A tour in the Po Delta National Park: what to see and things to do

A wide selection of the most fascinating, local cultural attractions.

26 Oct 2019

Gruppo UNA

This brief guide to the park will help you plan your tour so that you get the most out of any day spent in the Po Delta Park.

About the Po Delta Park.

No matter what your preference, you're sure to find interesting and exciting activities and leisure pursuits in the Po Delta National Park. The park covers an area of the Po Delta amounting to approximately 54,000 hectares, and is divided into six different "stations", or ecosystems.

Po Delta Park Nature.

Nature lovers, particularly bird watchers, will be fascinated by the huge numbers of different birds living within this natural habitat. The entire southern part of the Po Delta leading to the Adriatic is a protected park, so wildlife and birds thrive. The park encompasses a range of environments, including the pine forests of Cervia and Ravenna, historic salt mines, wetlands and marshes, and several wooded areas. The river mouths of Volano and Goro also fall inside the park area.

Tips for a tour of the Po Delta Park.

From a cultural and historic perspective, the interesting towns and villages of Comacchio, Sant 'Apollinaire and Pomposa will be sure to fascinate and enchant visitors.  Some other historic landmarks and villages that should be included in any visitor trips to the Po Delta include Mesola Castle and Woods and the associated Deer Museum, Goro and Gorino where it's possible to take Po Delta boat trips,  Codigoro and nearby Pomposa Abbey, and the Trepponti bridge, which features five unique staircases and was built for defence purposes back in 1634. 

There are a variety of museums and visitor centres within this vast park, including:

  • Castello Estense in Mesola.
  • Mesola Woods Deer Museum.
  • The Reclamation EcoMuseum.
  • Ostellato Museum.
  • Museum NatuRa.
  • Marsh Grasses Eco Museum.

Biking in Po Delta Park. 

Keen cyclists will adore touring the Po Delta by bike, and may consider completing the entire Po Destra cycle route or even the challenging Eurovelo 8 cycleway. The Po Destra route starts in the enchanting town of Ferrara and then follows the meandering Po on its journey to the Adriatic. One of the beauties of this cycle route is that it's virtually flat throughout the entire route, making it an easy option for families cycling with children or for hobby cyclists. 

Biking in Po Delta Park

Boat trips in Po Delta Park.

One of the best ways to appreciate all the different ecosystems, flora and fauna of the Po Delta National Park is by boat, and you can enjoy exploring them by electric powered boat which will enable you to get up close to all wildlife. These silent boats are available for hire from Goro, Volano or Gorino. The pink flamingo flocks of the delta are a real sight to behold, and it's possible to get close up to them when you take an electric boat tour.

Art in Po Delta Park

It's truly impossible to list out all the amazing architecture and works of art you'll be able to appreciate during any tour of the Po Delta Park. Of course, if you begin your trip of the region by spending a few hours, or even a full day, exploring the beauties of Renaissance and Medieval Ferrara you'll appreciate the treats in store during your tour of the Po Delta even more. Some of the unmissable highlights include:

  • the pretty town of Commachio. Nothing beats taking a boat tour of its canals which criss-cross the entire central area of town and allow you to appreciate the beautiful pastel-toned historic buildings at close hand;
  • the amazing Abbey of Pomposa in Goro, a treasure trove of historic artworks and a real architectural gem in its own right;
  • the Verginese Castle in Gambalunga;
  • the tiny and exquisite church of Pieve san Georgio situated close to Argenta.

Let Gruppo UNA be your guide to the beauty of Italy

Smart hotel ideally located outside of the Renaissance city of Ferrara, UNAWAY Hotel Occhiobello offers guests peaceful well-furnished rooms, a renowned restaurant, fitness facilities, various meeting spaces and a pleasant garden.

Guests enjoy warm Italian hospitality and efficient services that cater to their needs in this chic Ferrara hotel. 

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