Romagna, a destination to visit only in summer! Absolutely not, Romagna has many villages that can be visited in any season of the year, not only in summer but also in autumn and winter. Among these the splendid Santarcangelo di Romagna, but also Cesenatico or Cervia. Discover here the 5 villages to visit in Romagna in an autumn weekend.
In Romagna, not only in summer, but also in autumn and winter. Although the fame of Romagna links this land mostly to summer fun, there are countless reasons to visit it even during the winter. Here 5 villages to visit in Romagna for an alternative weekend to enjoy with family or friends.
Moving from the Riviera in the direction of the hinterland, the gentle hills of Romagna welcome many characteristic villages, cradle of good food and good wine.
1. Bertinoro, the home of Sangiovese
One of these enchanting places is called bertinoro. It is a medieval village which acts as a real terrace over the whole of Romagna. In fact, going up to the top of the historic center (it stands on a hill) you can enjoy a suggestive view that reaches the sea.
Like any good medieval center, it is made up of a main square (from which a terrace overlooks the valley), a fortress and a tangle of ancient alleys full of taverns, wine bars and houses. It will be a pleasure to get lost in the steep streets that will give you intimate and unique views.
Every year, between the end of August and the beginning of September, it is based in Bertinoro il Hospitality Festival, dedicated to this ingredient that makes Romagna so unique. During this week gastronomic, musical and cultural events… not to be missed. Bertinoro can be reached by car, just leave it in one of the car parks at the foot of the historic center and take a stroll to get to the top.
2. Santarcangelo di Romagna, a hidden jewel
If you love medieval villages you can't even get lost Santarcangelo (province of Rimini), considered a City of Art since the 80s. Its strategic position has made it not only an important commercial crossroads in the past, but also an obligatory stop for those who pass by these parts today. Always rich in cultural and gastronomic events, it also satisfies archeology enthusiasts since in this village there are numerous monuments and historical artifacts.
Not everyone knows that Santarcangelo also hides a mysterious part, namely gods underground (open to visitors) once used as escape routes, warehouses and cellars.
In the middle of November the Fiera dei Becchi (or San Martino), now a fixed appointment lasting an entire weekend, where gigantic horns are hung under an arch in Piazza Ganganelli. During this festival you can savor the Romagna delicacies and finish the evening with good mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
I advise you not to leave Santarcangelo without first trying it piadina del Campanone: arm yourself with patience because it is not possible to book. Also, given the great reputation that precedes this place, the wait usually lasts at least half an hour. The owner will expertly advise you on the best combinations of ingredients (there is no menu) according to your tastes. You will be thrilled by the quality and simple goodness of the Romagna piadina.
3. Gradara, a village in the Marche
Not far from Santarcangelo, but already in the province of Pesaro, there is Gradara, another ancient medieval village which is the seat of the famous Gradara Castle. Here you can book a guided tour that will take you through the history of this small town and will tell you about Paolo and Francesca. We are aware that we are no longer in Romagna, but it was too beautiful a village not to mention in this article and it is really on the border between Emilia Romagna and Marche.
If the idea appeals to you, here's a guide on what to see in Gradara, with lots of information for adults but also for children and an article on where to sleep in Gradara, in a widespread hotel.
4. Cervia: not just the sea
However, if you do not want to give up the proximity of the sea, I suggest you go by Cervia and Cesenatico: both retain a delightful historic center and offer events even in winter. In the first, famous above all for the salt pans, you can visit the Salt Museum where there are documents and models that testify to the importance of salt production in this area.
In addition, during the Christmas period, there is one along the canal Nativity entirely made of Salt floating on a small boat and several nativity scenes (of salt and not) scattered in the different areas of the center. In the main square, a giant ice rink stretches out for celebrations, under the light of the tall fir lit during the Immaculate Conception. Always in winter, every last Sunday of the month, you will find gastronomy, art and antiques markets.
5. Cesenatico
To stay on the Christmas theme, Cesenatico offers a truly unique nativity scene in the world: along the whole canal port, in the frame of the old center of Cesenatico, the historic and colorful illuminated fishing boats welcome life-size statues of the Magi, Holy Family and Shepherds.
A floating nativity scene of rare and genuine beauty difficult to find elsewhere.
As proof of the fundamental role of the sea for this area, the first week of November, Cesenatico is transformed into a large open-air restaurant with the culinary event Il Pesce fa Festa: in the various stands - from the Canal Port to the squares in the center - you can taste the dishes of the seafaring tradition, all in a truly fabulous setting. A entire weekend in Cesenatico is the best way to better enjoy this splendid seaside resort of Romagna.
Last gastronomic tip, a Talamello, a small town in Valmarecchia, is located The Amber Inn, where to eat all the dishes based on fossa cheese, a typical dish of this area.
