Rome / Lazio |
Lazio is a region in central Italy along the western side of the country, including the country's capital, Rome, and the small Pontine Islands just off the coast. It's bordered by Tuscany, Umbria, Abruzzo, Marche, Molise, Campania and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Lazio is the cradle of Roman civilization, laden with relics from the past. No place has more historical monuments than Rome itself, the country's splendid capital city. More than half the region's population live in or around Rome, home to more Roman monuments and remains than you could count, including the famous Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It also has medieval and Renaissance buildings and fountains, great museums, and the Roman Catholic Vatican City.
It's easy to forget how close Rome is to the coast, which can be reached within about half an hour's drive. From the city, the nearest is Ostia Lido, but another favourite amongst Romans is Fregene. Santa Marinella is family-oriented, while at Anzio you can catch a ferry over to the Pontine Islands.
The colourful Pontine Islands are volcanic in origin, truly Mediterranean in character, and have interesting rock formations, grottos and tiny coves. The waters around the islands offer some magical diving, and tourists can stay on either Ponza or Ventotene, the only two that are inhabited.
Further from Rome is the Riviera d'Ulisse, where the beaches are prettier with dramatic cliffs, caves and white sand.
Inland, undulating hills cross the landscape and the craters of extinct volcanoes have formed beautiful lakes: Bolsena, Vico, Bracciano, Albano and Nemi - which have become popular nature and tourist destinations.