Things To Do
in Reggiolo

Reggiolo is a small town in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, set in the fertile Po Valley with a bucolic countryside backdrop. Its historic center blends medieval lanes with a compact piazza and a venerable church, inviting pleasant strolls. The surrounding farmland yields renowned regional products, and traditional trattorie showcase authentic local flavors.

Visitors enjoy a relaxed pace, easy access to bigger cities, and genuine provincial hospitality in this authentic Emilia-Romagna town.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Reggiolo
morning
:

After settling into your accommodation, start your day with a delicious Italian breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and espresso. Take a leisurely stroll around the quaint streets of Reggiolo to familiarize yourself with the charming surroundings and perhaps pick up some fresh produce from a nearby market. Enjoy the morning sunshine as you soak in the local culture and ambiance.

afternoon
:

Explore the historical sites of Reggiolo, including the beautiful Church of San Prospero, which showcases stunning architecture and is rich in local stories. Afterward, have a light lunch at a trattoria, where you can taste authentic Emilian cuisine, such as tortelli di zucca. Spend the rest of the afternoon visiting nearby artisanal shops and galleries, where you can find unique handmade crafts.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy bar in the town square and enjoy an aperitivo, a traditional Italian pre-dinner drink. Later, dine at a local restaurant where you can savor regional specialties, accompanied by fine local wines. Wrap up your evening with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, appreciating the tranquil atmosphere of the town.

day 2
Cultural Exploration
morning
:

Start your morning with a visit to the Reggiolo Historical Archive, where you can learn about the rich history of the region. Afterward, enjoy a coffee and a pastry at a local café while engaging with the friendly locals. The ambience is perfect for planning your day's activities while enjoying the view of the town's quaint architecture.

afternoon
:

Take a guided tour of Villa Levi, a nearby historical villa known for its stunning gardens and art collection. Relish a light lunch at a nearby outdoor café before heading towards the local botanical gardens. Spend your afternoon wandering through the serene landscapes filled with beautiful flora, perfect for photography enthusiasts.

evening
:

After a fulfilling day, enjoy dinner at a well-reviewed restaurant that emphasizes seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Consider joining a cooking class in the evening, where you can learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes alongside locals. End your night with some gelato while strolling back through the picturesque streets of Reggiolo.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🥗Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant$40-60
Coffee in a cafe$1.5-3
🚶Local transit ticket$1-2
🏨1-night stay in mid-range hotel$70-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quaint, walkable historic center with authentic local atmosphere
  • Close proximity to farmland and regional delicacies
  • Relaxed pace ideal for cultural immersion and slow travel
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife options compared to larger cities
  • Smaller selection of international dining and shopping
  • Public transport connections may require planning when traveling to bigger cities
  • "Buongiorno" - Good morning / Hello
  • "Per favore" - Please
  • "Grazie" - Thank you
  • "Dove si trova...?" - Where is...?
  • "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
  • "Posso avere il conto, per favore?" - Can I have the bill, please?
  • "Mi piace questo posto" - I like this place

Places to Visit in Reggiolo

Visit one of these nice places.

Piazza Roma and the town clock tower

The central square framed by historical buildings, ideal for atmospheric daytime shots and golden-hour photography.

Historic lanes and churches in the old town

Cobbled streets and a modest cathedral provide classic European townscape photography opportunities.

Secchia River embankments

Riverside views with gentle water reflections, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Doorways and arches of the old town

Characterful doorways, balconies, and arcades offer intimate architectural details.

Culinary Guide

Food in Reggiolo

Emilia-Romagna is famous for its rich, farm-to-table flavors, with pasta, pork, cheese, and seasonal vegetables at the heart of most meals. In Reggiolo you can expect hearty, comforting dishes that celebrate local produce and traditional techniques.

Reggiolo Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tortelli di zucca

Pumpkin-filled pasta served with a simple sage or browned butter sauce, a quintessential autumn-to-winter specialty in the region.

Must-Try!

Gnocco fritto con prosciutto

Light fried bread served with thin slices of cured ham and local cheeses; perfect as an aperitivo or light lunch.

Gramigna con salsa di salsiccia

Short ribbon pasta tossed with a robust sausage ragù, a comforting specialty in the Emilia plains.

Zampone e lenticchie

Stuffed pig’s trotter with lentils, a traditional pairing often enjoyed around cooler seasons.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercato settimanale di Reggiolo

Weekly open-air market in the town center offering fresh produce, cheese, meat, bread, and local specialties, with stalls and a lively, friendly atmosphere.

Mercato di paese e panetterie locali

Smaller neighborhood markets and streetside bakers where you can grab fresh bread, pastries, and seasonal snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Emilia-Romagna experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. Spring and autumn are typically mild and pleasant, while summer can bring heat waves; winters may be cool and damp with occasional frost. Rain is possible year-round, so packing a light rain jacket is wise.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

Greet with a polite 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera' and use 'per favore' and 'grazie' in interactions; modest dress when entering religious sites.

Dining etiquette

Meals are often a social affair—wait to be seated, keep voices moderate in public spaces, and finish meals with a relaxed pace.

Safety Guide

Safety

Reggiolo is generally safe for visitors with typical small-town precautions. Watch for petty theft in crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings in busy markets. If traveling by car, follow local traffic rules and parking signs; be mindful of rural roads after rain, which can be slippery.

Tipping in Reggiolo

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip for good service in nicer places is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; many venues support contactless payments, though small shops may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming countryside; carry a light layer for cooler mornings and evenings, and enjoy outdoor cafe seating and farmer’s markets.

Summer

Warm to hot days; stay hydrated, seek shade, and take advantage of evening strolls and outdoor events in the square.

Autumn

Harvest season with abundant produce and seasonal dishes; pleasant walking weather and colorful countryside.

Winter

Cool to cold with potential fog; cozy interiors in trattorie and more subdued street activity, but with festive local markets and warm meals.

Nightlife Guide

Reggiolo at Night

Reggiolo’s nightlife is believably low-key: cozy bars, wine bars, and trattorie offer a relaxed aperitivo scene, with occasional live music or outdoor concerts during warmer months. The town centers around socializing in the piazza and at family-run venues rather than large clubs, making it ideal for a quiet evening out with locals.

Hiking in Reggiolo

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Secchia River trail

A scenic, easy-to-moderate hike along the Secchia river with gentle terrain and river views.

Salse di Nirano Nature Reserve

A nearby natural reserve featuring unique mud volcano formations and layered landscapes; suitable for a day trip and photography.

Monte Cimone foothill trails

Accessible hiking paths in the Apennines foothills within a reasonable drive, offering panoramic views and forested scenery.

Airports

How to reach Reggiolo by plane.

Parma Airport (PMF)

Approximately 60-75 minutes by car; convenient for regional connections.

Guglielmo Marconi Airport, Bologna (BLQ)

A major hub about 90-110 minutes away by car or train; broad international connections.

Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN)

About 90-120 minutes away by road; good for southern routes and Italian connections.

Milan Linate Airport (LIN) / Malpensa (MXP)

Approximately 2-2.5 hours by car or train; major international gateways for long-haul travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most sights, eateries, and markets within easy reach on foot. Side streets and cobbled lanes add charm, though some routes can have gentle slopes. Parking can be limited in peak times, so walking or a short ride from a central lot is convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are families with children, contributing to a lively daytime culture and school-centered activities.

Agricultural workers

A significant portion of the community is involved in farming and related industries given the fertile Po Valley.

Retirees

A comfortable, slower-paced environment that many locals enjoy as a retirement destination.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Calcio (Soccer)

A common local pastime and amateur leagues in nearby towns; community clubs are active across the region.

Cycling

Popular for both casual rides and longer routes through the Emilia-Romagna countryside.

Basketball and tennis

Played in local clubs and community centers, with friendly amateur competitions.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light within the town, with more congestion and higher speeds on regional roads leading to larger cities. Public transport is available but not as dense as in big metropolitan areas, so plan ahead if relying on buses or trains. Car travel is common for day trips to nearby towns and rural sites.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Reggiolo.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Navigate by selecting vegetable-forward pasta dishes (e.g., tomato, mushroom, or pumpkin fillings) and grilled vegetables; communicate about meat-based components like pancetta or broths when ordering.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Italy offers universal healthcare; you can access local general practitioners and pharmacies in Reggiolo, with hospitals and specialties available in larger nearby towns and cities (e.g., Reggio Emilia, Mantua) within a short drive. Carry any necessary health documents and consider travel insurance for peace of mind.

Discover Italy

Read more in our Italy 2025 Travel Guide.

Italy Travel Guide