The best reasons to visit Lazio, Italy, are not limited to its enchanting capital.
If you’re visiting Rome, you should also include the other parts of the region it’s part of in your itinerary. You will need a handy guide on the best things to do in Lazio beyond the famous capital, so read on.
Lazio is one of the 20 administrative regions of Italy. It is one of the country’s most popular regions for tourists mainly for its capital, Rome, which is also its largest city.
However, this central Italian region is not all about its lovely capital. If you’re visiting Rome soon, you can explore the rest of the region via easy day trips.
Lazio is one of the most important not only for Italian culture but in European and world culture as well. This part of Italy is known for its historical, artistic, archaeological, architectural, and religious contents.
The vast extraordinary heritage of the city of Rome is just part of the massive number of main tourist attractions of Lazio, along with stunning castles, fascinating small towns, beautiful lakes, and pristine beaches.
Let’s make a rundown on the best things to do and must-see attractions in Lazio beyond its famous capital.
The Best Things To Do and See in Lazio, Italy
Here are 13 reasons why you should visit Lazio, Italy.
1. Italy’s Eternal City, Rome
Of course, a visit to Rome tops the list of the very best things to do in Lazio. The offers so much more beyond the capital, but Rome is a great place to begin your explorations of the region — and use it as a base if need be.
The city’s rich history is everywhere. Ancient Rome’s Forum, Colosseum, and Circus Maximus are all well-known tourist attractions from that era. The unreinforced concrete dome at the Pantheon Temple is the largest in the world, and it will take your breath away when you see it up close.
This is a city where cats are boss. Rome’s laws dictate that these felines be allowed to live so free they can be climbing the walls of the Colosseum and mating among the ruins of the Forum — and they can’t be bothered.
The historic center of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And only in Rome can you find the smallest sovereign nation in the world. Truly unique!
Check out these interesting Rome group tours:
2. Vatican City
The world’s tiniest nation within the city of Rome, Vatican City is just 44 hectares. Everyday some 17,000 people visit the microstate — that’s about 17 times its population.
No visit to the Vatican is complete without seeing the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and of course — St. Peter’s Basilica. But it’s got so much more for you to see, if you know where to find them.
For starters, directly underneath the famous basilica are the Vatican Grottoes where the former popes have been laid to eternal rest. This area is also believed to be the gravesite of Saint Peter himself.
If you’re there on a Wednesday and the Pope is around, you may attend the Papal Audience to see His Holiness.
Find exciting Vatican group tours here:
3. The Free Thermal Baths of Viterbo
Photo by Christian World via Wikimedia Commons
The tradition of tèrme – thermal baths – was an important bond of Roman society because these baths were not used for mere relaxation but for socialization as well. These ancient spas were a place of meetings and appointments, as well as sports activities and, in other occasions, even libraries.
This tradition is still so much alive in the northern part of the region, so it’s a must-do when you visit Lazio. The Viterbo area is blessed with natural hot springs and let us pick a couple of best which you can access for a very small fee – or entirely free.
• Tèrme delle Masse di San Sisto (Masses of San Sisto Thermal Baths)
The Masse di San Sisto is at the southern end of Viterbo’s thermal area, consisting of two thermal baths — the large one with hot water and the smaller one with warm. This bath is in middle of an olive garden with green lawn, perfect for lying down after the soak.
Best time to visit is winter, when the contrast between the bath’s hot water and the cold outside creates quite a spectacle for a very small fee.
• Tèrme del Bullicame (Bullicame Thermal Baths)
Dante loved this one!
That’s enough sales pitch, but it’s also worth noting that Bullicame is one of Italy’s most abundant sulfur springs and well-known for the therapeutic qualities of its waters.
And it’s free.
Also check out the best thermal baths in the whole of Italy!
4. Lazio’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Lazio was once home to the Etruscans, Latins, and Sabines — all of whom lived before Rome was founded. Eventually, it would become the center of Catholicism and the Roman Empire itself.
The Etruscan necropolises of Tarquinia and Cerveteri, the grandiose Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana in Tivoli, and Faggeta del Monte Cimino near Soriano are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites outside of Rome.
Exploring these sites when you visit Lazio is a great way to get to know the region’s history, and well worth the trip from Rome.
Book these exciting group tours!
5. The Magnificent Castles
Photo by Ra Boe via Wikimedia Commons
The Lazio region of Italy is home to many castles, but they aren’t all in Rome. Many of these must-see castles can be found close to the water, such as the following:
• Castello di Santa Severa
Built in the 11th century, this Norman castle is located in the hamlet of Santa Severa, less than an hour from Rome. It has four turreted towers, three walls, and a large courtyard.
Special events, many of which take place throughout the summer, make it possible for visitors to pay a visit.
• Castello di Palo
Located in Ladispoli, Italy, the Palo Castle overlooks the sea. The castle is a fortified structure with a prominent tall structure surrounded by woods that spans several acres of land. It was built for military purposes.
• Fortress of Odescalchi di Santa Marinella
On top of the ruins of a fortified rock, the 15th-century castle of Odescalchi di Santa Marinella was built to guard against external attack in Santa Marinella.
Today it is an elegant seaside resort for the elite, owned by a noble Italian family.
• Torre Astura
Conradin, the teenage Duke of Swabia, sought refuge in the tower during his flight from Charles of Anjou.
Torre Astura is right on the coast in Anzio’s southernmost section. Located next to an ancient Roman villa, this fortified tower has a square base.
• Castello Caetani di Sermoneta
This one’s a large fortress built in the early 1200s, featuring fabulous frescos of mythological figures.
It’s a splendid castle set atop the tiny mountain village of Sermoneta, one of Lazio’s best-preserved medieval towns. The castle is just as well-preserved, which makes visiting feel like traveling back in time — perfect for history buffs. As an added bonus, Castello Caetani looks over the marvelous Gardens of Ninfa.
Other must-see castles in Lazio are Castello Orsini-Odescalchi in Bracciano and Castello di Fumone in the province of Frosinone.
These are just some of the castles that are well worth a stop when you visit Lazio.
Learn more about Lazio castle tours here:
6. The Splendid Lakes
The Lazio countryside is home to numerous beautiful Italian lakes. These are great for strolls along the water’s edge, and there are several towns nearby where you can feast on Lazio’s traditional foods while taking in the scenery.
• Lake Albano
Located 25 km. southeast of Rome, Lake Albano (Lago di Albano) is a volcanic crater lake with crystal-clear waters and lush forests around it. It’s nestled on Lazio’s Alban Hills at the foot of Monte Cavo. The lake is overlooked by Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence.
• Lake Bracciano
Lazio’s second largest lake, Lago di Bracciano (Lake Bracciano), is surrounded by the Sabatini Mountains.
Apart from the fantastic views and great watersports activities, you can enjoy the mineral hot springs along the shores of Lake Bracciano. It is definitely worth a stop.
• Lake Bolsena
Lago di Bolsena (Lake Bolsena) has the distinction of being the largest volcanic lake in Europe. It has an easy access to tons of historic sites and tourist establishments. It also has two islands called Bisentina and Martana.
The crystal-clear lake is surrounded by largely untouched natural environment that is home to a wide variety of interesting plant and animal species.
• Lake Nemi
Lago di Nemi or Lake Nemi is also called Diana’s Mirror, so you pretty much have an idea how stunning the lake must be.
However, Lake Nemi is more known for its history than its beauty. Caligula’s ships sank in this lake in the 1st century.
These ships were recovered from the lake bed in 1929 but were destroyed by fire during World War II.
• Lake Vico
Located in the Viterbo province, Lake Vico is a bit of a drive from Rome. This is one of the highest major lakes of Italy.
However, beech forest that makes Lake Vico forest and the nature reserve that protects it — and not to mention the pristine waters — more than make up for the challenging drive.
Check out the following tours for the best experience:
7. The Stunning Beaches
The coastline of Lazio stretches for more than 300 kilometers. If you’re willing to travel about an hour by train from Rome, you’ll find beautiful beaches with crystal clear, turquoise water.
Here are some of the best beaches that you should consider when you visit Lazio:
• Spiaggia di Sperlonga
Sperlonga is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, clean waters, and Tiberius’ ancient Roman sea cave. Just about 90 minutes from Rome, this is an excellent getaway from the capital.
• Spiaggia di Sabaudia
This popular elite resort is situated on the coasts of Paola Lake and the Tyrrhenian Sea with kilometers of sand dunes separating the two. Sabaudia Beach offers fine soft sand and super clean waters. Award-winning water quality and environmental stewardship earned it the Bandiera Blu (Blue Flag).
• Spiaggia di Santa Severa
Santa Severa’s beach is long and open, pretty cozy, with a postcard-castle background. The best thing you will love about this place, though, is the lovely local vibe. Ideal for a day of relaxation.
Check these Lazio beach group tours:
8. The Beautiful Islands
Lazio has all of these to offer visitors as well. Island-hopping is possible through trains and ferries connecting Rome with the Pontine Islands archipelago.
• Isola Tiberina
This small island in Rome’s Tiber River is jampacked with history and legend. It was originally home to an ancient temple of Aesculapius, the god of medicine. Tiber Island’s shape, according to legend, took after the boat a snake from Aesculapius’ temple came to the island on.
• Isola di Ponza
A Mediterranean island vacation on Ponza, the largest and most populous of the Pontine Islands, is highly recommended.
Legend claims the island was named after Pontius Pilate, but this is a subject of debate among historians because the name is said to pre-date his birth. Another theory is that “Ponza” came from the Greek pontos or pontus, meaning “sea.” Ponza is also speculated by some to be the island of Aeaea in Homer’s Odyssey.
• Isola Palmarola
At just 7 km. from Ponza and accessible by boat, Palmarola is the true jewel of the Pontine Islands. Here, you’ll find numerous caves, coves, rocks, and nooks to discover all around Palmarola.
This craggy island in the Tyrrhenian Sea is just 2 hours from Rome. The waters are clear and the views are stunning — and no fussy crowds. It’s true what Jacques Cousteau said about Isola di Palmarola — the “most beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea,” indeed.
Find the best Lazio island group tours here:
9. The Charming Small Towns
Learning about life in the region by immersing yourself in the culture of a small town is definitely one of the best things to do in Lazio. Not only are these towns pretty with fantastic views to die for, they are pretty rich in history, too.
Here are some small towns and villages worth checking out when you visit Lazio.
• Bagnoregio
Located in the northern part of Viterbi province, Bagnoregio is perched precariously on a bluff whose sides are steadily eroding.
Festival del Bosco (literally “Festival of the Wood”) and the Civita Film Fest are two of the city’s most popular events.
• Bolsena
Bolsena, a town in Lazio’s northernmost region, combines the tranquillity of its namesake lake with the romantic ambience of the surrounding countryside.
• Bracciano
Both the castle of Castello Orsini-Odescalchi and the nearby lake of Lago di Bracciano (also known as “Sabatino”) is well-known in Bracciano.
• Rieti
As Rieti is surrounded by mountains, it is an ideal starting point for hiking and trekking in the surrounding area.
Visit Rieti’s underground city, which features Roman aqueducts and beautiful caves, if you’re interested in archaeology and antiquity.
• Viterbo
The medieval walls of Viterbo, located about 80 kilometers north of Rome, dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Viterbo is known as the location of the Italian gold reserves and one of Italy’s most prestigious art schools.
Book one of these activities to explore Lazio’s small towns:
10. The Unspoilt Nature
Lazio is a wonderful getaway for nature enthusiasts and those who want a break from the city hustle.
All regional parks offer hiking trails. Bike trails of varying difficulty can be found throughout the Monti Aurunci Regional Park, which covers an area of 22 kilometers.
Meanwhile, UNESCO has designated Cimini’s ancient beech forest as a World Heritage Site, so nature enthusiasts can spend the day exploring it. The tallest trees reach a height of 50 meters. Italy and Europe’s ecological history would be incomplete without this park.
11. Lazio’s Traditional Food
Photo by Popo le Chien via Wikimedia Commons
Cuisine from Lazio is one of Italy’s most popular.
Two of the region’s most well-known delectable pasta dishes are spaghetti alla carbonara and bucatini all’Amatriciana. The guanciale (jowl bacon) is an essential ingredient in these dishes; they reflect the region’s preference for savory, meaty flavors and seasonal produce.
Cured pork meats, olive oil, herbs, pasta, anchovies, and fresh produce are all common ingredients in Lazio’s food. Various certifications protect and preserve many of Lazio’s food products, ensuring that only the purest and highest-quality ingredients are used.
For a uniquely Roman culinary experience, sample the rigatoni con la pajata aka the Roman pajata. It’s a classic Roman dish you can find in some traditional trattorias in Rome. This dish is made with rigatoni pasta, tomato sauce, and “veal crap” — intestines of a calf, chyme included.
Experience genuine Italian cuisine through these Lazio food and drink group tours:
12. The Impeccable Wines
Lazio is one of Italy’s less-known wine regions, despite its ideal climate for producing a wide variety of excellent grapes. Still, winemaking has a long history in the region, as wine enthusiasts will find out when they visit Lazio.
Lazio’s most well-known white wines include Est! Est! Est!, Castelli Romani, Moscato di Terracina, and the likes of Tuscia, and Colli della Sabina.
If you prefer red wine, try varietals like Nero Buono di Cori and Cesanese, which are quite well-known.
Here are some of the best Lazio wine tours:
13. The Fun Festivals and Events
Photo by Stefano Fiaschi via Wikimedia Commons
Lazio is a festive place, with lots of important festivals celebrated all over the region. Selecting which ones to recommend is quite challenging, but here’s a short list we’ve come up with:
• Carnevale di Ronciglione
Considered a historical event occuring on the last part of February, the Ronciglione Carnival is one of the oldest in central Italy and among the most beautiful in Italy.
It’s held at the feet of the Cimini Mountains, in the village of Ronciglione near the beautiful Lake Vico.
The colorful carnevale is a historical reenactment of the Renaissance and Baroque Roman carnival that dates back to the 16th century, celebrated to commemorate the investiture of Pier Luigi Farnese as Duke of Castro and Ronciglione.
• Natale di Roma
Do you want to see centurions and Vestal Virgins? Then join in the lavish celebration of Rome’s birthday on April 21st each year.
Natale di Roma is celebrated with reenactments of battles and rituals, and all the stuff that mark the founding of Rome in 753 BC by Romulus.
The festivities start at the Circo Massimo with a grand parade of about 2,000 participants clad in historic costumes. The day is culminated with a light show on the Imperial Forums and fireworks over the Colosseum.
• Festa del Sole
The week-long Festa del Sole (Sun Festival) is one of the most popular festivals in Rieti held on tohe River Il Velino.
The feast is celebrated in honor of Rieti creativity and folklore. It includes shows, painting and photography exhibitions, and a literary prize.