As winter weather sweeps across the UK, you’d be forgiven for fantasising about your next summer getaway.

But with many popular European destinations being burdened with overtourism, experts are recommending quieter locations to explore where you can get all the excitement without the crowds.

Luxury Italian travel experts Citalia are recommending the gorgeous region of  Emilia Romagna in Italy as an alternative to the popular destination of Tuscany.

Extending from the Apennine mountains to the Po river in the north, this lush green region has plenty to offer keen tourists from stunning architecture to delicious delicacies like fresh burrata.

The capital of this region is Bologna, the home of bolognaise and as well as this staple dish, Emilia Romagna is also responsible for balsamic vinegar, prosciutto and Parmesan cheese.

From Bologna you can take Italy by rail to nearby towns such as Parma, Modena and Ravena and explore everything these regions have to offer.

Parma in particular is famed for its stunning Romanesque buildings and the city is home to the magnificent Parma Cathedral. Ravenna on the other hand is known for its Byzantine mosaics and boasts an impressive eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Emilia Romagna also boasts some of the best wine in the world with grapes grown on the gentle slopes of the Apennine Mountains. This part of the country is  is a vibrant patchwork of vineyards, olive groves, and ancient villages stretched out across a green landscape

If it’s beaches you want, Emilia Romagna has them in droves.

The glittering coast has been Italy’s go-to seaside destination since the 1960s and 1970s.

Stretched out along the Adriatic sea, it’s a favourite among beach lovers and attracts Italians as well as European sun-seekers to its sandy shores.

There’s boutique shops and restaurants mixed with modern beach clubs perfect for settling in for a sun-soaked day spent by the sea. 

If you want to explore this stunning region for yourself, then you’re in luck. Skyscanner currently has flights from London to Bologna for just £39 each way, making it a perfect and affordable getaway.