Rome is simply bursting with interesting things to see and do. But as well as the usual must-see locations, Rome has a lot more to offer. Why not check out our villas for rent in Rome, Italy, and if you fancy avoiding the crowds for a while, then here are a few suggestions for an exciting glimpse at authentic Rome.
There are several areas in the city which are less overrun by tourists, and one of these is Trastevere. This mellow, laid back neighbourhood is full of narrow, winding streets, trendy bars and great restaurants serving real Roman food. It’s the perfect place to wander around and escape the busy centre of Rome for a while. Don’t miss the church of Santa Cecilia with its beautiful frescoes and mosaics, and be sure to enjoy the fantastic view from Janiculum Hill.
If you’re a fan of museums but don’t fancy queuing for hours to get a ticket, then why not head to the Purgatory Museum on the shores of the Tiber? This is definitely not your traditional museum, but is interesting nonetheless. This museum (which is housed inside the Sacro Cuore del Suffragio church), originally started as a small altar. One day, this altar caught fire, and it has been said that a face of a man appeared in the flames. This was a sign of a lost soul buried in the surrounding area, and thus the church and tribute was created to these lost souls of Purgatory.
If you fancy heading a little further afield, then why not try one of the charming villages surrounding the city? From Termini station you have a wealth of options, including the lovely town of Tivoli, with its attractive villas, fountains and gardens. It really is the perfect place to escape the crowds. You could try Ariccia, which is home to the famous and delicious “porchetta” (roast pork), or pay a visit to Nemi, which can be found on the banks of a lake, and is full of lanes and narrow streets. You can visit the little craft shops and pick up some tasty local produce, including wild strawberries.
And of course, let’s not forget the beaches. Santa Marinella takes less than an hour on the train, and although it can be a little crowded at weekends, it’s a lovely spot with soft sand and great seafood. Sperlonga is a picturesque cliff top town with shops, cafes and restaurants, and although a little bit further than Santa Marinella, it has beautiful, blue flag beaches.
So once you’ve booked one of our comfortable villas in Rome, Italy, be sure to leave the usual tourist spots behind for a day or two, and get to grips with the lesser explored parts of this incredible city. Our Rome villas are situated in the beautiful surroundings of the capital, and are perfect to return to after a day of discovering one of the world’s most exciting cities.