The best time to visit Ravenna, Italy, depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:

1. Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Ravenna when the weather starts to warm up, and the city’s gardens and parks burst into bloom. Temperatures are pleasant, making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ravenna’s ancient mosaics and historical monuments. Spring also sees fewer tourists compared to the summer months, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
2. Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Ravenna, characterized by warm temperatures and sunny days. This is the best time for beachgoers, as Ravenna is located near the Adriatic Sea, offering opportunities for sunbathing and swimming. However, the city can get crowded during this time, especially in July and August, and accommodation prices may be higher. If you don’t mind the crowds and enjoy lively atmospheres, summer can still be a great time to visit.
3. Fall (September to November): Fall is another excellent time to visit Ravenna, as the weather remains pleasant, and the summer crowds begin to thin out. This season is perfect for exploring the city’s cultural attractions, such as its historic churches, mausoleums, and museums, without the long lines. Fall also brings harvest festivals and culinary events, allowing visitors to indulge in delicious local cuisine and wines.
4. Winter (December to February): Winter in Ravenna is relatively mild compared to other parts of Europe, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. While the weather may be cooler and occasional rainfall is possible, winter still offers opportunities to explore the city’s indoor attractions, including its Byzantine mosaics and art galleries, without the crowds. Additionally, winter is a great time to experience Ravenna’s festive atmosphere, with Christmas markets and seasonal events taking place throughout the city.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Ravenna depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowds. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of summer or the peaceful ambiance of the shoulder seasons, Ravenna offers something for every traveler throughout the year.

Getting to Ravenna by Plane

The nearest airport to Ravenna is located in Forlì. Ryanair operates flights to this airport, which they refer to as Bologna Forlì, from the UK and Ireland. During the summer, there may be direct bus connections from the airport to Ravenna. Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus to Forlì station and transfer there to another bus operated by the same company, ATR, which will transport you to Ravenna. For detailed timetables and information, you can visit ATR’s website (please check the links panel for their website). Keep in mind that taking the train is also an option, although it may take longer, as you’ll likely need to change at Faenza or Castel Bolognese. Other nearby airports that can be used to access Ravenna include Bologna and Rimini.

Getting to Ravenna by Train

Ravenna is situated on a relatively slow railway line from Bologna, with regional train travel taking about an hour and twenty minutes. Bologna offers good connections with the Italian rail network. Trains traveling from Bologna continue south to Rimini and other coastal resorts. As your train approaches Ravenna from the direction of Bologna, you’ll be able to spot the Mausoleum of Theodoric on the left, a white cylindrical tomb. When arriving in Ravenna by train, you can easily walk into the historic centre, which is approximately a ten-minute walk. Just cross the road outside the railway station and head straight along Viale Farini and then Via Diaz until you reach Piazza del Popolo. The tourist information office is located a few minutes further, to the right, and it is well-signposted.

Getting Around Ravenna

Ravenna’s bus services are operated by ATM (please refer to the links panel for timetables). At the time of writing, an urban bus ticket costs €1 and is valid for an hour. You can purchase tickets in advance at news kiosks or bars and validate them in the machine when you board the bus.

Local residents in Ravenna often use bicycles to navigate the city, making use of the cobbled pedestrianized streets and cycle lanes for longer trips. The tourist information office offers bicycles that can be borrowed free of charge. Additionally, there is a bike rental office just outside the railway station on the left, which also serves as a left luggage office.