9 of the Best Weekend Getaways from Rome

At first sight, clifftop Orvieto wows with its majestic cathedral, making it one of the most popular Rome weekend destinations. The outlying hills have been famous for their vineyards for centuries, and it’s easy to pair a walking tour of the old town with a wine tour through the cellars scattered at the foot of the cliff to keep exploring.

Insider tip: The hamlet of Civita di Bagnoregio, just 30 minutes from Orvieto, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee and a remote escape that's only connected to the outside world by a single pedestrian bridge.

Instead of heading inland from Rome, take to the seas to visit the timeless outpost of Ponza just off the Tyrrhenian coast. The largest island of the Pontine archipelago, this minuscule crescent of brush-covered cliffs was once inhabited by just a few fishing families. Today, it’s a unique destination for a weekend vacation from Rome. As night falls and day-trippers leave, those lucky enough to be staying overnight can experience its quieter, timeless atmosphere. In addition to classic boat tours around the island, Ponza offers winery visits and fishing excursions to tiny neighboring Palmarola.

The forested slopes and volcanic lakes of the Alban Hills southeast of Rome surround more than a dozen small towns and picturesque villages known as the Castelli Romani. Romans have retreated from the chaos of the city to unwind in these calmer, cooler confines since ancient times, and the area still fills with weekenders from spring through fall. Join one of the many Rome short trips on offer to explore the highlights: Taste wine in the cellars of Frascati, check out the Pope’s summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, and kayak through the placid waters of Lake Albano.

Just north of Rome and across the border into Tuscany lies La Maremma, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. The headliner here is Mount Argentario, a popular spot for scenic boat tours through its pristine coves and guided wildlife walks in the Ortobello lagoon, a refuge that teems with migrating birds. Plus, it's a paradise for divers, who flock to its craggy coastline. For travelers looking for a slightly more urban getaway, the island’s two tiny harbor towns—Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole—swell with vacationers during the summer months.

When temperatures soar in Rome, Romans head to Santa Marinella for seaside sun and fun. This sandy stretch is one of the best short trips from Rome for its crystalline water and easy access—you can be there in just an hour by train. Rent a sunbed from a stabilimento balneare (beach club) and unplug Italian style, abandoning your waterfront post only to dine on fresh seafood at the promenade restaurants.

Insider tip: To inject a bit of culture into a beachy weekend excursion from Rome, tour the nearby Santa Severa Castle.

Lake Bracciano is easy to access from Rome, yet draws surprisingly few tourists, making it one of the top weekend travel ideas from Rome. This volcanic lake is ringed by pretty medieval villages, such as Bracciano, Anguillara, and Trevignano, where you can stroll or bike along the waterfront promenades and feast on freshwater fish. Meanwhile, the lake itself offers great swimming, sailing, and water sports, and the surrounding countryside is peppered with ancient Etruscan sites to explore as part of a guided tour.

Did you know?: The 15th-century Odescalchi Castle—backdrop to a number of celebrity nuptials—is also located here.

The medieval town of Fiuggi and its surrounding valley have been longstanding weekend retreat destinations, as Romans have been "taking the waters" since the Middle Ages. Today, you can still reap the benefits of the area's mineral-rich spring water on a relaxing spa weekend from Rome. Drink the curative waters, bliss out with massages and mud baths, and release your stress with a guided cycling excursion around Lake Caterno or along a scenic former rail line.

Did you know?: The spring water from the area's mountains is bottled and sold across Italy today.

Italy’s capital is rich in ancient Roman sites, but the Tuscia hills just north of the city contain necropolises, roadways, and other remains of a civilization that predates Rome: the Etruscans. This nearby getaway from Rome is home to the Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, some decorated with paintings dating from the 7th century BC, and the Vie Cave roads outside Pitigliano—all best explored with a guided tour. The historic towns of Viterbo and Tuscania are also worth a visit, and, when you’re ready for a break from culture, Lake Bolsena beckons with clear waters and pretty lakeshore towns.

With its UNESCO–listed villas, National Heritage Trust (FAI) park, and picturesque old town, the town of Tivoli is an unforgettable weekend destination just an hour from Rome’s teeming center—and which is often overlooked by tourists. Tour the Roman ruins at Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este’s ornate gardens on your first day, then dedicate your second day to Villa Gregoriana Park’s hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls, and ancient ruins. And don't forget to explore the city's local cuisine: Choose from a clutch of restaurants serving traditional fare from Lazio.