Ideas and tips on what to do on Ferragosto near Reggio Emilia: five suggestions for exploring the area
Spend Ferragosto away from the hustle and bustle, surrounded by nature and with all the time you need to explore the area through its landscapes and flavours. The Reggio Hills They are the ideal destination for anyone looking for a different way to experience the 15 August. Just a few kilometres from Reggio Emilia, the landscape changes rapidly: the city gives way to vineyards, roads winding through the countryside, the castles of the Matildic lands and small villages perched on the first hills of the Apennines.
An area to explore at your own pace, perfect for a Mid-August bank holiday weekend in Emilia-Romagna dedicated to relaxation, culture and food and wine experiences.
1. Walking in the hills of Albinea
Albinea is one of the gateways to the hills around Reggio Emilia. As you leave Reggio Emilia behind, the landscape gradually becomes greener and more peaceful, with vineyards, countryside and views that offer a glimpse of the Apennines. A stroll during the cooler hours of the day is a simple way to start getting to know the area and soak up its rhythm. Ferragosto doesn’t necessarily have to mean a day packed with plans: it can also be an opportunity to pause, read in the shade of a tree or simply enjoy the silence of the countryside.
2. Discover Canossa and the lands of Matilda
Not far away lies one of the historically most significant areas of Emilia: the region associated with Matilda of Canossa. Canossa Castle, Rossena, Quattro Castella and the ancient parish churches dotted across the hills offer the chance to create an itinerary that combines history and landscape. It is one of the most fascinating experiences for those spending a few days near Reggio Emilia who wish to combine relaxation with exploring the region’s cultural heritage.
3. Visit a traditional vinegar cellar
A trip to the hills around Reggio Emilia would not be complete without discovering one of their most cherished traditions: that of the’Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO. Stepping into a vinegar cellar means discovering rows of barrels that have spanned generations, recognising the aromas of different types of wood and understanding why time is a key ingredient in the production of balsamic vinegar. A tasting It also allows you to appreciate the various aromatic nuances and to discover a product deeply rooted in the history of Emilian families.
Discover the vinegar cellar through a tour and a tasting session It is one of the most authentic ways to experience the culinary culture of the Reggio Emilia hills.
4. Organise a culinary tour
We are in the heart of one of Italy’s best-known food and wine regions. Within a radius of just a few kilometres, you can plan an itinerary dedicated to some of Emilia’s most iconic specialities:
- Parmigiano Reggiano;
- Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO;
- Lambrusco;
- cured meats and traditional specialities from the Emilia region;
- fresh pasta and Reggio Emilia cuisine.
Visiting a dairy in the morning, exploring a vinegar factory and then stopping off at a wine cellar turns a simple day out into a real a food and wine experience in Emilia-Romagna.
5. Round off the day in the peace and quiet of the countryside
After a day spent exploring villages, castles and wine tastings, the greatest pleasure may simply be returning to the tranquillity of the hills. It is here that your stay becomes an integral part of the journey. Choosing a holiday home surrounded by nature rather than a hotel in the city centre allows you to enjoy the early morning hours and evenings as integral parts of your experience in Emilia.
Where to stay near Reggio Emilia over the Ferragosto bank holiday for a charming break
The countryside as a starting point for exploring Emilia: staying in the hills offers a particular advantage – it allows you to spend your days exploring the area and, on your return, to find yourself in an environment that is completely different from city life. From Albinea, you can organise day trips to Reggio Emilia and the lands of Matilda, or spend a day exploring Modena or Parma.
A particularly appealing spot for anyone wishing to turn the mid-August bank holiday weekend into a short trip through Emilia. The Residences of Borgo They are situated in Albinea, set within a large park and amidst the rolling hills of the Reggio Emilia countryside. Here, your stay blends seamlessly with the history of Balsamic Vinegar and that of the family which has upheld this tradition for generations. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a a romantic break near Reggio Emilia, a charming country house in the Emilia countryside, or simply a few days away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
A Ferragosto to remember
You don’t necessarily need to travel far to feel like you’re on holiday. Sometimes all it takes is choosing a place that can change the rhythm of your days. In the hills around Reggio Emilia, Ferragosto can be the perfect opportunity to go for a walk in the countryside, visit a castle, meet local producers, taste some balsamic vinegar that’s been aged for years, and finally take some time for yourself.
And if you’d like to take home a culinary souvenir from your trip, in the Borgo Balsamic Vinegar Shop You can discover our range of products and special selections dedicated to Balsamic Vinegar. A Ferragosto filled with simple yet precious things: nature, beauty, good food and time spent together.



