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.
When to Visit Cervia
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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 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.
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.