6 of the Best Day Trips from Rome

Beyond Rome

There’s no doubt that if you are traveling to Rome, there is sooo much to see in the Eternal City alone that it could keep you busy for a lifetime. It’s by far my favorite city in Europe. Of course, I did call it my home for over half of a decade, so I might be biased. There’s just so much to see. History. Architecture. Art. Gardens. The unique neighborhoods holding their own character. 

But maybe you’ve seen the main sights in Rome and would like to experience something a bit different? Or maybe you just want to get out of the city, but don’t want to venture too far. I’ve got you covered.

I’ve put together some of my favorite day trips from Rome for you. 

Sperlonga

Perhaps my favorite day trip from Rome during the summer months, Sperlonga has a stunning beach with white sand and clear, calm waters. You can arrive easily by car driving south on the SR148 & SS7. You’ll arrive in as little as 1 ½ hours. 

Once you arrive, there are plenty of options for you to rent an umbrella and chairs along the beach. However, in high season you might prefer to make a reservation with your favorite lido. These lidi are basically beach clubs that offer bathrooms, restaurants, services, and other amenities. If you’re looking for a more comfortable day in the sun, a lido is the way to go. You can still set up for the day at any of the public beaches (spiagge libere) if you prefer, but of course it will be more crowded.

I like to get down there early and spend the whole day at the beach relaxing in lower Sperlonga.

Read.

Rest.

Look for seashells.

Repeat.

I usually pack a few snacks or panini to bring with me, but take advantage of ordering drinks and meals from the lido bar. Late afternoon, you can easily get freshened up in the bathroom, change into a sundress, and go find something to eat in Sperlonga Sopra.

The old part of Sperlonga is set on top of the hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Colorful bougainvillea climbs the whitewashed buildings that wind together. Views leave you breathless as you slow down and watch the sunset over the water.

Part of the evening experience not to be missed is walking through the narrow alleys, gazing into small shops, and reviewing the local menus. A great place to enjoy dinner al fresco is Ristorante Gli Archi. It’s tucked into an angle that creates a cozy, romantic courtyard perfect for enjoying a delicious plate of Spaghetti alle Vongole with the stars above you.

If you love history, it’s worth checking out Villa and Grotta di Tiberio along the south end of the beach. Built in the first century by Emperor Tiberius, this was used as a summer escape with pools, aquariums, and al fresco dining areas. You can visit these archeological Roman ruins of the villa as well as the enormous cave which is fascinating. There is also the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Sperlonga nearby that will give you the full history.

Giardino di Ninfa & Sermoneta 

Magical Gardens: Giardino di Ninfa

Giardino di Ninfa is a magical garden only about an hour south of Rome by car. Known as one of the most romantic gardens in the world, Giardino di Ninfa is truly enchanting. Built on top of medieval ruins, the contrast of beautiful and exotic plant life to the crumbling structures is like no other.

While walking through the garden, you will feel as if you are in a fairy tale. There are streams, ponds, and cascading vines and flowers along stone walls. The patterns and colors of the plants seem like brush strokes. It’s almost like being immersed in a painting. 

To visit the garden, you must have a reservation and can purchase entry tickets online. With entry, you are able to spend about an hour on this guided tour throughout the garden. Late spring is a spectacular time to visit when all of the trees and flowers are in full bloom. 

The garden is open and available for tours from March to November. There are English tours a couple of times a day. Just make sure you make your reservation for that time slot.

For a day trip from Rome, I suggest visiting the garden in the morning, then heading towards Sermoneta before a late lunch.

It’s well worth a visit to this exquisite garden known as one of the most beautiful in the world. If you’re a gardener, you’ve probably heard Monty Don talk about his visits to the garden.

Charming Village: Sermoneta

Sermoneta is a charming hill town only about 7km away from Ninfa. It's truly a hidden, little gem of the Lazio region. As you walk through the arches to enter the town, you are transported back into time. The hill town boasts a medieval castle as well as a beautiful cathedral. 

Visiting local shops, you’ll find beautiful ceramics. I have a little, yellow star Christmas ornament from Sermoneta. Each year, I reminisce about the time spent there. Make sure to bring something home that will remind you of your experience. 

And don’t forget to savor the views from the top of the town overlooking the valley towards the sea. It’s gorgeous.

Castelli Romani: Frascati, Nemi, & Ariccia

Castelli Romani is the area of about 13 towns and villages that are set up in the Alban hills to the southeast of Rome. These Alban hills rich with volcanic soil make the perfect environment to grow vines which yield to making delicious and prized wines. Only about 20 km from Rome, this is certainly an easy day trip from the Eternal City.

Frascati

Frascati is a beloved, historic hilltown that fills up with Romans looking to escape the city for the weekend. It’s a wonderful place to relax. I once spent a weekend here staying just outside of Frascati in a villa that was once the home of an ancient Catholic cardinal. 

Villa Grazioli is a beautiful hotel and annex that has amazing views looking towards Rome. It has an exquisite restaurant, pool, and beautiful grounds. I highly recommend a stay here if you decide to stay overnight. 

You can also enjoy the famed white wine of Frascati or visit a vineyard while visiting the area.  

If you happen to be in the Castelli Romani on the first Sunday of June, be sure to visit the charming village of Nemi for the annual strawberry festival, la sagra delle fragole. You’ll be amazed at the abundance of strawberries and the many ways to eat and drink them! The village sits perched high upon the hill with a beautiful view overlooking lake Trasimeno that was once a volcano.

Ariccia

Though you can find porchetta in all of the Castelli Romani and most of Rome for that matter, the best place to enjoy it is the town of Ariccia. The town is fact famous for its porchetta. Choose from one of the many rustic osterie and trattorie that serve porchetta di Ariccia. Get the fixed priced menu so that you can get a taste of all of the local flavors. Eat outside. If you’re lucky, you may even get serenaded by an old Italian man playing classic Roman songs on a vintage guitar missing a few strings.

There is an art museum, Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia, where you will find an incredible palace filled with collection of masterpieces from highlighting the Baroque period. Across from the museum, you'll find the impressive church, Santa Maria Assunta, that was designed by the famous Gianlorenzo Bernini.

If you visit Ariccia, be sure to walk across the enormous bridge, Ponte Monumentale di Ariccia. The bridge was constructed by Giuseppe Bartolini in the mid-1800's. Parts of the bridge have collapsed several times over the years. Thankfully, reconstruction and preservation have been maintained. Lovers who had stories similar to Romeo and Juliet, are said to have jumped to their deaths from the towering height of the bridge. Tragically, the bridge has also become known as Il Ponte dei Suicidi (the bridge of suicides). 

Orvieto

The drive from Rome to Orvieto is a beautiful one. You’ll travel past farms with sheep, sunflowers growing in rows, and cypress trees popping up in the fields. You can arrive to Orvieto in just a little over an hour from the Eternal City. Orvieto is in the region of Umbria, known as the "green heart of Italy." However, the hill town lies on the southwestern edge of the region where Tuscany and Lazio also meet. 

Orvieto is full of character. It’s classic, old world Italian. I love the pace of this hill town. It’s laid back and at ease, yet there is plenty to see and do without really “doing” anything. You can stroll the stone-paved streets, shop the local artisanal shops, and enjoy classic, Umbrian food sure to satisfy.

The town is known for ceramics. You’ll find beautiful pieces throughout the town. In fact, ceramics were being made here by the Etruscan people. The Etruscans inhabited Orvieto up until the 3rd Century BC. You can still find much of the history these people left behind here. You can visit Orvieto Underground where you’ll discover caves, wells, tunnels, and tombs.

The town also beams with its large cathedral at the top of the town. The cathedral, in French Gothic architecture, has a facade like no other. The ornate reliefs and statues are intricate and detailed. The layers of the gold mosaics shine like heaven when the sun shines down upon it.

But, my favorite thing to do in hill towns is always the same. I love to stroll and discover what little gem is around the next corner. Stop and sip a caffè. Then stroll and explore again.

Tivoli: Villa Adriana & Villa d'Este

The town of Tivoli is just outside of Rome and is a great place to get out of the city and away from the tourists. Tivoli holds two UNESCO World Heritage Sights that are worth visiting.

Villa Adriana

Villa Adriana, or Hadrian’s Villa, is where the Roman Emperor Hadrian built his residence outside of the city. It is the largest constructed in ancient Roman history. It’s even considered to be one of the most outstanding villas from the classical age. 

Hadrian built the famous Canopus, as the area was rich in water. There are elegant statues surrounding this pool of water that is surrounded by beautiful green gardens. You will find gorgeous mosaic floors in beautiful and intricate patterns and sprawling ruins that once constructed the palace.

Hadrian’s Villa is an enormous open-air archaeological site with pathways and roads you can walk on to see it all. However, because of its scale, I suggest a minimum of 2–3 hours to visit. There isn’t much shade, so if you visit during the summer months, be sure to bring sunscreen, hat, and water. There are plenty of green spaces throughout to stop and take a break on a bench.

Villa d’Este

Villa d’Este was the private home and garden of the Cardinale d’Este. A spectacular Renaissance garden, rich both with beauty architecturally and with its formal gardens. It is filled with many beautiful and elaborate fountains that are sure to impress as well as sculptures artists will appreciate.

Walking the grounds, one can imagine what the royal and elite during this time of the Renaissance must have experienced. It’s both calming and awe-inspiring walking the grounds. Because there are steep ramps and many stairs, note that it could be difficult for some. Visit the website for more information and how to purchase your tickets before you go.

Nettuno & Anzio

Nettuno

Also in Lazio, Nettuno is a great place to visit on a day trip from Rome. Only about an hour's train ride from the city and you’ll arrive at the seafront town. Nettuno was founded in the 5th century BC. Like many seaside towns nearby, it became a Roman playground for emperors and the elite to get away from the city.

Some Roman friends were kind enough to let us stay at their summer home here in Nettuno. It was a wonderful stay as the center is calm and laid back. We rode bikes, dined outdoors, and strolled with the locals with our gelato in hand. The public beach here is nice and filled mostly with Italians. The water is calm and safe for the littles.

However, Nettuno is probably best known for the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial. The grounds are filled with cypress trees, reflective pools, and rows of tombs of valiant soldiers. The grounds spread across 77 acres. There is a large visitor center that helps to explain the Allied victory in Europe during World War II. It’s truly humbling to walk these solemn grounds reflecting on the price that was paid for freedom. If you appreciate history, this is a must for you.

Anzio

Another great day trip for history lovers is the seaside town of Anzio, just south of Nettuno. 

The Battle of Anzio took place January 22–June 5, 1944. The landing of the Allied troops here in Anzio was truly the beginning of the fall of Rome during the war and would lead to ultimate victory for the Allies. More of that history can be read about here.

The vast beach here in Anzio has golden sand and clear, blue waters making it popular for Romans to come for a beach day. Anzio also has a beautiful seaside harbor and a promenade lined with palms where you can enjoy an evening stroll while watching the sunset. This marina is where you can take a ferry to nearby, small islands like Ponza.

The Villa di Nerone can be found here at Anzio beach. The archeological park has a beautiful beach with Nero’s caves and ruins of the palace. It’s a stunning setting that nearly falls into the Tyrrhenian Sea.

As with Nettuno, Anzio can be reached very easily by train.

Wherever you decide to travel and explore from Rome, enjoy it and savor it.

Buon Viaggio!

xx Sommer