Where to spot fireflies in Bologna

Summer is the best time to dive into Bologna's natural areas and seek out the magic of fireflies. Their flickering glow arises from a precise chemical reaction as part of an effective mating strategy, which usually takes place in the period from June to July. For young and old alike, it is a breathtaking spectacle that often leaves anyone speechless.

Where to spot fireflies in their habitat?

As with other natural phenomena, only nature calls the shots, yet there are some commonly frequented places to admire this spectacle 

Leaving the city walls, on the rolling hills around Bologna, strolling at dusk in the Park of Villa Ghigi and the "300 scalini", you will be able to marvel at this particular phenomenon. From there, you can also enjoy a wonderful view over the city and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. 

As you approach the Bolognese Apennines towards Casalecchio di Reno, the perfect stop is Parco Talon, also known as Parco della Chiusa. Two historical villas, a small Italian garden and a vast English-style park are nestled within its grounds, opening up striking views of the Reno river and surrounding cultivated fields. Continuing the journey towards the area's highest peaks, you will reach some large green expanses, far from the city lights, with your gaze sweeping over Monte Catarelto - in Castiglione dei Pepoli - and the Corno alle Scale Regional Park. Within the reserve, many locations offer different mountain panoramas from glacial cirques to wide green valleys dotted with small villages, pilgrimage sites and waterfalls such as those of Dardagna or the wild Orrido di Tanamalia.

If the flatlands between Galliera and Pieve di Cento are your destination, fireflies can be admired within the protected natural area of Bisana, also known as Bosco della Bisana. The site is particularly well suited for fireflies due to the woodland forming a lowland forest, a humid 65 hectare environment well away from the cities. Various animal species can be found here, including woodpeckers, titmice, hedgehogs, dormice, foxes and nutria. The trail can be walked and cycled independently from dawn to dusk, while at night it can only be accessed with a professional environmental guide.

Heading towards Imola, you don't want to miss the hills of Ozzano dell'Emilia, between the valleys of the Idice and Quaderna torrents, where the Cammino di Sant'Antonio unwinds. The route through the hills is always practicable, consisting of dirt tracks and paved country roads.

Between Imola and Faenza, on the other hand, you can spend the day among the chalk reliefs of the Vena del Gesso Regional Park, waiting for the evening to behold the nocturnal spectacle of the fireflies. The park is home to a silvery chalk ridge - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - stretching from the Santerno river valley all the way to Brisighella in the Lamone valley. As you cross the outcrops, you will be able to gaze upon karst landscapes of dolines, blind valleys and caves of great archaeological and speleological value.

The entire area can be visited at any time along well- signposted trails, including the Alta Via dei Parchi.