Rolling hills sloping down towards the sea, countryside dotted with olive groves and vineyards, ancient Etruscan necropolises and medieval villages telling stories of millennia: welcome to the Lazio Maremma. Nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the volcanic reliefs of the Tuscia, this land is still less known than the Tuscan Maremma, yet it preserves natural treasures and charming villages. Here, time seems to flow more slowly, offering authentic experiences away from the routes of mass tourism.
The Lazio Maremma is therefore the ideal destination for those seeking a holiday filled with nature, culture, and genuine flavors.
Untouched Landscapes and Ancient Stories
The heart of the Lazio Maremma is made of astonishing natural scenery: a still wild coastline, volcanic gorges, cultivated hills, and vast protected areas preserving precious biodiversity. Hiking and trekking enthusiasts can explore unique places such as the Monterano Nature Reserve, with its lush woods, the ruins of the ancient city, and the evocative Diosilla waterfalls.
Another unmissable itinerary is the Marturanum Park, an archaeological and naturalistic area near Barbarano Romano, where trails wind among Etruscan necropolises carved into tuff and spectacular valleys. For those who love river landscapes, the Selva del Lamone Nature Reserve offers wild, untouched environments rich in fauna.
The Etruscan necropolises of Tarquinia and Cerveteri, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are set in a suggestive landscape alternating cultivated fields with wooded areas. For sea lovers, the beaches of the Viterbo coastline, such as those of Montalto di Castro and Tarquinia Lido, await with sandy dunes and pine forests that shelter numerous bird species. The ancient salt pans of Tarquinia, now a nature reserve, are an important stopover for migratory birds.
Villages of Eternal Charm
The Lazio Maremma is dotted with picturesque villages and historic towns that preserve ancient traditions and timeless atmospheres.
Tuscania dominates the tuff hills of Tuscia with elegance. Continuously inhabited since the Etruscan era, it is rich in towers, Romanesque churches (such as Santa Maria Maggiore and the Basilica of San Pietro) and breathtaking views. The historic center, once crossed by the Via Clodia that connected Rome, is a treasure chest of archaeological remains, fountains, and evocative squares. Surrounding necropolises offer a glimpse into Etruscan life.
Farnese, perched on a tuff spur, is the perfect village for those who love the medieval atmosphere. Here, history and nature intertwine: churches and ancient palaces overlook intimate squares, while the volcanic landscape of the Volsini Mountains dominates the horizon.
Vulci represents an extraordinary chapter of the Lazio Maremma: a natural-archaeological park that unites Etruscan and Roman ruins, fortresses, necropolises, domus, and trails surrounded by greenery. Visitors can stroll along the Fiora river, cross bridges, admire ancient remains, and enjoy the lush nature around. The National Archaeological Museum of Vulci, housed in the Abbey Castle, preserves extraordinary finds from the area.
Tarquinia, finally, is a city that touches the heart with its Etruscan heritage: the Monterozzi necropolis, with its painted tombs, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important testimonies of antiquity. The historic center, with Palazzo Vitelleschi, the Cathedral, the churches of San Francesco and Santa Maria in Castello, is a maze of alleys, ancient walls, and panoramic views. The Lido di Tarquinia is no less fascinating, with intact stretches of coastline, dunes, salt pans, and the quiet Sant’Agostino beach.
Genuine Flavors and Culinary Traditions
Every journey through the Lazio Maremma is also an encounter with its traditional cuisine, rich in products of the land and recipes handed down for centuries. Extra virgin olive oil, the fruit of the olive groves that characterize the landscape, plays a starring role on the table, alongside local wines such as Tarquinia DOC and Aleatico.
Typical dishes tell the story of this land’s rural and pastoral soul: from rustic soups of legumes and grains, to wild boar stews rich in spices and herbs, and handmade pasta dressed with simple yet flavorful sauces. On the coast, the sea offers fresh bluefish, sea bream, and bass, prepared according to tradition.
Where to Stay for a Green and Unforgettable Holiday in the Lazio Maremma
To fully embrace the essence of the Lazio Maremma, there is nothing better than choosing an accommodation that reflects the land’s nature and culture while respecting the environment. Just a few kilometers from Tarquinia, the Locanda Villa Naumanni welcomes guests in an ancient farmhouse restored with local materials, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Mignone Valley. Solar panels, eco-architecture, and a strong attention to biodiversity blend with cozy rooms, a panoramic pool, and a kitchen that enhances organic and local products.
Further south, among olive groves and forests in the Tolfa Mountains, the Eco Oasi Culturale – Antico Casale nel Verde offers a true refuge, where an ancient rural dwelling has been transformed into an oasis of peace. Here, the rhythm of nature marks the days, which may begin with a genuine breakfast and continue with walks along surrounding trails, yoga in the open air, and sunsets admired in the silence of the countryside.
