Emilia-Romagna Car Hire

Guide of Emilia-Romagna

Geography

Emilia Romagna is located in north-central Italy. It encompasses the provinces of Bologna, Forli, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Ravenna, Reggio nell’Emilia and Rimini. The region stretches from the Adriatic Sea in the east to the Ligurian and Tuscan Apennines in the west and south. With the exception of the River Po, most of the region’s main rivers trickle down from the mountains.

Climate in Emilia-Romagna

Emilia Romagna has a mild continental climate, though the height of summer can be hot and muggy. Temperatures average 30.3°C in July (the hottest month) and 6.3°C in January (the coldest month). July is the least rainy month with six days of rain, while April is the rainiest with an average of 10 days of rain.

There’s no bad time to travel to Emilia Romagna, though for guaranteed sunshine you may want to visit in July and August. It’s quieter too, since many city folks will escape to the seaside or mountains. Late spring and early autumn are both pleasant times to travel, thanks to milder temperatures too.

Culture

Emilia Romagna takes its name from the ancient Roman road, Via Aemilia. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 6th century, the Lombards founded the kingdom of Lombardy and the region known as Emilia flourished. After a brief period under Byzantine rule, it became part of the province of the Holy Roman Empire, with its major cities ruled by leading dynasties. As a result, the region’s bustling towns became intellectual and cultural hubs, home to rich art, culture and architecture – much of which remains today. UNESCO has designated Ferrara, Modena and Ravenna as heritage sites and cities of art, while Parma is a UNESCO creative city for gastronomy.

Things To Do in Emilia-Romagna

Visit the Enzo Ferrari museum

Enzo Ferrari was born and grew up in Modena and this sprawling museum, located just outside of the city, is dedicated to his life and work. The 2,500-metre space showcases some of the brand’s most iconic vehicles, as well as manufacturing processes. You even drive a Ferrari Formula 1 single-seater around one of the most famous tracks in the world.

Learn how to make real gelato at the Carpigiani Gelato Museum

Carpigiani Gelato Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to this frozen dessert. As well as a 1000 sq. metre museum, there’s a gelateria on site where you can sample daily specials. Since 2003, the museum has run a University of Bologna-accredited course, where you can learn how to make your own gelato under expert guidance.

Meander around Modena

The self-titled ‘spiritual capital’ of Emilia is home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, the late Pavarotti and balsamic vinegar. If that’s not enough, the cathedral – now a Unesco World Heritage Site – is one of the finest Romanesque buildings in Italy.

Stroll along pretty porticoes in Bologna

Bologna boasts some 40 km of covered porticoes, which have gained UNESCO World Heritage status. These range from the tiny Via Senza to the monumental Portico di San Luca, a 4km portico that stretches all the way to San Luca Basilica on top of the hill. The city is also home to the oldest university in Europe, as well as dozens of prestigious museums and galleries like the Pinacoteca Nazionale.

Eating Out in Emilia-Romagna

Emilia Romagna is Italy’s most famous food region and the so-called ‘Food Valley’ is its crowning jewel. It’s where you’ll find some of the world’s most favourite culinary specialities, including Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Parma ham, traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena, tagliatelle and tortellini. It’s also the birthplace of tagliatelle al ragu, better known as spag bol (though don’t call it that in front of the locals!). Each province has its own specialities, so many people choose to embark on a foodie road trip as a way to explore the region. Given that it is a rich region, many dishes tend to be meat-based though vegetarians are well catered for too.

When it comes to good restaurants, bars and osteria, there are literally thousands to choose from. In fact, Osteria Francescana in Modena has twice been named the best restaurant in the world. For a culinary introduction to the region, you could visit FICO Eataly World, the only theme park in the world dedicated to Italian food. It brings together food, wine, nature and entertainment under one roof, with 30 multimedia rides, seven themed areas, 26 restaurants and kiosks, food factories and events.

Transport

Airport

There are three international airports in Emilia Romagna: Bologna, Parma and Rimini. Bologna airport is the largest in the region and is the main stopover for international travellers. Dozens of international airlines serve the airport, including Ryanair, Lufthansa, Alitalia and KLM. Rimini Federico Fellini Airport, which is named after the Italian filmmaker, is the region’s second-largest airport. It is situated 8 km from Rimini city centre. Parma is the smallest airport, though international airlines do offer seasonal flights here. It’s located just 5 km from the city centre.

Getting Around Emilia-Romagna

Buses and trains connect most major towns and cities, but for a more leisurely trip, we recommend hiring a car. That way, you’ll be able to explore the region’s rural scenery, from farmyards to vineyards, as well as its showstopping cities.