experience made of details, flavors, and meaningful encounters.

San Marino - Panorama and timeless charm

San Marino is the oldest Republic in the world, a small enclave nestled on Mount Titano between Emilia-Romagna and Marche. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a perfectly preserved medieval village dominated by the Three Towers (Guaita, Cesta, and Montale), linked by the "Witches' Path" (Passo delle Streghe). Beyond its thousand-year independence and unique institutions—such as the two Captains Regent who lead the state—San Marino offers breathtaking views stretching from the Apennines to the Adriatic coast. It is a destination famous not only for its history and castles but also for shopping and the evocative atmosphere of its rock-clinging alleys.

 

Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a web of narrow alleys, towers, and fortifications that tell a thousand-year-old story. Wandering through here means immersing yourself in a unique atmosphere, suspended between history and breathtaking views. It is the ideal destination for a day trip, blending culture with unforgettable vistas

 

Curiosities that make San Marino unique

• The Changing of the Guard: In Piazza della Libertà, in front of the Palazzo Pubblico, you can witness the traditional ceremony of the Guardia di Rocca in full uniform, famous for their green jackets and plumed hats.
• Philately and Numismatics: For enthusiasts, the state is a true paradise. Its stamps and San Marino Euro coins are rare items highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
• The Palio of the Crossbowmen: If you visit on September 3rd, the feast day of the Founding Saint, you can watch medieval costume challenges with ancient crossbows, a tradition dating back to the 14th century.