Riolo Terme is a thermal town in the Romagna hinterland, nestled among the rolling green hills of the Senio Valley. The village is located between the territories of Faenza and Imola, approximately 30 km from Ravenna and 50 km from Bologna.
Riolo Terme is the perfect place to take a break and regenerate amidst thermal waters, enchanting landscapes, and excellent cuisine. Here, wellness is a state of mind—a reflection of the typical Romagna wellbeing philosophy, composed of genuine food, nature trails, relaxation, and time for fun in an always festive and welcoming atmosphere.
The waters of Riolo have been known since ancient times for their healing properties. Studied by doctors and scholars as early as the Renaissance, they became widely popular in the 19th century with the construction of the refined thermal establishment, which remains in operation today.
The historic village is dominated by its grand Renaissance fortress and surrounded by the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, a network of trails and paths unfolds for hiking or cycling, winding through gullies dotted with broom flowers and gypsum ridges that tint the hills with silver.
The thermal season extends from April to November, the period during which all facilities are fully operational and available, and the event calendar offers a rich variety of recreational and sporting activities.
Since 1877, the Terme di Riolo have offered thermal treatments thanks to the precious salso-bromo-iodic and sulfurous waters flowing from the numerous natural springs of the Vena del Gesso.
The facility provides cutting-edge services within a sophisticated architectural context that has preserved many of its original Art Nouveau (Liberty style) rooms and furnishings. Surrounding the establishment is the vast Thermal Park, where visitors can regenerate body and mind among centuries-old trees, blooming gardens, and local squirrels.
The Rocca Sforzesca is a grand medieval castle whose most flourishing era is linked to the history of Caterina Sforza, a central figure in Renaissance politics within Romagna and Italy. The fortification retains its 15th-century structure, featuring thick walls, a moat, and massive towers that offer stunning views of the Vena del Gesso landscape. The life and legends of Caterina take center stage through themed guided tours and workshops—including evening sessions—that make the castle experience truly engaging. The fortress also houses the Museum of the Faenza Apennine Landscape, which documents the history of the territory and the civilizations that have inhabited it since the Iron Age.
Some of the museum's artifacts come from the King Tiberius Cave, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Evaporitic Karst and Caves of Northern Apennines," which can be explored via a guided tour of approximately 70 meters, or through a speleological visit to reach the heart of the mountain. Before setting off on an excursion, you can visit the Karst and Speleology Visitor Center, the perfect place to discover the phenomena that have shaped this incredible landscape.
Here, the Romagna PGI shallot has found perfect growing conditions, so much that Riolo Terme dedicates a festival in July to this local product. This bulb, merging together onion and garlic flavors, has always been the star in local cusine: raw, pickled, or as a pasta seasoning, the Romagna shallot makes every dish unique with its flavour.
Just 500 meters from the heart of the village, nestled among lush hills and bordered by the Senio River, stands the Acqualand water park. Spanning an area of 25,000 square meters, the park offers a wide range of attractions: exciting water games, slides that wind along the hillside, and whirlpool swimming pools. It is an oasis of leisure and relaxation designed for the enjoyment of the whole family, from children to adults.
In the parks of Riolo Terme, numerous outdoor activities take place during the thermal season: walks, fitness classes, and metabolic walking to regenerate and stay in shape.
The Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park offers a network of paths and itineraries to explore on foot or by bicycle, either independently or through guided excursions.
A few kilometers away, towards Tuscany, lies Casola Valsenio, the village of herbs and forgotten fruits, where you can discover spontaneous essences, medicinal plants, and ancient fruits in both cuisine and cosmetics.
A route of about 15 km through the Romagna hills and the Vena del Gesso leads to Brisighella, one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy," where art, nature, and gastronomy blend in perfect harmony.
