po delta boat tour

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Welcome to the site dedicated to the Veneto Delta del Po

Discover a unique natural paradise in the world, where the Po river meets the Adriatic. Explore the biodiversity of nature parks and reserves, immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy outdoor activities. Plan your visit for an unforgettable experience in this fascinating corner of Italy.

Welcome to the Po Delta, welcome to an unparalleled experience!

The Veneto Po Delta is a vast natural area located along the eastern coast of northern Italy, where the Po River, one of the largest in Europe, meets the Adriatic Sea. This wonderful region is famous for its extraordinary biodiversity, enchanting landscapes and the interesting interaction between the natural environment and humans. 

Among the main points of interest in the Veneto Delta del Po, you will find:  

Natural Parks and Reserves: This area has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and includes numerous natural parks and reserves that protect the unique fauna and flora of this lagoon environment. You can discover incredible flora and fauna, including pink flamingos, herons, cormorants and many other species. 

Traditions and Culture: The Po Delta Veneto boasts a rich cultural tradition, with ancient fishing villages, the typical "casoni" (wooden fishermen's houses) and the art of traditional fishing. You can immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy unique culinary delights, such as lagoon fish dishes and the region's renowned wines. 

Outdoor activities: If you love nature and outdoor activities, the Veneto Delta del Po will be your paradise. Boat or bicycle excursions along the canals and natural paths will allow you to explore the beauty of this area.

Beaches and Sea: The beaches of the Veneto Delta del Po offer a quiet and uncontaminated environment where you can relax and enjoy the Adriatic Sea.

Events and Shows: During the year, the Veneto Delta del Po hosts a series of cultural and gastronomic events and displays, which will allow you to live an unforgettable experience immersed in the local culture.

This site is designed to provide you with all the information necessary to plan an unforgettable visit to the Veneto Po Delta. Whether you are passionate about nature, culture, food and wine or simply looking for relaxation, here you will find what is right for you.

Explore the site and let yourself be enchanted by the wonders of the Veneto Po Delta. Happy browsing!

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In Europe's first river eco-destination!

Source: Tg2 Sì Viaggiare July 2020

At the Rhythm of Nature

The Po Delta is a sedimentary deposit at the mouth of the Sweet Giant on the Mediterranean.

This "Middle Earth" will surprise you with its extraordinary natural richness.

A magical landscape between land and water: sandbanks, lagoons, sand dunes, oases, reed thickets, valleys and vegetable gardens.

Come and discover a unique place in the world, UNESCO Biosphere, a destination to experience at the rhythm of nature!

PO DELTA PARK: WHAT TO DO

Choose the places and activities you want to discover, activities and experiences, po delta map, where is the territory of the po delta veneto regional park located.

The surface area of ​​130 square kilometers of the Po Delta Park Veneto territory extends from the Adige river (in the north) to the Po di Goro (in the south) and includes nine municipalities, including Adria, Ariano nel Polesine, Corbola, Loreo, Papozze, Porto Tolle, Porto Viro, Rosolina and Taglio di Po.

The Po Delta Park in Veneto is the ideal destination for lovers of nature, the relaxation offered by the still little-known beaches, the good taste of fishing products and vegetable gardens. Those who love "active holidays" and wish to discover the uncontaminated ecosystem of the Po Delta will also find intense emotions, perhaps walking on foot or by bicycle, on horseback, or letting themselves be carried away by the lapping of the water against the boats along the canals and the lagoons.

EXPERIENCES AND EMOTIONS

Every season is the best time to visit the po delta in veneto.

Explore the Veneto Delta Po Park by bicycle, discover the new 15 paths dedicated to cycle tourists

Po delta park: what to see, six places to see for an unforgettable holiday, porto caleri garden.

PORTO LEVANTE

Oporto east.

THE PUNTA MAISTRA LIGHTHOUSE

SCARDOVARI'S BAG

THE SANTA GIULIA BRIDGE

THE RECLAMATION MUSEUM

• The Origins
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Home » Living the Delta » What to do

Excursions 2023.

The Po Delta is an area of extraordinary naturalistic, historical and geological interest. Seven branches of the river, opening out like a fan, make up the "Active Delta", rich in different environments that each host its own flora and fauna changing from season to season.

In collaboration with "MarinoCacciatori"   www.marinocacciatori.it   -  [email protected]

Tour operator in the Po Delta Park network.

Excursions by boat in the Po Delta Park

• Duration: 2h30
• Departure: Restaurant Canarin, Porto Tolle (RO) Every Sunday and holidays at 10:30 am  and at 3.30 pm
• Booking on 334/7035765 – 329/8607630
• Duration: 2h
• Days and times of excursion:
• Every Day at 10.30am & 3.00pm
• Departure: Pier of Cà Tiepolo - Porto Tolle
• Booking on 334/7035765 - 329/8607630 
• Duration: 3 h
• Days and times of excursion: 
• From 20/03 to 28/11
• All Sundays and Holidays at 10 am
• Departure: Cà Tiepolo Pier - Porto Tolle
• On demand bike&boat tour for the full day
• Duration 2 h
• Departure: Lido Barricata
• Every day from Monday to Frida yat 3.30 pm during the winter season
• From 1st june to 15 sept
• Everyday at 10:30
• Booking on 334/7035765 - 329/8607630

Canoing, bike&boat: tel.  334/7035765 - 329/8607630  www.marinocacciatori.it   -  [email protected]  

Delta tour Excursions Booking and information: Tel. 049/8700232 - 335/8167123 - Fax 049/760833 - E-mail:  [email protected]

Pesca - Turismo On board with small boats you enter the reeds and valleys where you can experience a new form of tourism, you can fish, you stop in the typical "cavane" fishermen's huts, you eat the fish caught and live a wonderful day in contact with the nature info: 0426/389316 348/2848885

Porto Barricata s.r.l. via Strada del Mare 77, 45018 Porto Tolle 0426/89125  www.portobarricata.it Sport fishing. Open sea fishing, charters.

Gastronomic itineraries and boat trips in collaboration with the fishermen of Santa Giulia -  Delta Escursioni di Baroni Davide

Renting houseboat leaving from Chioggia  Itineraries in the Po Delta Park with   RENDEZ VOUS FANTASIA Srl  Booking and Information 041/5510440 - E-mail: [email protected]

Exploring the Delta with Fede Tour personalized excursions with a flat-bottomed boat that allows navigation even in the presence of very shallow waters. Tel. 388 4336524 - E-mail:  [email protected]

Po Delta Excursions  Excursions by boat Booking and information: 334/7035765 - E-mail: [email protected]

Excursions in the Po Delta

Navigazione marino cacciatori, a team of professional travel experts, trust our experience, build your next holiday trip with us, create your tour, excursions by boat in the po delta, boat excursions in the po delta with custom made itineraries, all the means to explore the po delta natural park, unforgettable events on board in the po delta.

your boat trip with just a few clicks!

Excursions in the Po Delta Park

With navigazione marino cacciatori.

• Birdwatching

Born from the passion of the Cacciatori’s family for the Po river and for its territory, Navigazione Marino Cacciatori organizes boat and motor ship excursions in the Po Delta Park since decades. The agency, based in Porto Tolle (Ro), has a fleet of motor ships, flat back boats and catamarans that can sail in the shallow waters of the lagoons and the outfall areas. The visitors, on board the flagship Venere or one of the small flat back boats, will sail between the reedbeds to discover the most suggestive coves or the flock of herons that reproduce in this area. The Po Delta Park, indeed, is the perfect place for birdwatchers , since it hosts more than 380 different species of birds.

Our excursions in the Po Delta Natural Park insist on a series of complementary itineraries, with a calendar that provides different excursions every day, to have the chance to discover all the different environments of the Park, form the Northern, the Lagoon of Caleri, to the Southern with the Island of Love and Sacca di Goro. Our activity’s flagship, however, is the organizations of customized excursions, with taylor made itineraries , created to accommodate your needs, not only of dates and time, but even of ways. The smallest boats can be rented even exclusively for families, birdwatchers and small groups, and you can have one of the expert natural guides of the Park on your complete disposal.

Marino Cacciatori vi propone

Personalized matching.

Our unique matching system lets you find just the tour you want for your next holiday.

Wide Variety of Tours

We offer a wide variety of personally picked tours with destinations all over the globe.

Highly Qualified Service

Our tour managers are qualified, skilled, and friendly to bring you the best service.

24/7 Support

You can always get professional support from our staff 24/7 and ask any question you have.

Handpicked Hotels

Our team offers only the best selection of affordable and luxury hotels to our clients.

Best Price Guarantee

If you find tours that are cheaper than ours, we will compensate the difference.

Featured excursions

The big mouth.

Boat trip along the Po of Venice and its branches...

Po di Maistra and Golena Ca' Pisani

Boat trips along the smallest branch of the Po...

Scano Boa: amongst lagoons and reedbeds

Amongst the lagoons and reeds of the Delta Park...

THE LIGHTHOUSE OF GORO AND THE ISLAND OF LOVE

The flood plains between po di tolle, the lagoon of caleri.

Sailing between the water gardens and Albarella...

Not only boats

In addition to the boat excursions we offer the following services:.

• Exclusive boat rent for parties and events
• Typical food tasting on board
• Guided tours by bike and kayak
• Trekking on the beach and in the Oasis
• Didactic excursions and teaching laboratories

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Programma di sviluppo locale 2014/2020 del Gal Polesine Delta del Po

Tipo intervento 6.4.2 - (19.2) "creazione e sviluppo di attività extra-agricole nelle aree rurali"., programma di sviluppo rurale per il veneto 2014/2020.

Descrizione operazione: acquisto di nuovi macchinari e attrezzature per contribuire alla navigazione nel delta del Po Risultati ottenuti: riduzione dell'impatto ambientale, miglioramento del confort a bordo e della sicurezza della navigazione. Importo finanziato EUR 16211,91

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Bike and boat

Itineraries in the po delta.

By combining navigation and walking we will create one of the most beautiful and interesting outings in the area in one of the most evocative environments of the Po Delta.

Wonderful itineraries to be covered by bike and boat between land and water in a beautiful natural oasis .

The Boat & Bike excursion is a type of guided tour suitable for everyone and allows you to fully enjoy two of the most captivating aspects of the Po Delta : on the one hand, sailing on the sea to explore uncontaminated nature, to discover fairy-tale inlets , to observe herons while the boat glides silently through the channels of the lagoon; on the other hand, the environments in which man's work is integrated into the surrounding landscape: eel fishing and gardens for the cultivation of clams, with the utmost respect for the environment and biodiversity .

Need more info?

Contact us now and send your request, we will be at your disposal for any clarification., birdwatching.

Find your Experience

Programma di sviluppo rurale per il veneto 2014/2020.

Programma di sviluppo locale 2014/2020 del Gal Polesine Delta del Po

Tipo Intervento 6.4.2 - (19.2) "Creazione e sviluppo di attività extra-agricole nelle aree rurali".

Descrizione operazione: acquisto di nuovi macchinari e attrezzature per contribuire alla navigazione elettrica nel delta del Po Risultati ottenuti: stazione di ricarica per e-boat ed e-bike, pannelli solari a bordo per aumentare l'autonomia Importo finanziato: EUR 6776,00

We and selected third parties use cookies or similar technologies for technical purposes and, with your consent, also for other purposes as specified in the cookie policy . If you close this banner with a tick or click on "Decline", only technical cookies will be used. If you want to select the cookies to be installed, click on 'Customise'. If you prefer, you can consent to the use of all cookies, including cookies other than technical cookies, by clicking on "Accept all". You can change your choice at any time.

The Po Delta Park by boat

With a local fisherman as a guide

Welcome to the extreme Po Delta Park !

Let’s have a tour on the boat of a local fisherman. This area is still intact, less touched by human hand. Discover something about the fish species living here, above all they are euryhaline, that is they can adapt to both salt and fresh water.

And something about the whole river environment

Visit official Veneto Po Delta Park website

Cover pic courtesy of Barbara Dal Porto ( Flickr User @bdp_pd )

Produced in cooperation with the Official Tourist Board

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Slow sailing on the river and some cycling. Perfect for family tourism!

Italia Slow Tour

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• Excursion by boat in the Po Delta Oases

A charming excursion onboard a small silent electrically powered boat will lead you into the dense reed-thicket surrounding the mouth of the River Po, an important habitat for many bird species. Duration: 2 hours. Departure guaranteed with minimum 8 people. Booking required.

From November 5th, 2017 to February q5th, 2018, every Sunday and Holidays

meeting point: 11 am at Goro

Euro 17,00 (full price); euro 10,00 (children from 4 to 10 years-old); free access for kids up to 3 years-old.

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A Guide to Comacchio, Emilia Romagna’s Canal Town and Po Delta Gateway

Home » Destinations » Europe » Italy » A Guide to Comacchio, Emilia Romagna’s Canal Town and Po Delta Gateway

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Updated: 8th August 2023

My second visit to Comacchio was supported by Visit Comacchio and Ravenna Tourism

Comacchio’s canals might be fewer and less famous than those further north in Venice , but they hold their own share of secrets and stories. Discoveries in and around these waterways range from pre-BC Roman Ships with their wares intact to the long-lost Etruscan port of Spina. And now, the traditional fishing town sitting at the mouth of the Po River – Italy’s longest – has become an abode for a new type of resident: 20,000 pink flamingos which call the shrimp-rich waters of the Po Delta’s salt pans home.

Having been cut off and somewhat secluded until around 1820, when the first main road was built, Comacchio developed in its own sleepy way – with some investments from the former wealthy owners, the Dukes of Este. Eel is the speciality on the plates here; fishing methods and houses remain traditional – even though the industry has suffered greatly since the 1950s – and the verdant vast lagoons and wetlands of the Po Delta and other nearby protected areas have remained pristine. 

One of Italy’s hidden gems , Comacchio, is best explored slowly, spending a few days flitting between wildlife, the laid-back historic centre and the beaches. Still, I appreciate not everyone will have as much time, so below you’ll find suggestions on how to do Comacchio as a day trip and more tips on things to do in Comacchio for those planning a longer visit, including hotels and holiday resorts.

Getting to Comacchio 

Comacchio is in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy . If you have a car, reaching Comacchio is easy from all the nearby major cities. The driving time from Bologna is around 70 minutes, from Ravenna 40 minutes, and from Venice around two hours.

By public transport, the easiest route is from Ravenna, where there are some direct buses from the central bus station and Ravenna Farmacia. Still, it will take between 80 minutes and two hours. Coming from Ferrara by bus is similar (with a connection), while from Bologna, I’d suggest making it an overnight visit as a day trip will be pretty long.

In this article...

How to spend one day in Comacchio

To best explore during your Comacchio day trip, I’d propose hiring a bike if you want to spot flamingos and see the Po Delta, returning it in the afternoon. If you’d prefer to explore on foot only, see my suggestions of tours and activities after the one day itinerary and pick and choose which works best for you. 

If you want to use any local buses in and around Comacchio, for example, to go to a holiday village or the beach, you can search for the best timetables on tper.it .

Morning: Explore the Po Delta and spot flamingos

One of the most magical aspects of Comacchio is the town’s proximity to the Po Delta. This vast protected park – the mouth of the Po River , Italy’s longest – is spectacular, with salt pans, marshes, traditional fishing houses called Trabucchi Comacchiesi and plenty of pink flamingos – thousands of which now call the park home.

You’ve got a few options to explore the park, but I’d propose renting a bike to easily get closer to the best part: the salinas (salt pans), where most of the flamingos are usually found. Bike rentals are available from the IAT Comacchio tourist office and the Manifattura dei Marinati. Po Delta Tourism offers a variety of other options, such as boat and bike or just boat tours of these lagoons. However, they are only on certain days of the week, so I propose hiring the bike separately and making your own tour (see the below note about certified guides for the salt pans). Still, you can check out all of their Po Delta tour options here to see if their schedules match yours – Peter, my guide when I first visited Comacchio, was certainly a character.

Once you have your bike, you’re free to cycle around the large lagoons of the Po Delta, spotting the fishing nets of the typical stilted buildings en route – if the boat tour is running, you can use this to cross to the salinas rather than making the entire loop. The most impressive part is the stretch along the Valli di Comacchio , a narrow slither of raised land raised flanked by water, and along here you’ll usually see plenty of flamingos. They thrive in this area due to the high quantity of brine shrimp, the pink pigment giving the birds their colour.

Just be aware to get closer and visit the salt pans or the viewing tower, you must be with an authorised guide as it’s a protected area – arranged with the Salina di Comacchio directly or another operator such as the Po Delta Tours mentioned above.

Lunch: Sea view seafood lunch 

If you’re not sticking around in Comacchio for dinner, I suggest returning the bike and enjoying lunch along the canal. But if you have the time, make the most of your bike and cycle to Comacchio’s coast, where you can enjoy a seafood lunch and perhaps even a quick dip.

On my most recent trip, I visited Le Dune Beach, where you’ll find a few restaurants. I had a delicious lunch of fritto misto (mixed fried fish) and a cold seafood platter at Monnalisa Restaurant – part of the Holiday Village Florenz – paired with a few too many glasses of their locally produced white wine, which has a unique taste due to the grapes being grown close to the sand. 

Alternatively, you can track the Canale Logonovo back from the Po Delta to the slightly closer Lido degli Estensi, where you’ll find other dining options. After lunch, consider briefly passing through Porto Garibaldi, the port town where fishing still occurs.

Afternoon: Walking tour of Comacchio’s canals and history 

Comacchio is compact, and in just a few hours, you can see the city’s highlights and main museum on a walking tour, followed by a few detours and further exploring of the secondary canals.

The best place to start is at the Ponte dei Trepponti, considered Comacchio’s prominent landmark and the old entrance gate. This peculiarly pentagon-shaped bridge – with two sets of staircases on one side and three on the other – was constructed in the 17th century; however, further towers and adaptations have been added since. Once crossed, you’ll see one of the oldest buildings in the town, the old fish market, which now houses temporary art exhibitions or puppet theatre shows. Walk a few steps ahead on the Via della Pescheria, past the old prison (fish theft was rife once upon a time, and you’ll see the four-columned facade of the Museo Delta Antico .

Used as a hospital until 1970, the impressive building now serves as the town’s history museum, and it’s an essential stop to learn more about Comachio’s history. Covering everything from how dredging and land reclamation were used to found the fishing town to archaeological discoveries from the long-lost Etruscan town of Spina – once one of the most important trading towns in the world – the interactive museum provides plenty of information in English. Most fascinating is the Fortuna Maris, an old Roman merchant ship which was discovered mostly intact and full of goods, clothes and other items during a canal dredging in the 1980s – thanks to the high salinity of waters, it remained incredibly well preserved.

Evening: Traditional dishes along the canals 

Comacchio’s canals look their best at golden hour when the soft amber light bounces off the pastel-hued buildings and – if you’re lucky with a windless day – reflects on the water’s service. It’s also when the canals come alive, with people enjoying aperitivo at the bars lining the canal. Some even have docked boats so you can enjoy a drink or dinner while floating on the main waterway.

One of the most extensive terraces offering fantastic views can be found at La Locanda del Delta , a restaurant I have eaten at twice. I can highly recommend the mussels or the rice mounded high with seafood, but if you want to go traditional, then you’ll need to order the eel. The most cherished of local specialities, Comacchio is home to both an eel tinning museum and even an eel festival. Why? A vast number of the slippery creatures move between the sea and the Po Delta’s lagoons when the water temperatures change, and thus it became the town’s main food source. Honestly, it’s not my favourite dish, but it’s the most typical thing to try during your one day in Comacchio.

Best things to do in Comacchio and Emilia Romagna’s Po Delta

If you have a more extended stay planned in Comacchio (or just want to pick out a highlight or two), these are more of the best things to do in Comacchio and nearby in the Po Delta.

Take a dolphin spotting boat tour with TAO 

When I was visiting the beaches near Cervia, further along the coast, I was lucky enough to meet Andrew Ferrari, a marine biologist who works with TAO (Turtles of the Adriatic Organisation). At the time, he was working on a conservation project there as a turtle had laid their eggs on the beach – something rather remarkable for this stretch of coast, as they tend to only come here to feed. However, I did learn that they offer boat trips to spot dolphins responsibly – the funds being used for research – with departures from nearby Comacchio.

Walk the Old Town’s canals and bridges 

Often called ‘Little Venice’, the canals and bridges which define Commachio tell the stories of the old fishing community. While there are only a handful of waterways to trace here, strolling along them and spotting young boys practising their gondola tour, enjoying a drink in a bar, or admiring the Trepponti bridge are arguably the biggest draw of one of Italy’s most beautiful towns .

Eat eel, or perhaps try to attend the eel Festival 

While I’m discussing the delights of the sea, I can’t skip Comacchio’s beloved eel. The first time I visited the town expecting calm canals, I was greeted with crowds on every corner: the Comacchio Eel Festival (in September or October) was in full swing, and everyone was here to celebrate. With abundant slippery creatures found nearby – they move between the lagoon and sea when the temperatures change – it’s become a staple on almost every restaurant’s menu, somewhat different to the more known cuisine of Emilia Romagna .

Tour the Manifattura dei Marinati museum

Located in the old fishing district on the town’s perimeters, the Manifattura dei Marinati is the place to head to understand more about the lagoons and in particular, eel. A small video (in Italian) gives an overview of the eel industry and how Comacchio used to look, while a small exhibit on the traditional types of boots and tools used adds a little more colour. Inside the old smoking room, where fires have coated the walls in black, eels are still tinned for distribution, and you may get to spot the work in action.

Visit Comachhio’s farmed fish shop

If you’re self-catering in Comacchio, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Pescheria Trepponti to grab the freshest fish. The staff working here will also happily give you recipe and preparation tips, or you can enjoy a seafood platter on ice on their small terrace.

See art in the old Fish Market (Antica Pescheria)

One of the oldest buildings still standing in Comacchio, the Antica Pescheria (old Fish Market) is just across the Trepponti bridge. There’s not much to shout about, but often you’ll find some nice displays from local artists or photographers on the walls.

Relax on the beach

There are more than a handful of beach village resorts along the Emilia Romagna Riviera, with some of the best close to Comacchio being Le Dune Beach, Florida Beach, or the pine forest-backed stretch near Lido di Spina. This protected area, which sits alongside the Sacca di Bellocchio State Reserve, is wild and undeveloped – meaning no rows of umbrellas and sun loungers, but rather birdlife and the soundtrack of waves. 

Feel typical fishing life in Porto Garibaldi

Porto Garibaldi, the 15th-century fishing port, is just a short journey from Comacchio’s canals. While bombing during the war sadly damaged much of the port and left the town somewhat worse for wear, a short visit here will give you a feel for the local fishing industry, especially in the morning when the boats dock with their catch. 

Tour the impressive Museo Delta Antico archaeological museum 

Museo Delta Antico is arguably Comachio’s highlight. When I first visited the town, I skipped this museum, but on my recent return, I gave myself an hour inside, which still wasn’t enough. The building – once the town’s hospital constructed on the commands of Pope Clement XIV in the late 18th century – is impressive in itself, but the well-curated and interactive exhibitions are even more compelling.

The space covers everything about Comacchio’s history as a fishing town, including the canals and dredging, with archaeological finds aplenty. The section focused on the Etruscan town of Spina is particularly fascinating, sharing the story of how this ancient seaport was one of the most prominent trading posts in the 6th Century BC.

You’ll also be impressed by the Fortuna Maris, an old Roman merchant ship which was discovered in the 1980s as part of a canal cleaning. Thanks to the mud and salt, the ship and its load have been incredibly well preserved, yet it’s still one of Europe’s hidden gems .

Learn about the lost city of Spina 

After learning about the Etruscan city of Spina in the Museo Delta Antico, you might want to dig a little deeper. Lost in the 3rd century BC for reasons yet confirmed (perhaps adapting trade routes, sea level changes, or attacks and fires), myths and mystery abound – through mud and water have helped preserve some insights.

In 1922, while dredging work was taking place, remains and archaeological finds from Spina were finally found. These findings have now been used to reconstruct a couple of typical houses and a small open-air museum in the Valli Station of Comacchio.

Flamingo spotting in the Salina di Comacchio by bike and boat 

As detailed above in the Comacchio itinerary, you have a few options to try and spot flamingos and learn more about the salt pans and traditional boats of the region. While I detailed a DIY option above, if you can schedule your trip to include one of the local boat and bike tours by day or even at sunset , you’ll get some first-class insights from an expert local guide as well as privileged access to the salt pans and flamingo observation tower as these are only accessible with an approved guide. The boat tour will also take you alongside some of the traditional fishing huts (Trabucchi Comacchiesi) with their large hanging nets. 

Alternatively, kayak rental is also available if you want to explore some of the lagoons (but not the salinas) on your own power.

Learn about traditional clam fishing

Another tour I took on my first visit to the Po Delta National Park focused on the traditional methods of clam fishing – still in use today – using a wooden rake-style tool, the rasca . As this tour takes you to the Sacca di Goro (by the regional border with Veneto), it’s quite a journey, so only recommended if you have a few spare hours and an interest in seeing the traditional fisherfolk still carrying out their taste. 

Experience Comachhio’s canals during February’s carnival

If you’re in Comacchio for the one-day event in mid-February, you’ll find the winter blues being blown away by colourful floats and costumes at the town’s Carnival . While Carnival isn’t a unique thing to the town, the fact that the majority of the entertainment takes place on boats makes it worth a visit if you’re nearby.

Best time to visit Comacchio 

The best time to visit Comacchio and the Po Delta is from spring until autumn. However, keep in mind temperatures in July, August, and early September can soar, making it slightly uncomfortable for a busy day’s sightseeing. While you could also visit in the winter season for a stroll around the town or bird watching, the beach obviously becomes less appealing.

The best time to visit Comacchio for birdwatching is spring and autumn when the migrations take place; pink flamingos are now spotted year-round, as they have also taken up residency here. The Eel festival takes place either in September or October.

Great places to stay in and around Comacchio 

While Comacchio doesn’t have a vast choice of hotels, it offers something for every price point – from camping stays and holiday-style resorts to more upscale boutique stays. It’s advisable to book in advance around popular holidays and from July until August. 

Camping and holiday resorts near Comacchio 

Around Comacchio and the Po Delta, there are plenty of camping options which are a far cry from a plot of grass for your tent. Some of them, such as the Spiaggia Romea Club Village in Lido Delle Nazioni (where I stayed on my first visit), offer a nature-based resort close to the beach, complete with pools and activities alongside different styles of lodgings and buffet-style restaurants. This land was destined for over-development, but luckily a family purchased the land and only built on a small area, preserving the rest for nature and wildlife. An electric golf cart can take you on a ‘mini-safari’ through this part of the park where white Camargue horses roam and bird-spotters watch for local species. 

Other decent choices include the Holiday Village Florenz , which has both cabins, pitches and glamping tents and its own beach club, or Camping Tahiti , which is a little back from the beach (it has a complimentary shuttle), perhaps the most family-friendly destination resort I’ve been to in the area.

Hotels and boutique stays in Comacchio 

The majority of accommodation in Comacchio is private homes and apartments, but if you’d prefer a hotel, there are a few I’d suggest. The rooms at Locanda del Delta (above one of my favourite restaurants in town) are nice, modern and seconds from the canal – some even have views of the waterway. The Villa Cavour B&B has spacious rooms, a quaint garden to enjoy a lazy breakfast, and a couple of the rooms face a smaller canal. Locanda La Comacina is another canal-facing spot that was highly recommended to me, though I haven’t personally visited, so I can’t give any personal feedback.

Where to go after Comacchio and the Po Delta

After you’ve explored the canals, spotted the flamingos, and savoured all the eel one could possibly eat, you might be wondering where to visit next in Emilia Romagna. Here are a few nearby suggestions.

Marvel at the mosaics of Ravenna

Ravenna is undoubtedly one of the most underrated cities in Europe . Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the city has eight Unesco-listed monuments, with the colourful Byzantine mosaics being the star of the show. I’d suggest spending at least two days in Ravenna , although it’s a fairly compact city so that plenty can be enjoyed on a day trip. 

Read More: Ravenna travel guide

Enjoy beach days on the Emilia Romagna coast 

The Emilia Romagna Riviera is a great place to escape the heat on summer days. Lounge on the beaches of Cervia and explore Milano Marittima – a garden city turned beach resort town – to the south of Comacchio. 

Read More: One week itinerary for Emilia Romagna’s Riviera

Cycle the streets of Ferrara 

Slightly inland from Comacchio, the grand city of Ferrara (the capital of the province that Comacchio falls under) makes for an excellent day trip. Hire a bike and discover the top things to do in Ferrara, such as the Este Castle and the city’s cathedrals and palaces. 

Read More: Things to do in Ferrara

Explore more of Emilia Romagna (and beyond) 

From Comacchio, you’re well placed to discover more canals in Venice , spend two days in Bologna eating the most delicious dishes, head to the hidden away medieval town of Brisighella or explore all of the other amazing places to visit in Emilia Romagna. You could even go on a day trip to San Marino , a landlocked micro-country.

Read More: Best places to visit in Emilia Romagna

Related Posts:

• Visiting Cervia, Italy: Beaches, Canals, Seafood and Storied Salt
• Emilia Romagna Riviera 7-Day Itinerary: Beaches and Byzantine Mosaics
• 8 Alternative Spa and Wellness Destinations in Europe
• Day trips from Bologna: 16 best things to do in Emilia Romagna
• 10 Alternative Family-Friendly Holiday Ideas in Europe
• Italy off the Beaten Path: 25 Hidden Gems in Italy

Loved your photos and information. Your blog took me back to 2014 when I was here with my wife. Thank You!

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Delta del Po

Along the inland canals of the Comacchio lagoon , to admire the beauty of a spectacular oasis where hundreds of species of water birds live, or sailing up the Adriatic coast to the Sacca di Goro and towards the river delta; among the impenetrable reed thickets of the mouth of the Po di Volano or immersed in the expanses of water and the treasures of the Cervia saltworks; on the Bevano river, between the Ortazzo and Ortazzino Oases, or directly on the Po Grande river while savouring a delightful aperitif.

Discovering the nature of the Po Delta Park by boat is truly priceless. Cervia, Goro, Comacchio, Porto Garibaldi, Savio and Ferrara are some of the starting points for evocative boat trips , to admire some of the most beautiful areas of the Park from a truly unusual perspective or to be able to land in areas that could not be reached in any other way.

BIKE&BOAT  ITINERARIES

Sailing and cycling along the Po di Volano

Comacchio and the colors of the Lagoon

Birdwatching in the fresh water wetlands

DELTA DEL PO

In barca nelle valli di comacchio.

In barca da Comacchio ai luoghi dell'anguilla

Salina di Cervia

In barca al tramonto.

OPERATORS WHO ORGANIZE BOAT EXCURSIONS

ATLANTIDE Centro Visite Salina di Cervia: +39 0544 973040 - [email protected] - www.atlantide.net/salinadicervia Bevanella : +39 335 5632818 - [email protected] - www.atlantide.net/bevanella Museo NatuRa: +39 0544 528710 - [email protected] - www.atlantide.net/natura

PO DELTA TOURISM Tel. +39 0533 81302 - 39 346 5926555 E-mail: [email protected] Site: www.podeltatourism.it/it

LA NENA (AREA OF FERRARA) Tel. +39 347 7139988 E-mail: [email protected] Site: www.lanena.it

AQUA Tel. +39 0426 662304 E-mail: [email protected] Site: www.aqua-deltadelpo.com

Boat Tours Delta del Po

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Comacchio Lagoons

• Pomposa and surroundings
• Horse Riding
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Birdwatching paradise

The Comacchio Lagoons represent the largest wetland complex in Italy and the main attraction of the Po Delta Park.

The bird population is the most spectacular element of this nature reserve, with dozens of water bird species.

For this reason, this area of the Po Delta Park is considered the ‘Italian Camargue’.

From Pesca Foce Station there are boat trips,footpaths and cycle paths that will take you on a journey of discovery of a truly unique eco-system of endless water, tiny patches of land, and fishing huts. Wherever you turn,there is chance to learn about the history of fishing relating to the traditional ‘lavoriero’, a trap placed in the water to catch eels as they migrate to the sea driven by their reproductive instinct, separating them from other fish such as mullet, sea bass, sea bream, ‘passere’ and ’acquadelle’.

The ‘huts’ served as fishing stations as well aslook-out points to protect the lagoons from illegal fishing.

They are a key feature in this unique, spellbinding tourist itinerary , which extends from the river banks, along the inner canals to the lagoons. Other reserves to visit in these lagoons are the Valle Zavalea, at the far north westerly end, and Valle Campo , which can be accessed via the SS 309 Romea.

The salt flats cover an area of approx. 550 hectares north east of the main lagoon complex. They still house a salt-extracting system built in the Napoleonic era and bear witness to the role played by Comacchio in the production of salt since ancient times.

It consists of a succession of canals, stretches of water, and basins for the collection of sea water, and the evaporation and crystallization of salt. This environment, which is exceptionaldue tothe high concentration of salt in the surrounding waters, is home tounique species of plants as well as water birds. Moreover, it is a very important stopover for migrating birds. This rich and tranquil environment make the salt flats a vitalarea for many species to nest. Among these,a large colony ofred flamingos , one of few in Europe, have chosen to settle in this magnificentlocation.

This extraordinary natural site is listed as a Wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention, and a Project of Common Interest and Special Protection Area for the conservation of wild birds by the European Union.

Check out our offers and buy your ticket directly!

Comacchio Lagoon by Boat

BOAT EXCURSION in the Lagoons of Comacchio, departing daily from Stazione Foce, with guided tour of the ancient fishing houses

From Comacchio to the Lagoons: the Eel fisching Spots

Boat trip from Comacchio to Stazione Foce where you can visit the

Boscoforte, a jewel in the crown of the Comacchio's Lagoon

We will drive through breathtaking landscapes reaching the northern limit of the peninsula. A professional guide will lead us by the sunset warm lights during a unique experience in an area usually closed to visitors

Bike & Boat between Comacchio Lagoons and Saltworks

For adventure lovers, an EXCURSION not to be missed which alternates routes with the BIKE and BOAT between the Lagoons and the old Saltworks of Comacchio.

Comacchio: tra storia e curiosità

VISITA GUIDATA nel centro storico di Comacchio con una guida locale che racconterà storia, tradizioni e aneddoti sulla vita in città.

In Canoe under the Moonlight

Comacchio lagoon by canoe.

TRIP ON A CANADIAN CANOE to the Comacchio Lagoons, leaving from Stazione Foce, accompanied by expert instructors.

Exclusive tour for photographers and birdwatchers

CUSTOMISED BOAT TRIP in the Comacchio's Lagoons dedicated to birdwatchers and photographers

On the water in a traditional “batana”

Exclusive tours FOR TWO PERSONS navigating the Valli di Comacchio aboard a HISTORIC BOAT, a local, flat-bottom vessel. You will live a unique and exciting experience.

Comachio up and down: Canals, Valleys, salt Pans and Flamingos

During this tour we explore the territory of Comacchio, passing through the valleys and the salt pans until the sea. We discover new and unknown places.

Argine degli Angeli in the heart of Po Delta Park

Tour through dunes and coastal pine forests until the mouth of “Bellocchio”, one of the most famous places of the Comacchio Valleys and natural reserve. The mouth of “Bellocchio” hosts the traditional “lavoriero” that had been used to fish the eel for ages.

L’archeologia in un lampo!

Il gioco nell’età romana, i culti legati all’acqua nel territorio del Delta, i gioielli degli antichi, l’alfabeto etrusco e la tecnica dello sbalzo. Ogni sabato e domenica di Sagra lo staff del Museo Delta Antico propone alcuni mini laboratori anticipati da una breve visita guidata per ripercorrere la storia delle popolazioni dell’antico delta del Po.

Bike Tour to Casone Donnabona with the Man of the Lagoon

A pleasant bike tour led by a professional guide to step back in time.

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Per verificare la presenza sul Registro Nazionale degli Aiuti di Stato gli elenchi sono consultabili al seguente link , inserendo come chiave di ricerca nel campo [CODICE FISCALE] il codice fiscale della Vostra azienda.

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