Best villages in Emilia Romagna: 12 beautiful towns to visit

Looking for the best villages in Emilia Romagna?

Beyond Bologna, Parma and Modena, this region is filled with medieval hilltop towns, colorful streets and hidden gems that most tourists never see. 

If you're planning a trip and want to explore the most beautiful small towns in Emilia Romagna, especially those you can easily visit from Bologna, this guide is for you.

Here you’ll find 12 of the best villages in Emilia Romagna, with tips on what makes each one special, what to see, and why they’re worth adding to your itinerary.

Whether you’re searching for romantic panoramas, wine villages, fortified castles or authentic local life, these towns offer the perfect escape from the big cities.

Choosing the best village for your trip: A quick comparison

With so many gems to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one to visit, especially if you have limited time. 

Below is a quick breakdown to help you choose the perfect destination based on your starting point and what you're most interested in, whether it's world-class art, medieval history, or the region's best wine and olive oil.

Check the map below to see where these 12 villages are located and plan your driving route through Emilia Romagna.

If you’re staying in Bologna and want to explore beyond the city, these villages near Bologna are all within about one hour by car and are perfect for a half-day or full-day trip. 

Expect medieval hilltop towns, castles, vineyards and some of the most scenic countryside in Emilia Romagna.

Dozza is the most beautiful village near Bologna.

It has a unique twist: its streets double as an open-air gallery.

The medieval town is famous for the Biennale del Muro Dipinto, a festival during which artists from around the world paint murals directly on the village’s buildings.

In addition to its artistic flair, Dozza boasts a medieval fortress, Rocca di Dozza, that houses a museum and the Enoteca Regionale, a must-visit for wine lovers eager to sample the region’s finest vintages.

If you’re still craving more of Bologna’s most romantic restaurants, Dozza is the perfect destination to explore next.

📍 Location: Bologna province (40 min drive from city center) 
🚗 Reachable by: car is highly recommended. 
⏰ Best time to visit: late afternoon to enjoy the sunset on the hills. 
🍴Local Taste: a glass of Albana di Romagna at the Enoteca Regionale.

Ever walked along a road once used by donkeys?

Brisighella is one of those villages that feels hidden away from the world, tucked into the Apennine Mountains.

It’s famous for its unique Via degli Asini (yes, that translates to “Donkey’s Road”), a covered street that was originally used by donkeys carrying goods.

The village is a mix of medieval charm, with its fortress and Clock Tower, and stunning natural views.

Brisighella is also famous for the production of its extra virgin olive oil.
So if you're looking for a food souvenir, you already know what to look for.

📍 Location: 1h from Bologna
 🚗 Reachable by: car or train (scenic "Faentina" line from Bologna/Florence). 
⏰ Best time to visit: early morning for the best light on the three hills. 
🍴 Local Taste: "Brisighello" Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Located near Ravenna, Faenza is internationally famous for its ceramics, so much so that the word faience comes from here. 

If you’re interested in art and craftsmanship, this elegant town is one of the most interesting places to visit in Emilia Romagna.

The highlight is the MIC – Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche, one of the world's most important ceramic museums, featuring collections that range from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary design.

Ceramic lovers should also visit the former studios and house-museums of artists such as Guerrino Tramonti and Carlo Zauli, two key figures in modern Italian ceramics.

After exploring, stop for lunch at La Baita in the historic center, or head into the hills to San Biagio Vecchio for beautiful views and traditional cuisine surrounded by vineyards.

📍 Location: 30 min from Bologna by train
🚗 Reachable by: train (direct line, very easy) or car.
 ⏰ Best time to visit: weekdays to visit the ceramic workshops in action. 
🍴 Local Taste: Passatelli in brodo with Sangiovese di Romagna.

Parma is known worldwide for prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano, but the countryside surrounding the city hides some of the most beautiful small towns in Emilia Romagna. 

These villages near Parma combine castles, elegant piazzas and rural landscapes, making them ideal for a half-day escape after exploring the city’s historic center.

Fancy walking through a real-life medieval movie set?

Castell’Arquato feels like you’ve stepped into a medieval film.

The ancient Rocca Viscontea stands tall above the village, giving you panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

You can get lost wandering through the narrow, cobbled streets, passing by churches, towers, and homes that date back centuries. Whether you’re a history buff or just love exploring pretty places, this village will sweep you off your feet.

📍 Location: Piacenza province (40 min from Piacenza) 
🚗 Reachable by: car only.
⏰ Best time to visit: Autumn, when the surrounding vineyards turn red. 
🍴 Local Taste: Gutturnio (sparkling red wine) and Pisarei e Faśö.

There are many nice towns near Parma to visit. Busseto, Soragna, Colorno and Soragna. Fontanellato is the best one, featuring the imposing Rocca Sanvitale, a castle surrounded by a serene moat.

This village offers a tranquil escape, with its beautifully preserved Renaissance buildings and charming town square.

Inside the castle, art lovers will go crazy for the Room of Diana and Actaeon, with frescoes by Parmigianino.

You are only 25 minutes by car from Parma, which makes Fontanellato the perfect match to walk off your lunch after our Parma food tour ;)

📍 Location: Parma province (25 min drive from Parma) 
🚗 Reachable by: Car (highly recommended). 
⏰ Best time to visit: Sunday morning for the local market. 
🍴 Local Taste: Culatello di Zibello and Tortelli d’Erbetta.

Tucked away in the Trebbia Valley, Bobbio is famous for its unique Ponte Gobbo, also known as the Devil’s Bridge.

This ancient stone bridge, with its irregular arches, stretches over the Trebbia River and offers a breathtaking sight, particularly at sunset.

Bobbio is also home to the Abbey of San Colombano, an important spiritual center founded in the 7th century.

If you want to add the perfect finishing touch to your honeymoon in Bologna, make sure to add this to your list.

📍 Location: Trebbia Valley (1h 15m from Piacenza) 
🚗 Reachable by: car (winding but beautiful road). 
⏰ Best time to visit: Summer, for a dip in the crystal-clear Trebbia river. 
🍴 Local Taste: Maccheroni alla bobbiese (pasta made with a knitting needle).

If you’re based in Ravenna and want to explore beyond its famous mosaics, you’ll find several charming villages just a short drive away. 

From ceramic art towns to lagoon settlements and hilltop medieval centers, these villages near Ravenna offer a mix of culture, food and authentic local life, perfect for a relaxed day trip in Emilia Romagna.

Often called the “Little Venice” of Emilia Romagna, Comacchio is a unique lagoon town near Ravenna and the Po Delta, famous for its canals, bridges and pastel-colored houses reflected in the water.

The iconic Trepponti bridge is the symbol of the town and the perfect starting point to explore its historic center, shaped by centuries of fishing traditions.

Comacchio is especially known for its eel (anguilla). 

Visit the Manifattura dei Marinati to discover the history of eel processing, and book a table at Ristorante Vasco e Giulia to taste traditional lagoon recipes.

If you'd like to spend a day in the nature, book a boat tour to see the flamingos in the Po delta valley.

📍 Location: Ferrara province (1h from Ferrara or Ravenna) 
🚗 Reachable by: car or bus from Ferrara/Ravenna. 
⏰ Best time to visit: October during the Eel Festival or late spring. 
🍴 Local Taste: marinated Eel (Anguilla) and the local "Coppia" bread.

If you’re staying in Rimini or along the Adriatic coast, don’t limit yourself to the beaches. 

Just inland, you’ll discover medieval villages perched on hills, panoramic fortresses and authentic towns rich in history. 

These villages near Rimini and the Adriatic coast are easy to reach and offer a completely different atmosphere from the seaside resorts.

Verucchio is a history lover's dream.

Known as the birthplace of the Malatesta family, who pretty much ruled over much of the area, this village is packed with stories of the past.

The Malatesta Fortress sits on top of the village like a crown, offering stunning views of the Marecchia Valley.

Picture this: You’re standing at the top, looking out over rolling hills and ancient streets that seem untouched by time.

If you love history, architecture, and nature all rolled into one, Verucchio’s got you covered.

📍 Location: Marecchia Valley (30 min from Rimini) 
🚗 Reachable by: car only. 
⏰ Best time to visit: summer, to enjoy the breeze and the panoramic views. 
🍴 Local Taste: Tortelli di San Leo or local truffles.

If you’re up for a little adventure, San Leo is perched dramatically on a massive rock, offering jaw-dropping views of the surrounding valleys.

The village’s fortress has seen some serious history, from medieval battles to the imprisonment of Count Cagliostro (a famous occultist, no less!).

Walking through its ancient streets and churches, you’ll feel like you’re in a time warp – and you won’t want to leave.

📍 Location: Rimini hinterland (50 min from Rimini)
 🚗 Reachable by: Car (the climb to the fortress is spectacular). 
⏰ Best time to visit: Clear days for views that reach the Adriatic Sea. 
🍴 Local Taste: Rabbit "in porchetta" and local honey.

Want to sip wine with a view? 
This must be the place.

Known as the “Balcony of Romagna”, Bertinoro is all about the views and the vino.

It’s perched on a hill, offering stunning panoramas of vineyards and valleys.

Sit back with a glass of the local Albana wine and soak up the atmosphere. The Fortress of Bertinoro is also worth a visit for its sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

📍 Location: Forlì-Cesena province (45 min from Rimini) 
🚗 Reachable by: Car recommended. 
⏰ Best time to visit: Sunset, looking out from the "Balcony of Romagna". 
🍴 Local Taste: Albana di Romagna (the first white wine to get DOCG in Italy).

Longiano is where art lovers and history buffs meet.

The Castello Malatestiano houses a great art collection, while the village itself is a perfect place for a quiet getaway.

And if you fancy more food and art, why don't you join us for a tour in Ravenna?
 It's less than one hour from here and you will see the most beautiful mosaics of your entire life. I promise.

📍 Location: Cesena province (40 min from Ravenna)
 🚗 Reachable by: Car only. 
⏰ Best time to visit: Half-day trip, perfect for a quiet sunset walk. 
🍴 Local Taste: Formaggio di Fossa (cheese aged in pits).

Santarcangelo is a lively village, known for its artisan shops, local markets, and cultural festivals.

It’s also hiding a cool secret beneath its streets: a network of tunnels that has been there for centuries. Wander up to the Rocca Malatestiana for some great views and dive into the town’s rich cultural scene.

Is it cold out there?
Good news, then you can jump into a hot pool for a thermal bath to warm up your body and soul.

📍 Location: Rimini province (15 min from Rimini) 
🚗 Reachable by: Train (direct from Rimini/Bologna) or Car. 
⏰ Best time to visit: Evening, as it’s one of the liveliest towns for dining. 
🍴 Local Taste: Piadina Romagnola (thinner style, Rimini-style).

Ready to explore the soul of Emilia Romagna?

Emilia Romagna is often called Italy’s "Food Valley," but as you’ve seen, it could easily be called the "Village Valley" too. 
These 12 towns offer something that big cities sometimes lose: silence, authenticity, and a slower pace of life.

Whether you choose the painted walls of Dozza, the canals of Comacchio, or the dramatic fortress of San Leo, my advice is simple: take your time. Stop at a local bakery, talk to the artisans, and always ask for the local wine.

If you're based in Bologna and want to make the most of your trip without worrying about the logistics or finding the "right" trattoria, we’re here to help.

Which village is first on your list? 
If you have any questions about how to reach them or where to find the best tortelli, shoot us an email or join one of our tours.

See you on the road (and at the table)!

[Photo credits: Billy Wilson @Creative Commons, Giorgio Rodano @Creative Commons, Alberto Antoniazzi @Creative Commons, Lorenzo Gaudenzi @Creative Commons, Kirk K @Creative Commons, Comune di Bertinoro, Comune di Longiano, Comune di Santarcangelo di Romagna - Matteo e Gilberto Manzi, Pro loco Verucchio]