Things To Do
in Maranello
Maranello is a small, motorsport-rich town in the Emilia-Romagna region, renowned worldwide for its connection to Ferrari. Nestled in the Modena province, it blends hillside scenery with a deep automotive heritage and welcoming Italian hospitality. Visitors can explore state-of-the-art museums, classic car collections, and winding country lanes that reveal the region’s agricultural roots.
The town offers a relaxed, story-rich base for day trips to nearby Modena, Maranello’s countryside, and the broader Motor Valley.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Maranello, taking in the beautiful architecture and quaint shops. Visit the Church of San Biagio, renowned for its stunning frescoes and serene atmosphere. Stop by a local café to enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast of cappuccino and cornetto, soaking up the morning sun.
After lunch at a nearby trattoria, head to the Museo Ferrari, where you can delve into the history of the iconic car brand and admire rare models. Participate in an interactive exhibit that showcases the engineering marvels behind Ferrari's success. Conclude your afternoon by wandering through the surrounding vineyards, learning about the local winemaking process.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local osteria, savoring regional dishes that highlight the flavors of Emilia-Romagna. After dinner, take a scenic walk through the town, perhaps stopping for gelato at a renowned gelateria. Finish your evening by relaxing at a local wine bar, sampling fine wines from the nearby hills.
Begin your day with a guided tour of the Ferrari factory, where you can witness the precision and craftsmanship that goes into each vehicle. Learn about the history of Ferrari from knowledgeable guides and understand the intricate manufacturing processes. This immersive experience will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of automotive engineering.
After the factory tour, enjoy a lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring authentic Italian cuisine, perhaps trying some handmade pasta. Spend the afternoon at the nearby Fiorano Circuit, where you can watch test drives and admire the sleek designs of Ferrari cars racing around the track. If time allows, visit the nearby Enzo Ferrari Museum to further explore the legacy of the brand.
Return to Maranello and unwind at a local pizzeria, indulging in delicious wood-fired pizzas made with fresh ingredients. After dinner, explore the town's vibrant nightlife, perhaps stopping by a local bar for a drink. Engage with locals and fellow travelers to share stories and experiences from your day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🥗Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | $40-70 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range, per night) | $100-180 |
| 🚆Public transit ticket (single ride) | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee or espresso | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class motorsport heritage and captivating automotive culture
- Delicious Emilia-Romagna cuisine with easy access to countryside scenery
- Small-town pace may feel quiet for nightlife seekers
- Some attractions can be seasonal or require a short drive to reach
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Dove si trova...?" - Where is...?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Il conto, per favore." - The bill, please.
- "Grazie" - Thank you
Places to Visit in Maranello
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic modern architecture with striking car displays; great for both interior and exterior photography, especially with reflective surfaces and dramatic angles.
Charming town square framed by pastel buildings, ideal for street photography and capturing everyday Italian life.
Rolling hills and patchwork fields provide classic Italian countryside scenes, especially during golden hour.
External vantage points offer motorsport-inspired photography opportunities and a sense of speed and history.
Food in Maranello
Maranello Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small, delicate pasta stuffed with meats and cheese, served in a light broth. A classic starter found in many trattorie throughout Maranello.
Must-Try!
Broad ribbon pasta dressed with a slow-simmered meat sauce (ragù) from the Modena tradition; often enjoyed with a glass of local red wine.
Tortellini filled with a mixture of meat or cheese, typically served with broth or butter and sage in the regional style.
Sparkling red wine paired with a visit to a producer’s shop to taste the region’s famed balsamic vinegars.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheese, cured meats, bread, and locally produced specialties. A great place to sample seasonal fruits and regional delicacies.
Casual bites such as farinata, piadina, or fresh bruschette along walkable streets; ideal for a quick, tasty snack between sights.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite Buongiorno or Buonasera when entering shops or restaurants. A handshake is common in formal situations; friends may exchange a light kiss on one cheek in social settings.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; speak softly and silence mobile phones inside places of worship.
Meals are social events; wait for everyone to be served before starting and keep conversations courteous and relaxed.
Safety
Tipping in Maranello
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Italy; a small tip for good service is appreciated but not expected. Rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros for exceptional service is common in restaurants and cafés.
Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels. Cash is still handy for small purchases and markets; look for contactless options where available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, sunny days with long daylight hours. Pack breathable clothing, sunscreen, and water. Plan outdoor visits for early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more comfortable.
Pleasant temperatures and colorful countryside as vineyards harvest. Great for outdoor walking and winery visits; beware variable rain and cooler evenings.
Cool to cold with possible fog and occasional rain or light snow. Museums are ideal indoor activities; dress in layers if you plan outdoor time.
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. Ideal for walking tours, cycling, and countryside exploration with moderate rain risk.
Maranello at Night
Hiking in Maranello
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short drive away, with forested trails, viewpoints, and seasonal wildlife; suitable for day hikes and nature photography.
Gentle to moderate trails through vineyards and woodlands, offering panoramic views and rural scenery.
Airports
How to reach Maranello by plane.
Main regional gateway about 40–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; frequent domestic and international connections.
Smaller, closer option for domestic and limited international flights; good for regional connections.
About 1.5–2 hours by car; convenient for connections to central Italy.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing families supported by a strong local economy and a steady stream of visitors for motorsport heritage. A mix of locals and a small number of international visitors contributes to a cosmopolitan vibe in the tourist areas.
Tourists drawn to Ferrari heritage, regional food, and the scenic Modenese hills; many are international travelers seeking a compact, car-focused Italian experience.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ferrari heritage and the surrounding Motor Valley shape a regional emphasis on racing, vehicle design, and automotive events.
Hilly terrain around Maranello makes cycling a popular activity for locals and visitors alike.
Local and regional clubs feature in nearby towns; fans often gather for matches in Modena and surrounding areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Maranello.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Emilian cuisine often features meat-forward dishes, but many trattorie offer vegetarian pastas, risottos, grilled vegetables, and baked cheeses. Ask for options like tomato-based sauces, mushrooms, or pumpkin ravioli, and request parmesano or olive oil for added flavor.