GemmaRavenna is one of those cities that sneaks under the radar for many travelers, but if you love history, mosaics, and the kind of charm that feels both timeless and intimate, this city will win your heart instantly. Nestled in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Ravenna is often overshadowed by Venice or Florence, but trust me, it doesn’t need the comparison. From my own personal experience, walking through Ravenna feels like flipping through a living history book where every corner has a story, every alley has a secret, and every plaza invites you to slow down and breathe in the beauty.
Whether you’re here for the mosaics, the architecture, or just a peaceful stroll along tree-lined avenues, Ravenna offers walks that will leave you feeling inspired and surprisingly relaxed. In this guide, I’ve rounded up 14 scenic walks in Ravenna that you truly need to see, along with the experiences, must-see spots, and tips to make the most of your exploration.
1. Piazza del Popolo – The Heartbeat of Ravenna
Start your Ravenna journey at Piazza del Popolo, the city’s central square. This walk is perfect for those who want a lively start. The square is surrounded by historical buildings, quaint cafes, and street performers that make the atmosphere both vibrant and welcoming.
Walking here, you’ll notice locals chatting, sipping coffee, and watching the world go by—a classic Italian scene. Don’t rush. Take the time to explore Palazzo del Popolo, with its historical architecture and hidden details. I once spent an hour just people-watching here, and it reminded me that sometimes the best part of travel is slowing down enough to enjoy ordinary life.
Pro Tip: If you time it right, evening lights transform the square into a romantic escape that’s perfect for photography.
2. Basilica di San Vitale – Mosaic Wonderland
A stroll around Basilica di San Vitale is like stepping into a kaleidoscope. The mosaics here are legendary, and as you walk around the perimeter, you can’t help but be drawn to the intricate details depicting biblical scenes, emperors, and saints.
From my overall experience, the real charm comes not just from the mosaics themselves but from walking slowly around the church, noticing the subtle changes in light throughout the day. Every step offers a new angle, a new detail that you missed before.
Walking Tip: Consider bringing a small notebook or your phone camera to capture patterns and colors—you’ll want to revisit them later.
3. Via Cavour – Shop, Stroll, and Sip Coffee
For a more modern yet equally scenic experience, Via Cavour is your go-to walk. This street is lined with boutique shops, cafes, and bakeries. You can spend an afternoon browsing local crafts or stopping for an espresso at one of the tiny cafes.
This walk gives you a glimpse of the contemporary lifestyle in Ravenna. It’s perfect for casual window shopping, people-watching, or sampling some local pastries. If you’re anything like me, a quick gelato break is inevitable—after all, calories don’t count when you’re sightseeing, right?
4. Parco del Delta del Po – Nature’s Peaceful Escape
If city streets feel too bustling, head to Parco del Delta del Po. This scenic walk immerses you in the lush greenery of Ravenna’s countryside. The park stretches for miles, offering trails alongside rivers, wetlands, and forests.
Birdwatchers and nature lovers will especially enjoy this area. From my own personal experience, even a short two-hour walk here can feel like a full day of mental detox. Bring comfortable shoes and maybe a picnic—you might not want to leave.
5. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia – Tiny but Mighty
Don’t let its modest size fool you; the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia packs an astonishing visual punch. The walk around this site is short but rewarding. As you circle the mausoleum, you’ll notice the tiny mosaics that cover the ceilings and walls, shimmering in gold and deep blue.
It’s one of those places where you have to slow your pace, look up, and absorb every detail. Humorously, I’ve found myself muttering “wow” more than a few times while visiting.
6. Via di Roma – Explore History Street by Street
Via di Roma is perfect for wandering aimlessly yet intentionally. This street cuts through historical Ravenna and leads you past charming residential buildings, artisan shops, and small piazzas.
The walk is casual but full of discoveries—street art, hidden cafes, and the occasional historical plaque. From my overall experience, some of the best conversations with locals happen when you take the road less traveled here.
7. Teodorico’s Mausoleum – The Ancient Touch
For a walk steeped in history, Teodorico’s Mausoleum offers a mix of intrigue and awe. This 6th-century structure is as mysterious as it is beautiful. Walking around its exterior, you can almost feel the centuries of history pressing in, whispering tales of Gothic kings and bygone eras.
Even the stones seem to have stories, and for history buffs, every step feels like an adventure.
8. Porta Adriana – Gateway to the Past
A stroll along Porta Adriana is a chance to imagine what Ravenna was like centuries ago. This ancient gate marks the city’s historical boundary and is surrounded by smaller streets that echo the past.
The walk here is quiet, which makes it perfect for reflection or even sketching if you’re artistically inclined. From my own personal experience, early mornings here are magical—the sun casts shadows that make the ancient stones glow.
9. Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo – Colors and History
This basilica is another treasure trove of mosaics and historical storytelling. The walk around the exterior and interior reveals vibrant depictions of saints and biblical scenes that span centuries.
If you love detailed artwork, this walk is heaven. Take your time, absorb the colors, and let your imagination wander back to when these walls were first adorned. It’s one of those experiences that makes you pause and appreciate human creativity.
10. Giardini Pubblici – Stroll Among Locals
The Giardini Pubblici is Ravenna’s main public garden and a perfect place for a leisurely walk. Here, the paths are lined with trees, benches, and statues. Locals come here to jog, walk their dogs, or simply relax in the shade.
From my overall experience, spending even an hour here can give you a real sense of everyday life in Ravenna. Pack a book, sit on a bench, and enjoy the ambiance—it’s surprisingly rejuvenating.
11. Dante’s Tomb – Literary Pilgrimage on Foot
No walk in Ravenna is complete without visiting Dante’s Tomb. The paths leading up to this iconic site are quiet, lined with small gardens and stone pavements that feel almost poetic.
This is your chance to connect with Italy’s literary history on a personal level. Walking here, you can almost hear whispers of the Divine Comedy floating in the breeze.
12. Marina di Ravenna – Seaside Stroll
If you want a change of scenery, head toward Marina di Ravenna. The walk along the beach is refreshing, with soft sand underfoot and the gentle sound of waves in your ears.
It’s perfect for a late afternoon stroll, and if you’re hungry afterward, the nearby seafood restaurants are fantastic. From my own personal experience, the sunsets here are worth planning your schedule around—they truly make you pause and appreciate the moment.
13. Via Alberoni – Hidden Alleys and Charm
This small street is less traveled but full of charm. Via Alberoni offers quiet walks with glimpses of Ravenna’s residential beauty. You’ll notice small gardens, colorful doors, and the kind of local authenticity you rarely find in tourist-heavy areas.
Walking here feels like discovering a side of the city reserved only for those willing to wander with curiosity.
14. Porto Corsini – Harbor Walks and Seaside Views
End your walking tour with Porto Corsini, a harbor area with a mix of boats, cafes, and scenic coastal views. The walk along the docks is relaxing and gives a completely different perspective of Ravenna—its maritime life.
It’s a place to breathe deeply, take photos, and reflect on your Ravenna journey. From my overall experience, these final steps are some of the most satisfying—the combination of water, sky, and city life feels like the perfect closure to your exploration.
Final Thoughts
Ravenna is a city that rewards curiosity. Every walk, whether through bustling squares, quiet alleys, or scenic parks, offers a new story, a hidden gem, or a peaceful moment to treasure. From my own personal experience, the best way to see Ravenna is slowly—walk, pause, observe, and let the city reveal itself.
Whether you’re here for history, mosaics, nature, or just a pleasant stroll, these 14 scenic walks in Ravenna are essential experiences. They’re more than just sightseeing—they’re invitations to live, breathe, and truly enjoy the city at your own pace.
So lace up your walking shoes, bring a notebook, or a camera, and get ready to explore a city that is as colorful as it is timeless. Ravenna isn’t just seen—it’s experienced, one step at a time.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.