What to Do Around Bologna
Many activities, workshops and tastings
Setting out on a journey beyond the walls of Bologna means transforming your holiday into a dynamic and rejuvenating experience, entirely yours to live firsthand.
The surrounding area is a true open-air gym for those who love outdoor activities: you can hop on a bicycle to ride along historic cycle paths, hike along Apennine ridges, or explore mysterious underground caves.
But “doing” around Bologna also means participating in art workshops in historic ceramic studios, tasting excellent wines directly in the wineries of the Colli (Hills), or feeling the thrill of speed along the curbs of legendary racetracks.
Whether it’s an excursion into the wild nature or a sensory journey through traditional flavors, here every day turns into an adventure to remember.
Visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello
A trip to Emilia cannot be considered complete without a pilgrimage to the beating heart of the Prancing Horse legend. Located in Maranello, the Ferrari Museum offers a totally immersive experience into the world’s most famous automotive legend.
The exhibition route combines past and future, displaying the most successful Formula 1 single-seaters, the road models that made design history, and the most technologically advanced hypercars.
In addition to admiring the cars, you can test your reflexes on semi-professional simulators and experience Enzo Ferrari’s dream up close.
Ride Along the Ciclovia del Sole and the Santerno Cycle Path
If you love two wheels, the Bolognese territory offers extraordinary cycle tourism routes suitable for everyone.
The Ciclovia del Sole (Sun Cycle Route) is part of the great EuroVelo 7 European itinerary and, in its Emilian stretch, uses the former Bologna-Verona railway to offer a flat and safe ride through the countryside and historic villages.
Further east, the Ciclovia del Santerno instead winds along the course of the river of the same name, connecting Imola to the picturesque Apennine valley and the Vena del Gesso Romagnola, alternating asphalt and easy dirt roads in a truly evocative river landscape.
Taste Pignoletto and Lambrusco in the Wineries of the Colli Bolognesi
The hills embracing Bologna are a winemaking paradise where wine culture is synonymous with hospitality. Spending a day among the vineyards will allow you to enter the historic wineries of local producers to discover the secrets of winemaking.
Here you can taste Grechetto Gentile, better known as Pignoletto, the sparkling, fresh, and fruit-forward white wine typical of Bologna, perfect for aperitifs.
Moving towards the plains and the Modena area, you can instead savor the different nuances of Lambrusco, the sparkling Emilian red wine famous worldwide for its liveliness.
Discover the Acetaie of Modena and the Excellence of Parmigiano Reggiano
Exploring the surroundings of Bologna also means venturing into neighboring provinces to experience firsthand the absolute excellence of the Food Valley.
Visiting a traditional acetaia (balsamic vinegar cellar) near Modena will allow you to breathe in the unique aroma of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar DOP, which ages for decades in small barrels of precious woods hidden in attics.
To complete your gastronomic journey, a stop at a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory will reveal the magic of transforming milk, concluding with a guided tasting of different maturations, from 12 to over 36 months.
Swim or Go Trekking at Lake Suviana and Lake Brasimone
Nestled in the heart of the Bolognese Apennines Regional Park, these two splendid artificial basins are the favorite destination for those seeking cool air, sports, and nature during the warm season.
Lake Suviana is a true hub for water activities, where you can swim, rent pedal boats, windsurf, or relax on equipped beaches in the shade of the woods.
Nearby Lake Brasimone, with a more intimate and wild atmosphere, is instead surrounded by a dense network of trekking trails that climb up the ridges, offering splendid panoramic views and the chance to spot red deer and fallow deer.
Visit the Labante Caves Amidst Waterfalls and Nature
In the territory of Castel d’Aiano, you will find one of the most bizarre and fascinating geological monuments in the entire region: the Labante Caves (Grotte di Labante).
This is the largest core of travertine (a rare limestone rock) in Italy and one of the largest in Europe.
The uniqueness of the place is highlighted by a splendid natural waterfall that glides over a large cave, creating a fairytale landscape made of unique anatomically shaped calcareous formations, named “pisoliti” (cave pearls).
The surrounding area is equipped with a convenient loop trail and picnic spaces, perfect for a rejuvenating day trip surrounded by nature.