Emilia Romagna suggested itineraries

For this itinerary, it's the SS16 highway which guides us through the gentle scenery of the Riviera Romagnola. The Riviera officially starts at Cattolica, almost on the border with Italy's Marche region and the province of Pesaro. This is where the Natural Park of Monte San Bartolo is located, an area which attracts a great number of bird watchers but also those interested in history and archaeology, thanks to the presence of age-old sites such as Monte Castellano and Colombarone.

Cattolica, with a population of circa 15.000, shares many of the characteristics of the other towns on the Riviera; offering visitors a vast choice of hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs, all close to the sea and the various bathing establishments. The principal streets are lined with every kind of shop and boutique. Cattolica is home to one of the most fascinating sites in Emilia Romagna; the "Le Navi" aquarium. An unforgettable experience for both young and old, Cattolica's aquarium with its underwater laboratories, and enormous show tanks, provides the habitat for thousands of species of marine creatures.

The towns of the Riviera have constituted the chosen destination for holiday makers from every corner of the globe for over a century. Today, a great part of the visitors to the area are of Northern European and, in particular, German origin. In addition to the mild climate and the warm hospitality offered by the local people, guests to the Riviera Romagnola are attracted by the extensive range of leisure facilities available here, from golf to cooking courses, not to mention the area's renowned nightlife.

Two of the most fashionable resorts are those of Bellaria and Igea Marina; both in the province of Rimini, and reached via the Adriatica highway, which runs parallel to the coast. One of the most interesting places to visit is the old port: workplace of the local fishermen and a hub of activity since the late 19th century. Colorful flowerbeds and subtropical plants adorn the pedestrian area of Bellaria, known as the Isola dei Platani and a popular shopping district. Not to be missed, the Torre Saracena: the watch tower erected in 1673 with the aim of defending the town from Pirate attack.

Moving away from the coast, travelling just few kilometers inland, we come to San Mauro Pascoli where the poet Giovanni Pascoli was born. Another important town is that of Savignano sul Rubicone. In Roman times, the Rubicone river marked the boundary between Roman territory and that of the Gallia Cispalina.

Turning back towards the coast we take time for a brief tour of Cesenatico, one of the most popular locations on the Riviera. The district traditionally inhabited by the fishermen, with its brightly painted little cottages, is well worthy of visit. Before the arrival of the tourist boom, the area's economy relied heavily on fishing and, in particular, the trading of eels, mussels, clams, and squid, all of which are major protagonists in the area's cuisine. Cesenatico's port-canal, now a major tourist attraction, was designed by none other than the great Leonardo di Vinci, who was employed by Cesare Borgia to improve the existing structure in 1502.

Travelling Northwards, we arrive at Cervia, a well known bathing resort. In the past, the town's economy was largely based on the commerce of the salt extracted from the salt marshes of Cervia, now transformed in Nature Reserve and easily reached via the Salaria highroad. The reserve is a stunning natural oasis, home to numerous aquatic birds and providing the Southern gateway to the Park of the Delta of the River Po. The ancient techniques of salt production are illustrated by the Camillone Salt Mine and the 17th century salt works where today's Salt Museum is located. Here, among the other exhibits, we find an example of burchiella a flat bottomed metal boat boasting a capacity for some 80 tons of salt.

Just a few kilometers away we come to Cervia's Milano Marittima, created in the early 20th century as innovative tourist and leisure facility. Today, Milano Marittima is a popular destination for the younger generations, attracted by the proliferation of discotheques, open until the early hours of the morning. Beyond Milano Marittima lie a succession of bathing establishments; Savio, Classe, Dante and Adriano, ideal for those wishing to enjoy moments of complete relaxation.

Close to the Classe bathing establishment there is the Classe Pinewood which extends for some 900 hectares and provides the ideal natural habitat for a great variety of botanical species including holm and bay oaks, pine and hornbeam. There are numerous paths through the woods to be followed on foot or by bike, leading to clearings with well-equipped picnic areas. Just a few hundred meters away lies Italy's answer to Disneyland; the Mirabilandia fun park.

Finally, we come to Marina di Ravenna, the most celebrated of the area's beach resorts, where musical events held directly on the sandy beaches are a nightly occurrence. Punta Marina, with its water's edge thermal center, offers guests the opportunity to reap the benefits of the mild coastal climate, the warm sea water, and the glorious Italian sun.