Luxury Holiday Villas in Emilia Romagna

Best areas to stay in on a luxury holiday in Emilia Romagna

Located in northern Italy, Emilia Romagna is one of the wealthiest and culturally rich regions in Europe. Beyond its bustling capital city, Bologna, the region is home to eight major historic cities, as well as countless smaller historic villages and towns.

Bologna

Bologna is a vibrant city famous for its world-class food scene, grand arcades, and the oldest university in the world. Head to the city centre during your luxury holiday to admire its two leaning towers – the Due Torri. Yes, you read that right! Pisa isn’t the only city to boast a leaning tower! In fact, standing at 97.2 metres tall, the Torre degli Asinelli is the highest leaning Medieval tower in the world.

Parma and Modena

To the west of Bologna lie Parma and Modena, two world-renowned hubs of delicious food and luxury motor

ing. Modena is world-famous for its traditional aged balsamic vinegar and as the spiritual home of Ferrari, while Parma is celebrated for its world-class Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma ham.

Ravenna and Ferrara

For history lovers, Ravenna and Ferrara offer an unforgettable cultural journey during your luxury holiday in Emilia Romagna. Ravenna is globally famous for its breathtaking, UNESCO-listed Early Christian mosaics that fill its historic basilicas, while the Renaissance city of Ferrara showcases grand palaces and towering moated fortresses once ruled by the noble Este family.

Must-have amenities for your luxury holiday in Emilia Romagna

To make the most of your luxury holiday in Emilia Romagna, selecting a luxury villa with the right amenities ensures an unforgettable getaway. Here are some of our top picks:

Luxury villas in Emilia Romagna with pools

After a day spent exploring medieval cities or touring local vineyards, there is nothing quite like relaxing in a private pool overlooking rolling hills. Villa Ama features an expansive 100 square metre private infinity swimming pool, an outdoor hot tub, and ten acres of private gardens set among olive groves.

Pet-friendly luxury villas in Emilia Romagna

Emilia Romagna’s vast country estates, rolling hills, and rural walking trails are ideal for dogs. Our pet-friendly luxury villas feature fully fenced grounds and large lawns, giving your furry friend plenty of safe space to enjoy the countryside.

Luxury villas in Emilia Romagna for large groups

Whether you are planning a large family holiday, a special milestone event, or a getaway with a group of friends, our larger properties provide expansive living spaces, private grounds, and multiple en-suite bedrooms.

Villa Tamba has generous multi-bedroom layouts comfortably sleeping up to 10 guests each, complete with a communal dining terrace, multiple living lounges, and extensive private grounds.

Things to do on a luxury holiday in Emilia Romagna

A luxury villa rental in Emilia Romagna is perfect for those passionate about world-class food, rich history, and diverse natural landscapes. However, there is plenty more to see and do besides exploring Emilia Romagna’s towns and cities.

Taste your way through Italy’s food capital

Visit a balsamic vinegar acetaia in Modena, sample Parmigiano Reggiano cheese in the Parma-Reggio region, or try Parma ham in the hills around Parma. Not only that, but Emilia Romagna is also the birthplace of some of Italy’s most popular pasta dishes, including tortellini and tagliatelle.

Once you’ve eaten to your heart’s content on your luxury holiday, why not wash it down with a glass or two of the sparkling Lambrusco wines that Emilia Romagna is also famous for.

Discover historic castles and UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The region is steeped in history. This is perfectly demonstrated by the fifty castles scattered around the region. These were once home to the Farnese, Visconti, Malatesta, Este and Gonzaga families and can be visited today.

And it is also easily evident in the Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna, Ferrara and the Po Delta. These sites are among 60 sites in Italy awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.

Relax along the golden Adriatic coastline

Emilia Romagna is also bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east, so there are plenty of opportunities to spend the day at one of the region’s many beaches while on a luxury holiday. These long, sandy beaches stretch for 130 km from the Goro Po mouth to the Gabicce headland.

Explore nature

Emilia Romagna has swathes of beautiful countryside waiting to be explored. It is also where you will discover the Ancient Beech Forests in the Casentinesi forests. This is yet another of the many UNESCO sites in this region that you have to visit while on a luxury holiday in Emilia Romagna.

Enjoy uncrowded winter skiing

In the winter, opt instead for a few days of skiing whil

e on your luxury holiday in Emilia Romagna. Monte Cimone is the highest mountain in the northern Apennines. A relaxed and uncrowded ski resort, it can boast 50 km of linked slopes accessible with a single ski pass.

And, of course, in the warmer months of the year, this same area is perfect hiking country too, as are the five regional parks in Emilia Romagna.

For more inspiration on what to see and do in the region, enjoy reading our bucket list of the top 40 things to do in Emilia Romagna.

When to visit Emilia Romagna for a luxury holiday

The many things to see and do, along with the warm hospitality you will enjoy, means that Emilia Romagna is the perfect all year round destination. There are so many reasons to visit Emilia Romagna that no time is a bad time to visit!

Come for relaxing summer days on the beach, or exciting winter skiing trips. With so many things to do during your luxury holiday in Emilia Romagna, there really is no bad time to visit the region.

Frequently asked questions about booking a luxury holiday villa in Emilia Romagna

Is it easy to travel around Emilia Romagna?

Yes! Travelling between the main towns and cities by train is super easy. Bologna, Modena, Parma, Ferrara and Ravenna are all connected by a frequent, fast and efficient rail service. You can get from Bologna to Modena or Ferrara in under 20 to 30 minutes, and be in Parma or Ravenna within an hour. But if you want to get out of the city and discover the beautiful countryside, you will need to hire a car. This is the only way you can discover authentic food and wine producers in the region. The roads in this region tend to be well maintained, signage is clear, and you’ll find driving much calmer than in other areas of Italy. Of course, if you prefer not to drive, we can also help arrange a private driver to get you from A to B.

Is Emilia Romagna a good destination for a family holiday?

Emilia Romagna is an exceptional choice for a luxury family holiday in Italy. There is plenty to entertain children. Italy’s largest theme park – Mirabilandia – is situated near Ravenna, whilst Italia in Miniature is in Rimini. There are also water parks and wonderful beaches with long stretches of sand and calm seas. Children and petrol heads alike love Emilia Romagna’s Motor Valley, home to the Ferrari museum. And all ages can enjoy discovering Italy’s most famous foods, either through a cooking class or by visiting a local producer.

Are any of your luxury villas in Emilia Romagna close to the beach?

Our luxury villas in Emilia Romagna are just an hour by car from the nearest beaches, making it easy to enjoy a day at the seaside when you’re staying with us.