Reggio Emilia and its surrounding areas offer different possibilities to spend your free time. The cultural activities proposed are several; among the more important events are “Reggio Emilia e oltre”, jazz and ethnic music performances, the international festival of ballet and the “REC”, a festival of contemporary art (music, dance, drama, jazz, exhibitions and videos).

There are also various small towns near Reggio Emila with a historical-artistic interest, such as Sabbioneta, Guastalla, Correggio, Scandiano, Novellara, as well as very interesting itineraries and visits to castles located in the land that was once owned by Matilde di Canossa.

Lovers of nature can make fascinating excursions both on the Emilian Apennines and along the river Po. Those who wish to know more about Italian folklore can visit several fairs and markets of local products.

For sportsmen and sportswomen the province of Reggio Emilia offers the following activities: mountain bike and bike routes, swimming, tennis, horse riding, athletics, golf, climbing on the Pietra di Bismantova, skiing on the Emilian Apennines, canoeing on the river Enza.

On a day trip you can also reach towns such as Modena, Parma, Bologna, Ferrara, Mantova, Ravenna, Padova, Verona, Venezia, Firenze, seaside resorts, both on the Adriatic and the Ligurian coast, touristy places on Lake Garda.