Let Elisa Colarossi take you on a voyage of discovery around Lazio, with her 12 favourite day trips to take from Rome
Words by Elisa Colarossi.
Lazio, my region. A region of many wonders; a compound of sumptuous landscapes, ancient medieval hamlets, superb regional delicacies and ravishing nature.
Bordered by the Tirreno waves and traversed by the central portion of the Apennine mountains, the region we’re about to discover will allow you to ride (either by car or by train) through unforgettable sceneries.
A rich geographical array – surrounding lakes, along the beach, atop mountains, and through the hills.
For a day trip (gita fuori porta, as we Italians call it) or for a few days, the places I hold dear to my heart and happily re-visited for you hold an exquisite amount of special highlights, history, food, and that peaceful atmosphere that in the city of Rome is often too hard to find.
These places will not only steal your heart right away for their obvious beauty but also for the riveting traditions hidden behind them.
Let the first part of this heartfelt itinerary, full of hidden gems and more well-known towns worth visiting at least once in a lifetime, begin.
12 top day trips from Rome:
1. Subiaco
1 hour car ride from Rome
With woods, rocks, and monasteries, where history meets nature, an enchanting place is ready to steal your heart.
Crossed by the Aniene River, Subiaco is home to wonderful things to see and do, and ideal for day trips from Rome by car.
Highlights include the Monastero di Santa Scolastica (don’t miss the lovely gothic cloister), the Sacro Speco di San Benedetto, a striking Benedictine monastery carved out of a rock wall in the 11th century, with various startling chapels on different levels, the Rocca Abbaziale, a wonderful spot where you can soak in amazing views of the town and admire the Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower), the Ponte di San Francesco and the Villa di Nerone.
Subiaco is lively and full of local shops, you’ll find plenty of delis where you can eat a panino on the go or buy regional specialities.
Grab sweet traditional cookies and anise bread doughnuts at Forno Maratta, an institution in the area.
2. Castel Gandolfo
25 minutes by train from Roma Capannelle, direction Castel Gandolfo
Lake life at its best! Castel Gandolfo is the perfect destination for lovely swimming sessions in the summer, amazing bike rides in autumn, and year-long regional food feasts.
Plenty of interesting things to see as well, starting from the numerous options for admiring the stunning views of Lago Albano.
Then, the summer Papal residence Palazzo Pontificio, in the main Piazza della Libertà, a wondrous complex of buildings in a fabulous garden backdrop.
A few metres away, the Chiesa di San Tommaso da Villanova (designed by none other than Gian Lorenzo Bernini) stands proudly, making the charming piazza full of life.
Food-wise, Castel Gandolfo offers some of the best regional cuisine there is (special mention to their scrumptious antipasto platter), and a favourite restaurant of mine since I was a little kid going with my family is Da Agnese for a lovely unforgettable lake-view meal.
3. Sutri
1 hour car ride from Rome
The enveloping fascine of this little ancient town is part of the prestigious I Borghi più belli d’Italia (The most beautiful villages/hamlets of Italy) and no wonder why!
The stunning Piazza del Comune, adorned by a bell tower and the Fontana dei Delfini placed right in the middle of the plaza, make Sutri an instant jewel.
In the vicinity, at walking distance, you’ll find not only pretty alleys and a rare peaceful atmosphere, but also the magnificent Torre Fortebracci a medieval tower, used at the times as a home and a defence structure.
A specific place, though, takes the crown for being breathtaking when in Sutri: the Parco Naturale Regionale dell’Antichissima Cittàdi Sutri, also known as the Parco Archeologico, with its majestic Anfiteatro Romano, Necropolis and the Mitreo.
After discovering the dazzling corners of Sutri, a meal at La Cantina del Drago or Osteria Il Mitreo is absolutely the best way to end one of your day trips from Rome !
4. Faleria
50 minutes car ride from Rome
The magic of this little town in the province of Viterbo is unmatched, thanks to its picturesque streets, a palpable ‘stuck in time’ atmosphere, and bewildering surroundings.
Faleria offers the perfect background for memorable walks and the local cats will welcome you, requesting as many cuddles as they can, following you along the lovely alleys; a real dream for cat lovers.
Faleria offers interesting things to see, such as the Castello degli Anguillara, the highlight of Faleria-bound day trips from Rome; a monumental castle that has stood here since at least 1200 AD.
Two interesting and seriously good-looking churches in the area are going to grab your attention – the Chiesa di San Giuliano and the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino.
If you’re exploring Faleria during the weekend, stop by the Eremo DiVino, a local enoteca, for an egregious glass of wine.
For a quick coffee or gelato break, Il Grottino di Faleria is the place to go.
5. Viterbo
2 hours by train from Roma Ostiense, direction Viterbo Porta Romana
In the heart of the Tuscia, the territory originally inhabited by the Tusci (known to us as the Etruscans) and used in our days to indicate the territories of Upper Lazio and the neighbouring areas of Tuscany and Umbria, sits the outstanding Viterbo; city of towers, popes, and fountains.
The characteristic centro storico allows you to lose yourself in the medieval streets, exploring the Palazzo Dei Papi, a papal residence built in the 13th century, the delightful Piazza del Gesù adorned by Torre del Borgognone and the evocative Piazza San Pellegrino, where towers, arches, and bridge-houses will bring you back to medieval times.
For a truly unique meal when in Viterbo, go for Trattoria L’Archetto, a local favourite, where authentic regional dishes such as acqua cotta will make you live the traditional Italian (and Viterbese) Sunday lunch in an intimate and cosy atmosphere.
6. Vitorchiano
1 hour and 10 minutes car ride from Rome
Another one of the Borghi più belli d’Italia, this town’s allure goes above and beyond.
Vitorchiano, which is located only 15 minutes from Viterbo, is known as the borgo sospeso (suspended village) thanks to its fascinating feature of being on top of a volcanic rock spur.
Entering from Porta Romana, you can wander the suggestive medieval alleys and explore they town, starting from Piazza Roma, where you’ll find the Fontana a Fuso, representing the Four Evangelists, and the Chiesa della Santissima Trinità, the Holy Trinity.
Enter the Torre del Palazzo Comunale and climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the town.
The star of the town is the typical cavatello vitorchianese, which is eaten during the annual festival dedicated to this type of pasta, traditionally, with a sauce of tomato and wild fennel.
Eat at La Grotticella to savour local food while sitting right in the heart of Vitorchiano, amid a picturesque alley.
7. Fara in Sabina and Farfa
40 minutes by train from Roma Tiburtina, direction Fara Sabina-Montelibretti
Welcome to Sabina! Area of excellent oil and history, and the place where my nonno from my mother’s side comes from.
Start your exploration by visiting the stunning courtyard of the Monastero Delle Clarisse Eremite, surrounded by olive trees and offering a majestic hill view.
Lose yourself in the centro storico full of picturesque corners, then enter the Archeological Museum of the Palazzo Baronale.
Lots of churches in this pretty town of Lazio, worth visiting or just passing by are the Collegiata di Sant’Antonio, known also as Duomo di Fara, and the Chiesa di San Giacomo, built in 1619.
Grab a slice of pizza bianca at Forno a Legna Mazzocchi in Piazza Duomo and, before you enter the hamlet through its great gate, grab a coffee at Bar Belvedere, then cross the street to gaze at one of my favourite views when I’m out of Rome.
8. Bomarzo
1 hour and 15 minutes car ride from Rome
Beware of the Monsters when in the area, as the homonym Parco (dei Mostri) might have some surprises for you!
Jokes aside, Bomarzo is a little jewel in the province of Viterbo, incredibly rich in history and packed with interesting things to see, starting indeed from the widely known Parco Dei Mostri, a three-hectare park dating back to the 16th century, where huge statues of creatures live in the green spaces, ready to wow you one after the other (special mention to the ‘leaning house’, one of the quirkiest features present here).
After visiting the park, don’t miss the actual town of Bomarzo, where beautiful alleys and a truly unique atmosphere will bring you back to older times.
For real authentic meals that will let you taste the Tuscia specialities, have lunch or dinner at either La Fraschetta degli Antichi Sapori or at Tutto N’Artro Magnà.
9. Tivoli
About 1 hour by train from Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina, direction Tivoli
Known to be home to some of the most beautiful villas in the region, Tivoli is a little city that holds an incredible amount of history and marvellous places to dive into.
Starting from the bedazzling and alluring Villa D’Este, an exquisite Renaissance villa part of UNESCO since 2001, a great masterpiece of the Italian garden style, thanks to the high concentration of fountains, nymphaeum, and grottoes.
Another incredible site is just around the corner: the fabulous Villa Adriana.
This stunning imperial residence was commissioned by the emperor Hadrian, and is a humongous complex of 120 hectares, rich in remains of palaces, theatres, and baths.
As you travel from one villa to the other, take time to grab a phenomenal regional bite at La Fraschetta di Neno for a delicious panino with porchetta or at Ristorante Sibilla for an unrepeatable meal amidst unique views of Vesta’s Temple.
10. Frascati
30 minutes by train from Roma Termini, direction Frascati
A favourite weekend destination for us Romans, Frascati is where you go for authentic feasts made of local wine, cheese, and cold cuts.
It is considered the ‘pearl of the Castelli Romani’ thanks to its wondrous artistically and historically relevant characteristics such as the gargantuan Villa Aldobrandini that welcomes you when entering the city, the Parco di Villa Torlonia, and the Scuderie Aldobrandini hosting artefacts of the Museo Tuscolano.
Once entered, it’s hard to miss the imposing Cattedrale di San Pietro, constructed in 1599, and the Fontana di Piazza San Pietro just a few steps away, holding the Frascatano coat of arms consisting of two crossed keys.
Grab an authentic meal at Osteria Fraschetta Trinca inside spellbinding grottos or at Osteria Dell’Olmo fora typical Frascatana experience with their delicious fagotto, a traditional ‘bundle’ of local bites.
Buy the best-in-town freshly baked goodies to devour on the spot or to bring home at Pasticceria Purificato.
11. Bracciano
About 1 hour and 30 minutes by train from Roma Tiburtina, direction Bracciano
Welcome to Bracciano, a tranquil but lively town nestled in the heart of the Tuscia.
From the wonderful postcard-like views of the lake to the wow-inducing regionally known castle, Bracciano is a little treasure chest with plenty of things to do, see, and eat.
Beginning from the Duomo di Santo Stefano, the main church of the town, built during the 13th century, initially the private church of the Orsini family, and then the main character of Bracciano: the imposing Castello Orsini-Odescalchi, built between 1470 and 1490, now open to the public for guided visits and also for those who want to celebrate a grand opulent wedding as well, the Castello is truly an unmissable sight.
Eat some of the best hearty regional cuisine at Trattoria del Castello, or try the mouthwatering gourmet dishes at Osteria del Borgo.
12. Cittaducale
1 hour and 15 minutes car ride from Rome
The medieval town of Cittaducale is a little gem when discovering the Rieti area of my fabulous region, and its territory ranges from the elevations of the well-known Monte Terminillo (where my parents used to go when they were young , during winter) to the Valle del Salto.
Home to many palazzi, Cittaducale also gave life to my nonno from my father’s side; that’s why visiting with dad is like going back in time, reliving the memories of grandpa.
The Torre Angioina (close to Porta Napoli) is the main character of the town, and its late-medieval urbanist character is palpable as well in the Borgo itself.
Have a peaceful walk through the charming streets and pop out in Piazza del Popolo, the main piazza of Cittaducale (where often on the weekend local vendors sell their produce), and sip a coffee under the porticos at Distratto Caffè.
Now you’ve planned your day trips from Rome, get ready to explore the city with Elisa Colarossi’s suburban Rome travel guide