Discovering Cervia, Italy: Sand, Waterways, Seafood, and Salt's Rich History
The Sun-Soaked Tales of Cervia and Milano Marittima
Step into the sun-drenched embrace of Cervia and Milano Marittima, two Italian coastal towns that offer a harmonious blend of culture, history, and beachside bliss. These gems along the Emilia Romagna Riviera are ripe for exploration, whether you're seeking a side trip from Ravenna or Bologna, or a standalone Mediterranean retreat filled with gelato, seafood, sun, and sand.
Cervia: A Salt-Kissed Haven
Cervia, an historic town, bears the indelible imprint of the surrounding salt pans. In fact, it was once under the watchful eye of the Pope, who owned all the salt pans there - and to this day, Cervia's finest 'white gold' is still annually delivered to the Vatican. The historic core of Cervia retains the charm of traditional seafood restaurants and fisherman's clubs, serving up local delicacies like mussels, freshly grilled fish, squid risotto, and fritto misto (mixed fried fish). The Salt Museum sheds light on the city's rich history and offers guided tours of the still-functioning salt pans where you may even spot turtles.
Milano Marittima: The Garden City
Just moments along the coast, Milano Marittima unfurls as a leafy paradise. Although over three hours from its fashion-forward namesake, Milan, this garden city has long been a favorite seaside escape for Milanese residents. Its grand Art Nouveau villas, now a mix of renovated and abandoned relics, serve as a reminder of its illustrious past. Today, Milano Marittima is primarily a spring-to-autumn beach resort town, with a vast swathe of sandy beaches and a welcoming environment for turtles that make their nests on its shores.
I, for one, had been to Emilia-Romagna more times than I can count, but it seemed this underrated corner of the region had somehow eluded me. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that just like everywhere in Italy, the storied past becomes much more apparent.
Your One-Day Getaway to Milano Marittima and Cervia
Here's a curated itinerary for a memorable one-day adventure in Milano Marittima and Cervia:
Morning: Soak Up the Sun in Milano Marittima's Beach
Begin your day with a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea, especially enticing during summer when the midday sun can be intense. Explore the beaches along this stretch of coast, with Cala Zingaro offering a mix of parasol and sunlounger beaches as well as free, wild sands for a more secluded experience. Follow the path behind the dunes to spot the remains of the Colonia Varese, a vast complex constructed during Mussolini's dictatorship as a summer educational camp for children.
Late Morning: Discover the Charms of Milano Marittima
Take a leisurely stroll through Milano Marittima, admiring the grand boulevards, opulent statues, and colorful floral displays. Visit Villa Palanti, a restored Art Nouveau villa designed by the Italian artist Giuseppe Palanti, who arrived from Milan and played a role in the town's transformation into a Garden City.
Lunch: Savor Traditional Seafood Dishes at Circolo dei Pescatori
Head to Cervia for a delicious lunch at Circolo dei Pescatori, a restaurant nestled along the canals and adjacent to the old fish market. Indulge in local seafood favorites such as mixed fried fish, grilled plates, acclaimed harvested mussels, squid risotto, and a variety of fish dishes.
Afternoon: Climb the Torre San Michele and Explore the Quadrangolo Neighborhood
Wander along the canal towards the historic Torre San Michele, the oldest landmark in Cervia. Climb the tower for stunning views across the town and canals, out to the Adriatic. Take a left to enter the historic Quadrangolo neighborhood, where you can marvel at the narrow houses and the immagina Cervia app, which provides a walking tour of the city center.
Evening: Witness the Sunset and Flamingos at the Cervia Salt Pans
As the hottest hours of the day pass, journey to the Salt Pans of Cervia Visitor Center for a chance to observe the sunset and flamingos, a rare sight among the marshes. Don't forget to visit the MUSA Salt Museum, which educates visitors about the rich history of salt in Cervia and also offers a glimpse into the town's past, including its move and rebuild under the watchful eye of the Pope.
With the darkening sky serving as a backdrop, enjoy a refreshing dinner at Officine del Sale, a restaurant housed in another ex-salt building that offers a refined menu focusing on seafood and Italian cuisine.
More things to do in Cervia and Milano Marittima
- Relax in Cervia's spas, immersing yourself in the healing powers of saltwater and local traditions.
- Step back in time by visiting Milano Marittima's Butterfly House, though mindful of captivity concerns.
- Play a round of golf at the Adriatic Golf Club in Milano Marittima.
- Engage in hands-on activities at the MUSA Salt Museum, including guided tours of the salt pans and workshops on the art of salt making.
- Celebrate the town's annual Taste of Salt Festival, which takes place in September and commemorates Cervia's salt-making traditions with reenactments, boat traditions, and salt-making experiences.
So, there you have it! With this itinerary in hand, you're primed for a memorable one-day adventure in Cervia and Milano Marittima, uncovering the rich history, stunning scenic vistas, and vibrant coastal culture that these enchanting Italian towns have to offer.
Experience a harmonious blend of lifestyle choices in Cervia and Milano Marittima, where travelers can immerse themselves in history, culture, shopping, entertainment, music, and sports. Indulge in budget-friendly activities like sunbathing on the beaches, savoring traditional seafood dishes, and visiting the Salt Museum in Cervia. Marvel at the Art Nouveau architecture in Milano Marittima and take a leisurely stroll through its leafy streets. For sports enthusiasts, play a round of golf at the Adriatic Golf Club in Milano Marittima. As the day ends, unwind at Officine del Sale, a restaurant housed in an ex-salt building, offering a refined menu focusing on seafood and Italian cuisine. Don't forget to celebrate the Taste of Salt Festival in September, commemorating Cervia's salt-making traditions.
