Eco-friendly travel does not necessarily mean commune with nature or discover unknown places. Any place can be the destination of a responsible travel, even large cities, even the tourist destination par excellence of Italy, Rome. So let’s discover how to live an eco-friendly weekend in the capital, to the discovery of hidden corners, vegetarian restaurants, organic markets and cozy ecological bed and breakfast.
Getting around Rome in an eco-friendly way
The possibilities to move in a green way to visit Rome, its incredible monuments and its most beautiful views are so many, and any alternative you choose will surely be more comfortable of moving by car. You can rent a bike, but also move in Tuk Tuk or with the Segway. Although Rome has so much more to do in this regard, you will find several cycle routes, to discover the city from the saddle of your bike.
Where to stay
The B&B mammarampa is a special place, designed for those who want to experience Rome from a different and surprising perspective. The accommodation features two double rooms with a shared bathroom. The breakfast is organic.
Alternatively, you can stay a few steps from St. Peter’s Square at Strawberry House, or in a wonderful house in the heart of the Appia Antica park at the B&B Ombrantica.
And if you prefer to stay out of town, you can spend a vegan holiday in Baia Benessere near the sea, or stay in Castel Madama at Tenuta Colfiorito or in the tuscia between the roses of Casacocò.
What to see
There’s no need of another list of must-see placed in Rome: you can not get to the Eternal City and miss the wonder of the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican museums, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain and all the symbolic places of the capital. But Rome is also full of hidden corners, unusual places that make it even more special.
And behold, a few steps from Campo de’ Fiori there’s the charming courtyard of Arco degli Acetari; through an arch you enter a courtyard overlooked by colorful medieval houses that will make you travel through time. Do not miss the Non-Catholic Cemetery where, among trees and green, you will find the graves of the supreme masters of literature such as John Keats and Percy Shelley. In the evening you can walk among the characteristic alleys of Trastevere, enjoy a breathtaking panorama in the Orange Garden.
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- Arco degli Acetari, photo by Lorena Suárez via Flickr
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- Trastevere, photo by Anita Szeicz via Flickr
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- Non-Catholic Cemetery, photo by Vinicio Tullio via Flickr
You can spend a day of your green weekend in Rome to the discovery of Via Appia Antica, the first paved road of history. Its construction began in 312 BC and connected Rome to Brindisi. To cover all of its 513 you would need two weeks, but you can still see the beginning, from the Baths of Caracalla.
Where to eat
Your trip to Rome is not complete without having tasted its flavors. The Roman cuisine offers many delicious dishes that are worth tasting, from spaghetti alla carbonara to abbacchio, from coda alla vaccinara (made with oxtail), from spaghetti cacio e pepe to porchetta. And there are many typical restaurants, but here are a few addresses to enjoy the best dishes of the Roman tradition while respecting the environment: there is Biosteria “saltatempo” Viale della Primavera, the Bistrot Bio in Via del Casaletto, or the vegan restaurant “la capra campa” in Via Dignano D’Istria.
Do not miss the many organic markets that animate the Roman districts, like in Trastevere on the second Sunday of every month or the one in Testaccio area open every day except Monday.
Ready to discover the eternal city with different eyes?