Where to spot sunflowers during the summer
Updated on 07 July 2026 From Karoline Villacidro
In Bologna, sunflowers are blooming everywhere. Summer is the best time for a trip into the countryside to shake off the greyness of city life and, why not, go in search of the most Instagrammable spots. The flowering season generally runs from late June to the second half of July, but much depends on the weather conditions at the time.
In this guide, you’ll find an up-to-date selection of the main places to see fields of sunflowers in bloom in the Metropolitan City of Bologna.
All you have to do is read it.
Here is a guide to the sunflower fields in bloom during the summer in the Bologna area
- Casalecchio di Reno
Just a few kilometres from the city centre, in the first town in the province of Bologna, in the San Biagio area, this field of sunflowers offers a picturesque setting that is easily accessible. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, when the warm light brings out the yellow of the flowers.
Location: Map 1
Nearby stop: make the most of your stop to visit the Nena House Museum, a prestigious historic residence where you can rediscover the splendour of the area’s noble families’ past.
© Paolo Carboni, Sasso Marconi
- Zola Predosa
Nestled amongst fields and hills, this stretch of countryside between Ponte Ronca and Valsamoggia offers several spots from which to admire sunflowers. It’s ideal for exploring by bike along the cycle paths that link the hills of Bologna.
Nearby stop: visit the Ca’ la Ghironda Modern Art Museum, where nature and contemporary art come together, or continue on to the Monteveglio Abbey Regional Park, with its Romanesque parish churches and scenic footpaths.
- Sasso Marconi
Among the most picturesque in the area, the sunflower fields of Sasso Marconi, in the Borgonuovo area, stretch across rolling hills and protected areas. Ideal for a photography excursion or a stroll at sunset.
Location: Map 1
Places to visit nearby: visit Guglielmo Marconi’s House, continue on to the Contrafforte Pliocenico Nature Reserve, or drive up to discover the spectacular Rocchetta Mattei in Grizzana Morandi.
Field of sunflowers, Borgo Nuovo area, Sasso Marconi ©Martina Cavezza
- Pianoro
In hilly areas, it’s not hard to find fields of sunflowers in bloom amongst the countryside. It can be a great opportunity to go for an early morning walk, when the sun isn’t too hot yet.
Location: Map 1
Places to visit nearby: the area offers enchanting natural landscapes across the hills and the Bolognese gypsum formations, particularly around Via del Sasso. Stop off at the Balzi di Pianoro for some memorable selfies.
- Baricella
In the heart of the Bologna plain, the sunflower fields in this area are tall, lush and vast. The area lies between the village of Altedo, renowned for its green asparagus (PGI), and Minerbio, a small village well worth exploring.
Location: Map 1
Nearby stop: visit the Renaissance village of Minerbio and stop to admire the splendid 14th-century Rocca Isolani, which houses magnificent frescoes by Amico Aspertini.
- Castel Maggiore
Heading towards Castel Maggiore from Bologna along Via Ferrarese, there is no shortage of those much-coveted golden expanses.
Location: Map 1
Places to visit nearby: you’re heading in exactly the right direction to visit the Ferruccio Lamborghini Museum in Funo Argelato or to stop off with your children at the Museum of Rural Life in Bentivoglio. Why not make the most of it?
©Andrea Morisi
- Ozzano dell’Emilia
In the Ca’ Bassone area of Ozzano dell’Emilia, heading towards Ponte Rizzoli, you can admire fields of sunflowers lining the road. It’s impossible to stop here for safety reasons, but you can imagine diving into a golden swimming pool through the car window.
This route also takes you towards the seaside on the Riviera.
Location: Map 1
Places to visit nearby: the route leads to the Castel Guelfo The Style Outlet shopping centre, which offers a welcome respite from the heat on those sweltering summer days, as well as the chance to pick up a bargain or two.
- Granarolo dell’Emilia
Staying in the Bologna plain, here is a dense field of sunflowers on the road to Granarolo dell’Emilia. Please note that you cannot stop here either!
Nearby stop: on your way to the field, stop off at Grand Tour Italia, Bologna’s food and wine theme park, with dining areas and plenty of entertainment for adults and children alike.
When do sunflowers bloom in Bologna?
The sunflower season runs from June to the end of July, with flowering peaking in the first two weeks of July. Each field remains at its most spectacular for around ten days, so if you want to admire the golden fields, it’s best to plan your visit for between early and mid-July.
In August, some fields are still visibly in bloom, but generally speaking, most of the flowers have wilted.
The exact period depends on three factors: the sowing date, the weather conditions during the season and the variety grown.
Sunflowers in Valsamoggia © Fabio Nocchi Nastri
How to visit the fields responsibly
Most of the sunflower fields in Bologna bloom along busy main roads heading towards the Apennines, the plains and the Imola area.
It is very important to ensure you stop safely at the lay-bys along these stretches of road, signalling to other drivers that you are stopping.
Remember: the sunflower fields belong to private properties. Please do not climb over fences or damage the fields.
Want to suggest another sunflower field?
Do you know of more places to admire sunflower blooms around Bologna? Write to us or tag us on Instagram @bolognawelcome to help grow the 2026 sunflower map!
More ideas for Summertime in Bologna
Frequently out and about in search of curiosities and unpublished facts to tell. I love typical cuisine, unplanned trips and plants, even if they don't love me back. I have been writing for bolognawelcome.com since 2021.
©2026. Fondazione Bologna Welcome - All rights reserved
Newsletter
Discover Bologna Welcome's newsletters and choose the one that suits you best: events, tips, tours delivered directly to your inbox
Subscribe