Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car
Local costs

Cervia travel guide

Cervia Tourism | Cervia Guide

You're Going to Love Cervia

One of the most popular beach resorts in eastern Italy, Cervia offers more than just sand and sun. It has ancient history, it's close to historic Ravenna, and has a vibrant nightlife during the hectic summer months.

Article

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Cervia

1. It's a Classic Italian Beach Resort

Known as Il Mare, Cervia's beach is wide and long - and immensely popular. Choose a "bagni" (private beach) and be pampered by spas, pools, and bars as you relax by the Adriatic.

2. The Beautiful Historic Core

Cervia has been around for thousands of years. Historical highlights include the 18th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and St. Michael's Tower, while the 19th-century Piazza Garibaldi is an ideal place to sit back with a caffèllatte.

3. Ravenna is a Few Miles Away

Ravenna was once the center of post-Roman Italy and it's gorgeous. Don't miss the stunning mosaics at churches like the Basilica of San Vitale.

4. Enjoy Peace and Quiet in Nearby Nature Reserves

You can easily get away from the beach crowds in the Parco Naturale, or lose yourself in the woods at La Pineta.

5. Sample the Cuisine of Emilia-Romagna

Emila-Romagna is one of Italy's culinary centers, giving birth to Parmesan cheese and prosciutto ham. Try them all at excellent restaurants like Il Moro.

1. It's a Classic Italian Beach Resort

Known as Il Mare, Cervia's beach is wide and long - and immensely popular. Choose a "bagni" (private beach) and be pampered by spas, pools, and bars as you relax by the Adriatic.

2. The Beautiful Historic Core

Cervia has been around for thousands of years. Historical highlights include the 18th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and St. Michael's Tower, while the 19th-century Piazza Garibaldi is an ideal place to sit back with a caffèllatte.

3. Ravenna is a Few Miles Away

Ravenna was once the center of post-Roman Italy and it's gorgeous. Don't miss the stunning mosaics at churches like the Basilica of San Vitale.

4. Enjoy Peace and Quiet in Nearby Nature Reserves

You can easily get away from the beach crowds in the Parco Naturale, or lose yourself in the woods at La Pineta.

5. Sample the Cuisine of Emilia-Romagna

Emila-Romagna is one of Italy's culinary centers, giving birth to Parmesan cheese and prosciutto ham. Try them all at excellent restaurants like Il Moro.

What to do in Cervia

1. Spiritual Center Of Cervia

A Baroque Roman Catholic cathedral, the Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta is the former seat of the Diocese of Cervia. Commissioned in 1699 by Bishop Francesco Riccamonti, the church was designed by architect Francesco Fontana. Adjacent to the Bishop's palace and the bell-tower, the cathedral was constructed in the shape of a Latin cross with six chapels. The altar pieces include the Madonna, Saint Joseph and Jesus. The altar is carved in marble from the church of San Domenico in Forli and features the statues of the Madonna of the Assumption between Saints Nicola and Bartholomew, designed by Giovanni Barbiani.

2. Salt Of The Earth

The Museo del Sale in Cervia, which is known for its salt deposits, pays homage to the town whose name comes from the Latin acervus, meaning heap. Located in a 17th century warehouse, the museum features the Camillone Saltpan, which includes ten basins from which the town's salt was extracted. The gallery, which opened 2004, explores the history and culture of salt extraction in the region and offers educational workshops for children and guided tours for the whole family.

3. Keeping The City Safe

Built in 1691 at the behest of Earl Michelangelo Maffei, the Torre San Michele, which is based on a drawing by Michelangelo Buonarroti, was originally meant to defend the town from the Saracens and the Turks. Named after Saint Michael Archangel, the tower, which has various openings and windows that formerly allowed weapons to be used against invaders, offers guided tours as well as breathtaking views.

4. Political And Cultural Center

Located in the main square of Cervia, the Palazzo Comunale serves as the town hall. A stunning yet minimalist building constructed between 1702 and 1712, the palace was designed by architect Francesco Fontana. It currently houses valuable works of art, including paintings by Milanese artist Giuseppe Palanti. Also on display are the works of painter Maceo Casadei and the photographs of Sante Crepaldi.

5. Cobbled Town Square

In the heart of the town, the Piazza Garibaldi, the political and spiritual center of Cervia, houses the Municipal Palace and the Cathedral. Dating back to 1697, the square was built with pebbles from the river. In the center of the piazza stands a fountain that was erected in 1882 as a water well for local residents. Designed by the architect Aleotti, it is constructed from cast iron and divided into two marble pools with four water spouts.

1. Spiritual Center Of Cervia

A Baroque Roman Catholic cathedral, the Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta is the former seat of the Diocese of Cervia. Commissioned in 1699 by Bishop Francesco Riccamonti, the church was designed by architect Francesco Fontana. Adjacent to the Bishop's palace and the bell-tower, the cathedral was constructed in the shape of a Latin cross with six chapels. The altar pieces include the Madonna, Saint Joseph and Jesus. The altar is carved in marble from the church of San Domenico in Forli and features the statues of the Madonna of the Assumption between Saints Nicola and Bartholomew, designed by Giovanni Barbiani.

2. Salt Of The Earth

The Museo del Sale in Cervia, which is known for its salt deposits, pays homage to the town whose name comes from the Latin acervus, meaning heap. Located in a 17th century warehouse, the museum features the Camillone Saltpan, which includes ten basins from which the town's salt was extracted. The gallery, which opened 2004, explores the history and culture of salt extraction in the region and offers educational workshops for children and guided tours for the whole family.

3. Keeping The City Safe

Built in 1691 at the behest of Earl Michelangelo Maffei, the Torre San Michele, which is based on a drawing by Michelangelo Buonarroti, was originally meant to defend the town from the Saracens and the Turks. Named after Saint Michael Archangel, the tower, which has various openings and windows that formerly allowed weapons to be used against invaders, offers guided tours as well as breathtaking views.

4. Political And Cultural Center

Located in the main square of Cervia, the Palazzo Comunale serves as the town hall. A stunning yet minimalist building constructed between 1702 and 1712, the palace was designed by architect Francesco Fontana. It currently houses valuable works of art, including paintings by Milanese artist Giuseppe Palanti. Also on display are the works of painter Maceo Casadei and the photographs of Sante Crepaldi.

5. Cobbled Town Square

In the heart of the town, the Piazza Garibaldi, the political and spiritual center of Cervia, houses the Municipal Palace and the Cathedral. Dating back to 1697, the square was built with pebbles from the river. In the center of the piazza stands a fountain that was erected in 1882 as a water well for local residents. Designed by the architect Aleotti, it is constructed from cast iron and divided into two marble pools with four water spouts.

1. Spiritual Center Of Cervia

A Baroque Roman Catholic cathedral, the Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta is the former seat of the Diocese of Cervia. Commissioned in 1699 by Bishop Francesco Riccamonti, the church was designed by architect Francesco Fontana. Adjacent to the Bishop's palace and the bell-tower, the cathedral was constructed in the shape of a Latin cross with six chapels. The altar pieces include the Madonna, Saint Joseph and Jesus. The altar is carved in marble from the church of San Domenico in Forli and features the statues of the Madonna of the Assumption between Saints Nicola and Bartholomew, designed by Giovanni Barbiani.

2. Salt Of The Earth

The Museo del Sale in Cervia, which is known for its salt deposits, pays homage to the town whose name comes from the Latin acervus, meaning heap. Located in a 17th century warehouse, the museum features the Camillone Saltpan, which includes ten basins from which the town's salt was extracted. The gallery, which opened 2004, explores the history and culture of salt extraction in the region and offers educational workshops for children and guided tours for the whole family.

3. Keeping The City Safe

Built in 1691 at the behest of Earl Michelangelo Maffei, the Torre San Michele, which is based on a drawing by Michelangelo Buonarroti, was originally meant to defend the town from the Saracens and the Turks. Named after Saint Michael Archangel, the tower, which has various openings and windows that formerly allowed weapons to be used against invaders, offers guided tours as well as breathtaking views.

4. Political And Cultural Center

Located in the main square of Cervia, the Palazzo Comunale serves as the town hall. A stunning yet minimalist building constructed between 1702 and 1712, the palace was designed by architect Francesco Fontana. It currently houses valuable works of art, including paintings by Milanese artist Giuseppe Palanti. Also on display are the works of painter Maceo Casadei and the photographs of Sante Crepaldi.

5. Cobbled Town Square

In the heart of the town, the Piazza Garibaldi, the political and spiritual center of Cervia, houses the Municipal Palace and the Cathedral. Dating back to 1697, the square was built with pebbles from the river. In the center of the piazza stands a fountain that was erected in 1882 as a water well for local residents. Designed by the architect Aleotti, it is constructed from cast iron and divided into two marble pools with four water spouts.

Where to Eat in Cervia

Emilia-Romagna is a culinary hotspot, so be prepared for some dining delights. Standout restaurants include Locanda Dei Salinari in the city center and Osteria Del Gran Fritto by the ocean. Meals should cost around EUR20 per head.

When to visit Cervia

Cervia in November
Estimated hotel price
$110
1 night at 3-star hotel
Cervia in November
Estimated hotel price
$110
1 night at 3-star hotel

High summer draws the most tourists to Cervia (July through September). But if you want good beach weather and smaller crowds, try May or June.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Cervia

Plane

Rimini International Airport (RMI) is very close to Cervia. From there, it's a 20 mile shuttle bus or taxi ride to Cervia, which should cost between EUR80 and EUR90.

Train

Trenitalia runs services from Ravenna to Cervia (20 minutes, EUR3) and there are wider train links to Venice, Rome, and Milan.

Car

From Bologna or Rome, take the E45. Those driving from Florence should take the E35 to Bologna then switch, while the A13 runs from Venice to Bologna.

Bus

You can catch the 176 bus from Ravenna to Cervia for just EUR3-5, but generally buses aren't the best route to the resort.

Plane

Rimini International Airport (RMI) is very close to Cervia. From there, it's a 20 mile shuttle bus or taxi ride to Cervia, which should cost between EUR80 and EUR90.

Train

Trenitalia runs services from Ravenna to Cervia (20 minutes, EUR3) and there are wider train links to Venice, Rome, and Milan.

Car

From Bologna or Rome, take the E45. Those driving from Florence should take the E35 to Bologna then switch, while the A13 runs from Venice to Bologna.

Bus

You can catch the 176 bus from Ravenna to Cervia for just EUR3-5, but generally buses aren't the best route to the resort.

Airports near Cervia

BLQBologna Guglielmo Marconi
VCEVenice Marco Polo
FLRFlorence Peretola

Airlines serving Cervia

Lufthansa
Good (7,207 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,366 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,091 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,983 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,654 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,894 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,819 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,861 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,472 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (809 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,286 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,594 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,678 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,416 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,092 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (352 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,306 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,224 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,912 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,320 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Cervia

Piazza Garibaldi - the center of town, Piazza Garibaldi is lined with buzzing cafes and great restaurants like Locanda Dei Salinari.

Popular Neighborhoods in Cervia

Il Mare - Cervia's beach is the city's star attraction. When you visit, be sure to pick the right spot and rent the deckchairs and services you need.

Parco Naturale - right next to the city's lagoon, the Parco Naturale is a peaceful spot that features Terme di Cervia - a luxury spa treatment center.

Il Mare - Cervia's beach is the city's star attraction. When you visit, be sure to pick the right spot and rent the deckchairs and services you need.
Parco Naturale - right next to the city's lagoon, the Parco Naturale is a peaceful spot that features Terme di Cervia - a luxury spa treatment center.

Where to stay in popular areas of Cervia

Most booked hotels in Cervia

See all
Grand Hotel da Vinci
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
$478+
View
Vista Mare Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
$250+
View
Hotel Le Palme - Premier Resort
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$259+
View
Hotel Favorita
3 stars
Good (7.7, Good reviews)
$77+
View
Club Hotel Dante
4 stars
Good (7.5, Good reviews)
$220+
View
Hotel Jole
3 stars
Good (7.4, Good reviews)
$95+
View

How to Get Around Cervia

Public Transportation

SAC Cervia runs a few local buses, but most people choose to cycle or walk around the town's compact center.

Taxi

If you need to hop to a different part of the beach, taxis are a good option. Expect to pay around EUR5 per mile.

Car

Rental branches in the Cervia area include Fabbri Egidio and Sixt, and rates can dip to around EUR10 per day.

Public Transportation

SAC Cervia runs a few local buses, but most people choose to cycle or walk around the town's compact center.

Taxi

If you need to hop to a different part of the beach, taxis are a good option. Expect to pay around EUR5 per mile.

Car

Rental branches in the Cervia area include Fabbri Egidio and Sixt, and rates can dip to around EUR10 per day.

The Cost of Living in Cervia

Shopping Streets

Central Cervia has plenty of boutiques to check out, and Viale Roma is probably the place to start.

Groceries and Other

Supermarkets in town include Coop, Conad, and Eurospin. To give an idea about prices, 12 eggs will cost around EUR3.20.

Everything you need to know for your stay in Cervia

Other popular cities in Emilia-Romagna

Rimini
Bologna

Cervia Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Cervia city guide for the best Cervia travel tips. To help you organise your Cervia trip ideas, this Cervia visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.