Lazio Travel Guide (Central Italy/Italy/Europe)

Introduction to Lazio

Located in the heart of Italy, Lazio is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the country’s extraordinary history and culture firsthand. With sweeping landscapes, ancient ruins, stunning architecture, and beautiful coastlines, the region is steeped in history and natural beauty that can be appreciated all year round.

List of Places to Visit in Lazio

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Colosseum: Located in Rome, this iconic landmark is the largest amphitheater in the world and dates back to AD 80. It was used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and other events that drew huge crowds.
The Vatican: The smallest country in the world is located in the heart of Rome and is home to some of the most famous attractions in the world, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum, and the Sistine Chapel.
Villa d’Este: Completed in the 16th century, this beautiful villa was built by Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este. Its famous terraced gardens offer stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
Hadrian’s Villa: Built in the countryside near Tivoli, about 30 km east of Rome, it is the most famous of Roman villas and represents an outstanding and unparalleled example of the eclectic architecture typical of the 2nd century AD.
Ostia Antica: Once a thriving port city, the ruins of Ostia Antica are located a few miles from Rome’s city center. They represent a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman city life, including mosaic floors, street art, and public baths.

Natural Attractions of Lazio: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Lake Bracciano: With its crystal-clear waters, this lake is the perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing. The lake is also surrounded by charming medieval towns, including Bracciano and Anguillara Sabazia.
Monte Terminillo: This mountain, located near Rieti, is a popular spot for hiking and skiing. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, and in the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports.
Grotte di Pastena: This stunning limestone cave system is located about 100 km southeast of Rome. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caves to explore the intricate rock formations, underground lakes, and ancient stalactites and stalagmites.
Mount Circeo: Part of the National Park of Circeo, this massive mountain overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. Its beautiful forests, sandy beaches, and clear waters make it an ideal destination for swimming, sunbathing, and hiking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lazio

The Appian Way: This ancient Roman road, which stretches over 300 miles from Rome to Brindisi, is one of the most famous hikes in the world. Visitors can explore the ruins of ancient Roman cities, including Ostia Antica and Pompeii, and enjoy the stunning natural scenery along the way.
The Way of Saint Benedict: This pilgrimage route is named after the patron saint of Europe and stretches across the Roman countryside, through green valleys and past idyllic lakes and ancient abbeys.
Monte Cimino: Located in the heart of the Cimini Mountains, this mountain offers some of the best hiking trails in Lazio. Charming small towns like Soriano nel Cimino and Viterbo can also be explored in the area.
The Via Francigena: This religious pilgrimage route stretches from Canterbury in England to Rome and is steeped in history. It’s a route that has been walked by thousands of pilgrims throughout the centuries and offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region.

Best Things to Do in Lazio: Activities and Tours

Food Tours: Explore the region’s flavorful cuisine with a local expert or take part in a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Italian dishes like pasta alla carbonara, cacio e pepe, and tiramisu.
Private tours of Rome: Experience Rome’s most iconic sights with a knowledgeable guide. Take in the views of the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps while learning about the history of these ancient landmarks.
Boat tours along the coast: Enjoy the stunning coastline of Lazio while cruising aboard a small boat with a knowledgeable guide who can show you all the hidden gems and point to amazing local wildlife from dolphins to sea turtles.
Wine Tasting Tour: Discover the countryside surrounding Rome and Lazio with a private wine tasting tour to sample the best of the region’s wines such as Frascati, Marino and Torrimpietra.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lazio

Day	Activity
1	Arrive in Rome and visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum
2	Explore the ancient ruins of Ostia Antica
3	Take a day trip to Tivoli and visit Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa
4	Visit the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica
5	Explore the Monti Simbruini Natural Reserve and enjoy Italian wildlife
6	Hike Mount Circeo or the Way of Saint Benedict
7	Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful Lake Bracciano

Food and Drink Scene of Lazio

Must-Try Dishes

Cacio e Pepe: Spaghetti or other pasta cooked with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. Simple, yet delicious.
Supplì: Deep-fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Saltimbocca alla romana: Thin slices of veal cooked with prosciutto and sage.
Carbonara: A spaghetti dish made with eggs, guanciale and black pepper.

Local Beverages

Frascati wine: A white wine produced in Lazio and often paired with Fish or vegetarian dishes.
Marino wines: A wine famous since Roman times, still made from the same variety of white grapes that were grown here more than two thousand years ago.
Fiori di zucca: a famous typical Roman dish, based on courgette flowers filled with mozzarella cheese and anchovy fish.

Where to Stay in Lazio: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotel Forum Roma: This elegant hotel is located on a hill overlooking the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It’s a short walk to the Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks.
The Beehive Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel is located in the heart of Florence and offers clean, comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped kitchen for guests.
Relais Le Felci: This charming guesthouse is located in the medieval town of Civita Castellana and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

What to Buy in Lazio: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Pecorino Romano cheese: A hard, salty cheese made from sheep’s milk that’s often used in Roman dishes like cacio e pepe and carbonara.
Ceramics: Beautiful handmade ceramics are abundant in the region and make a great souvenir or gift.
Olive Oil: Lazio is well-known for its high-quality olive oil, which is used in many local dishes.

Local Culture and Customs of Lazio

Lazio is a region that’s steeped in history, art, and culture. As in the rest of Italy, religion plays an important role in daily life. It’s important to be respectful when visiting religious sites, such as the Vatican, by dressing appropriately – that means no shorts, bare shoulders, or revealing clothing.

Best Time to Visit Lazio

The best time to visit Lazio is during early spring (March and April) or in the fall (September and October.) The weather is mild, there are fewer tourists, and the trees and flowers are blooming, making it even more charming. The summer months can get quite hot, crowded, and expensive, so you may consider visiting some of the less frequented spots of the region during that period.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lazio

Do:

Learn some basic Italian: Although many people in Lazio speak English, it’s always appreciated when tourists make an effort to speak Italian, even if it’s just a few simple phrases.
Try the local cuisine: Lazio is really a food lover’s paradise, so be sure to experiment with the unique local flavors and dishes.
Respect the locals: Italians are known for being passionate and friendly. However, respecting the local culture is important when traveling in Lazio or anywhere else in Italy. Simple manners like saying “please” and “thank you” go a long way in showing your appreciation for their hospitality and culture.

Don’t:

Be disrespectful to religious customs: Italians are deeply religious, and their religious customs are deeply rooted in their daily life. It’s important to respect the traditions and practices, especially in churches or holy places.
Overplan your trip: Italy is an unpredictable country, so leaving room for spontaneity in your itinerary is essential. Also, enjoy the small moments that make traveling so special.
Overtip: It’s not a tradition to tip in Italy, especially in restaurants where the service charge is already included. Italians are known for their gracious service, but tipping may considered an insult.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lazio

Overall, Lazio is a safe destination for tourists. However, like anywhere else, pickpocketing and other petty crime can occur in tourist hotspots like Rome, so it’s important to take basic precautions, especially when in crowded areas.

Health in Lazio

Italy has a good healthcare system and most hospitals and clinics can provide medical assistance in all the major towns. Traveler’s health insurance is always important when traveling abroad. As in the rest of Italy, it’s recommended always to drink tap water, which is perfectly safe. Nonetheless, tourists might want to follow the locals and opt for the more flavorous bottled water instead.

Getting to Lazio: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can get to Lazio by road, train, and air.

Airports Near Lazio

Lazio is served by two airports: Rome Fiumicino Airport, the largest, and Rome Ciampino Airport, which is often used by budget airlines.

Bus Stations Near Lazio

The main bus station in Rome is located at the Tiburtina station, where visitors find domestic routes and some international ones.

Other Options

There are possibilities to travel to Lazio via train, and many visitors take advantage of the train services the Trenitalia provides from any Italian city.

How to Get Around in Lazio

While the train is probably the best way to explore Lazio from one town to another, we recommend renting a car to visit villages, beaches and parks outside of the main city centers. Rome is big and difficult to navigate, but public transportation is comprehensive.

Where to Go Next from Lazio: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lazio’s central location offers many possibilities for further exploration, whether it’s horseback riding through the hills of Tuscany or soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Sardinia. Florence, Naples, and the stunning Amalfi Coast are a few of the easily accessible nearby destinations.

Conclusion

Italy is a country like no other, and Lazio is a perfect example of the country’s unique beauty and charm. With its stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and charming villages, Lazio is a destination that will appeal to travelers of all ages. Whether you’re interested in art, food, history, or simply experiencing life in a different culture, Lazio is an unforgettable destination. With this comprehensive guide, planning your Lazio trip will be easier and memorable.

Lazio Image Gallery

Palace of the Popes at Viterbo

Fountain at Villa D'Este, Tivoli

The Roman amphitheatre at Sutri, cut out of rock.

The façade of San Giovanni in Laterano — the fact that this, the headquarters of the Pope in his role as Bishop of Rome with Rome/Esquilino-San Giovanni an entire neighborhood named after it, is a secondary sight in Rome amply demonstrates how incredibly rich Italy's capital is in attractions