Emilia Romagna runs like a beautiful band almost all the way across Northern Italy, starting on the Adriatic coast, crossing the Apennine Mountains, reaching the Po River in the north, and almost touching Genoa on the Ligurian Sea. This is the perfect destination for a rural escape, or for an historic one, because the region is known for its fantastic produce, wonderfully historic towns and cities, and enchanting rural views. Our picks for the best places to stay in Emilia Romagna encompasses a promisingly varied range of accommodation, which includes charming, but inexpensive farmhouses-turned-argiturismos; minimalist hotels owned and designed by fashion houses; romantic B&Bs in picturesque city centres; luxuriously converted hunting lodges and former palaces; and contemporary five star hotels.
Once the great ancient Roman road, the Via Aemilia, ran through this green and gently undulating part of Italy, connecting Piacenza and Rimini, and that’s where the name came from. But us contemporary folks may know Emilia Romagna better as the birthplace of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Bugatti; and Verdi and Pavarotti too; or as the region responsible for the production of Parma ham, Parmigiano Reggiano, and balsamic vinegar. Emilia Romagna also has Italy’s largest theme park; the coastline of the Adriatic Riviera; and an exceptional number of World Heritage listed churches, palazzos and other notable buildings. So the best places to stay in Emilia Romagna suit everyone from honeymooners to bucket-and spade families, or budding chefs to art historians.
The best places to stay in Emilia Romagna for foodies include Parma and Modena, and our Gurus recommend Ferrara, Ravenna and capital Bologna to anyone looking for a city break with a cultural edge. While Rimini has the beach. Emilia Romagna’s food and cars are exported, but the graceful architecture and incredible countryside require a visit, and are surprisingly little known.