Most people come to Lazio for Rome – and never realise what lies an hour away. Beyond the Eternal City are villas built for emperors and cardinals, a Roman port frozen in time, wine towns in the hills and beaches where Romans spend their summer weekends. This Lazio travel guide helps you plan Rome and the best trips beyond it.
Why visit Lazio
Lazio is the region around Rome, stretching from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea. It has more ancient sites per square kilometre than almost anywhere in Europe, and many of them are far less crowded than the Colosseum.
It is also the home of some of Italy’s most famous comfort food – carbonara, cacio e pepe and amatriciana all come from here.
Top places to visit in Lazio
Rome
The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and, across the river, the Vatican. Give the city at least three days, and spend your evenings in Trastevere or Monti.
Tivoli
Two UNESCO sites in one town: the fountains and terraced gardens of Villa d’Este and the vast ruins of Hadrian’s Villa, the emperor’s private retreat. An easy half-day from Rome.
Ostia Antica
Ancient Rome’s port, with streets, baths, taverns and a theatre remarkably well preserved – a quieter alternative to Pompeii, just 30 minutes from the city by train.
The Castelli Romani
Hill towns south of Rome around two volcanic lakes. Come for the wine of Frascati, the porchetta of Ariccia and the papal summer palace at Castel Gandolfo.
Civita di Bagnoregio and the coast
Civita di Bagnoregio, perched on a crumbling rock and reached by a footbridge, is one of Italy’s most photographed villages. For the sea, head to Sperlonga or the island of Ponza.
Best time to visit Lazio
April to June and September to October are ideal: warm days, long evenings and comfortable sightseeing. July and August are hot, and in mid-August many Romans leave the city. Winter is mild and the best time for museums without queues.
Note that Easter and big Vatican events bring huge crowds to Rome.
Getting to and around Lazio
Rome Fiumicino is Italy’s main airport, with express trains to the city centre; Ciampino serves low-cost flights. Regional trains reach Tivoli, Ostia Antica, Frascati and the coast, while a car is handiest for Civita di Bagnoregio and the smaller hill towns – but never drive into central Rome, which is a limited traffic zone.
Lazio itinerary ideas
- Four days: three days in Rome and a day trip to Tivoli.
- One week: Rome, Ostia Antica, the Castelli Romani and Civita di Bagnoregio.
- City and sea: Rome followed by a few days in Sperlonga or on Ponza.
What to eat in Lazio
The Roman classics: carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana and gricia, plus supplì (fried rice balls), carciofi alla giudia (crispy fried artichokes) and porchetta from Ariccia. Wash it down with a glass of Frascati.
Lazio travel tips
- Book the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum in advance to skip long queues.
- Validate regional train tickets before boarding.
- Dress code: shoulders and knees covered in St Peter’s and other churches.
- Drink from the nasoni, Rome’s free public fountains.
Lazio FAQ
What is the best day trip from Rome?
Tivoli for gardens and imperial ruins, or Ostia Antica for a whole ancient Roman town – both are easy by public transport.
How many days do you need in Lazio?
Three days for Rome alone, and five days to a week to add Tivoli, Ostia Antica and the hill towns.
Does Lazio have good beaches?
Yes. Sperlonga has a pretty white village above sandy beaches, and the island of Ponza has some of the clearest water near Rome.
