Some Day Trips from Rome to Consider
But sometimes the chaos of the Italian capital, with its scooters and crowds and heat, can get to me and I just need a little time out and a glimpse into less well known spots to make me rekindle my love of Italy. Rome is located in the Lazio region of Italy, lying in the hilly centre of the country and bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea. Add the meandering and ancient Tiber River, the deep inland lakes and the gorgeous beaches, the region as a whole is an enticing destination once you leave the borders of the city of Rome.
It’s possible even to travel as far south as Naples and Pompeii, or even to the Renaissance cradle of Florence, if you make Rome your base and head out on a few day trips. I’ve rounded up five great options for those who are keen to explore the area surrounding Rome a little further. All can be reached on the efficient train system, or if you’re feeling particularly brave chat to me about renting a car and really hitting the road, Italian-style!
1. Bracciano A personal favourite destination of mine, this gorgeous town lies on the banks of Lake Bracciano – the second largest lake in the region. You’ll feel like you are on a different world when you arrive in the town, gazing up at the Castello Odescalchi which sits serenely on the hills above the lake itself. The village of Bracciano is a warren of small medieval streets, with viewpoints and ramparts from which you can gaze over the lake and the surrounding hillsides.
The region is well known for olive groves and forests, and with no motorized watersports allowed on the lake, it is a quiet and peaceful spot. You can go on a boat trip, or enjoy a delicious meal of local fresh water fish, or even game from the surrounding forests. At 30 minutes in a car to an hour on the train, this is a must do if you are craving some nature on your Roman holiday!
2. Ostia Antica Another spot I really enjoy is the coastline near Rome, and in particular the ancient town of Ostia, with its incredibly well preserved ruins that date from its era as Rome’s seaport. You can still see the docks, mansions, shops, and even Roman baths in this small town about 30 minutes from the city centre.
Ostia became wealthy as a salt merchant in about 600 BC, until it was conquered by Rome and made the naval base for the growing Republic (later Empire). It was the fall of Rome that saved the Ostia that we can see today – when the port was abandoned the harbor silted up and the mud kept the town buried and safe from atmospheric damage. Some parts of Ostia Antica have been excavated as recently as 40 years ago only! If on the other hand you are totally history-ed out and just want to chill on a beach, Ostia is the favourite seaside spot of locals. There are lots of private beaches where you’ll need to buy a drink or a meal to enjoy their loungers, but also two free beaches. It’s a great place to sit back, sip your cocktail, and watch the sunset over the ocean before heading back to Rome on the train.
3. Tivoli Gardens The town of Tivoli lies only 30km from Rome, but the beautiful leafy gardens make it feel like another planet! Most well-known for the elaborate Villa d’Este, which is a Renaissance era mansion, the town is also home to the Villa Adriana – dating back to the time of Emperor Hadrian! Villa d’Este is simply magnificent, with its enormous fountains and shady avenues, while Villa Adriana offers an insight into what in 118 AD was one of the largest villas in the entire world. You’ll want to give yourself time for both of these, as well as time for a stroll around the town and lunch at one of the local trattoria’s. Save space for some gelato after lunch before heading back to the city.
4. Orvieto I’ve been lucky enough to visit this incredible place only once, but it left a lasting impression on me! You can see the hilltop cathedral from the train as you approach the town, standing in its imperious position as it has since 1290. Nothing can prepare you for seeing it up close – it’s a combination of glimmering mosaics, twisted braids of marble, and detailed sculptures. In the medieval years, people could not read, so by adorning the front of the cathedral with artworks telling the stories of the bible, the church was able to educate even peasants from the area. By using the mosaics, the stained glass and the sculptures, the stories of the Virgin, the Assumption and the Nativity – amongst others – are beautifully displayed.
There is also a fascinating series of caves that run underneath the chunk of rock that is Orvieto. These caves have been used for everything from wine storage to WW2 bunkers. The tunnels were only rediscovered in the 1970s, and make for a pretty interesting tour of about an hour.
Orvieto is a bit further out (96km to be precise), but if you have the time I strongly recommend it!
5. Castelli Romani Directly translated to English this means simply, “Roman Castles”, and that is exactly what you can expect. Only 20km from the city centre lie these thirteen pretty little towns, each of which has its own castle. The towns are clustered on the Alban Hills, and most have views of the deep blue Lago Albano.
Each of the small towns has its own appeal, but the best way to approach a day in the region is to feast on the local food and wine! Take a stroll around Frascati and see the whole roast pork called porchetta on display in most restaurants, normally served up as a few slices between some rustic white bread. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the local wine – a white wine that is winning awards worldwide at the moment. Then make your way up to Castel Gandolfo – the home of the pope’s summer residence. With a prior booking you can visit the palace and the museum, although my favourite thing to do is to wander through the beautiful gardens – which are located on the site of the villa of the Emperor Domitian.
Then take a stroll down towards the banks of the lake to see the black volcanic sand up close, enjoy a swim if you so wish, or even hire a bicycle or kayak. Both towns are easily reached on the train from Rome, and a full day here will leave you feeling rested and ready to return to the rush of Rome!
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