Lidos of Comacchio - Bed & Breakfast Comacchio

Comacchio and surroundings, other interesting places to visit

Mesola Castle

The extraordinary importance of the Romea road is reaffirmed by the fact that Mesola Castle is situated along its route. Belonging to the Este family, the castle is located on the right bank of the Po di Goro. Eleonora d'Este used to travel here with her splendid court to reach the “delizia”.

Alfonso II d'Este built the castle to go hunting and for entertainment purposes. Constructed between 1579 and 1598, it is as Paul Valery said “a work that speaks”, since light dominates the surroundings, enveloping its visitors.

The castle is built on typical rural delta land and positioned on a “mensula”.

Originally the Este grounds extended into the entire adjoining wood, enclosed by a long wall. In 1598, the Duke’s properties were handed over to the Papal State.

The castle has a square structure with towers at each corner. Around the building are low shelters. These used to house the court’s staff and are nowadays small shops.

The castle is open to visitors (guided and unguided visits). You can also visit the Wood and Deer Museum of Mesola.

The ancient Via Romea

Mesola Wood natural reserve

Situated in the plain, this wood is known as the “emerald of the delta”. It was created on the Medieval dunes between the Po di Goro and the Po di Volano. It is a combination of woodland and wetland that coexist in perfect harmony. The main tree species is the holm oak, which dominated the wood in the Middle Ages, when the area was abandoned due to continuous flooding. Man introduced ash and poplar trees as well as domestic and maritime pines. Shrub varieties such as junipers, hawthorns and cornelian cherry trees fill the clearing, in which, at dusk you may catch a glimpse of the autochthonous noble deer and does. The deer often reach the nearby Riserva Integrale del Lido di Volano. A 7 km trail crosses the Riserva Integrale to the Lido delle Nazioni, an easy walk or cycle ride for children and adults.

In the wood badgers, otters and sometimes even cranes can be spotted. Pathways for walking or cycling run inside the wood (bike hire is available at the wood). An electric minibus takes you into prohibited areas. The chance of seeing a deer in the clearings of the Parco delle Duchesse is decidedly high.

Between Mesola wood and the Lido di Volano, not far away from Pomposa Abbey, Valle Gaffaro airfield offers you the chance to fly using your own or tourist planes and discover the beauty of the Delta del Po.

The Fossil Dunes of Massenzatica are situated inland, between the Po di Volano and the Po di Goro; the land gently rises and falls, the hollows alternatively filled with shrubs or trees. The dunes stand in contrast with the flat surrounding farmland. The dunes are characterised by thick shrubby vegetation, where you can see pheasants, hares, badgers and foxes.

Mesola Wood

The seven lidos of Comacchio

The lido region is unusual - woods, a river, valli and marsh land are coupled with white sandy beaches and a calm sea with a low seabed - and so it should be, given the area’s truly unique past.

Situated furthest north, Lido di Volano has a subtle yet irresistible charm.

The beach is wide, the valli are but a few steps away, a walk in the Riserva Naturale presents a valid alternative to the sandy shore and the Strada Romea facilitates the journey between Venice and Ravenna. Tranquillity prevails. The light wind is perfect for lovers of kitesurfing and windsurfing to test out the waves. A long pier juts out into the sea; enjoy listening to local dialects and watch the lights of the fishing boats out at sea.

Lido di Volano

Lido di Volano - Sunset

Situated close to a wellness centre, Lido delle Nazioni gives you the opportunity to practice water sports on the lake, go horse riding and have a chat whilst strolling along the seafront amongst the shops and restaurants. If you pay attention you can catch a glimpse of Garibaldi’s white cottage.

Lido di Pomposa and Lido degli Scacchi are located in the middle of the seven lidos. If you take the Nuova Romea up to Lido di Pomposa you will find a circuit for go-karting, minimotoring, supermotoring or motocrossing. Porto Garibaldi is a small town with an old feel about it. The old fishermen sit at the canal-port selling their fish, their fishing boats nearby. Their low houses painted in pastel colours and built on the beach no longer exist, but their shadows still project onto the sand. In the 17th century people from Ferrara used to come here to see the sea, carrying their food in a basket.

Lido degli Estensi is great for shopping, long walks up and down its high street and for its large, white beach. There is no lack of entertainment for tourists of all ages.

The countless bars and clubs make Lido di Spina a favourite destination for young people. The town is elegant and considerable parts of the old green area remain. Painter Remo Brindisi’s former home now houses a contemporary art gallery which puts on temporary exhibitions. The large beach is popular.

Notte Rosa (Summer New Year’s Eve) enlivens the Ferrara and Ravenna coastline; fireworks light up the night sky and the feeling of happiness infects both adults and children alike.

In the surrounding area, the countless summer festivals are a perfect chance for discovering and enjoying local produce and dishes. Don’t miss the clam festival in Goro, the eel festival in Comacchio or the asparagus festival in Mesola.

Lido di Comacchio - The beach

Lido di Comacchio

Lido di Comacchio - The winter sea

Lido di Comacchio - The winter sea