Let me tell you something about Lazio—it’s way more than just Rome. The moment I drove up to Civita di Bagnoregio, perched on its plateau like some magical floating city in the sky, I actually gasped out loud. This entire region is packed with places that look like they jumped straight out of a storybook.
Let me share the most beautiful places in Lazio that left me completely speechless. From the crystal clear waters of Lake Bracciano to the jaw-dropping Gardens of Bomarzo (seriously, who builds a park full of giant monster sculptures?), this region has some of Italy’s most incredible sights. Get ready to discover why Lazio deserves just as much attention as Tuscany next door.
Fairytale-Like Places to Visit in Lazio
Looking to explore Lazio’s most beautiful places? From the historic grandeur of Rome to the serene landscapes of Lake Bracciano, Lazio is packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the ancient streets of Ostia Antica, marvel at the architectural beauty of Villa d’Este in Tivoli, or explore the cultural richness of Viterbo. Discover the tranquil allure of Civita di Bagnoregio, the picturesque views from Castel Gandolfo, or the serene ambiance of Sperlonga. Whether you’re into history, nature, or charming towns, here are 12 of Lazio’s most breathtaking spots!
1. Anguillara Sabazia
Anguillara Sabazia is honestly one of the most underrated lake towns I’ve ever visited. This medieval gem sits on Lake Bracciano‘s shores like it was placed there by some ancient architect who knew exactly what they were doing. I actually gasped when I first saw those cobblestone streets cascading down to the crystal-clear water.
The lake itself is pure magic because motorboats are banned, which means the water stays incredibly clear and perfect for swimming. I spent hours floating around in July when the water hits a perfect 77°F. The lakefront restaurants serve amazing lake fish that’ll make you forget about Rome’s touristy spots entirely.
Don’t miss the Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie perched above the historic center – the views from there are absolutely stunning. The Italian Air Force Museum nearby houses one of the world’s most impressive aircraft collections, which sounds random but it’s actually pretty fascinating. You can easily reach Anguillara by train from Rome (about €2.60) in under an hour, making it perfect for a day trip when you need to escape the city chaos.
2. Bomarzo Monster Park
Bomarzo Monster Park is hands down the weirdest, most wonderful place I’ve ever explored in Italy. This 16th-century fever dream was created by Prince Pier Francesco Orsini after his wife died, and honestly, it shows – the guy was clearly working through some serious emotions when he commissioned these massive stone monsters.
Walking through the Sacro Bosco feels like stepping into a Tim Burton movie. Giant mythological creatures lurk behind ancient trees, and the famous Mouth of Orcus with its inscription “Every Thought Flies” actually has incredible acoustics that’ll give you chills. I’m still having dreams about that tilted house months after visiting.
The park opens daily at 8:30 AM (tickets are €10 for adults), and I can’t stress this enough – arrive early. The morning light makes everything way more atmospheric, plus you’ll avoid the crowds. Salvador Dalí visited here in 1938 and found inspiration for his surreal paintings, which makes total sense once you’ve wandered these bizarre woodland paths yourself.
3. Bracciano Lake
Lake Bracciano is the perfect antidote to Rome’s summer madness, sitting just 32 kilometers northwest of the capital in a pristine volcanic crater. What makes this lake special is the strict environmental protection – no motorboats allowed, which means you get crystal-clear swimming conditions that’ll spoil you for other lakes.
The crown jewel here is the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano town, a fairytale fortress that looks like it jumped straight out of a Disney movie. Inside, you’ll find impressive frescoes and an extensive weaponry collection that’s actually pretty cool. I spent way more time there than planned.
Three charming towns circle the lake: Bracciano with its hilltop castle, Anguillara Sabazia with its medieval streets, and Trevignano Romano with Blue Flag beaches. You can take boat tours between them (about €7 for the full circuit), which beats dealing with Roman traffic any day. The MV Sabazia II runs regular services, and honestly, that boat ride might be the most relaxing part of your entire Italy trip.
4. Campagnano di Roma
Campagnano di Roma is one of those hidden gems that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something nobody else knows about. This medieval hill town sits just 30 kilometers north of Rome, but it feels worlds away from tourist chaos. I loved wandering through the ancient Porta Roma gateway and following Corso Emanuele to Piazza Leonelli with its decorative fountain.
The 16th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista has some seriously impressive frescoes, and the Archaeological Museum showcases fascinating Etruscan artifacts that’ll give you a whole new perspective on pre-Roman Italy. Motorsport fans should definitely check out the Vallelunga Circuit nearby – catching a race there is way more exciting than I expected.
What really sets Campagnano apart is its location on the Via Francigena pilgrim route. You can actually hike portions of this ancient path that connected Canterbury to Rome, which is pretty incredible when you think about all the history beneath your feet. Time your visit during the annual Festa del Baccanale for local food, wine, and artisan crafts that’ll give you a taste of authentic Italian small-town life.
5. Cerveteri
Cerveteri completely blew my mind with its 3,000-year-old Banditaccia Necropolis, which is basically an ancient city built for the dead. This UNESCO World Heritage site spans 400 hectares and contains thousands of Etruscan tombs from the 9th to 1st centuries BC, arranged like actual neighborhoods with streets and everything.
The Tomb of the Reliefs is absolutely incredible – detailed carvings show exactly how Etruscans lived their daily lives 2,500 years ago. Many tombs are designed like houses with multiple rooms, carved doors, windows, and columns that’ll make you appreciate Etruscan craftsmanship in a whole new way.
After exploring the necropolis (which honestly could take hours), head to the National Museum inside Ruspoli Castle in the medieval center. The artifacts recovered from these tombs tell an amazing story of Etruscan wealth and culture that predates Roman civilization. Located about 40 kilometers northwest of Rome, Cerveteri makes for a fascinating day trip that’ll completely change your perspective on ancient Italian history. I actually found it more engaging than some of Rome’s more famous ruins.
6. Circeo National Park
Circeo National Park packs five completely different ecosystems into just 84 square kilometers, making it Italy’s most biodiverse coastal playground. Established in 1934, this protected strip showcases everything from pristine beaches to ancient forests, and honestly, the variety will leave you speechless at every turn.
The dramatic focal point is Mount Circeo, whose profile looks like a woman lying down (locals love pointing this out). Hiking to the 541-meter summit gives you panoramic views from Rome to Naples on clear days – I’ve never seen anything quite like it. The well-marked trails make it accessible even if you’re not a serious hiker.
Beyond the mountain lie some of Italy’s most beautiful untouched beaches, backed by impressive sand dunes and the country’s largest remaining lowland forest. The coastal lakes are teeming with flamingos, which is pretty surreal to see. Archaeological treasures include caves where Neanderthal remains were discovered, adding a prehistoric element to your beach day. It’s wild thinking you’re walking where our ancient ancestors once lived while enjoying some of the Mediterranean’s most pristine coastline.
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7. Civita di Bagnoregio
Civita di Bagnoregio will literally take your breath away as it emerges like some magical floating city from the surrounding valley. This medieval village sits on a crumbling plateau, accessible only by a steep pedestrian bridge that honestly feels like you’re walking to another world entirely.
The town charges a €5 entrance fee (8 AM to 8 PM), but it’s completely worth it for what might be Italy’s most photogenic village. With fewer than 20 permanent residents, Civita feels frozen in time – narrow cobblestone streets, flower-draped balconies, and around every corner, another stunning vista of the countryside below.
I spent hours just wandering and getting lost in the tiny alleyways. The simple San Donato Church has beautiful Renaissance architecture, and the constantly changing light throughout the day transforms the entire village into a photographer’s paradise. The surrounding erosion that earned it the nickname “The Dying City” only adds to its ethereal, almost mystical quality. Pro tip: arrive early morning (before 8 AM) or after 8 PM for free entry and way fewer crowds. The sunset views from here are absolutely magical.
8. Rome
Rome is obviously the crown jewel of Lazio, and honestly, three thousand years of history packed into one city never gets old. Even after multiple visits, I’m still discovering hidden gems around every corner. The Colosseum and Roman Forum are must-sees, obviously, but don’t sleep on the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel – Michelangelo’s ceiling work will literally give you neck cramps from staring up in awe.
Between the major sights, Rome’s food scene is incredible. Forget touristy restaurants near the Trevi Fountain – head to Trastevere or Monti neighborhoods for authentic pasta carbonara and crispy pizza al taglio that locals actually eat. These areas have way more character and fewer crowds anyway.
The Eternal City rewards wandering without a plan. Some of my best Rome memories come from stumbling into tiny churches with Renaissance frescoes, discovering vibrant markets filled with locals, or finding the perfect café for morning espresso. Even if you only have a day here, Rome will completely overwhelm your senses in the best possible way. Just wear comfortable shoes – those ancient cobblestones are beautiful but brutal on your feet.
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9. Santa Marinella
Santa Marinella is where Romans escape summer heat, and after visiting, I totally understand why. This coastal town sits just 40 miles northwest of Rome with crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches that make you forget you’re so close to a major city. The water stays beautifully clean thanks to good environmental management.
The main beaches offer both free public areas and equipped beach clubs with umbrellas and chairs (around €10-15 per day). I spent most of my time at the free sections, which were perfectly fine and way less crowded than Rome’s tourist spots. The seafood restaurants along the waterfront serve incredibly fresh catches – their seafood risotto honestly might be the best meal I had in Italy.
Don’t miss the Odescalchi Castle, a 16th-century fortress housing an archaeological museum with artifacts dating back thousands of years. It’s pretty cool seeing Etruscan and Roman pieces right there by the beach. As evening falls, join locals for a passeggiata along the shore with gelato from the artisanal shops. The whole vibe is relaxed and authentically Italian – exactly what you need after battling Rome’s crowds and summer heat.
10. Sermoneta
Sermoneta is like stepping directly into a medieval time machine, with its 13th-century stone walls and atmospheric cobblestone streets perfectly intact. This fortified village perches dramatically on a limestone hill overlooking the Pontine Plain, offering views that stretch all the way to the Mediterranean on clear days.
The imposing Caetani Castle dominates the skyline and actually hosts summer concerts within its ancient walls, which sounds amazing. Inside the village, small shops sell local products and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta has remarkable frescoes that are honestly worth the trip alone. The evening light here is pure magic – ancient stones glow golden as the sun sets.
Time your visit during the famous Maggio Sermonetano cultural festival (May-June) for incredible performances in historic settings. Family-run trattorias serve regional specialties like fettuccine with wild boar sauce – dishes that haven’t changed for generations in this timeless corner of Italy. I found the whole experience incredibly atmospheric, especially walking those ancient streets as locals were closing up shop for the evening.
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11. Sperlonga
Sperlonga dazzles with its striking white village climbing dramatically up a coastal promontory between two pristine Blue Flag beaches. The historic center feels more like Greek islands than mainland Italy, with narrow staircases and intimate piazzas offering surprise glimpses of turquoise Mediterranean waters below.
The beaches are consistently incredible – crystal-clear water with shallow entry that’s perfect for families. I spent hours at both the western and eastern stretches, which offer everything from beach clubs with umbrellas to free public areas. The Emperor Tiberius Villa ruins right on the beach are pretty surreal – you can literally swim where a Roman emperor once entertained guests 2,000 years ago.
The Archaeological Museum houses remarkable sculptures recovered from Tiberius’s sea grotto, including massive pieces depicting scenes from Homer’s Odyssey. Evening brings magic as seafood restaurants serve the day’s catch while stylish bars offer aperitivo with spectacular sunset views. Getting there by train from Rome takes about 1.5 hours to Fondi-Sperlonga station, then a short bus ride. The Blue Flag status proves what’s obvious – this is some of the cleanest, most beautiful water on Italy’s coast.
12. Tivoli
Tivoli houses an extraordinary concentration of UNESCO treasures that’ll completely blow you away. This hillside town served as Rome’s elite summer retreat for over 2,000 years, resulting in some of Italy’s most spectacular villas and gardens. The Villa d’Este features terraced Renaissance gardens with over 500 fountains, including the incredible Fountain of the Organ that actually plays music using water pressure.
Hadrian’s Villa is equally impressive but completely different – this sprawling 2nd-century complex built by the emperor covers 250 acres with thermal baths, theaters, libraries, and an artificial lake. Walking through these ruins gives you a real sense of Roman imperial power and wealth that’s hard to grasp from history books.
For nature lovers, Villa Gregoriana offers romantic walking paths along a dramatic gorge with thundering waterfalls that are honestly breathtaking. Between villa visits, Tivoli’s historic center has medieval streets and charming cafés perfect for lunch breaks. Current entrance fees are €15 for Villa d’Este and €12 for Hadrian’s Villa, or you can get a combined ticket for €28. The round Temple of Vesta perched over the great falls makes for perfect final photos before heading back to Rome.
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