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With Rome as its regional (and national) capital, the surrounding region of Lazio is often overlooked by tourists. But the region’s ancient cities and natural features are historic wonders that are just waiting to be discovered. The ancient Frescoes of Tarquinia’s Estrucan tombs lie on the northwestern side, as do the Gothic structures of Viterbo.

Meanwhile, the Sabine hills, and its many wineries and olive groves and mills, lie to the northeast--a necessary journey for any food lover. Going southward, adventurous visitors will pass the volcanic cones of Colli Albani, as well as the nearby vineyard. In the southernmost point of the region are the seven beaches of Gaeta, which sparkle in the sun like undiscovered gems.

How to Get There

Thanks to Trenitalia, Italy’s national rail service, Lazio is accessible via train from any other region in the country. Rome’s Stazione Termini is among the largest train stations in Europe, and is a perfect jumping off point to visit the rest of the region. International travellers can fly into Lazio via the Rome-Fiumicino Airport or the Ciampino Airport.

Getting Around

Exploring Lazio is easy. Visitors can go almost anyway by public transport, with Trenitalia trains traveling across the region with Rome’s Stazione Termini as the main hub and transport company Cotral’s comprehensive bus service. Car rentals are also available at the airports and the Stazione Termini for those who want to skip the extra stop and head straight to their destination.

Top Things to Do

Lazio is divided into one metropolitan area and four provinces, each with its something unique to offer. The province of Viterbo is a goldmine of Etruscan and medieval history. The city of Tarquinia houses ancient Etruscan tombs and frescoes and the La Civita ruins. The eponymous city of Viterbo is chock-full of medieval structures and has the Palazzo dei Papi, a 13th century papal residence.

The Rieti province is a place for food and nature lovers alike. The province is among the greenest in Italy, thanks mostly to the rich, verdant lands of the Sabine Hills and the fresh springs, rivers, and lakes that surround them. This makes the area the perfect spot for its many small wineries, as well as for growing and milling olives. There are many hiking and trekking routes around the area that will take past the wineries and olive groves.

The crowning glory of the Frosinone province is the Abbazia de Montecassino, a Benedictine abbey that has been rebuilt several times after being destroyed by war in 577, 887, and 1944, as well as by an earthquake in 1349. A guided tour of the battlefield trails of Monte Cassino will take you to important spots in and around the abbey during World War II.

Going south to the Latina province brings one to more natural beauty in the forms of the 8,500-hectare Circeo National Park and Gaeta, a beautiful city blessed with seven pristine beaches.

What to Eat

The region of Lazio takes pride in its cuisine. The town of Amatrice, which has been getting back on its feet after a devastating earthquake 2016, is the birthplace of pasta all’amatriciana, while the nearby town of Grisciano is said to be the home of pasta alla gricia.

Frosinone is famous for its hearty, country-style cuisine with dishes like tonnarelli alla ciociara, chicken al diavola or spicy chicken, and ciambellette cookies with aniseed and red wine.

The Latina area boasts a seafood-based cuisine, as well as wines made with trebbiano, malvasia, and merlot grapes from the Criceo DOC. Rieti, on the other hand, is home to the Colli della Sabina DOC for white, red, and rosé wines, as well as Italy’s first DOP for olive oil.

Where to Stay

Thanks to its popularity among tourists, Rome is the city with the highest number of hostels and hotels in Lazio. Those who want to do a comprehensive tour of Lazio can rent a room in the Esquilino neighbourhood for some close proximity to the Stazione Termini.

Those who want to focus on exploring a specific portion of Lazio should book a room in the provincial capital of the area, which are larger and better connected to other towns and cities via public transportation.

Viterbo City is an ideal place for those who want to explore the Etruscan lands and even make the trip over to the Sabina Hills, while Frosinone City is an ideal base for exploring the southern areas. Guest accomodations in this area are typically family-run hotels that are cheaper than those in the big city.

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