Why is Emilia-Romagna a hidden gem of Italy for Russian tourists?

About the author

Vyacheslav Nedogonov represents Ventura Immobilari Construczioni in Russia and the post-Soviet space. If you have any questions...

The beauty of the Adriatic.

Beyond dreams of wide and pristine golden beaches that come to life on the stunning Adriatic coast, the water here is distinguished by its crystal-clear waves and smooth surface, thanks to specially installed protective barriers. Swimming in these waters, one has the chance to observe playful flying fish frolicking on the surface. Nearby, there are cozy little houses called villetas, surrounded by palm and olive trees. In the middle of the day, the air is filled with the delightful aroma of freshly cooked fish, creating an atmosphere of true celebration. If you climb to a higher point, mesmerizing views of the magnificent Apennine mountains, shrouded in a light haze in the distance, unfold before you.

Emilia-Romagna

This amazing territory is called Emilia-Romagna — it is one of the most picturesque and developing tourist regions in Italy, attracting vacationers, renters, and investors not only from Europe but also from other parts of the world. However, for tourists from Russia, this area unfortunately remains relatively unknown, as Russian travelers are quite rare here.

For a long time, these lands changed little, with only a few small fishing villages with reed-lined shores, such as Porto Garibaldi, maintaining their idyllic charm. In the 1960s and 70s, Italy's economy was not in the best shape, and it was only in the 1980s that government authorities began to actively develop these areas as a tourist destination.

Shopping in Emilia-Romagna

If you are a shopping enthusiast, then Emilia-Romagna will be a true paradise for you. In this northern Italian region, the variety of shops and boutiques rivals that of famous places likeMilan andRome. For example:

• On Viale Carducci in Lido degli Estensi, there are boutiques of well-known brands such as Fendi, Armani, Biagiotti, and Moschino.
• In Ferrara, you can visit Garibaldi Street, which also has many boutiques and shops.
• Every Saturday, there are markets in Trento Square in Trieste, where products, antiques, clothing, and many other goods are offered.

Bologna and Faenza

Bologna welcomes its guests with a wide selection of boutiques on the streets of Rizzoli, d'Azeglio, Farini, and Castiglione. The unique ceramics of Faenza attract the attention of tourists, and here you can find the best shops and an international ceramics museum showcasing the creations of artisans from all over Italy.

For sale enthusiasts, it's worth noting that they take place twice a year: from January 7 to March and from July to September.

Improvements and development of the region

Since then, a lot has been done to improve the beaches, as well as to open numerous restaurants and cafes, which brings joy to vacationers. It is important to note that the region has started the construction of wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring the cleanliness of the local waters.Unlike many other Italian regions and abroad, wastewater in Emilia-Romagna is not discharged into the sea.Lido di Spina is known for its beautiful beaches, which provide an unforgettable vacation.

Large-scale housing construction

In addition, large-scale housing construction began, and it was not really necessary to demolish old buildings — everything was built anew, creating typical Italian residential complexes. These changes significantly improved the quality of life for local residents and created attractive conditions for tourists who choose this wonderful corner of Italy as a vacation destination.

Introduction

In most cases, we are talking about villas that are two or three stories high, each surrounded by a cozy garden and a parking area. Typically, these houses contain four or five separate apartments, each with its own private entrance. Initially, such properties continued to be in demand, especially those with pools and terraces offering panoramic views of the coast.

The development of a unique city style

Over time, each settlement in this region began to develop its cultural identity. Elite resorts appeared on the map, particularly Lido degli Estensi. Porto Garibaldi, for its part, transformed into a picturesque cultural center with a rich gastronomic offering. New cities in the region saw active construction, and many of them started to carry the prefix "lido," which translates to "shore" in Italian.

Popular resorts of Emilia-Romagna

The most popular resort on the Emilia-Romagna coast is Lido di Volano. This resort is located in a picturesque spot where the Po River flows into the Adriatic Sea, forming a delightful delta. Here, you can find the Po Delta National Park, which features well-organized beaches, a variety of restaurants, and bars offering local cuisine.

• Lido delle NazioniA well-known resort that offers excellent opportunities for active recreation for both young people and families with children. It features a modern thermal complex and has facilities for water sports and horseback riding.
• Lido di Pomposa and Lido degli ScacchiTranquil spots, perfect for family vacations. Their coastline is sheltered from strong storms, and the beaches are equipped with playgrounds.
• Porto Garibaldian ancient fishing village known for its variety of seafood dishes and restaurants that serve fresh seafood.

Luxury resorts

Lido degli Estensi and Lido di Spina are considered high-class resorts with spacious sandy beaches, perfectly suited for a comfortable vacation. Here, you can find elite boutiques and shops, as well as outlets offering goods for every taste.

Development of housing by the sea

Since the 1980s, active construction of multi-story buildings with improved layouts and townhouses began in this region. Developers focused on the so-called casa al mare, which translates to "houses by the sea." However, in our understanding, these are more like apartments. Italian families from the inland often bought or rented such apartments for the summer months.

They would come here on weekends to enjoy swimming in the sea, often visiting their elderly parents and bringing their children along. Since the early 2000s, the concept of vacationing in a seaside house has been rapidly gaining popularity.

Uniqueness of the region

The uniqueness of Emilia-Romagna lies in the fact that nowhere else in Italy is it so easy to build such seaside houses. This is because in almost all regions of the country, from Sicily in the south to San Remo in the north, similar projects are difficult to implement. This circumstance gives the region its distinctive charm and makes it a truly unique place for a vacation.

In recent years, interest in the Italian real estate market has noticeably increased, attracting the attention of investors and potential buyers from around the world. One particularly appealing option is purchasing property in the country's popular resort areas. For example, with a budget of 100,000 to 300,000 euros, one can become the owner of a comfortable apartment or house. Townhouses, which are perfect for family vacations, are especially worth highlighting.

These residential complexes usually have several levels, each serving its own special function. The first level often features a cozy garden with olive trees and flowers, creating an atmosphere of harmony and tranquility. The second level typically houses the kitchen, which includes a dining area and leads to a spacious terrace equipped with a gas barbecue and a washing machine. The third level is designated for bedrooms, which can be for both adults and children, and have their own terraces. Each apartment on the market varies in size, location, and number of bedrooms, which of course affects the overall cost of the properties.

Amazing views and unique offers

If you look at the coastline from above, a magnificent landscape unfolds: this region is abundant with beach resorts and cozy homes. For example, Emilia-Romagna offers a variety of properties for purchase. Let's take a look at some of them.

• Farm in PiacenzaThe cost of which is 1,100,000 euros. This agritourism property covers an area of 300 square meters and is located in an accessible area relative to the major cities of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. It is suitable for both personal residence and business operations.
• Villa near BolognaPresented for €1,280,000, this villa has a total area of 480 square meters and features its own garden, spanning three levels. It includes a bright and spacious living room with a fireplace and access to the garden, a kitchen, and two master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.
• An amazing villa for 1,300,000 eurosDating back to the 17th century, it covers an area of 1123 square meters. A luxurious avenue lined with cypress trees leads to the entrance. Its elevated location provides a fantastic view of the surrounding landscapes, and the well-maintained park spans one hectare.
• Villa in Reggio EmiliaOffered for 1,450,000 euros. This spacious residence covers an area of 800 square meters and is located in the picturesque hilly region of Emilia-Romagna. It has been beautifully restored using high-quality materials.

Thus, the Italian real estate market continues to be attractive due to the variety of offerings and the unique living opportunities it provides.

In the picturesque Italian province of Parma, an outstanding and luxurious villa is for sale for an impressive sum of €1,750,000. This historic building was constructed in the early twentieth century and is rightfully considered a true architectural gem. The total area of the building reaches 850 square meters, including two floors and an attic.

The first level is designed in a circular layout, combining the hallway, dining room, kitchen, and a spacious living room. The villa's interior features 12 bedrooms, each offering a view of...

Villa in Modena

There is also a wonderful villa on display in Modena, priced at €2,000,000. This luxurious mansion with refined design is located in Sestola, which is in the Emilia-Romagna region. Built in 1930, this four-level house covers an area of approximately 671 square meters and is surrounded by a private garden of 1,840 square meters.

The aesthetics and finishing of this mansion perfectly reflect the characteristics of the region, with vibrant beam ceilings, oak floors, and stone elements...

Luxurious villa in Parma

An equally impressive villa is valued at €2,800,000 and is located in the heart of Parma, with a history dating back to the 17th century, surrounded by a picturesque green park. This magnificent building includes:

• an exquisite residence,
• a charming little tower,
• family chapel.

A cozy veranda with three arches creates a unique atmosphere for outdoor relaxation, and nearby is a terrace with a stunning view of the surrounding landscapes...

Medieval castle in Cortemaggiore

In the vicinity of Piacenza, in the picturesque town of Cortemaggiore, there is also a unique opportunity to purchase a medieval castle, listed for sale at €2,900,000. This historic property with a tower was built in the 13th century and underwent a major renovation in 2008.

At the moment, it operates as a hotel. The castle has an impressive internal area of 3,700 square meters, offering 25 bedrooms and...

An elegant estate in Bologna

Don't miss out on the estate in Bologna listed for €3,650,000. This elegant property, located in a hilly area, is in close proximity to the cities of Bologna and Modena. This stunning estate consists of:

• two historical buildings,
• surrounding terraces,
• a garden with a plot of land measuring 5 hectares.

After the renovation in 2019, this property can be used as luxurious private housing or for commercial purposes, opening up wide opportunities...

An alternative in Modena

In Modena, there is also a similar estate available for the same amount of €3,650,000, and it has similar features to the previously mentioned property. Located in a picturesque area, this estate includes two historic buildings and is surrounded by a beautiful garden with terraces.

This is an excellent option for those looking for a unique investment opportunity or striving to create their perfect corner in beautiful Italy. Being an ideal place for relaxation or business, these properties impress with their luxury and originality.

Luxurious villa in Modena

In the picturesque area of Modena, which beautifully combines the culture of Italy, a luxurious villa is for sale at a price of 3,900,000 euros. This magnificent estate covers an extensive area of 900 square meters and is situated on a beautiful property betweenTuscany and Emilia-Romagna.

The villa, built from high-quality stone around 1920, consists of two separate buildings. On the surrounding grounds, you will find an extensive fruit orchard, various terraces, and an impressive swimming pool, creating the perfect conditions for relaxation and complete immersion in nature.

Villa in Parma

Moving towards Parma, one can notice another attractive offer — a villa priced at 4,200,000 euros.

Villa in Emilia-Romagna andTuscany

The villa, presented by Mercury Group for 4,900,000 euros, is located in a magnificent area between two picturesque regions of Italy: Emilia-Romagna andTuscany. This outstanding 17th-century mansion covers an impressive area of 1,200 square meters and is currently for sale. The architectural structure of the villa is organized around a secluded inner courtyard and currently operates as a luxurious agritourism hotel. The building has three floors, in addition to a basement level that houses numerous amenities.

Gorgeous properties in Forlì-Cesena

In the same region, in Forlì-Cesena, two prestigious properties are for sale, located in the very center of the city, near Piazza Centrale. Both properties are situated in a historic 19th-century building and have areas of 300 and 190 square meters, respectively.

• First sentence— a stylish residence consisting of three floors.
• Second sentence— a space that is used as an office.

The entrance to the apartment leads into a cozy living room with an elegant fireplace, featuring comfortable nooks for entertaining guests.

Apartments in Milano Marittima

In Milano Marittima, located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, elegant apartments with an area of 196 square meters have been put on the market, situated in close proximity to the beach. This three-level property features a charming courtyard. One of the interesting highlights is the tall pine tree that seamlessly integrates into the landscape through an opening in the terrace, creating a unique atmosphere of warmth and coziness.

A stunning villa in the vicinity of Ravenna

Also, in the vicinity of Ravenna, a luxurious villa is for sale, covering an area of 700 square meters with a pool on a 16,000 square meter plot. It is located just three kilometers from the historic center of Faenza and consists of three separate buildings. The elegant interior, spacious rooms, and well-maintained grounds with a pool make this villa truly unique and desirable.

Popularity of the region

Since the early 2000s, Emilia-Romagna has attracted numerous tourists from all over Europe looking for accommodation for their summer holidays. Many visitors prefer not to stay in hotels but to seek out apartments with a sea view, allowing them to enjoy privacy and a sense of freedom. The opportunity to spend summer vacations with a private garden, sun loungers, and a pool, rather than sharing comfort with hotel guests, truly appeals to people. There is also the option to quickly bike to the local store for fresh bread or quality salami.

Difficulties in choosing housing

However, it is important to consider some challenges that may arise in this region. Not all tourists who value a comfortable vacation will be able to easily find suitable accommodation, as large resort hotels in Emilia-Romagna are quite rare. There are only a few along the coast, which creates certain difficulties for tourists accustomed to this type of lodging.

Therefore, those looking for a peaceful family vacation with comfort in nature may want to consider the alternative options offered by this region. The variety of available accommodations can be quite appealing, providing an excellent opportunity for an unforgettable holiday in Italy.

Hotel business in Emilia-Romagna

In the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, there is a low level of hotel construction compared to other regions, and there are reasons for this. People coming to this area often prefer to stay in apartments. This approach turns out to be much more economical. For example, hotel room prices during peak season can reach200-300 eurosfor the night, the rental of an apartment for the summer period can cost as little as4500-6000 eurosIn recent years, hotels in the "bed and breakfast" format have started to actively develop in this region. However, this type of accommodation is more focused on partial use of kitchen facilities rather than traditional hotel services.

Family vacation by the coast

Emilia-Romagna, located on the Adriatic coast, is one of the main tourist areas for family vacations. It features magnificent beaches with gentle entries into the sea, making them ideal for small children, as there are plenty of sandy areas along the shore. Additionally, there are play zones for toddlers, children's clubs, and cafes and restaurants offer special children's menus.

Amusement parks

On the coast, you can find many themed amusement parks that will bring joy to both children and adults. The most famous of them isMirabilandia Park, which occupies an area850,000 square metersand offers a wide range of attractions for visitors of all ages. For the youngest children, there are play areas such as:

• "Oltaland";
• “Dino Park”;
• Mirabilandia Beach.

Fiabilandia Parkis another significant attraction and serves as a sort of Italian equivalent of Disneyland, aimed at a young audience. Underwater world enthusiasts can visit the dolphinariums in Rimini and Riccione, where exciting shows with marine mammals take place, and you can learn a lot about marine fauna. Those interested in culture and history can visitthe park "Italy in Miniature", which is located in Rimini and covers85,000 square metersHere you can see reduced copies of more.270 famous architectural masterpiecesIn Italy and Europe, including the Venetian palaces, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum, Roman fountains, and Mount Etna. Children walking around here are sure to have a lot of positive emotions from their vacation!

Festivals and holidays

In addition, the region is famous for its holidays and festivals held in the cities of Ferrara and Comacchio, where there are interesting events for both children and adults. One of the most popular celebrations is...“Palio of Saint George”, which starts on the first Saturday of May and ends on the last Sunday of spring. This vibrant event features colorful parades, sports competitions for young participants, donkey races, and horse racing.

Another noteworthy event isInternational Kite Festival "Aquiloni Vulandra", taking place in the Giorgio Bassani park withApril 21 to 25This festival is part of the celebration of City Day, which the residents of Ferrara celebrate.April 23Each of these events brings joy and inspiration to both adults and children, turning a holiday in Emilia-Romagna into an unforgettable adventure.

Summer events in Ferrara

Ferrara is an amazing place where various events take place in the summer. In particular, there are two significant music festivals that attract both regional and international artists. The "Ferrara Sotto le Stelle" festival kicks off in late spring, in May or early June, and runs until July, while the "Ferrara Buskers Festival" takes place in August, creating an atmosphere of musical warmth and fun in the city center.

Balloon Festival

In addition, in mid-September, locals and tourists can witness the "Ferrara Balloons Festival," when the sky fills with colorful hot air balloons for ten days. This event brings a lot of joy and excitement to everyone who has the chance to see it.

The Eel Festival in Comacchio

An important part of the cultural life of the region is the festival dedicated to the burbot –“Eel Festival”...which takes place in Comacchio at the end of September. During this time, chefs from all around prepare a variety of dishes based on eel, which is considered a true culinary highlight of the region. The constant eel delicacies are complemented by risotto, brodetto, and numerous methods of preparing eel – from frying to grilling. The eel celebration is harmoniously intertwined with events dedicated to:

• To truffles
• Gorgonzola cheese
• Young wine

This gives it a special charm and appeal.

Interest of Russians in real estate

In the early 2010s, Russians also began to show interest in real estate in this picturesque region. Our company, aiming to better serve Russian clients, opened a special sector in the Russian language. Before 2014, many Russian families started purchasing apartments in this coastal area, and some even chose them for summer vacations.

New air service

It should be noted that a new air route between Moscow and Bologna has been established during this time. Now, it is possible to reach the coast of Bologna quickly thanks to the modern highway that runs through Ferrara. Considering that most Italian resorts require transfers, the creation of such a route with quality roads significantly simplifies travel and increases interest among Russian real estate buyers. The travel time from an apartment in Moscow to a property in Italy is only three to four hours, which is very fast compared to the traffic jams that can be encountered on the suburban routes.

Airports in the Emilia-Romagna region

The airports in the Emilia-Romagna region and the nearby air gateways offer good transport connections with Russia. The main international airports in the region are:

• Guglielmo Marconi in Bologna
• Federico Fellini in Rimini
• Marco Polo in Venice

Bus routes to popular resorts are conveniently organized from these airports, and car rentals are also available.

Revival of interest in the real estate market

After the financial crisis of 2014, interest from Russian investors in the real estate market significantly decreased. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest from Russian buyers. This region truly deserves attention, as it offers housing that meets modern standards, which is not so common in Italy, and at a very reasonable price.

Availability of real estate in the region

As of today, it is quite difficult to find new developments on the first line with a sea view in the price range of €100,000 to €300,000. Among such offers, there are many restrictions, and the prices for these properties typically range from €380,000 to €450,000. Currently, there is active construction on plots in the third, fourth, and fifth lines, where apartments can be purchased at prices starting from €220,000 to €350,000. This trend makes the region even more attractive for potential owners and investors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that the Emilia-Romagna coastline is an amazing place where history and modernity come together in harmonious unity. It is a unique corner of Italy that offers endless opportunities for leisure, business, and investment. It’s no wonder that it attracts tourists from all over the world, including Russians, who, unfortunately, have not yet fully appreciated all the charms of this region.

Each season here fills life with special colors, from the hot sun to lively strolls through bustling markets and shops featuring world-renowned brands.Clean beaches,comfortable villas,variety of restaurantsThe opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood makes this region ideal for a vacation. Popular resorts with well-developed infrastructure offer both active leisure activities and peaceful, secluded moments for family time.

Since the 1980s, Italy has been developing this region as a tourist destination, managing to create a comfortable and attractive environment for relaxation and living while preserving its uniqueness and authenticity. I sincerely hope that in the coming years, more Russians will discover Emilia-Romagna and its endless possibilities. It is a place where dreams come true and memories last a lifetime.

Why you should visit Emilia-Romagna:

• Picturesque beacheswith clean sand.
• Diverse gastronomy, including fresh seafood.
• Unique resortswith developed infrastructure.
• Historical landmarksand cultural life.

Emilia-Romagna, with its picturesque beaches and cultural attractions, is waiting for you. Explore, discover, and immerse yourself in this beautiful world.