The central location of the Italian capital makes it a strategic departure point for day trips from Rome, within the region of Lazio or towards the nearby Abruzzo, Tuscany and Umbria. The following 10 destinations, listed here in order of distance, represent perfect getaways to take a break from the city’s chaos and enjoy a deeper, more authentic side of Italy.
Tivoli, Lazio – 45 minutes from Rome
Tivoli is one of the most popular destinations for day trips from Rome, not only because it’s less than 45 minutes away from the city, but because it offers the chance to discover historical landmarks and beautiful landscapes. Tivoli’s two most famous attractions are Villa d’Este, symbol of the Italian Renaissance, and the ruins of Emperor Hadrian’s Villa, aka Villa Adriana, which bears witness to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Both are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Lake Bracciano, Lazio- 45 minutes from Rome
To escape the hustle and bustle of Rome, locals use to head to Lake Bracciano for some relaxation, sunbathing, and water sports like canoeing, scuba-diving, sailing and more. The volcanic lake, as well as the town of Bracciano, sits inside the Natural Park of Bracciano-Martignano, excellent locality for nature lovers.
Park of the Monsters of Bomarzo, Lazio – 1h 20 minutes from Rome
The Sacro Bosco, better known as Park of the Monsters of Bomarzo, is a monumental complex from 16th century located in a wooden valley in the province of Viterbo. The park hosts grotesque sculptures, small buildings, and huge stone monsters, and it is loaded with symbolism, riddles and confusing inscriptions. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the park became overgrown and neglected, but after the Spanish painter Salvador Dalí made a short movie and a paint about it in the 1950s, it was restored and became a tourist attraction.
Entrance Ticket:
Full price: 11 €
Reduced: 8 € (free for children under the age of 3)
Viterbo, Lazio – 1h 30 minutes from Rome
Viterbo, also known as the city of the Popes, is the biggest city of northern Lazio and often overlooked. Its medieval historic center is the largest of Europe, and it compiles the major sightseeing spots the city has to offer: churches, palaces, fountains and even a thermal bath.
Orvieto, Umbria – 1h 35 minutes from Rome
Orvieto is a charming little hilltop town in the province of Terni. Located halfway between Florence and Rome, it is well know for its Duomo, one of Italy’s greatest Gothic churches with a stunning facade. Not being too touristy, Orvieto is the perfect place to escape Rome’s crowds.
Marmore Falls, Umbria – 1h 35 minutes from Rome
Marmore Falls, or Cascata delle Marmore, is a man-made waterfall in the province of Terni, created by the ancient Romans and definitely worth the trip. Its 165 meters of height make it the tallest man-made waterfall in the world. You can admire the waterfall only during the opening hours which you should check in advance on the official website.
Entrance ticket:
Full price: 10 €
Reduced: 7 € (free for children under the age of 4, people with disabilities and inhabitants of Terni)
Tarot garden in Capalbio, Tuscany – 1h 40 minutes from Rome
In a small town in the heart of Maremma hides one of the most charming Italian gardens. Built by french artist Niki de Saint de Phalle in the second half of 20th century, the Tarot garden (Giardino dei Tarocchi) displays impressive and colorful sculptures depicting the 22 Major Arcana of the Tarot cards.
Entrance ticket:
Full price: 12 €
Reduced: 7 €
Civita di Bagnoregio, Lazio – 1 h 50 minutes from Rome
Civita di Bagnoregio is one of the most magical and characteristic Italian villages. This surreal place is located on top of a tuff hill in the province of Viterbo, and only counts 11 inhabitants. Due to the constant erosion of the tuff rocks beneath it, the town is known as “the dying city”. The citadel seems suspended in time and space, and it can only be reached by crossing a footbridge from the nearby town, on payment of a 5 euros toll.
Sulmona, Abruzzo – 1h 55 minutes from Rome
Sulmona is a medieval city located in the heart of Maiella National Park, Abruzzo. The city is perfect for people with a sweet tooth as it is renowned for its confetti, almonds with a hard sugar coating (not the coloured paper scattered at weddings). Book a visit to Pelino factory and see how confettis are made!
Sperlonga, Lazio – 2 h from Rome
Walking through the alleys of Sperlonga beautiful historic center you will almost believe you are somewhere in Greece. The compact and charming old town is located on a steep headland, right above the sea. White-washed houses clustered together, narrow alleys and steep stairways leading to unexpected terraces, make the city a pleasure to explore.
Do you know any other day trips from Rome?
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