The 10 Most Beautiful Villages In Lazio – Charming Villages To Visit

This article may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a qualifying purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

When you think of Italian hilltop villages your thoughts most likely first turn to Tuscany, which has iconic destinations like Siena, San Gimignano, and Volterra. But while Lazio’s hilltop villages are much less known to international tourism, they are not at all less spectacular. There are several spectacular hilltop villages in Lazio, so read on for my list of 10 of the best hilltop villages in Lazio. You don’t want to miss these while in the region!

10 Charming hilltop villages to visit in Lazio

1. Civita di Bagnoregio

Bagnoregio is truly one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and it has a very interesting story behind it as it is known as the “dying city”. It is perched on a bluff that slowly erodes on all sides and is therefore only accessible by a narrow bridge. With the constant erosion, some houses are now sitting on the edge of the cliff and the safety risk has forced many former inhabitants to seek other housing. Despite that, the village is the host of several important events of the region, such as Festa del Bosco, which translates to the festival of the woods, and Civita film fest which is a film festival that pays tribute to cars and motorcycles in films. It feels like this village has stopped in time and the romantic views overlooking the picturesque clay ridges of the Calanchi Valley are so stunning and worth seeing. Spend your time best here by walking around the beautiful alleyways and taking in the charm. 

Civita di Bagnoregio
Civita di Bagnoregio is the most beautiful hilltop village in Lazio

2. Calcata Vecchia

This little village is perched on top of the mountain of the tufa rock and is nowadays known as the “town of hippies and artists”. In the 1930s this village actually got depopulated as it was said to be unsafe because of the rock’s solidity. This didn’t last for so long though as its solidity was declared and since the 1960s many artists have found themselves settling down in this cute little village. This village is full of life and has a special feel to it with the maze of narrow streets, tufa corridors lined with handicraft boutiques, and art studios where you for sure will find several painters working on their next masterpiece.

Calcata Vecchia is one of the most beautiful villages in Lazio

3. Roccantica

Due to its extraordinary position and the numerous architectural masterpieces in its oldest heart, Roccantica is one of the most beautiful and characteristic villages you can admire in the region of Lazio. The Church of San Valentino and the Hermitage of San Michele are the two most famous sites in the village but Roccantica also has some spectacular views across the surrounding hills and valleys as it rises to more than 450 meters high climbing up one of the hills of Sabina.

4. Anagni

This little village is not just beautiful but it is also one of the most important villages in central Italy. Some of the greatest events of Italy have taken place here and those events have marked the history and life of the Popes. Anagni is actually home to four popes which is a shockingly high number for a village of fewer than 20,000 residents. Beyond that, this village also has a maze of quaint streets and alleys that converge in the central Piazza Innocenzo III which overlooks the Cathedral, dedicated to St. Mary.

5. Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo is a village perched on a volcanic crater in the Castelli Romani area. Yes, you heard me right. The beautiful lake of Albano used to be the crater of a volcano, although now it hasn’t erupted for 30 000 years so you won’t be in any danger visiting this place. The town actually got its name from the Gandolfo family, who back in the 12th century owned the land and built a castle overlooking the lake. The village is now most famous for being the summer retreat for the Popes for many years. The Papal Palace and the Gardens are a must-visit when you’re here! But the area was already a popular summer residence for Rome’s aristocracy in 510 BC and therefore the village also has some beautiful architecture to admire. If you want some fresh air, you can also walk around the lake or hire a boat on the Albano lake, but remember you are not allowed to swim there because of dangerous underwater streams.

See my post about 5 Things To Do In Castel Gandolfo.

Castel Gandolfo is one of the most beautiful villages in Lazio

6. Nemi

Nemi is the smallest village of the Castelli Romani and is known for its delicious strawberries. This little village is situated on the crater rim of Lake Nemi, another volcanic lake just like Albano lake. The strawberries that are grown in this area are famous throughout Europe as they are smaller and sweeter than most strawberries you can find. Every June, there is a festival celebrating this delicious fruit, but you can find all sorts of things flavored with strawberries in this village all year round.

7. Sperlonga

Sperlonga is famous all over the world for its crystal clear sea and long, clear beaches which show off the Lazio region in its best shape. This village rises on a spur of rock out towards the sea and the old town will give you hints of Greece with its white facades and blue painted doors that can be found in some small little alleyways. Visiting the spectacular Torre Truglia and enjoying some beach time are the best things to do in this lovely village. 

Read my post about the Best Things To Do In Sperlonga for more inspiration.

Town square in Sperlonga
Alleyway in Sperlonga which is one of the most beautiful villages in Lazio

8. Trevignano Romano

This is another lake situated on the side of a lake, more precisely Bracciano lake. The village of Trevignano Romano offers several lake view cafés along the tree-lined lakefront, which is why I think it is the best village on this lake. Walk through the well-kept old town center that is full of handicraft shops and climb to the Fortress and enjoy the wonderful panorama from there.

9. Labro

Labro is a village that truly feels like it has stopped in time and the history is millenary. This little village has guarded the ancient boundaries of the Umbrian countryside for ages and the fortress has remained intact over the centuries. In 1960, this village was one of the first villages that got a full restoration of conservative type as it was almost entirely depopulated at that time. Nowadays the village is thriving and the surroundings with the snowy mountains of Terminillo and Piediluco lake make it a stop worth taking.

10. Castelnuovo di Farfa

This village is not as famous as many of the other villages mentioned in this guide but don’t let that fool you. This little village is actually an upcoming tourist destination and there are some interesting things you can do around there. Walk around the quaint little streets and stop by the Sabina Olive Oil Museum, the abbey of Santa Maria di Farfa and Salustri-Galli Palace.


Those were the 10 most beautiful hilltop villages scattered around the Lazio Region. I hope that you found some inspiration for your next trip to Italy.

All of these villages are included in my 2-week Lazio road trip itinerary which is the perfect road trip for those wanting to explore more of this hidden region in the center of Italy. This road trip has everything! Read it here.

For further travel inspiration in this region read Top 10 Things To Do In Lazio.

Hope you liked this post. Let me know if you have visited any of these cities in the comments below.

Pin for later!

Click here to find the 10 most beautiful villages in Lazio for your next dream road trip.