Sabine Hills Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Sabine Hills in Italy? This travel guide includes everything you need to know about the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, food and drink scene, local culture, safety and health, transportation, and more.


Sabine Hills, located in the province of Rieti in Lazio, Central Italy, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This area boasts of striking landscapes, charming hilltop towns, and an abundance of cultural and natural attractions. Sabine Hills is an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore one of Italy’s less crowded and intriguing regions. This guide will give you a comprehensive overview of Sabine Hills, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, food and drink scene, local culture, transportation, and more.

Introduction to Sabine Hills

Sabine Hills is a lush hilly area formed by the Apennine Mountains. The region is dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and fields producing some of the finest olives, truffles, saffron, and wine in Italy. Sabina, the central town of the region, is thought to be the birthplace of Roman history and culture. The main feature of Sabine Hills is its tranquillity, which never fails to impress visitors who are looking for a place to relax and be at peace with nature.

List of Places to Visit in Sabine Hills

Sabine Hills is full of exciting places for visitors to explore. Whether you are an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or a history buff, there is something for everyone in this region. Here are some of the top places to visit in Sabine Hills:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Sabine Hills is steeped in history, and the region is home to many museums and historical sites that tell the story of this fascinating region. Here are some of the must-visit cultural attractions in Sabine Hills:

  • Museo Civico della Collegiata di Santa Maria in Cretica: This museum holds a collection of medieval paintings and sculptures that document the religious history of the region.
  • Rocca Abbaziale: This castle dates back to the 10th century and is an important historical site in Sabina.
  • Farfa Abbey: This ancient Benedictine monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is well-known for its stunning mosaics.

Natural Attractions of Sabine Hills: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Sabine Hills is a paradise for nature lovers, with its lush forests, rivers, and abundant wildlife. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Sabine Hills. Here are some of the most beautiful natural attractions in Sabine Hills:

  • Monte Soratte: This mountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in the region. Visitors can hike up the mountain and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  • Turano Lake: This lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating.
  • Riserva Naturale Nazzano Tevere-Farfa: This nature reserve is home to an array of plants and animals and is a great place for hiking, bird-watching, and photography.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sabine Hills

Sabine Hills has a vast network of hiking and biking trails that traverse through parks, mountains, and forests, offering breathtaking views of its surroundings. Here are some of the most popular hiking and biking routes in the region:

  • Sentiero dei Borgia: This 43km trail runs from the town of Nepi to Poggio Mirteto and takes you through stunning medieval towns and picturesque hilltop villages.
  • Monte Navegna and Cervia Nature Reserve: This nature reserve offers several trails for hiking or mountain biking with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • The Cammino di San Benedetto: This historic route spans 300km and connects the monastery of Subiaco to Montecassino and other significant religious sites.

Best Things to Do in Sabine Hills: Activities and Tours

Sabine Hills is rich in history and culture, and there are plenty of activities and tours to immerse yourself in the region’s beauty. Here are some of the best things to do in Sabine Hills:

  • Take a tour of Farfa Abbey, one of the oldest and most significant Benedictine monasteries in Italy.
  • Visit the medieval hilltop town of Rieti and explore its picturesque streets and historical sites like Palazzo Comunale and Piazza San Rufo.
  • Join a truffle hunting tour and experience this unique Sabine Hills tradition.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sabine Hills

Sabine Hills is a perfect destination for those looking to unwind and explore its natural beauty slowly. Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for Sabine Hills:

  • Day 1-2: Spend two days in Farfa to explore the Abbey and surrounding countryside.
  • Day 3-4: Visit Rieti and its beautiful medieval old town. Spend the rest of the day hiking Monte Terminillo.
  • Day 5-6: Visit the picturesque towns of Casperia and Poggio Moiano and discover their breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
  • Day 7: Spend the day wine tasting around Montefiascone with its notable regional wine.

Food and Drink Scene of Sabine Hills

One of the highlights of any trip to Italy is experiencing the local food scene, and Sabine Hills is no exception. Here’s what you need to know about the food and drink scene of Sabine Hills:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Porchetta: This famous Italian pork dish is a staple of Sabine Hills cuisine.
  • Olive Oil: Sabine Hills is known for producing some of the finest olive oil in Italy, and it’s a must-try on your visit.
  • Pecorino Romano Cheese: Made from sheep’s milk, this cheese is a classic staple of Italian cuisine.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: With its vineyards and wineries producing some of Italy’s most beautiful wines, Sabine Hills is a wine lover’s paradise.
  • Coffee: Italians take their coffee seriously, and Sabine Hills is no different. Make sure to try a traditional Italian espresso while in the region.

Where to Stay in Sabine Hills: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sabine Hills has a wide range of accommodation options to choose from, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay while in Sabine Hills:

  • Amanita B&B: A charming bed and breakfast situated at the base of Monte Navegna. It offers visitors a relaxed and peaceful retreat in the heart of the region.
  • Antico Borgo di Sutri: This boutique hotel is an ideal location for experiencing the unique surroundings of the Sabine Hills. The hotel boasts panoramic views of Lake Bracciano and is a perfect getaway for couples seeking a romantic weekend.

What to Buy in Sabine Hills: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sabine Hills is famous for producing high-quality local products, making it a great destination for souvenir shopping. Here are some of the best things to buy in Sabine Hills:

  • Olive oil: Sabine Hills produces some of the best olive oil in Italy, and buying a bottle is a must.
  • Truffles: Sabine Hills is home to many truffle farms but, you can find truffles also in local shops, or restaurants.
  • Wine: Sabine Hills wine wineries produce some of Italy’s finest wines, and a good bottle of wine is the perfect souvenir to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Sabine Hills

Sabine Hills is a region with a strong sense of tradition, and visitors can get a genuine experience of Italian rural culture and its influences on modern Italian life. One of the essential customs is “l’arte del convivio,” or the art of living together, emphasizing the importance of good company, food, and conversations during mealtimes.

Best Time to Visit Sabine Hills

The best time to visit Sabine Hills is between June to August when the weather is warm and sunny, and the days are long. This time of year is perfect for exploring the region’s stunning natural scenery and taking part in outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sabine Hills

It’s essential to keep in mind some key rules when visiting Sabine Hills, including:

Do:

  • Respect local customs.
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.
  • Take part in outdoor activities

Don’t:

  • Waste food or drink.
  • Leave trash behind.
  • Be loud or disruptive in public areas.

Safety and Health

Sabine Hills is not a dangerous place to visit, but visitors should be aware of a few things regarding safety and health.

Safety in Sabine Hills

  • Keep valuables safe and locked away.
  • Be vigilant around tourist areas.

Health in Sabine Hills

  • Visitors are advised to have mosquito repellent with them as Sabine hills can have an increased number of mosquitoes in some seasons.

Getting to Sabine Hills: Transportation Options and Logistics

The easiest way to get to Sabine hills is by car, and the region is well-connected to Rome (approximately an hour’s drive). Alternatively, visitors can take a train to nearby Orte station, where they can connect to various towns in Sabine Hills.

Airports Near Sabine Hills

  • Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is the closest airport to Sabine Hills, and it’s located in Rome.

Bus Stations Near Sabine Hills

  • The primary bus station in Sabine Hills is located in Rieti.

Other Options

  • Taxis and car rentals are available in Rome for those traveling to Sabine Hills by train.

How to Get Around in Sabine Hills

The best way to explore Sabine Hills is by car, but visitors can also use public transport. There are buses between towns, and trains and buses connect the towns to Rome.

Where to Go Next from Sabine Hills: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sabine Hills is surrounded by many beautiful places that are worth exploring. Here are some of the best nearby destinations to visit after your visit in Sabine Hills:

  • Orvieto: This beautiful hilltop town is famous for its stunning cathedral and underground cave system which runs throughout the city.
  • Lake Bolsena: This volcanic lake is located less than an hour from Sabine Hills and makes for a great day trip.
  • Umbria: Only a short drive from Sabine Hills is the region of Umbria, famous for its hilltop cities such as Perugia, Todi, and Assisi.

Conclusion

Sabine Hills may not be the first place on everyone’s radar when planning a trip to Italy, but it’s a charming region filled with natural beauty, history, and culture. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your trip to Sabine Hills and experience one of Italy’s undiscovered gems.

Farfa Abbey: view of the main street in the village surrounding the Abbey Farfa Abbey: view of the main street in the village surrounding the Abbey The village of Collevecchio The village of Collevecchio