Rome is a great holiday destination. Buildings, ruins and relics of history can be found in every corner of the beautiful Eternal City. There are also plenty of delicious restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias. As they say, all roads lead to Rome, but some of the roads that lead out of Rome can also take you on some pretty magical trips.
Ostia Antica and Lido di Ostia (45 minutes)
The city of Ostia is just a short drive or train ride to the southwest of Rome. Combining a beautiful historical site with beautiful beaches, this is one of the most rewarding day trips from Rome.
Ostia Antica is the beautifully preserved ancient port of Rome, where you can walk among the Roman ruins and marvel at the ingenuity of the ancient empire. Closer to shore is Lido di Ostia, an incredible stretch of beach clubs leading to Kursaal Village and its iconic 1950s Olympic pool.
Sutri – Calcata – Lago di Bracciano (about an hour)
About an hour or so northeast of Rome, you’ll come across numerous Etruscan and medieval villages that dot the landscape. Perched precariously on the top of a hill or nestled in the craters of ancient volcanoes, most of them are a joy to visit. The village of Calcata was abandoned in the 1930s because of the crumbling volcanic rock it was built on. It was taken over by hippies and artists in the 1960s and 1970s. It is well worth a visit, having been named “the grooviest village in Italy” by the New York Times.
A 30-minute drive from Calcata will take you to the village of Sutri. The ancient village contains several remarkable monuments, including one of Lazio’s oldest Roman amphitheaters and the imposing Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo.
Finally, Lake Bracciano is the second largest lake in the region and one of the most important in Italy. It is a popular destination for Romans in search of a respite from the summer heat of the city. Swimming, water sports and other activities such as hiking are all possible around the lake. There are also a number of villages and fortresses in the area which are worth a visit.
Tivoli (30 minutes)
Tivoli is easy to reach from Rome by train or by car. The city is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The first is the Villa d’Este, a magnificent Renaissance villa with beautiful gardens. The second is the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s villa. Constructed in the 2nd century, it is quite lavish and will appeal to history and archaeological buffs and those who just want to walk around admiring its beauty.
Monte Argentario (2 hours)
Monte Argentario is a mountainous peninsula that is located off the coast of Tuscany. They are the only two enchanting fishing villages on the peninsula: Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano. Monte Argentario is the type of place that forces you to slow down and enjoy the beautiful environment.
Enjoy local seafood, watch fishermen bring in their boats, enjoy a gelato or two and hike to the best hidden coves and beaches.
Naples and Pompeii (2 hours)
Naples is always worth the day trip. The third largest city in Italy, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world. This southern city is always busy and messy, but that adds to its charm. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historic center is the largest in Italy. This is the place where the pizza was born and this is the place where the best pizza is made.
With more historic churches and cathedrals than anywhere else, a colossal collection of monuments, castles and more, it is a great historic city. From Naples, you can easily drive to the Roman ruins of Pompeii if you’re a history buff, or take a boat to Capri if the sea is calling.
Here are some other ideas for day trips from Rome:
- You can take the high-speed train from Rome to Florence, which will take you there in about an hour and a half.
- The Castelli Romani (Roman castles) to the south of Rome can be reached in 35 minutes and make for a very pleasant day trip.
- The spectacular gardens of Ninfa are located about an hour and twenty minutes to the south of Rome and are perfect for those interested in botany.
- The hilltop town of Orvieto, famous for its breathtaking cathedral, and the nearby city of Assisi are both about 2 hours away from Rome.
