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Visit Po Delta

The Po Delta is to the east of Ferrara and north of Ravenna, in the north-east of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, where the River Po divides into several smaller rivers before meeting the Adriatic Sea.

Much of the Po Delta is protected, either as part of the large Parco del Delta del Po, or by one of the smaller nature reserves that are found in the region.

Above all, the region is known for the wildlife - especially birds - that are found in the wetlands and lagoons, with several thousands of species having been identified in the region. Many are very rare, and ornithologists from all over the world visit - especially for the bird-watching fair based around Comacchio at the end of April each year. Those who wish to immerse themselves in nature, can visit the remarkable spectacle of the Comacchio Valleys which have a unique ambience, with hundreds of birds that live in the lagoon (purple herons, mallards, moorhens, coots, and, recently, the cormorants). The wetland area has a unique vegetation such as oak, pine, the tamarisk, beech and cane. These Po Delta Valleys form a huge complex of coastal dunes, natural defences against sea erosion and very important from the naturalistic point of view. Be aware that the Comacchio Valleys also act as a kind of natural refuge for some forms of life now largely disappeared.

To all these characteristics is added the singular beauty of the valley landscape - large expanses of water populated by many species of birds and enriched by the jagged profiles of bumps and picturesque islands and their vegetation provide, under varying conditions of season, climate, light, effects of great beauty and charm.

Exploring Po Delta / Comacchio valleys

Those who love nature will certainly enjoy a hike, which can also be done by bicycle, a trip during which you will enter into direct contact with the natural heritage, approaching the traditional and ancient ways of life, work tools and furnishings and come across the typical Casoni fishing - during the trip, you can stop to taste the typical dishes of Comacchio, or fish, especially eels, which have lived in the valleys for centuries. It is said that the Duke Ercole I (1431-1505) sent the Lord of Rimini one hundred salted eels for lent each year. Mullets, sea bass and flounder are among the other species of large fish in the former marshes of Comacchio. local fish dishes to enjoy are numerous, along with oysters, mussels, clams, lobsters, shrimps. Among the pasta dishes there are seafood risotto, spaghetti with crab, fish soup and grilled fish, and then, again, the eel risotto, fish soup to Comacchio, with slices of yellow polenta.

Comacchio itself is a pretty fishing village (the local specialty is eels) with several narrow canals, a famous 17th century bridge that crosses three of them, and fish restaurants where you can sample the local produce.

Also worth visiting is the abbey at Pomposa, north of Comacchio, which has a collection of interesting buildings around the abbey itself, which houses some impressive frescoes and mosaics.

The S309 road that runs from north to south through the region is a good base to start your explorations, and also provides access to some of the small towns and beach resorts along the coast. If you prefer to explore without your car, there are numerous other possibilities - the region is ideal for cycling, walking and boat trips. Perhaps the best cycle route is the 80 mile trip along the bank of the Po river.