Less Than An Hour From Rome! 4 Secret Italian Destinations With Smaller Crowds

Rome seems to be on everyone's bucket list these days, and though here at Travel Off Path we do have a preference for more offbeat destinations, listen, we get it.

Between the ancient allure of the Colosseum and the picture-perfect cobbled streets of Trastevere, the Eternal City is like a treasure trove of manmade wonders, but even if you're a Rome enthusiast, you can't deny it can get a bit hectic at times.

Sorry, hectic is an understatement: Rome is one of the most overtouristed cities on the Old Continent, and the crazy prices don't help its case.

But hey, there is still hope for those among us who are craving some of that Italian dolce vita, without the expensiveness of it all, and guess what: you don't need to go farther than an hour away from Rome to find it!

Here are 4 smaller Italian cities yet to be spoiled by the masses, and a short train ride away from Roma-Termini:

Civita Castellana

Distance From Rome: 39 miles

How To Get There: Train from Roma-Termini to Civita Castellana‑Magliano

Journey Time: 1h10–1h30

Fares: €5–€13

A small town nestled on a hill overlooking the Lazio countryside, only 39 miles northeast of Rome, Civita Castellana looks like it's conjured straight from a storybook cover, where a timeless old town paved with cobbles is surrounded by old walls.

It's Forte Sangallo, the castle that dominates the townscape, is one of Europe's most impressive Renaissance fortresses, and the nearby Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, Romanesque in character, features a beautiful compositesque floor and an ancient crypt.

You can walk all around town, visiting every alley, hidden piazzetta, and family-owned trattoria, and rest assured you won't find a single tour group in sight, nor long lines, nor the usual Instagrammers that flock to the Trevi Fountain.

Other than the castle and the cathedral, don't miss out on Ponte Clementino, a stone bridge spanning a deep ravine, and if you have enough time, rent a bike to explore Via Amerina, a Roman road left almost exactly as it was 2,000 years ago.

Zagarolo

Distance From Rome: 19 miles

How To Get There: Train from Roma-Termini to Zagarolo Station

Journey Time: 30min

Fares: €2.60–€3

Also within easy reach of Rome-based tourists, Zagarolo is yet another offbeat hill settlement distinguished by a largely unspoiled centro storico that has barely seen any significant changes since the Middle Ages and a plethora of Renaissance and Baroque monuments.

Wandering around its winding pathways, which still follow a medieval layout, you'll find magnificent churches like Chiesa di San Pietro Apostolo, characterized by its soaring bell tower and coffered ceiling, ornate palaces, most notably Palazzo Rospigliosi, and laid-back wine bars.

Zagarolo is, in fact, one of Italy's most underrated destinations for oenophiles. That's just a fancy word for wine lover, and if you're one of them, you should know this town is part of the Castelli Romani wine region, the home of Frascati and Cesane whites.

If you're visiting in September, which is just 'round the corner, you can't miss out on the Sagra dell'Uva, or Grape Festival: picture parades, overflowing wine, delicious food, and live music. Oh, and most importantly, very few foreigners!

Castel Gandolfo

Distance From Rome: 15 miles

How To Get There: Train from Roma-Termini to Castel Gandolfo Station

Journey Time: 38–45min

Fares: €3–€5

Straddling the banks of Laco Albano, a beautiful clear-water lake in the center of Italy, surrounded by lush mountains, Castel Gandolfo is Italy's best-kept secret, and trust us when we say Romans themselves would love to keep it that way:

Other than Ostia, it's where they go on the weekend for some waterside relaxation. The lakeshore has small pebbly beaches, restaurants, and plenty of boat and kayak rentals that allow you to enjoy nature.

The town itself, located further up on a hillside, with views of the lake, has Italy's traditional narrow streets, cafe-bordered piazzas, and stunning villas: if you think the landscaped gardens in Como are gorgeous, wait until you see Giardini Barberini.

It's no secret that the Vatican is usually jam-packed with visitors, but did you know that Castel Gandolfo has its own Papal Palace? Palazzo Pontificio is where the Popes have vacationed in summer for centuries, and its opulent rooms and frescoed chapels are open for visitation.

Tivoli

Distance From Rome: 19 miles

How To Get There: Train from Roma-Termini to Tivoli Station

Journey Time: 50–70min

Fares: €3–€5

Our fourth and final pick is Tivoli, a perfectly feasible day-trip if you're in Rome for longer than 3/4 days: a much-smaller town, bestriding the Lazian hills, it's famous for its vast collection of Ancient Roman landmarks, undeveloped, yet bewitching Old Town, and ‘local', lived-in feel.

The main point of interest here is Hadrian's Villa, a monumental archaeological site encompassing the former summer retreat of a Roman Emperor. It includes the now-iconic Maritime Theater, a circular venue ringed by a moated canal, as well as monumental baths and temples.

In the heart of Tivoli, Villa d'Este is a UNESCO-listed Renaissance complex playing host to a landmark garden with over a hundred interconnected fountains and runnels, while the Historic Center, with its quaint townhouses, stone steps, and epic waterfalls.

Yep, you read that right: Tivoli is perched atop a hill, right over a series of cascades. Those waterfalls can be admired from a number of spots around town, though the best viewpoint is, without question, the Villa Gregoriana Park, right beside the 328 ft high Cascata Grande.