Emanuela and Ruggero

Piazza Nova Guest House, Ferrara

Since 2004, we have welcomed guests to this historic guest house—originally Ruggero’s grandparents' home. It is a late 19th-century townhouse in the heart of the Addizione Erculea district.

"Over two decades of hosting cycling tourists, we’ve learned that you can only truly recommend a route once you've cycled it yourself.

Everything we share in this guide comes from our own first-hand experience, rather than from generic tourist sources.

Ferrara by bike: we discovered everything we love about this city on two wheels

There is a distinct moment when Ferrara stops being just a city to visit and becomes a place to be felt. For us, that moment arrived in the saddle of a bicycle along the city walls, when the morning silence was broken only by the sound of tyres on the tarmac. We have been running Piazza Nova Guest House since 2004, and over the last twenty years, we have cycled every single corner of this city. What you will find here is our own first-hand experience.

If you’re planning to explore Ferrara by bike, you’re in the right place.

Why is Ferrara truly the city of bicycles

It isn’t just a tourist slogan. Ferrara boasts one of the highest densities of bicycles per capita of any Italian city: More bicycles than cars in the historic centre, cycle paths in every direction, and a completely flat landscape. Here, the bicycle is far from being a mere tourist attraction; it is the way locals live and breathe the city every single day.
Our property is located in the’Addizione Erculea', the Renaissance UNESCO World Heritage quarter, just a short walk from the city walls and the main cycle routes. The bicycles we provide free of charge for our guests will take you anywhere in less than ten minutes.

Cycling routes from Ferrara: our selection

After twenty years in the saddle, we’ve put together a list of routes that we always recommend to our guests. Each one tells a different story of Ferrara and its surrounding countryside.

The city walls circuit: Ferrara’s beating heart

The first route we suggest for first-time visitors is the loop along Ferrara’s Renaissance city walls. Extending for around 9 kilometres, they wrap around the historic centre with bastions, moats, and tree-lined avenues that completely change their look with every season.

"You can cycle both along the top of the walls, on avenues offering unique glimpses of the city and countryside, and along the lower pathways beneath them, which skirt the bastions and offer a more intimate, peaceful atmosphere. The route is suitable for everyone:families, experienced cycling tourists, or anyone simply looking to enjoy a ride in the open air, completely free from traffic.

"Every season offers something special: in spring, the greenery of the moats bursts into vibrant colour; in summer, the shaded avenues provide a welcome refuge from the heat; in autumn, the golden leaves make for a truly poetic ride; and in winter, the soft light and quiet stillness create an atmosphere suspended in time.

Towards the River Po: Our Guests’ favourite ride

Setting off from Piazza Nova means finding yourself immersed in a slowly changing landscape within just a few minutes. One of the routes our guests love the most leads towards Francolino and the right bank of the Po, following the city’s outer walls and then the quiet roads of the Ferrarese countryside.

Francolino is a small village with an authentic feel, around 10 km from Piazza Nova, along a mostly tarmacked route. From here, the Destra Po welcomes cyclists with wide, soothing views over the great river. For those wishing to ride further, the cycle path leads to the Mulino del Po (the Mill on the Po), immortalised by Riccardo Bacchelli—a destination steeped in literary charm.

Practical tip:the flat landscape can make everything feel just a few pedal strokes away, but real distances are often longer than they appear. Always bring water with you—amenities along the River Po are few and far between.

The Renaissance Ring: bike & boat among the Este villas

For those seeking more than a simple bike ride, there is an itinerary that combines cycling with river navigation, creating a loop that winds through the Ferrara countryside to reach some of the most fascinating Este Villas.

Setting off from Porta Paola, the route follows the city walls towards the Po di Volano, along lanes and well-trodden paths that lead to the Delizia of Belriguardo and to the Delizia of Verginese. Upon reaching Sabbioncello San Vittore, you will board the Nena riverboat for the return journey to Ferrara, cruising back along the water. You can also enjoy this experience as part of an organised group.

Cycling in Ferrara with children: it’s easier than you think

Ferrara is ideal for families: flat terrain, safe cycle paths, and a gentle pace"... Our bicycles are for adults; for children, Emanuela and Ruggero will point you towards the nearest and most reliable rental shop – fully tried and tested – so you don’t have to search for anything at the last minute. The city walls loop and Piazza Ariostea, just five minutes from our apartments, are the perfect starting point.

And if you’d like to experience Ferrara by bike in a truly special way, make sure to mark in your calendar the Ferrara Bike Night: hundreds of cyclists of all ages pedalling together at night, with no racing and no rankings. It is an experience that perfectly captures the very soul of this city.

Before you go: what you need to know

Cycling in Ferrara is simple, but a few practical tips will help you avoid any surprises. Here is what we have always told our guests, drawing on twenty years of experience.

The wind is Ferrara’s real elevation gain. There are no climbs, which is wonderful news. However, the wind across the Po Valley can be constant and unpredictable, especially along the riverbanks of the Po. Tackle the more exposed stretches in the morning, when your energy levels are at their peak.
The road surface is almost always on your side. City bikes, hybrid bikes, gravel bikes or e-bikes: any bicycle will do. Along the riverbanks, you will come across sections of hard-packed gravel. Medium-width tyres (32–40 mm) are ideal for riding anywhere smoothly.
Distances can be deceptiving. "In the countryside, where there are few visual landmarks, distances often feel longer than they look. Always carry water and some snacks with you.
The best season. Spring and autumn are ideal. Summer can be very hot and humid, so it’s best to set off early in the morning. In winter, the colours of the plain have a charm all of their own.
Lights and safety. There is no lighting along the riverbanks or in the countryside. If you head out late in the afternoon, always bring front and rear lights with you.

Piazza Nova bicycles: always included

When you stay with us, you don't have to worry about a thing. Bicycles are included in your stay, completely free of charge, for the entire duration of your visit.
We also have a secure, locked bike storage area inside the property – essential when you bring your own bicycle from home.
We start from the Addizione Erculea: just a stone's throw from the most beautiful cycle paths and a few minutes from the city walls, ready to suggest the perfect route tailored just for you.

Cycling in Ferrara: a journey that stays with you

Ferrara is not a place for performance. It is a region that reveals its true magic when you cross it slowly, stopping in small villages, along the water's edge, before a Delizia Estense, or for a coffee in a square you hadn't planned to visit.
If you want to truly experience it, make our place your starting point.

Planning to discover Ferrara by bike?

Book directly on our website: no prepayment, bikes included, secure storage for your own bike, and two people who know this city inside out.

Need any advice?
Message us on WhatsApp: Emanuela and Ruggero reply personally.