← Ferrara Marathon·Day trip

Comacchio: The Town of Canals and Eels

A small canal town in the Po delta lagoon, with a three-way bridge, a fishing tradition and flat streets that suit a slow winter walk.

DurationDay trip
TransitBus or train and bus, about 1 hr to 1 hr 30 min
DepartsFerrara

After the Ferrara Marathon: Comacchio

The Route: Ferrara → Comacchio → Ferrara Logistics: A bus links Ferrara with Comacchio in roughly an hour, and a rail-and-bus combination is an alternative. Winter services are less frequent than in summer, so check the timetable and the last return. Marathon Month: February Duration: Day trip

Ferrara ──(bus, about 1 hr)──> Comacchio ──(walk)──> Trepponti and the canals

Comacchio is a town built on a cluster of islets in the lagoon at the mouth of the Po, and it looks like a smaller, quieter version of Venice. It is small enough to see in an afternoon, and it is entirely flat. Its people have fished for eels in the surrounding lagoon for centuries, and the town's identity is tied to that.

February in Comacchio: cold, grey and damp, with daytime temperatures around 4 to 9 °C, often with fog off the lagoon. The tourist season is over, so the town is quiet and some cafes and shops close. The light over the water can be very good on a clear day.

Bus services between Ferrara and Comacchio are run by the regional operator, and a rail journey with a bus link is also possible. Check the current timetable, note the last return, and allow a buffer. A taxi is the fallback.

The day

The Trepponti, a bridge with three stairways that fan out over the canals, is the town's best-known landmark. It dates from the seventeenth century. The steps are shallow but numerous. It is a short walk from the centre.

The canals are lined with pastel houses, and the walk along them is level and takes about an hour. The Loggia dei Cappuccini, a long covered arcade, is worth a look. Check the opening hours of the local museums, which are often closed on Mondays.

Comacchio is famous for eels, cooked in several ways, including grilled on the spit and marinated. The Manifattura dei Marinati, the old eel-processing works, is a museum of that tradition. Check the days and ticket prices before you go. Other lagoon fish are available in the restaurants, and many are closed on Mondays in winter.

Nearby, the Abbey of Pomposa is a Romanesque monastery known for its bell tower, but reaching it without a car takes some planning, and winter services are limited. Check before you commit.

Getting back

Take the bus back to Ferrara and check the last departure. If the weather is poor, plan to leave earlier.