Industrial Area between lagoons, harbor and industrial history

Lagoons and birdlife

The Pialassa della Baiona is a lagoon covering approximately 1,100 hectares between the Pineta di San Vitale and the coastal town of Marina Romea. It includes tidal basins and freshwater basins that are kept isolated to protect the Pineta di San Vitale from the intrusion of saltwater. The lagoon provides a habitat for overwintering ducks, migratory birds and rare breeding bird species. Guided tours with biologists and environmental guides are offered by the Museo NatuRa di Sant’Alberto.

Cycle paths through nature and the harbor landscape

The Pineta di San Vitale can be reached from Ravenna by bicycle via the Bassette district and Via degli Zingari. The cycle path at the Pialassa Baiona is located in the Parco del Delta del Po. The easy mountain-bike loop at the Pialassa Baiona is 10 kilometers long and starts and ends at Ca’ Quattrocchi on Via delle Valli. In the Pineta di San Vitale, hiking is regulated as an approved form of access under the management plan.

On the return journey, the cycle path at the Pialassa Baiona leads to Ravenna via Via Baiona. From the rest area, the route includes a short section on foot or with the bicycle pushed alongside you to the shore of the Pialassa Baiona. After a few kilometers, the cycle path leads to a lookout tower with views over the lagoons. Cycle route RA6 runs through the right-hand section of the industrial and harbor area along the Candiano and then continues to Marina di Ravenna.

Waterways and walks

Via Baiona follows the southern side of the Pialassa della Baiona for approximately 4 kilometers and connects the SS 309 with the Canale Candiano. From the first access point on Via Baiona, you can reach the Capanno di Garibaldi on foot after approximately 200 meters via the southern embankment of the Pialassa della Baiona. The approximately 2.5-kilometer-long breakwater at Porto Corsini is suitable for walking and cycling.

The breakwaters of the Port of Ravenna invite you to take walks and offer views of the open sea, the coast and sailboats. Ravenna’s industrial canal port connects the city center with the sea over a route more than 11 kilometers long. The Pialassa della Baiona can be reached on foot or by bicycle through the Pineta di San Vitale, as well as by boat from the landing stages in Marina Romea and Porto Corsini.

Industrial heritage and special excursions

The industrial archaeology loop in the Darsena is just over 4 kilometers long and showcases disused industrial architecture as well as traces of the area’s industrial, economic and commercial development. Via Baiona crosses the former Enichem industrial site and other industrial infrastructure. The street-art loop in the Darsena can be completed on foot in approximately two hours. The harbor basin of the Darsena di città has a loop of just under 5 kilometers for walking, jogging and relaxing by the water.

A network of footbridges and walkways through the Prato Barenicolo leads to the edge of the Chiaro della Vena del Largo basin. Isola degli Spinaroni can be reached by an environmentally friendly boat from the landing stages in Porto Corsini and Marina Romea; guided tours are organized there by ANPI from April to September. Since 2016, CESTHA has been housed in the historic premises of the former fish market in Marina di Ravenna. During the summer months, CESTHA offers the opportunity to take part in releasing sea turtles into the sea.

When choosing a hotel, you can use your preferred day plans as a guide: short walks around the Darsena, longer routes by the water, cycling tours through the Pineta di San Vitale or nature observation at the lagoon. The different route lengths and modes of transport make it easier to compare which combination of landscape, harbor and culture best suits your trip.

More destinations

Castiglione, Ravenna, Massa Lombarda, Russi, Lido Del Savio, Faenza, Milano Marittima and Fossolo

For the higher-level travel overview: Ravenna.