Emilia on-the-road: Must-See Places
Have you decided to use your vacation to go on a four-wheeled adventure? In this article, we suggest some of the must-see stops during a hypothetical on-the-road tour of Emilia, including the best times to visit.
Emilia on-the-road: the recommended itinerary
What can you see in Emilia during your car trip? There are many historic routes you can follow by car to explore the local artistic heritage in a relaxed and engaging way, but the most famous is undoubtedly the Via Emilia route. This route crosses ancient Roman settlements and medieval castles, starting from Piacenza and winding through historic cities such as Parma, Bologna, and Imola, eventually reaching Rimini in Romagna.
In Piacenza, you can enjoy the architectural beauty of the historic center with its Palazzo Farnese and the Cathedral of San Antonino, while the Natural History Museum always offers interesting exhibitions for enthusiasts of the genre. In Parma, don’t miss a visit to the Duomo and the Baptistery, true masterpieces of Romanesque architecture, and be sure to visit the National Gallery, which houses works by artists like Correggio and Parmigianino.
In Bologna, you will be amazed by the solemn charm of the medieval center, with its towers, porticoes, and the ancient University. Further south, Imola, though slightly off the main Via Emilia route, is easily reachable and represents an interesting stop thanks to its history and attractions, such as the Rocca Sforzesca, a medieval castle with beautiful gardens and a panoramic view of the city, the Scarabelli Museum dedicated to local history and art, and of course, the motor racing circuit.
The best season to visit Emilia
Spring (from March to the end of May) and autumn (especially September and October) are the ideal seasons to visit Emilia. The climate is mild, there are fewer tourists, and you can better enjoy the local attractions and cuisine. A particular travel suggestion could be an autumn tour of Emilia to appreciate all the colors of the foliage; in this case, you can extend your plans beyond October. In Val Tidone, among the Piacenza hills, or around the Castles of Canossa in the province of Reggio Emilia, or even in the Regional Park of Gessi Bolognesi, you will find panoramic trails immersed in vibrant colors.
However, if you want to organize your trip to Emilia during August, you can combine city exploration with some beach stops: the region's temperatures reach very high peaks compared to the average in Northern Italy. Along the Emilian stretch of the regional coast, you can find some quiet beaches near the Po Delta, such as those on the Island of Love and Comacchio, where unspoiled nature and lagoon landscapes offer a different kind of experience. These areas are perfect for those seeking relaxation away from the crowd.
Have you already decided on the trip you want to take but need a vehicle to get around (with air conditioning, if traveling in summer)? You can turn to one of the Locauto offices:
Or consult the page dedicated to car rentals in Emilia and Romagna for a comprehensive and always updated overview of our offices.
