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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Airlines serving Cervia
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.
Where to stay in popular areas of Cervia
Most booked hotels in Cervia
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.
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.