Weekend Getaway
Weekend
in Imola
Motorsport, culture, food and wine and medieval villages. The perfect weekend in Emilia-Romagna starts in Imola.
Things to Do
A Weekend Full of Experiences
Enzo and Dino Ferrari Racetrack
The legendary Imola circuit hosts Formula 1, MotoGP, Superbike and concerts. Also open on non-event days for guided tours of the circuit.
Rocca Sforzesca
The majestic medieval fortress is the most iconic monument in Imola. Walk along the walls and enjoy the view over the city and surrounding countryside.
Emilian Food and Wine
Garganelli al ragù, cappelletti in brodo, piadina romagnola, squacquerone and the wines of the Imola hills: sangiovese, albana and trebbiano. A paradise for food lovers.
Museo San Domenico
Housed in an ancient convent, it holds the city's art collection with six hundred paintings, ceramics and sculptures from the 13th to the 20th century.
Dozza and the Villages
Just 8 km from Imola, Dozza is one of Italy's most beautiful villages with its painted walls. 25 km away, Brisighella enchants with its three medieval towers.
Imola in Musica
The music festival that brings the historic centre streets to life with concerts, shows and performances by Italian and international artists.
The Appeal
Why Imola for Your Weekend
Imola is one of those rare Italian cities that offers a genuinely diverse weekend experience without the crowds, queues and inflated prices of more touristed destinations. Unlike Florence, Venice or Rome, where every attraction requires advance booking and every meal comes with a tourist premium, Imola rewards spontaneity and curiosity. You can wander into the Rocca Sforzesca without a reservation, discover a family-run trattoria where the owner still makes pasta by hand, and explore medieval streets where the only other visitors are locals going about their Saturday morning. This authentic, unhurried atmosphere is what makes an Imola weekend feel genuinely special.
The diversity of experiences available in a single weekend is remarkable for a city of Imola's size. Motorsport enthusiasts can visit the legendary Enzo and Dino Ferrari Racetrack, even on non-event days when the circuit sometimes opens for guided tours. Culture lovers will find the Rocca Sforzesca, Palazzo Tozzoni, the Cathedral of San Cassiano and the Museo San Domenico within easy walking distance of each other. Food and wine devotees can spend an entire weekend exploring the gastronomic traditions of both Emilia and Romagna, from fresh egg pasta and slow-cooked ragù to piadina with squacquerone and the Sangiovese wines of the surrounding hills.
Imola's position at the heart of Emilia-Romagna also makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider region. The painted village of Dozza is just eight kilometres away, perfect for a Saturday afternoon excursion. The medieval spa town of Brisighella, with its three iconic towers and acclaimed olive oil, is twenty-five kilometres to the south-east. Bologna, the regional capital and one of Italy's greatest food cities, is reachable in thirty-five minutes by car. And the Romagnola hills, with their vineyards, agriturismi and panoramic cycling routes, begin immediately south of the city. A weekend in Imola is really a weekend in Emilia-Romagna, with the best of the region at your doorstep.
The Itinerary
The Perfect Weekend in Imola
Saturday Morning
- Arrive in Imola and check in at your apartment
- Visit the Rocca Sforzesca and walk along the walls
- Coffee in the historic centre of Imola
Saturday Afternoon
- Museo San Domenico and Palazzo Tozzoni
- Shopping in the historic centre and Cathedral of San Cassiano
- Aperitivo with piadina and squacquerone
Saturday Evening
- Dinner at a traditional restaurant: garganelli, tagliatelle al ragù
- Evening stroll through the illuminated centre
- Return to your apartment for a comfortable night's rest
Sunday Morning
- Breakfast prepared in your equipped kitchen
- Day trip to Dozza: the village of painted walls (8 km)
- Wine tasting at the hillside wineries
Sunday Afternoon
- Visit the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Racetrack (if open)
- Lunch with Romagnola cuisine
- Check-out and head home, heart full of Emilia-Romagna
Where to Stay
The Ideal Base for Your Weekend
Central Location
10 minutes from the historic centre, 5 km from the Racetrack and 2 km from the A14 exit. Reach everything in minutes.
Free Parking
Leave your car safely and enjoy the weekend worry-free. Private parking included in the price.
Flexible Check-in
Arriving late on Friday evening? No problem. Digital check-in until midnight.
All the Comforts
Wi-Fi, equipped kitchen, air conditioning and a brand-new property (2025). The weekend starts with comfort.
Weekend Ideas
Romantic and Family Weekend Getaways
For a romantic weekend, the Comfort One-Bedroom at Elf Apartments provides the perfect intimate base. Start Saturday morning with espresso and pastries from a local bakery, then explore the historic centre's charming streets and piazzas at a leisurely pace. Visit Palazzo Tozzoni for a glimpse into eighteenth-century aristocratic life, climb the walls of the Rocca Sforzesca for panoramic views, and pause for an aperitivo in one of the elegant bars on Via Emilia. In the evening, book a table at one of Imola's finest restaurants for a candlelit dinner of handmade tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù and a bottle of local Sangiovese. On Sunday, drive to Dozza to wander through the painted village and taste wines in the Enoteca Regionale, or head to the Romagnola hills for a lazy lunch with a view.
Families travelling with children will appreciate the space and practicality of the Superior Two-Bedroom, which accommodates up to six guests across two bedrooms and a sofa bed. A family weekend in Imola might begin with a visit to the Racetrack (children are mesmerised by the circuit, even on non-event days), followed by a picnic lunch in the Acque Minerali park where kids can run and play while parents relax. The equipped kitchen means you can prepare family meals on your own schedule, avoiding the challenge of restaurant dining with young children. On Sunday, the Museo San Domenico offers engaging exhibits, and the ice cream shops in the historic centre provide the perfect end to a weekend of family adventure.
Our Apartments
Choose Where to Stay for the Weekend
Comfort One-Bedroom
2–3 guests
Perfect for a romantic weekend. Double bedroom, kitchenette and cosy living room.
Accessible One-Bedroom
2 guests
A barrier-free weekend. Optimised spaces and equipped bathroom for everyone.
Superior Two-Bedroom
4–6 guests
Ideal for a weekend with family or friends. Two bedrooms and full kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Weekend in Imola: FAQ
What to do during a weekend in Imola?▾
A weekend in Imola offers motorsport at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Racetrack, culture at the Rocca Sforzesca and Museo San Domenico, Emilian food and wine at the centre's restaurants and trips to nearby villages like Dozza and Brisighella. Spring and autumn are the best seasons.
Where to stay in Imola for a weekend?▾
Elf Apartments is the ideal choice for a weekend in Imola: modern apartments with free parking, equipped kitchen and strategic location. 10 minutes from the historic centre and 5 km from the Racetrack.
How much does a weekend in Imola cost?▾
A weekend in Imola is affordable: apartment rates vary by season. Elf Apartments offers an equipped kitchen to save on meals and free parking. Book directly for the best rates with no commissions.
Is Imola suitable for a romantic weekend?▾
Absolutely. Imola offers charming historic centres, romantic restaurants with Emilian cuisine, medieval villages like Dozza and the Romagnola hills for scenic walks. The Comfort One-Bedroom at Elf Apartments is perfect for a couple.
What to visit near Imola on a weekend?▾
Dozza (8 km) with its painted walls, Brisighella (25 km) among Italy's most beautiful villages, the Riolo Terme spa (15 km), the Imola hillside wineries and Bologna (35 km). Imola is the perfect base for exploring Emilia-Romagna.
How to reach Imola for a weekend?▾
Imola is easily accessible from the A14 motorway (Imola exit). Elf Apartments is just 2 km from the toll booth, with free parking. By train, Imola station is on the Bologna-Rimini line. The nearest airport is Bologna (40 km).
Book Your Weekend in Imola
The next weekend awaits. Book directly online for the best rates and instant confirmation.