If you’re looking for the best day trips that begin in Ravenna, Italy, look no further! This historic city is full of world-renowned sites and attractions, making it the perfect place to start your Italian adventure. From the UNESCO Sant’Apollinare in Classe to the picturesque town of Brisighella, there’s something for everyone. And with so many incredible destinations within easy reach, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
1. The UNESCO Sant’Apollinare in Classe
Ravenna is a well-known tourist destination for its abundance of Byzantine mosaics. But if you’re looking to get away from the crowds for a day, the UNESCO Sant’Apollinare in Classe is the perfect day trip.
Located about 6km from Ravenna, the church is one of the best-preserved examples of early Christian architecture. The interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, and the exterior is covered in intricate carvings.
The church also has a museum attached, which houses a collection of Roman artifacts. The UNESCO Sant’Apollinare in Classe is a must-see for anyone interested in early Christian history or Byzantine art.
Address: Via Romea Sud, 224, 48124 Ravenna RA, Italy
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2. The Picturesque Town of Brisighella
The picturesque town of Brisighella is the perfect day trip for visitors to Ravenna. Nestled in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains, Brisighella is known for its medieval architecture, stunning views, and delicious food.
A highlight of any visit to Brisighella is the Via degli Asini, a pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes. The street leads up to the Rocca di Brisighella, a 14th-century fortress that offers sweeping views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Visitors can also explore the town’s three churches, all of which date back to the Middle Ages. For a truly unforgettable experience, be sure to try the local specialty, Salame di fossa.
This cured meat is traditionally aged in underground pits and has a unique flavor that is not to be missed. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or simply a chance to relax in a beautiful setting, Brisighella is sure to exceed your expectations.
How to Get There: The best way to get to Brisighella from Ravenna is by car. The journey takes about an hour and a half, and it is a scenic drive through the countryside. The most direct route is via the A14 motorway. Alternatively, you can take the A13 motorway, which is slightly longer but has fewer tolls.
3. The Medieval Town of Faenza
Just a short drive from the vibrant city of Ravenna lies the medieval town of Faenza. Although it may not be as well-known as its neighboring cities, Faenza is definitely worth a visit.
The town is home to a number of remarkable sights, including the Duomo di Faenza, a beautiful cathedral with an impressive façade, and the Palazzo del Podestà, a 13th-century palace that now houses the Ceramic Museum. Of course, no visit to Faenza would be complete without sampling the local pottery.
The town is famous for its ceramics, and there are several shops where you can purchase hand-painted plates, bowls, and vases. Whether you’re interested in history or art, Faenza makes an excellent day trip from Ravenna.
How to Get There: The quickest way to get from Ravenna to Faenza is by car. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes via the A14 motorway. Alternatively, there is a train that runs between the two cities, but it takes slightly longer, with a journey time of around 45 minutes.
4. The Adriatic Coast Town of Rimini
The Adriatic Coast town of Rimini is the perfect day trip from Ravenna. Just a short drive from the city, Rimini offers a stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
The town is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, making it the ideal place to spend a day exploring. A visit to the Rimini Archaeological Museum is a must for history buffs, while the Tempio Malatestiano is an impressive example of Renaissance architecture.
For those looking to relax, there are plenty of beach clubs and seaside cafes to enjoy. With so much to see and do, Rimini is the perfect day trip for visitors to Ravenna.
How to Get There: The best way to get to Rimini from Ravenna is by car. The drive takes about an hour and a half, and there are a few different routes you can take. Depending on traffic, you might want to take the A14 Highway or the A4 Highway.
5. The Renaissance City of Ferrara
While Ravenna is undoubtedly worth a visit for its abundance of beautiful mosaics, the city of Ferrara is also well worth exploring. Just a short train ride away, Ferrara was once an important Renaissance city and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The historic center is full of interesting architecture, and visitors can also enjoy Ferrara’s many parks and gardens. For those interested in art, the Palazzo dei Diamanti houses an excellent art museum with works by major Italian artists such as Titian and Giovanni Boldini.
How to Get There: The best way to get to Ferrara from Ravenna is by car. The journey takes about an hour and a half, and the route is well-signposted. There are also a number of toll roads in the area, so it is advisable to have some change on hand.
6. The Walled City of Lucca in Tuscany
Just a short drive from Ravenna is the walled city of Lucca. This Tuscan gem is best known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and lovely cobbled streets.
Lucca is the perfect day trip for those who want to experience the best of Tuscany without venturing too far from Ravenna. Start your day with a stroll around the city walls, which offer stunning views of the Tuscan countryside.
Then head into the city center to explore the atmospheric streets and browse the shops selling local produce and handmade leather goods. Be sure to stop for lunch at one of the many trattorias, where you can enjoy fresh pasta and hearty Tuscan cuisine.
In the afternoon, visit one of Lucca’s famous churches or take a leisurely stroll through one of the city’s picturesque parks. Whatever you do, you’re sure to have a memorable day in this enchanting city.
How to Get There: The best way to get from Ravenna to Lucca is by bus. Buses run regularly between the two cities, and the journey takes just over two hours. There are also a number of direct trains each day, although the journey time is slightly longer.
7. The Etruscan City of Volterra in Tuscany
Volterra is a city in the Tuscany region of Italy with a long and rich history. The Etruscans were the first major civilization to settle in the area, and they left behind a wealth of art and architecture.
Today, visitors can see well-preserved Etruscan tombs and ruins, as well as a number of museums dedicated to Etruscan art. Volterra is also home to a beautiful medieval cathedral and an imposing castle.
Just outside the city are the remains of an ancient Roman villa. With so much to see and do, Volterra makes for an excellent day trip from Ravenna. Visitors can easily reach Volterra by train or bus, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to keep everyone fed and watered.
How to Get There: The best way to get to Volterra from Ravenna is by car. The journey takes approximately two hours and thirty minutes via the A14 motorway. The route is well-signposted and there is a service area at Riolo Terme where you can stop for a break.
8. The Historic City of Orvieto in Umbria
Orvieto is a beautiful medieval city in Umbria, just a short drive from Ravenna. The city is built on a plateau of volcanic rock, high above the surrounding countryside.
Visitors can take the funicular railway up to the city center, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets. Orvieto has a rich history, dating back to Etruscan times. The Duomo, Orvieto’s cathedral, is one of the most impressive buildings in the city.
With its ornate facade and beautifully decorated interior, it is well worth a visit. There are also several excellent museums in Orvieto, including the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and the Diocesan Museum. If you are looking for a day trip from Ravenna, Orvieto is the perfect destination.
How to Get There: The best way to get to Orvieto from Ravenna is by car. The journey will take approximately two hours and thirty minutes, via the A14 motorway.
9. The Classic Hill Town of Assisi in Umbria
Just a short drive from the historic city of Ravenna, the town of Assisi is a must-see for any visitor to the region. Nestled amongst rolling hills, Assisi is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis, one of Italy’s most beloved saints.
The town is home to a number of well-preserved medieval buildings, including the Basilica of St. Francis, which features stunning frescoes by Giotto. Visitors can also explore the picturesque streets and squares of the old town, or enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside from the hilltop castle.
How to Get There: The best way to get to Assisi from Ravenna is to take the train. The journey by train will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes, and it is a relatively direct route.
10. The Stunning Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. The dramatic coastline, with its soaring cliffs and picturesque villages, has been a favorite of travelers for centuries.
Just a short drive from the city of Ravenna, the Amalfi Coast makes an ideal day trip. Visitors can enjoy winding drives along the coast, stop to explore charming towns like Ravello and Positano, and take in breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Amalfi Coast is also home to some of Italy’s best-known culinary specialties, including limoncello and delicious seafood dishes. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that the Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.
How to Get There: The best way to get to Amalfi Coast from Ravenna is by car. The drive takes about four hours and is very scenic. The route takes you through the mountains and along the coast, so there are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views.
11. The Island of Capri
Capri is an island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Southern Italy. The island is a popular tourist destination for its dramatic scenery, secluded beaches, and clear blue waters.
Capri is accessible by ferry from the city of Ravenna. The journey takes approximately two hours. Once on the island, visitors can explore the numerous hiking trails, relax on the beach, or take a boat tour of the surrounding waters.
Capri is also home to a number of restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch with a view. With its breathtaking views and plethora of activities, Capri makes for the perfect day trip from Ravenna.
How to Get There: One of the best ways to get to the Island of Capri from Ravenna is by taking a ferry. Ferries run regularly from the port of Ravenna to the Island of Capri and the journey takes around an hour.
12. The Historic City of Matera
Matera is a historic city located in the southern Italian region of Basilicata. The city is famous for its traditional cave dwellings, known as “Sassi”, which date back to the Medieval period.
Matera’s Sassi is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city as a whole has been awarded the European Capital of Culture title for 2019. Visitors to Matera can explore the city’s many churches and archaeological sites, or take a guided tour of the Sassi themselves.
There are also several museums and art galleries located in Matera, making it a perfect destination for a day trip from Ravenna.
How to Get There: The best way to get to Matera from Ravenna is by car. The drive takes approximately four hours and is relatively straightforward. However, it is important to note that there are tolls on some of the highways.
13. The Breathtaking Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a stunning, remote region of Italy that is only accessible by boat or hiking trails. The Cinque Terre consists of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
The villages are all built on steep hillsides and are surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The Cinque Terre is a popular day trip from Ravenna for its incredible views, charming villages, and delicious food.
Visitors can hike the many trails that connect the villages, go swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, or enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
How to Get There: Cinque Terre is best reached by train from Ravenna. There are regular trains that run from Ravenna to Cinque Terre and the journey takes around two hours.
In Conclusion
The Amalfi Coast, Faenza, Rimini, Capri, Matera, and the Cinque Terre are some of the beautiful places to visit that are relatively easy to get to from Ravenna. Each destination offers something unique, whether it be stunning views, delicious food, or a chance to explore centuries-old villages. No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be a day trip from Ravenna that is perfect for you.
