🇮🇹Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna offers families the full Italian package: Adriatic beaches, medieval cities, world-famous food, and Motor Valley adventures all in one region.

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Your family guide

Emilia-Romagna with kids: beaches, bolognese, and a whole lot of wow

“Where every meal feels like a celebration and every piazza tells a story your kids will never forget.”

— San & Jo

Emilia-Romagna is one of those regions that quietly does everything well. From the long sandy beaches of the Riviera Romagnola to the medieval towers of Bologna and the golden plains stretching toward the Apennine Mountains, this northern Italian region packs an extraordinary range of experiences into one family holiday. And yes, the food really is as good as everyone says.

Your family will find a different pace here compared to the tourist-heavy hotspots of Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast. The cities feel lived-in and real, the locals are genuinely proud of what they make and cook, and there is a warmth to everyday life that makes travelling with kids feel easy and welcome. Bologna, Modena, Ferrara, Ravenna, and Parma each have their own distinct character worth exploring.

Whether your ideal holiday involves building sandcastles on the Adriatic, wandering UNESCO-listed mosaics in Ravenna, or watching your children eat their first proper tagliatelle al ragù in the city where it was invented, Emilia-Romagna delivers. It is the kind of place that surprises you, and then makes you want to come back.

Northern ItalyAdriatic coast to Apennine mountains

Best April to OctoberHot summers, mild spring and autumn

Mid-range to premiumGreat value outside peak summer

Cities and places in Emilia-Romagna

2 places

Bologna

Bologna is one of Italy's most rewarding family destinations: walkable, historic, and home to some of the world's finest food.

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Rimini

Rimini combines Adriatic beaches with a walkable historic centre full of Roman ruins, Renaissance architecture, and the legacy of Federico Fellini. A genuinely rewarding family de…

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What makes it special

Why families keep coming back to Emilia-Romagna

Italy's real food capital

Emilia-Romagna is home to Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella, balsamic vinegar from Modena, and fresh egg pasta in more shapes than you can count. Eating here is not just a meal, it is a full family experience rooted in generations of artisanal pride.

Beaches the whole family loves

The Riviera Romagnola stretches along the Adriatic with long sandy beaches, shallow water ideal for young swimmers, and lively seaside towns. Rimini is the buzzing hub, while Cesenatico offers a quieter, more charming alternative with picturesque canals and an authentic village feel.

Medieval cities with real stories

Bologna's red-brick arcades, Ferrara's Renaissance streets, and Ravenna's glittering Byzantine mosaics give your family a living history lesson that no textbook can match. These are cities where the past is woven into daily life, not locked behind velvet ropes.

Motor Valley magic

Emilia-Romagna is the birthplace of Ferrari and Lamborghini. A visit to the Museo Ferrari near Modena is a genuine highlight for car-loving kids and parents alike, sitting at the heart of what locals proudly call Motor Valley.

Mountains, valleys, and open space

Beyond the cities and coast, the Apennine Mountains offer fresh air, hiking trails, and a slower pace. The fertile plains in between are dotted with farms, vineyards, and small towns that reward families who take the time to explore off the main route.

Your kind of holiday

Sun, sand, and gelato on the Riviera

The Adriatic coast is built for summer family holidays. Long sandy beaches, calm shallow water, beach clubs with sunbeds and umbrellas, and a lively seaside atmosphere make this one of Italy's most popular family beach destinations. Rimini anchors the strip, and Cesenatico is a lovely, less-crowded alternative.

City breaks packed with culture and pasta

Bologna, Modena, Ferrara, Ravenna, and Parma are all compact, walkable, and genuinely fascinating for families. Each city has its own UNESCO-listed sites, historic markets, and food traditions. The Quadrilatero market in Bologna alone is worth a morning of exploration with curious kids.

Active adventures across the region

Emilia-Romagna rewards active families. Cycle the flat plains around Ferrara, hike the Apennine trails, or take a scenic drive through Motor Valley stopping at legendary car museums. The varied landscape means there is always something physical and memorable to do beyond the beach or the piazza.

Did you know?

Things your kids will love knowing about Emilia-Romagna

Ferrari was born here

The legendary Ferrari car brand was founded in Maranello, a small town in Emilia-Romagna. The region is also home to Lamborghini, earning it the nickname Motor Valley. Your kids can see real racing cars up close at the Museo Ferrari near Modena.

The recipe for bolognese is officially registered

In 1982, the Italian Academy of Cuisine officially registered the authentic recipe for tagliatelle al ragù with the Bologna Chamber of Commerce. Locals are very serious about it, and it is never, ever served with spaghetti.

Ravenna's mosaics are over 1,500 years old

The stunning Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna were created in the 5th and 6th centuries and are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tiny coloured tiles that make up these incredible images are called tesserae, and millions of them cover the walls and ceilings of Ravenna's ancient buildings.

Taste Emilia-Romagna

What to eat with your family in Emilia-Romagna

Tagliatelle al ragù

This is the real bolognese, made with fresh egg pasta and a slow-cooked meat sauce that has been simmering for hours. It is a Sunday family tradition in Bologna and one of the most comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes you will find anywhere in Italy.

Kids love it

Piadina

A soft, warm flatbread filled with prosciutto, cheese, or grilled vegetables, piadina is the street food of Romagna. It is simple, quick, filling, and easy for kids to hold and eat on the go. You will find it everywhere along the coast and in town centres.

Daily treat

Tortellini in brodo

Tiny pasta parcels stuffed with pork, mortadella, prosciutto, and Parmigiano Reggiano, served in a clear golden broth. This is considered the jewel of Emilian cooking and a Christmas staple. Even children who are usually fussy about soup tend to love this one.

Must try

Parmigiano Reggiano

The king of Italian cheeses comes from right here. You can visit farms and dairies in the Parma and Reggio Emilia area to see how it is made, and most kids are surprised by how much they enjoy it when they taste it fresh. Look for the youngest wheels for a milder flavour.

Local favourite

Cappellacci di zucca

These pumpkin-filled pasta parcels from Ferrara are sweet, soft, and gently flavoured, making them one of the more approachable pasta dishes for younger or more cautious eaters. Usually served with butter and sage, they are a lovely introduction to regional pasta beyond bolognese.

Safe choice