Cervia
Welcome to Cervia: a seaside resort with a long history
Cervia, also known as Zíria or Zírvia in the Romagnol language, is a municipality in the province of Ravenna, located in the Emilia-Romagna region. This seaside resort has a population of approximately 28,898 inhabitants and is well-known for its long history dating back to the Roman era, particularly the Cervia Natural Reserve.
Physical geography
The city is situated on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, south of Ravenna and at an altitude of 5 meters. Cervia is surrounded by a lush pine forest of approximately 260 hectares, 27 of which are part of the natural park. The Cervia Natural Reserve, which covers an area of 827 hectares, is an important nesting site for various bird species such as the Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Little Egret, and Ducks, and a key transit point for pink flamingos.
The coast
Cervia is famous for its sandy beaches stretching over 10 kilometers. The water quality is constantly monitored by the regional authorities of Emilia-Romagna, and Cervia has been awarded the Blue Flag by the Foundation for Environmental Education for the twenty-first time in 2016. Although episodes of eutrophication have been recorded in the past, the alarms have remained isolated, and the water quality of Cervia's beaches has always been excellent.
Cervia's climate
Cervia's climate is generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from around 10°C in January to 25°C in August. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with a peak during the summer and autumn. The seawater temperature is very pleasant during the summer season, averaging approximately 25°C in August.
The origin of Cervia's name
The name of the city appears to derive from the Greek word "fama" combined with the Greek word "algae," due to the high concentration of algae on Cervia's coast. However, the exact origin of the city's name is still uncertain, and some alternative theories suggest that the name could derive from "Ficocle" or "Ficode," two terms unknown to many ancient writers.
In any case, Cervia is a city that boasts a rich history dating back to the Roman era and the important Cervia Natural Reserve, which has been the center of the city's economic and cultural life for centuries. Cervia was an important center of production for sea salt and dried fish, an activity that continues to this day.
Tourism in Cervia
Cervia is a very famous tourist destination in Italy and abroad. It offers visitors many tourist attractions, including the beautiful sandy beaches, the Cervia Natural Reserve, the Salt Museum, the historic heart of the city with the splendid Garibaldi Square and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
If you are looking for relaxation and well-being, Cervia also has some of the best spas in Italy, known since ancient times for the therapeutic properties of its thermal waters.
In addition, the municipality of Cervia organizes numerous cultural and recreational activities every year, such as festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, and sports events, including the famous Ravenna Marathon.
How to reach Cervia
Cervia is easily accessible from all major Italian cities. The city is only 30 kilometers from Ravenna International Airport and is located on the railway line that connects Ravenna to Rimini. By car, it is possible to reach Cervia via the E45 expressway.
Once in Cervia, it is easy to get around on foot or by bicycle, thanks to the network of cycle paths that crosses the city.
Cervia is a special city that offers its visitors an enticing combination of culture, history, relaxation, and fun. Come and discover for yourself all that this beautiful city has to offer!
