Rome is a beauty herself, with her history and amazing things to see, but around her there are so many little towns (both in the mountains and on the seaside) worth a visit. Ever since I was small, I would visit all the beautiful towns out of Rome once in a while, with my family. I still like to explore these beauties full of history and typical things to do. Here are the best, and easiest to reach, towns that you should visit within our region of Lazio.
Frascati
When you say Frascati, the roman people immediately tell you one thing: fraschette! Fraschette are typical restaurants/stalls that serve typical food like porchetta, coppiette, cheese, various cold meats and the famous wine “dei Castelli”. The place to be on Sunday (packed with families going out of Rome) or during the week for a calm walk. You can visit the Villa Torlonia and the famous Tuscolo with some remains of the ancient town of Tuscolum.
How to get there: train from Roma Termini direction Frascati.
Ariccia
This town offers the best typical roman food. Here you can find tons of rustic restaurants as well, where you should try their famous porchetta. In fact the porchetta of Ariccia is a must for meat lovers. You can visit the borgo and admire the Palazzo Chigi or enjoy the view from the Ponte Monumentale.
How to get there: take the train from Roma Termini direction Velletri and get out at Cancelliera stop.
Viterbo
Viterbo is cute, colourful and full of things to see. The city itself is amazing to walk through and the food is different from the classic roman dishes, but still with the same roots. You can enjoy many kinds of minestre and soups and in fact carciofi and abbacchio like in the roman cuisine. Make sure to visit the Palazzo dei Papi and its museum! Wonderful!
How to get there: take the train from Valle Aurelia station direction Viterbo Porta Fiorentina.
Castel Gandolfo
Here you can admire the famous Albano Lake, and visit the Residenza Papale (the summer house of the Pope). I’ve been coming here for years regularly, so I know quite good where to eat, but there’s one place you want to spend your lunch/dinner at: Da Agnese. A typical restaurant with authentic roman dishes; during the summer you can eat on their terrace which gives access directly to the lake, it’s magical!
How to get there: take the train from Capannelle station direction Albano Laziale and get out at Castel Gandolfo stop.
Calcata
A small town that deserves to be seen. I’ve visited it a few years ago, and I still think it’s a charming place. Less than 1.000 people are living here and the atmosphere is very dreamy, thanks also to the astonishing view. The town has many paths that lead to the Parco Regionale of Valle Treja, for those who love to enjoy nature.
How to get there: with buses Cotral (check on cotralspa.it for more informations )
Tarquinia
Tarquinia is perfect for history lovers! You can visit the Etruscan Necropolis, the Etruscan National Museum, the Medieval churches in the old city, the stunning Porto Clementino and the Palazzo Comunale. You will be busy with things to see. A precious place, because not only Rome has amazing history!
How to get there: from Roma Termini take the train direction Civitavecchia, then take the bus that will bring you to Tarquinia.
Tivoli
In Tivoli you can immerge yourself in villas. Both the stunning Villa Adriana and the Villa D’Este are worth seeing. You can also visit the Villa Gregoriana (for nature lovers) and the still mysterious Tempio della Tosse (cough temple, literally). Plus during the summer you can relax at the thermal baths “Acque Albule”.
How to get there: take the train from Roma Termini with direction Avezzano and get out at Tivoli stop.
roman gal goes around 