Emilia Romagna lies between the River Po to its north and the Apennine Mountains to the south and offers the diversity of mountains and coast. On the Romagna Riviera you’ll find the longest beach in Europe, as well as the famous town of Rimini. The region has no less than 2 national parks, 14 regional parks and 11 regional reserves making it an ideal place for nature lovers.
The region is also famous for its cuisine. Parma is, of course, famous for its ham and Parmigiano cheese, but wherever you go in Emilia Romagna you’re sure of great food. Like all of Italy, the region is also chock full of stunning architecture, art and historical sites with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The beautiful coastline of the region is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Rimini is a seaside resort, with plenty of other things to do if you want a break from the seaside. Visit the Museo della Citta for an introduction to ancient Roman daily life – kids can put on costumes to properly play the part! Next door is the Domus del Chirugo (the Surgeon’s House) where the ruins preserve exquisite mosaics on the floors. And finally, visit the Roman amphitheatre, which is almost as big as the Colosseum in Rome.
With so many beautiful parks in the region you’ll find a host of outdoor activities available. Try your hand at mountain biking, orienteering, horse riding or even snow tubing! Forestavventura Adventure Park in Pratospilla has 14 adventure courses suspended in the trees, with zip lines, hanging tubes, rope bridges and many other games, with routes suitable for children aged 4 and up. Or visit Cimone Adventure Park in Sestola where you can climb trees, ride zip wires, snow tube, ride mini quad bikes and bobsleighs or try out a game of laser combat.
Animal lovers will enjoy the Cattolica Aquarium, housed inside buildings from the 1930s. The aquarium houses more than 400 different species, including sharks, penguins, otters, stingrays, jellyfish and many species of tropical fish. Kids will love the ‘touch’ tank, where you can touch the stingrays! Or visit Safari Ravenna – a ‘zero impact’ animal park that allows visitors to see around 700 animals and 100 different species up close and without cages.
Just next to the safari park is Mirabilandia, the largest theme park in Italy. Divided into five themed areas, there’s plenty to keep the entire family happy. There are plenty of rollercoasters for the thrill seekers and whole areas dedicated to the younger members of the family. During summer the park also opens Mirabeach – an aquatic park with a white sand beach, lagoons, pools and slides.
Fly to either Bologna with a variety of airlines including EasyJet, Ryanair or British Airways.
Family friendly campsites
Punta Marina Terme, Marina
Surrounded by a pine forest and with direct access to a private sandy beach, Camping Marina campsite is a lovely site for the whole family to enjoy. The site has an outdoor swimming pool and separate children's pool as well as a relaxation pool with hydro massage area. The beach offers water and beach sports, a playground and a restaurant and bar. You can hire bikes to explore the local area, or take a short walk to the nearby spa resort of Punta Marina.
Lido di Spina, Mare e Pineta
Camping Mare e Pineta campsite is set in beautiful woodland and is only 200 metres from a private sandy beach on the Adriatic coast. The site has two outdoor swimming pools, a spa and fitness centre and a host of activities, including bike hire, archery and tennis. You can even try out surfing or canoeing at the beach free of charge. During high season there's a children's club and separate teenagers' club, plus plenty of evening entertainment.
Cesenatico, Pineta sul Mare
Camping Pineta sul Mare is a peaceful campsite on the Romagna coast. The site has access to a private sandy beach just 500 metres away, and emplacements are set amongst pine trees, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The excellent facilities include three swimming pools, restaurant, pizzeria, grocery shop, beauty salon and fitness centre, and guests also have full access to the services of the adjacent Cesenatico Camping Village.
Lido Delle Nazioni, Tahiti
Camping Tahiti campsite is set in the Provence of Ferrara and has its own private beach, equipped with sun loungers and beach bar. The beach is only 800 metres from the site and can be reached by a small train that's free for guests. On site the impressive pool complex has an Olympic-sized pool, a lagoon pool with children's pool and poolside snack bar, and a Mediterranean-style pool with large sun terrace. Adults will enjoy the spa facilities and beauty treatments on offer at the spa, and there's plenty of sports tournaments, games and evening entertainment for the whole family.
Punta Marina Terme, Adriano
Camping Adriano campsite is set in a beautiful pine forest and is just 250 metres from a gorgeous white sandy beach. There's a fantastic pool complex with a swimming pool, paddling pool and jacuzzi as well as table tennis, boules and a great playground for the kids. The site also has a lot to keep the whole family entertained with various kids clubs, activities in the pool and events in the evenings. You can also hire bikes to explore the lovely surrounding area.
Lido di Spina, Club del Sole Spina
Camping Club del Sole Spina campsite is set in the heart of the beautiful Po Delta, Europe's biggest wetlands and is surrounded by ancient pinewood trees. A private sandy beach is just 250 metres from the site, accessed by a walking path through the trees. Why not play a game of beach tennis or beach volleyball, or simply relax on the sand? The site's pool complex includes a swimming pool, children's pool, water slides, sauna and jacuzzi. There are a good range of facilities on site with a restaurant, takeaway, grocery, children's club and fitness centre, as well as evening entertainment.
