Itineraries for Your Trip to Lazio
3 Days in Lazio for Families
Most families focus on the cultural treasures clustered in Rome, never looking beyond its confines into the surrounding region of Lazio. This vast swathe of central Italy is a family-friendly paradise—with uncrowded sights, pristine lakes, endless stretches of beach, and lived-in towns and villages perfect for tots to explore. Many of Lazio’s top attractions are within an hour of the capital city by train.
My family lives just across Lazio’s border, so the region is one of our go-to spots for a quick getaway, from beach breaks to touring trips of the area’s ancient ruins and Renaissance palaces. Follow my tips on how to fill three days in Lazio for everyone, from toddlers to grown-ups.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Ostia or Santa Marinella beaches along the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The weather in Lazio varies widely between the seaside and inland hills, so watch the forecast in the specific area you’re exploring.
The rolling hills of the Castelli Romani south of Rome are crowded with pristine volcanic lakes, kid-sized historic towns, and wooded countryside. Take a train or drive to Castel Gandolfo to tour the Pope’s villa and gardens and enjoy a hands-on cooking lesson and lunch. Or, kayak across Lake Albano and hike the hills ringing the lake.
Afterward, explore a few historic towns scattered through the Castelli Romani countryside. Nemi, Genzano di Roma, Frascati, and Ariccia are all picturesque options, with compact, walkable old towns, a smattering of palaces and castles, authentic local dining, and parks.
Hop on a train (or take a tour with transportation) west to Tivoli to explore its UNESCO-listed villas and gardens. The Renaissance-era villa and garden at Villa d’Este grabs kids' attention. Older kids may like the ancient ruins of Hadrian’s Villa and the lush wooded Parco Villa Gregoriana.
Break from touring at Lake Bracciano. An hour north of Rome by car or train, this volcanic lake is ideal for swimming or watersports. Walk or cycle among the atmospheric villages along its shores, visit the 15th-century Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, and feast on a fish lunch at one of the restaurants ringing the lake.
Spend the day on Lazio’s coast, exploring ancient ruins and basking on the beach. Begin at Ostia Antica, one of Italy's most fascinating (and least crowded) ancient ruins. This Roman port city rivals Pompeii for its remains of houses, shops, baths, and paved streets. Book a tour with a kid-friendly guide.
Reward your touring tots with an afternoon at the beach. The Ostia shoreline is a few minutes from the ancient ruins. Or head about an hour north by train to Santa Marinella or Santa Severa, two of the most popular and family-friendly beaches on Lazio’s coastline.
