Industrial Area: Harbor Routes and Industrial Heritage

The destinations featured range from the harbor and Darsena in Ravenna to the lagoon landscape of Pialassa della Baiona.

Harbor and Darsena: Routes with Different Focal Points

Ravenna’s industrial canal harbor connects the city center to the sea along a route more than 11 kilometers long. The RA6 cycling route runs through the right-hand area of the industrial and port district along the Candiano Canal, then continues to Marina di Ravenna. Via Baiona offers a different route: it follows the southern side of Pialassa della Baiona for about 4 kilometers, connecting the SS 309 with the Candiano Canal. Along the way, it crosses the former Enichem industrial site and other industrial infrastructure.

Darsena has several routes to suit different interests. The industrial archaeology loop is just over 4 kilometers long and takes in disused industrial architecture and traces of the area’s industrial, economic, and commercial development. The street art loop takes about two hours on foot. Around the harbor basin of Darsena di città, there is also a loop of just under 5 kilometers for walking, jogging, and relaxing by the water. This makes it easy to choose between a walk focused on architecture and urban development, street art, or exercise around the harbor basin.

The breakwaters also offer a walk with its own character, with views of the open sea, coastline, and sailboats. The breakwater at Porto Corsini is about 2.5 kilometers long and is suitable for walking and cycling; seasonal conditions may affect access.

Lagoon Landscape and Cycling Routes

Pialassa della Baiona is a lagoon of about 1,100 hectares between Pineta di San Vitale and Marina Romea. It includes tidal basins and freshwater basins. The freshwater basins are kept isolated to protect Pineta di San Vitale from saltwater intrusion. The lagoon provides habitat for overwintering ducks, migratory birds, and rare breeding bird species.

The easy mountain bike loop at Pialassa Baiona is 10 kilometers long, starting and ending at Ca’ Quattrocchi on Via delle Valli. It is located in Parco del Delta del Po, and the route is designated for spring, summer, and autumn. On the return journey, the cycling route leads back to Ravenna via Via Baiona. From the rest area, a short section leads to the shore on foot or with your bike wheeled alongside you. After a few kilometers, you will reach a lookout tower with views over the lagoon. The route thus combines a longer circuit with a short section where you can walk or push your bike.

Pialassa can be reached on foot or by bicycle through Pineta di San Vitale, or by boat from the moorings in Marina Romea and Porto Corsini. In Pineta di San Vitale, walking is regulated as an authorized form of access under the management plan and is subject to the rules set out there. From Ravenna, the pine forest can be reached by bicycle via the Bassette district and Via degli Zingari.

A walkway and boardwalk route through Prato Barenicolo leads to the edge of the Chiaro della Vena del Largo basin. Guided visits to Pialassa are also offered by Museo NatuRa di Sant’Alberto, with biologists and environmental guides. In addition to routes on foot, by bicycle, or by boat, you can also choose a guided visit.

Culture and Seasonal Visits

From the first access point on Via Baiona, the Capanno di Garibaldi is about a 200-meter walk along the southern embankment of Pialassa della Baiona. Isola degli Spinaroni can be reached by environmentally friendly boat from the moorings in Porto Corsini and Marina Romea. From April to September, ANPI organizes guided visits there; if you plan to visit, check the dates in advance.

In Marina di Ravenna, CESTHA has been based in the historic premises of the former fish market since 2016. During the summer months, you can take part in the release of sea turtles into the sea there. This seasonal activity adds another nature-focused experience to the routes through the lagoon and pine forest. When planning your hotel stay, you can weigh up options including harbor and industrial history, walking routes, cycling, and seasonal nature activities.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Milano Marittima, Fosso Ghiaia, Castel Bolognese, Alfonsine, Conselice, Malcantone, Pinarella, Lido Del Savio.

For the overview of the wider travel area: Ravenna.