Canterano Travel Guide

Plan a trip to Canterano and experience the magic of the enchanting hilltop village. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and much more.


Canterano is a charming hilltop village nestled in the heart of Lazio, central Italy. Steeped in history, this picturesque destination boasts winding cobbled streets, stunning architecture and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture and rich tapestry of the region, from sampling delicious local cuisine, exploring centuries-old ruins of ancient settlements to indulging in outdoor adventures. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide to Canterano, one of the hidden gems of Italy.

Introduction to Canterano

Located in Metropolitan Rome, Canterano is a hidden gem that more and more travelers are discovering. A perfect blend of ancient history and modern cosmopolitan culture, Canterano provides visitors with a chance to explore the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty. This enchanting hilltop village is home to approximately 2,100 residents and lies at an altitude of 825 meters above sea level. The village, with its stunning views of the surrounding region, is a treasure trove of historical and cultural heritage that is ideal for a traveler looking for an authentic Italian experience.

List of Places to Visit in Canterano

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Canterano has a rich cultural heritage that visitors can experience through its museums and historical sites. The village is home to the Museum of Rural Life, which acts as a window into the rural way of life and provides visitors with a glimpse of authentic rural customs and traditions. Additionally, Santa Maria Assunta Church, built in the 12th century, is a must-visit destination that boasts a breathtaking baroque-style interior designed by famous architect Francesco da Volterra. The church is home to numerous precious works of art, including paintings and frescoes that depict scenes from the New Testament.

Natural Attractions of Canterano: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The countryside surrounding Canterano is a breathtaking natural wonderland, and visitors can explore it through outdoor adventures and scenic views. The village is surrounded by the Simbruini Mountains, which offer numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, and trekking routes. The natural landscape features rivers, waterfalls, and streams that offer opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. For visitors who prefer staying indoors, Canterano offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from its various scenic viewpoints.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Canterano

The Simbruini Mountains surrounding the village offer visitors opportunities to explore various hiking and biking routes. The woodland and valley landscapes on the outskirts of Canterano are ideal for adventurers looking for a challenge and provide a perfect taste of the surrounding region’s rugged terrain. For visitors wishing to take a leisurely stroll, a walking tour of the village’s cobbled streets and ancient alleys is an excellent way to explore the picturesque charm of Canterano.

Best Things to Do in Canterano: Activities and Tours

Apart from outdoor activities, Canterano offers visitors numerous options for tours and other activities. Visitors can take a guided tour of the village’s numerous historical sites and museums, learning about Canterano’s rich and storied past along the way. For wine aficionados, wine tours of the surrounding region’s vineyards and wineries offer a chance to sample some of the region’s finest wines. Sports enthusiasts can also engage in sporting activities, such as golfing and horseback riding, in the many available facilities in the nearby regions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Canterano

Day 1: Explore Canterano village’s historic center.

Day 2: Visit the Museum of Rural Life.

Day 3: Take a guided tour of Santa Maria Assunta Church

Day 4: Hike the Simbruini Mountains

Day 5: Visit a local vineyard and sample some of the region’s best wines.

Day 6: Horseback riding in the nearby region

Day 7: Golfing

Food and Drink Scene of Canterano

Must-Try Dishes

Canterano boasts a rich food and drink culture, and visitors can sample numerous local delights. A must-try dish is the traditional porchetta, a slow-roasted pork delicacy indigenous to the region. Additionally, visitors can also indulge in other dishes such as gnocchi alla sorrentina and spaghetti carbonara, which are typical to the region’s cuisine.

Local Beverages

Visitors to Canterano are encouraged to sample the local wines, with the region boasting numerous vineyards and wineries. The region is known for producing wines such as Malvasia and White Cannellino.

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

Canterano has abundant accommodation options for travelers of all budgets. Visitors can opt for a comfortable stay in one of the village’s various hotels or guesthouses, such as Hotel Ristorante La Lucciola or La Casa Della Nonna. For budget-conscious travelers, the village also offers numerous hostels and camping sites such as Camping Parco Del Grassano.

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

Visitors can purchase numerous souvenirs and locally produced products to take home as momentos of their trip. Some of the unique products native to the region include artisanal cheeses, wines, and handcrafted ceramics available in local stores and village markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Canterano

Canterano has a rich cultural heritage that visitors can experience through its customs and traditions. The village celebrates numerous local traditions throughout the year, with the most notable being the Festa della Madonna di Vallicella Fair held in August, which hosts an array of street performances, cultural activities, and livestock exhibitions. Visitors should also be aware of the Italian customs regarding greeting and tipping when interacting with the locals.

Best Time to Visit Canterano

The best time to visit Canterano is during the spring or summer months between April and September. During this period, the weather is at its best, and visitors can engage in numerous outdoor activities, explore the countryside, and engage in various cultural and social events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Canterano

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Learn a few Italian phrases.
  • Try to engage with the locals as much as possible.

Don’t:

  • Make a lot of noise in the residential areas of the village.
  • Expose too much skin in the town center.
  • Touch the works of art in Santa Maria Assunta Church.

Safety and Health

Safety in Canterano

Canterano is a safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate. Visitors should, however, be vigilant when exploring the city at night or venturing into less-traveled areas outside the village.

Health in Canterano

Canterano has numerous hospitals and health facilities available for visitors in case of medical emergencies. It advisable to purchase travel insurance to cater for any unforeseen medical costs.

Getting to Canterano: Transportation Options and Logistics

Canterano is easily accessible by air, train, or bus. The nearest airport to Canterano is Rome Ciampino Airport, located 62 kilometers away. Visitors can also opt for bus or train services, with the nearby bus stop being in Collemarino, which is a 15 minute drive away from Canterano.

Airports Near Canterano

  • Rome Ciampino Airport - 62 km

Bus Stations Near Canterano

  • Collemarino - 15 km

Other Options

Visitors can opt to rent a car or hire a taxi to Canterano from Rome Ciampino Airport.

How to Get Around in Canterano

Canterano is a compact village that visitors can explore on foot. Visitors can also rent bicycles or motorbikes for more extensive exploration of the countryside landscape.

Where to Go Next from Canterano: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Canterano lies in a region known for its numerous tourist attractions, and visitors can explore neighboring towns and cities such as Rome, Rieti, and Tivoli. Additionally, nature lovers can visit the nearby Simbruini Mountains, which offer numerous scenic hiking trails and mountain biking routes.

Conclusion

Canterano is an enchanting hilltop village that offers visitors a unique and authentic Italian experience. From exploring the village’s cultural heritage, engaging in outdoor activities, sampling local cuisine to immersing oneself in local customs and traditions, there is never a shortage of things to do in Canterano. Visitors can explore the neighboring towns and cities or take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding region from various scenic viewpoints. Plan a trip today, and experience the magic of Canterano.

Canterano Canterano Canterano from Mount Ruffo Canterano from Mount Ruffo