Comacchio: what to do, see and eat

How many "little Venice" have you heard about?
Comacchio is close to it, it has canals, bridges, and Burano-style colored houses.
But it has its own story and spirit.

Read my suggestions to plan your visit to Comacchio and get ready to meet the queen of the lagoon.

Comacchio: the city on the water

You're immersed in the fog of the Po River Delta lagoon.
On a small old boat moved by an oar, like a gondola.
The only sound is from the seagulls singing and frogs jumping.
The water is still and over the fog, you glimpse small houses and a bridge.

Comacchio it's a small town in Emilia Romagna, not far from Ferrara, inside the park of the Po River delta. It's worth a visit for its Venice-like canals, its nature, and hidden gems.

It's a sort of island on the edge of the mainland, with its own language, its community of people, and its work.

Its name may come from the Greek "Kuma", wave.
Or from "Commeatulus", a group of boats or hills, as Comacchio was born on a group of 13 small islands in the VII century AD.

The history of Comacchio

Comacchio is believed to be a direct descendant of the ancient Etruscan city of Spina.

Its origins trace back to a fortified settlement (castrum) established along the river, designed to protect the area from Lombard influence.

The earliest archaeological evidence of the village dates to the 7th and 8th centuries AD, marking the beginnings of Comacchio’s rich history.

What to visit in Comacchio

Do you need ideas for a day trip from Bologna or from Venice?
Comacchio is perfect, with many things to visit, unique food, and calm nature.

Here's a list of landmarks to plan your itinerary.

Trepponti bridge

Start your visit from Trepponti (literally 3 bridges), the symbol of Comacchio and an entrance gate to the city.
This unusual bridge, designed by Luca Danese in 1638, connects 4 canals and 5 streets.
Admire the view and read the poetic inscription by Torquato Tasso on one of the towers.

Walk around the canals

Cross the bridges. Walk near the canals. Admire the colored walls.
In one word: explore.
That's the best way to visit Comacchio.

During your wanders, stop for a coffee under Loggia dei Mercanti, the former public granary. It has a nice portico with marble columns and brick arches.

Make a stop in front of Ponte degli Sbirri (cops bridge).
It's named after the facing prison, that used to detain the so-called fiocinini: people who illegally fished eels in the fog of the lagoon.

Museo Delta Antico

An archaeological museum to learn the Etruscans and Romans origins of Comacchio. Museo Delta Antico even hosts the cargo of a wrecked Roman ship with amphorae of fine wines still intact.

Loggiato dei Cappuccini and Manifattura dei Marinati

Walk away from the canals to meet another fascinating place: Loggiato dei Cappuccini.
A long portico was built to protect passengers from the north wind.
At the end of it, you find a sanctuary that houses the icon of the Madonna del popolo.

In the middle of the Loggiato, you can enter Manifattura dei Marinati (Marinated Manufactory). Half museum and half factory still in use, there you can learn everything about Comacchio eel tradition.

UNESCO Heritage Lagoon on Parco del Delta del Po

A water labyrinth with secular woods, pine groves, and an oasis.
You can join a boat excursion to visit the lagoon, practice birdwatching, rent a bike, or just walk.

To see flamingos in Comacchio, join a boat excursion or park at the saltworks near Valle Campo. Access to these areas is allowed only with a guide. For the best viewing experience, bring binoculars and a telephoto lens.

Comacchio: the land of the eel

There's one food you have to try when you visit Comacchio.
The eel.

It's in this area that every autumn the eels migrate from the Sargasso Sea to reproduce. But when the moon is dark, the bora wind blows and the tide is rising, the men of Comacchio lower the locks.

It's a centuries-old tradition that gave work and food to families of this land. Locals call it the queen of the valley.

To preserve the eel during the year, it's cooked in a wood-fired oven and marinated with vinegar.

You can buy a tin of marined eel to bring home: its vintage packaging makes it a great souvenir.

Where to eat in Comacchio

For a short break and more food shopping, stop at La Bottega di Comacchio.
There you can take away a sandwich with marinated or smoked eel.

Or try topino, a Slow Food dessert with the shape of a mouse.

You can then fill your bag with melon honey and rice produced in the lagoon.

If you prefer a full taste, here's the list of my best restaurants in Comacchio:

Trattoria Vasco e Giulia

Eat on the canal in this small and simple osteria. Start with gratin scallops or a clam stew, then go straight to the eel. Grilled, with risotto, marinated, or with savoy cabbage: it's always delicious.

Via Ludovico Muratori, 21, 44022 Comacchio
Tel. +39 0533 81252
www.vascoegiulia.it

Antica Trattoria la Barcaccia

Another traditional restaurant in Comacchio city center. Classic menu where the eel is the king, with some unusual variations.

Piazza XX Settembre, 41, 44022 Comacchio
Tel. +39 0533 311081
trattorialabarcaccia.com

Al Cantinon

Eel with a view in this former canteen in front of Trepponti. 3 brothers opened it in 1995 and now it's a reference for eel in Comacchio, with a full menu dedicated to it.

Via Ludovico Muratori, 44022 Comacchio
Tel. +39 0533 314252
www.alcantinon.com

How do I get to Comacchio?

By Plane
The nearest major airport to Comacchio is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), located approximately 45 miles away.
This is the most convenient airport for international travelers, with direct flights from airlines such as American Airlines, British Airways, and Japan Airlines.

By Train
Comacchio does not have its own train station, but the closest train stations are in Ferrara, Ostellato, Codigoro, and Ravenna. These stations are well-connected to Comacchio through an efficient bus network, making it easy to reach the town from nearby cities.

By Car
If you prefer flexibility, you can rent a car. Comacchio is about 57 miles from Bologna and 32 miles from Ferrara. The drive offers scenic views, making for a pleasant journey.

By Bus
For a more budget-friendly option, Tper extra-urban bus lines allow you to easily reach Comacchio and the main tourist attractions of the Province of Ferrara. The timetables of each line are clearly indicated at each stop.

Other interesting places to visit near Comacchio

Tresigallo

Also called the metaphysic town, Tresigallo is a sort of rational utopistic city born in the 1930s. Be sure your camera is fully charged.

30 min from Comacchio

Abbazia di Pomposa

A Romanic-style abbey with mosaic floor and frescos on the walls.
If you love this, don't miss our new Ravenna food and mosaic tour for other stunning pieces of art.

20 min from Comacchio

Casa Museo Remo Brindisi

A Bauhaus-style museum that hosts a mix of Italian art, sculpture, and design of the 20th century.

15 min from Comacchio

Photo Credits: Mia Battaglia @Creative Commons