Overlooking the Adriatic Sea on Italy’s east coast, Cervia is a popular seaside resort that clusters around a charming historic centre. It’s known for its unfinished cathedral and fascinating salt museum and is near the wildlife-filled Parco Naturale.

Things to do

Stroll through Cervia’s lively Piazza Garibaldi, which is home to the Town Hall and early-18th-century Cervia Cathedral. Dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, it features an incomplete stone facade, multicoloured marble altar and a Guercino School painting of Saint Joseph holding baby Jesus.

Adjacent to the Cathedral is the former bishop’s residence, Palazzo del Vescovado, where the interior decorations reflect the changing artistic tastes throughout the centuries. Wander through the elegant rooms, where the bishop once received guests, while browsing his personal belongings and the local artefacts.

Discover Cervia’s history as a salt-producing city at the Museo del Sale, which occupies the former “Torre” salt warehouse. It boasts a fascinating collection of artefacts and images detailing man’s relationship with salt, including ancient wooden tools and a flat-bottomed iron burchiella boat once used to transport salt.

Travelling with kids? Visit Parco Naturale to the north of the city centre where you can get up close to native wildlife, as well as domestic animals, such as baby pigs, donkeys and goats. Walk along one of the trails beneath native pines and oaks or get a bird’s-eye view on the high ropes course of CerviAvventura.

Getting around

Cervia is around 40 minutes’ drive from Federico Fellini International Airport in nearby Remini and connected by train to cities and towns along the Adriatic Coast. Cervia is small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle, with numerous rental shops around the city.