Cycling in the Po Delta Park

The Marinara Tourist Port is located in the vibrant heart of Marina di Ravenna and is an essential stop on the Salt Route. One of the most modern and secure ports on the Adriatic, Marinara offers boaters maximum comfort and safety with its 1,074 berths and excellent sea and land services. Leaving the port, head for Marina di Ravenna, a lively seaside resort famous for its golden beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Here you can stroll along the seafront, stop for an Italian espresso or an artisan gelato at one of the many cafes. Don't miss the fish market, where you can taste the freshness of the sea in freshly prepared dishes. After a stroll in Marina di Ravenna, it's time to head for Ravenna, just a few kilometres away. You can hire a bicycle and cycle along the cycle path that links the two towns, passing through areas of great natural beauty. Once in Ravenna, you will find yourself in a city rich in history and culture. Among the many options available, we can visit the Arian Baptistery, probably built by King Theodoric at the end of the 5th century, an important testimony to Arianism, the official religion of the court at the time. It was reconsecrated to the Orthodox faith in the 6th century. Today it is famous for its dome decorated with golden mosaics depicting the Baptism of Christ, a work that illustrates the fusion of Arian beliefs with traditional Christian iconography. After several changes of ownership and transformations, in 1914 it became the property of the State and underwent a restoration that preserved its extraordinary mosaic decorations. It is one of the eight monuments of Ravenna declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Continuing our cycle tour, we can make a valuable stop at the MAR - Ravenna's  Art Museum, a cultural reference point that houses a wide range of works of art, from ancient to modern. Founded in 2002 from the former Civic Art Gallery, the museum is located in the Loggetta Lombardesca and offers temporary exhibitions, a permanent collection from the 14th to the 21st century and an important section dedicated to modern and contemporary mosaics. The museum also boasts works by internationally renowned artists such as Gustav Klimt, Mario Schifano, Tano Festa and Banksy.

The second stop on our journey takes us into the heart of Bassa Romagna, an area rich in history, culture and natural beauty. This fascinating territory offers many authentic and culturally rich points of interest. Along the route you will come across the majestic Estense Fortress of Lugo, which reflects the cultural and historical richness of the region. The fortress, with its medieval and renaissance roots, not only offers a fascinating historical overview, but also hosts a variety of cultural events that animate the city throughout the year. A few steps away is the Pavaglione di Lugo, once used for silkworm breeding and now a lively commercial and social centre where markets are held and people of all ages meet. Continuing towards Bagnacavallo, don't miss the Civic Museum of the Capuchins, housed in an old convent. The museum displays a wide range of works, from sacred art to archaeological finds, and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the town and the region. In the nearby town of Villanova di Bagnacavallo you can visit the unique Museum of Marsh Herbs. This museum is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional techniques for processing marsh herbs, which are used to make everyday objects and artistic weavings. As well as displaying historical and contemporary artefacts, the museum offers practical demonstrations and workshops to keep this ancient craft tradition alive.

Starting from the Bassa Romagna region, the route follows the banks of the River Po, offering cyclists the chance to admire the river landscape and the rich biodiversity of the Southern Valleys of Comacchio. This extraordinary natural area extends over 130 square kilometres between the provinces of Ferrara and Ravenna and is an important wetland area of exceptional natural and landscape value. The Southern Valleys of Comacchio are a true paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Here the landscape is constantly changing, alternating between aquatic areas and open countryside, creating a unique and varied environment. Accessible from Sant'Alberto by cable ferry, this area offers a series of extraordinary nature trails, such as the Boscoforte Peninsula and the Angels' Embankment, the perfect kingdom for nature lovers and bicycle riders. The Boscoforte Peninsula is a 250-hectare strip of land surrounded by the Comacchio Valleys. This enchanted place, formed thousands of years ago, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity where birdwatchers can observe numerous species of birds. The ideal place for birdwatching, it offers the chance to see numerous species of birds and is home to a rich and varied ecosystem, such as the Camargue horses, which live here in the wild.