Reggio Emilia (province) Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to eat and stay in Reggio Emilia (Province) in Northeast Italy. Read on for a complete travel guide.


Introduction to Reggio Emilia (Province)

Reggio Emilia is a province located in Emilia-Romagna, in Northeast Italy. The province is known for its charming small towns, and a rich cultural heritage that dates back to the Roman Empire. The region is home to remarkable museums, architectural wonders, and natural wonders.

In this comprehensive travel guide of Reggio Emilia (Province), we will introduce you to the must-visit attractions, delicious cuisines, and hidden gems of the region. Read on to find out more!

List of Places to Visit in Reggio Emilia (Province)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Reggio Emilia (Province) boasts a rich cultural heritage. Here are the must-visit cultural attractions that offer a glimpse into the history and artistry of the region.

  • The Municipal Museum of Reggio Emilia
  • The Archaeological Museum
  • The Loris Malaguzzi International Centre
  • The Basilica della Ghiara
  • The Ducal Palace of Sassuolo
  • The Castle of Scipione

Natural Attractions of Reggio Emilia (Province): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Reggio Emilia is synonymous with the beauty of the Apennine Mountains and the lush plains of the Po River Valley. Here are the must-visit natural attractions in Reggio Emilia (Province):

  • The Emilia-Romagna Apennines National Park
  • The Regional Park of the Stirone River
  • The Parco dei Sassi di Roccamalatina
  • The Pietra di Bismantova
  • The Cerreto Laghi Ski Resort
  • The Corno alle Scale Regional Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Reggio Emilia (Province)

If you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of Reggio Emilia, here are the trails and routes for hiking and biking

  • The Traversata degli Appennini
  • The Crostolo Trail
  • The Parco dei Sassi Loop
  • The Monte Calamorro Trail
  • The Cerreto Laghi Ski and Bike Trail

Best Things to Do in Reggio Emilia (Province): Activities and Tours

Take advantage of the region’s cultural and natural wealth by indulging in various activities and tours; here are some fun activities to do in Reggio Emilia:

  • The Harvest Festival of Montechiarugolo
  • Wine Tours of the Lambrusco Trail
  • Food Tours of Parma
  • The Historical Cultural Walk of Reggio Emilia
  • Adventure and Outdoor Sports in the Apennines

Week-Long Itinerary for Reggio Emilia (Province)

Here’s an ideal itinerary for a week-long stay in Reggio Emilia Province for you to follow

Day 1 Arrival and sightseeing in Reggio Emilia
Day 2 Visit the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre
Day 3 Discover the natural wonders of the Pietra di Bismantova
Day 4 Take a cycling tour of Parma
Day 5 Hike in the Emilia-Romagna Apennines National Park
Day 6 Visit the Ducal Palace of Sassuolo
Day 7 Departure from Reggio Emilia

Food and Drink Scene of Reggio Emilia (Province)

Reggio Emilia’s food scene is famous for its Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, cured meats, and wines. Here are the must-try local dishes and beverages of the region:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Aceto Balsamico di Modena (Balsamic Vinegar)
  • Prosciutto di Parma (Cured Ham)
  • Tortellini
  • Borlenghi
  • Spalla Cotta
  • Casciotta d’Urbino

Local Beverages

  • Lambrusco
  • Malvasia
  • Sangiovese
  • Albana
  • Pignoletto

Where to Stay in Reggio Emilia (Province): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Reggio Emilia offers a range of accommodation options for every budget level. Here are some places to stay in Reggio Emilia:

  • Hotel Posta
  • Albergo Reggio
  • Locanda Sant’Ambrogio
  • Hotel Europa
  • Mercure Astoria Reggio Emilia

What to Buy in Reggio Emilia (Province): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Reggio Emilia offers an array of souvenirs and local specialties that are perfect to bring back home. Here are some products to consider:

  • Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese
  • Aceto Balsamico di Modena (Balsamic Vinegar)
  • Cured Hams
  • Ceramics
  • Traditional Clothing

Local Culture and Customs of Reggio Emilia (Province)

Reggio Emilia (Province) has a rich cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in its Roman past. Here are some customs unique to Reggio Emilia:

  • Locals also take aperitifs before dinner, and it’s a more social event where people gather to catch up on small talks related to work or social life.
  • During San Giovanni celebrations on June 24th, the city of Reggio Emilia hosts a unique balloon war called ‘Balloon Fight.’ participating soldiers shoot down balloons held by a hare in a local tradition.
  • Emilia Romagna is known for various dialects that are only spoken in certain regions. Still, Italian is the official language that is spoken throughout the country.

Best Time to Visit Reggio Emilia (Province)

The best time to visit Reggio Emilia (Province) is between May and June or September and October. With mild temperatures ranging between 50-70°F, you can comfortably explore the region, participate in outdoor adventures, and avoid the crowds of tourists.

Do’s and Don’ts of Reggio Emilia (Province)

Do:

  • Always carry some cash because cash is still the modus operandi for many small businesses, local markets, and restaurants.
  • When in a restaurant, it is customary to allow the host to order for the whole table to share.
  • Learn some basic Italian phrases

Don’t:

  • Avoid going to touristy restaurants. Mostly they aren’t authentic with food quality and prices inflated for visitors.
  • Don’t miss drinking the famous Emilia-Romagna wines.

Safety and Health

Safety in Reggio Emilia (Province)

Reggio Emilia is a safe destination. Serious crimes are rare, and small petty incidents occur mostly in crowded tourist areas. Always take appropriate safety measures.

Health in Reggio Emilia (Province)

Reggio Emilia offers high-quality health care services. If you’re an EU citizen, you can get free medical assistance, also make sure to have comprehensive travel medical insurance to be safe.

Getting to Reggio Emilia (Province): Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Reggio Emilia (Province)

  • Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport: 1-hour drive to Reggio Emilia.
  • Milan Linate Airport: 1-hour 30-minute drive to Reggio Emilia.
  • Florence Peretola Airport: 1-hour 30-minute drive to Reggio Emilia.

Bus Stations Near Reggio Emilia (Province)

Reggio Emilia Bus Terminal links Reggio Emilia to other Italian cities, including Bologna, Modena, Parma, and Milan.

Other Options

Reggio Emilia is well-connected by rail. Travelers can take a train from Bologna and Parma, connecting the region to other cities in Italy.

How to Get Around in Reggio Emilia (Province)

The public transport system of Reggio Emilia is quite efficient, with buses serving the surrounding towns and central cities. You can also hire private taxis, bicycles or use car renting services to explore the region.

Where to Go Next from Reggio Emilia (Province): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Reggio Emilia is a destination in Northeast Italy, with easy access to some of the other top destinations. Here are the nearby destinations and excursions from Reggio Emilia:

  • Modena: A city famous for its balsamic vinegar.
  • Parma: A city famous for its cured ham and cheese.
  • Bologna: A beautiful city filled with artistic architectural wonders.
  • Florence: A top-rated city in Region Tuscany with a rich art and architectural history.

Conclusion

Reggio Emilia (Province) is a unique destination filled with hidden gems and wonders to be explored. This comprehensive travel guide has explored the must-visit sights, activities, food, and other features, making Reggio Emilia a perfect destination for an unforgettable trip.



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