A Sustainable B&B in the Ravenna Countryside
Sustainability, for me, isn’t a marketing buzzword—it’s simply part of everyday life. Pixel B&B is my home in the countryside near Ravenna, where I live and work as a mosaic artist. Since the day I created it, I’ve tried to make every choice as gentle on the environment as possible, from the way the house was built to the homemade breakfasts I serve each morning. If you’re looking for a truly sustainable bed & breakfast near Ravenna, here’s what you can expect when you stay with me.
Breakfast: from my garden, local farmers, and almost nothing pre-packaged
The day begins around the breakfast table, and that’s where you’ll get your first real taste of what this place is all about. During the summer, much of what I serve comes straight from my own garden: raspberries, figs, pears, tomatoes, salad leaves, and plenty of seasonal vegetables. It may sound unusual, but my international guests are often delighted to find cucumbers and peppers on the breakfast table!
Everything else comes from local farmers whenever possible. I buy seasonal produce from nearby growers, and the eggs come from the hens on a small farm just down the road. I make almost all the jams myself, and I bake the cakes too. The only things I don’t make are the milk, yoghurt, fruit juice, and bread. One thing you can count on, though: you’ll hardly ever find individually packaged snacks here.
A home designed to use less energy
The house itself was designed to use as little energy as possible. It runs entirely on a geothermal system, so there’s no gas: everything is powered by electricity, while a heat pump keeps the house cool in summer and warm in winter. Part of the electricity we use is also generated by our own solar panels.
The building has an A2 energy rating on its official energy performance certificate. Thick external insulation keeps the indoor temperature remarkably stable, protecting the house from both summer heat and winter cold. For my guests, that means two things: lower environmental impact and a comfortable stay in every season.
Water, waste, and everyday choices that add up
Sustainability is also about the small decisions we make every day. My vegetable garden is grown using synergistic gardening methods and is watered with collected rainwater, so nothing goes to waste. Organic waste is composted, while everything else is carefully sorted for door-to-door recycling. Producing less general waste is better for the environment—and it also starts with buying more thoughtfully in the first place.
That’s why you’ll find refillable cleaning products, bamboo toilet paper, and very little that is disposable or unnecessarily packaged. I try to reduce waste wherever I can, without making life less comfortable for my guests.
Natural materials, handmade details, and a touch of mosaic
The way I’ve furnished Pixel B&B reflects the same philosophy. The walls are painted with natural, eco-friendly paints, and many of the decorative details have been handmade using reclaimed materials. And, of course, you’ll find my mosaics throughout the house—in the rooms as well as the shared spaces. Even the garden sofas have a story behind them: we built them ourselves from recycled wooden pallets.
Slow travel made easy: by bike, on foot, or by bus
One of the nicest things about staying at Pixel B&B is that you can leave your car behind. The house is right on a cycle path that leads to the beach, the historic centre of Ravenna, and several beautiful natural areas. I provide bicycles free of charge, and if you’re travelling with your own bike, there’s a secure garage where you can store it overnight.
Getting around by public transport is easy too. The bus stop is just 50 metres from the house, and in around 12–13 minutes you can reach Ravenna’s train station, the city centre, or the beach. Slow, relaxed travel really is easy from here.
Discovering Ravenna like a local
One of my favourite parts of hosting is helping guests experience this area the way I do. I’m always happy to recommend places to visit, restaurants I genuinely enjoy, and walks or bike rides that many visitors never discover. I prefer sharing my own favourite spots rather than the usual tourist itinerary.
You’ll also find maps and information provided by the City of Ravenna, including useful suggestions for cyclists and anyone interested in nature or local culture.
From Pixel B&B, many of the area’s highlights are within easy reach. Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe is only about a 10-minute drive away, while the Cervia Salt Pans and the Valli di Comacchio are wonderful places for walking, cycling, and birdwatching. You can also visit Cestha, the local sea turtle rescue centre. You’ll find plenty more ideas on my Ravenna and surroundings page.
A stay that feels connected to its surroundings
For me, offering a sustainable stay means caring for the place where I live and welcoming guests in a genuine, uncomplicated way. If that’s the kind of travel you’re looking for, I’d be delighted to welcome you to Pixel B&B. By booking directly with me, you’ll always receive the quickest response, personal advice before your trip, and the warmest possible welcome.
