The 15 Best Hikes In Rome

Rome, Italy is one of the most famous cities in the world, knowns for its Roman history and mythology over 28 centuries. The capital city was founded in 753 BC, which is why it is such a treasure trove of hiking trails that feature temples, archeological areas, and tombs as well as ancient ruins near Rome to explore. The Etruscan City was home to many Roman families dating back to the middle ages.

With a population of almost three million, the Italian capital is one of the most populated cities in Italy. However, even with all of the residents, many consider the city to be one giant museum due to all the Roman ruins, old town, and historic buildings in the eternal city. Many of the hiking trails in and near Rome include places like the temple dedicated to the Apollo of Veio, the Archaeological Area of the Banditaccia, and the ghost town of Romarte Monterano.

Some of the best hikes include features like Lake Nemi with picnic tables, some remarkable trails through nature where you can see wildlife like deer and wild boars, and the ruins of the Church of Santa Maria. Many of the hiking trails you find in Rome, Italy include parklands, picnic areas, waterfalls, and a wide variety of easy to difficult hikes worth taking a look at.

Whether you are looking for easy hiking trails through the city, a walk through a ghost town, or the best hikes in the seven hills, you can find it all in the capital city of Rome, Italy as well as near Rome. Some of the hiking trails are rugged and remote while others have a parking lot, restrooms, and even concessions in some cases.

Maybe you've been shopping or touring and are ready to see some of Italy's lush green spaces. Drop your bags and extra gear at a luggage storage service in Rome to lighten the load before your trek!

Our Top Trail Picks in Rome

Appian Way Regional Park

This park is the second largest in Europe at over 11 thousand acres and boasts several hiking trails throughout the park and its outer areas near Rome. It is one of the earliest roads in Rome, dating back to 312 BC. Although the road itself is long and only 10 miles of it is in the park, it is the most popular hiking trail in the area.

There are many popular attractions and monuments along the hiking trails including the Tomb of Priscilla, the catacombs of Saint Sebastian, and the circus of Maxentius. The Porta San Sebastiano is one of the best-preserved, as well as the largest gates through the Aurelian Walls, located near Rome, Italy.

The Seven Hills of Rome

There may not be any huge mountain ranges in and near Rome, but there are seven hills that are very much worth a hike. These seven hills include Aventine, Palatine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Viminal, and Quirinal. According to the myths, the hills were founded by Romulus and Remus in 753 BC.

The best way to explore these hills is to start on Palantine Hill where you will find ruins dating back to 1,000 BC. From there, head to Capitoline Hill to see the Capitoline palaces and museums. Quirinal Hill is home to the palace, which you can visit on Sundays. Viminal Hill is home to the Teatro dell-Opera and Viminale Palace.

Esquiline Hill is above the Colosseum where Nero built a golden house near Rome, Italy. You can explore St. Peter's Basilica while you are there as well. Caelian Hill is a quiet hike through the Baths of Caracalla from the third century. You will find a plethora of ruins, as well as a basilica for Saint Paolo, built back in 398 AD. Aventine Hill is a more residential area but you can still take a hike up the hill to see the town from above.

Ring of Monte Calvio and Casalaccio

With more than 60 miles of trails, Veio Regional Park is full of excellent hiking trails with most being intermediate and difficult. The four-mile Ring of Monte Calvio and Casalccio is an intermediate hike located in the park featuring a spider web of intricate trails that can be hard to follow at times.

The main trail starts at Isola Farnese and takes you south along the Grande Raccordo Anulare and out to the areas near Rome, Italy. The Roman countryside around the park is stunning as you look out over the city from the 876-foot summit of Monte Calvio.

If you are looking for an easy walk on a well-tended trail, you can find those too. Some of the major attractions located in the park near Rome include waterfalls, dense woods, archaeological sites, and cemeteries.

Necropolis of Cerveteri

Along this intermediate 9.3-mile hiking trail, you can travel back over a thousand years at the Necropolis of Cerveteri just a short walk from the parking lot. This Banditaccia has more than 5,000 pre-Roman tombs, some with fragments of ancient wall art. You can learn more about the Etruscans at the site or at the National Etruscan Museum in Rome, Italy.

Hiking is a great free activity, especially when you can see amazing things. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering almost a thousand acres. Necropoli della Banditaccia, the Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri lauds one of the most important monuments in the country as well as the largest necropolis in the Mediterranean area.

Near Rome, the necropolis is divided into two parts. The one with mounds is a paid hike that takes you through the tombs while the other is free and features the Necropolis of the Pond and the Way of the Underworld, which is a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Spanish Steps Loop from Santa Bibiana

Starting out at Piazza del Popolo (People's Square), the 9.2-mile hiking trail near Rome usually takes about four hours and is of intermediate skill level for those in good condition. The first site will be the Foro di Traiano (Forum of Trajan), built back in 107 AD, which is the largest in Rome, Italy.

Trajan's Column is a stunning sight to see here as well as the Marcus Aurelius Column in the middle of the square. You will then hike Pincian Hill, which is a walk fit for those in good health. You will also see the Punto di Vista water clock from 1867 before your climb up the 136 Spanish Steps.

Colosseum Loop From Rome

This is another easy walk at about 3.5 miles long with a 200-foot elevation hike. You will start at Capitoline Hill and visit archaeological sites like the Forum Romanum (Roman Forum), Colosseum, and the Arco di Costantino (Arch of Constantine).

Then, you will visit Palatine Hill, the Forum of Augustus, and the Temple of Mars. Some of the most popular features include a small village, waterfalls, and a church. This one-hour hike is easy for all skill levels and can be accessed from public transport near Rome.

Vulci National Park Walking Trails

Vulci, the Ancient Etruscan city is another famous walking location near Rome, Italy. The Archaeological Park of Vulci became famous in 1828 when a farmer broke through an Etruscan tomb with his plow.

The 2.5-mile trail located in Vulci Park is easy to moderate with a variety of features including the Castle of Abbadia and Francois Tomb. Surrounded by cliffs, the Fiora River and Lake Pellicone create a striking view as you hike in and around the park.

Do not miss seeing Abbey Castle and the Bridge of Vulci in the northern section of the park and the Vulci Archeological Museum in the southwestern corner near Rome. You will also see a variety of wildlife including wild boars and many species of birds.

Castelli Romani Regional Park Walking Trails

Castelli Romani Regional Park boasts more than 23 thousand acres with over a dozen trails from easy to difficult. The Albano Lake Loop is located in the Alban Hills and takes you all the way around the lake.

This is an intermediate six-mile loop trail that typically takes about 2.5 hours. Another great nature trail near the lake is the Lake Albano to Lake Nemi hike where you can visit both lakes as well as several picnic areas, a path to the Tempesta Fountain, and the Museum of the Roman Ships.

You may even discover some waterfalls, paths to remote areas, and a view of the mountains. This is an intermediate hike in nature with some rocky and uneven terrain about nine miles long and takes four hours on average.

Pantheon Loop from Repubblica to Fontana del Moro

At just under five miles, this easy hike through the city will take about two hours on average. Along the way, you will visit many of the major stops like Barberini Plaza, Trevi Fountain, and Navone Plaza as well as the Pantheon, Marcus Aurelius Column, and the Column of the Immaculate Conception. It is suitable for all skill levels and near public transport.

While you are out on the paths through town, be sure to follow the routes that take you along some of the summer houses and villages. If you take one of the other paths that are rated as a moderate difficulty, you will notice the difference right away.

Easy Hikes in Rome

Ostia Antica

An easy 3.4-mile walk, the hike in and around Ostia Antica takes you to an ancient village and archaeological site 15 miles southwest of Rome. The Tiber River runs through the western edge of the site where the river comes in from the Tyrrhenian Sea. This is a popular hike with families as it is the home of Ostia Adventure Park as well. The average length of time for this hike is about one and a half hours.

Villa di Plinio Loop

For a shorter easy hike just under three miles, this loop trail is perfect for all skill levels and usually takes about one hour. This one is great for summer hikes since it begins and ends at Spiaggia Libera Beach. Your adventure will also take you near the Kursaal Village as well as into the Litorale Romano State Nature Reserve. In fact, you can spend half a day right there at the park and visiting the animal park.

Intermediate Hikes in Rome

Pantheon Loop from Ottaviano

This 9.2-mile loop hiking trail begins at St. Peter's Square where you can see St. Peter's Basilica with its sensational 284 columns. Next, St. Angelo Castle, the roman bridge of St. Angelo, and the Pantheon. After, you can see the 1575 Del Moro Fountain, Arch of Constantine, the Trevi Fountain, and the Fountain of the Four Rivers. This intermediate hiking trail typically takes about 3.5 hours and is for those in good physical shape who want to learn more about the history of Rome.

Campus Martius Walking Tour

Campus Martius Walking Tour is rated as moderate difficulty and is a point-to-point trail of just under two miles. Also known as the Field of Mars, this area was the most populated city in the Middle Ages. Today, however; it is full of tourist attractions like the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Piazza Navona. You will also get a good view of the Vatican on your trip north. The journey usually takes about three hours and is a popular spot for tourists.

Difficult Hikes in Rome

Apennine Mountain Paths

Some of the most interesting walking trails are near Rome, Italy but just a short drive outside of the city. The Apennine Mountains are a huge range of peaks leading from Rome to Rimini. The Bank mit Ausblick Levanto View Loop from Monterosso is a difficult climb of about 8.2 miles that averages about five hours.

You will be out in nature throughout most of this trail along the Rhine River where you can discover a viewpoint with a single bench that is one of the most photographed spots in Italy. Take the path to the village of Cinque Terre and then head to the highlight, which is the Levanto Castle.

Park Acquedotti to Monte Cavo

This 36-mile route is popular with mountain bikers as well as hiking enthusiasts. Because it is so lengthy and has an elevation gain of 3,471 feet, this is for experienced hikers who are in great health and you should plan to spend at least two days. You will see a variety of attractions like the Circus Maximus, several small rural villages, Caffarella Park, and the Gandolfo Castle.

See the Roman Countryside

Rome is a beautiful city with numerous hiking trails to explore both inside and outside town. From park trails to rugged overnight hikes in the wilderness, Rome has a variety of walking trails and hikes to enjoy, all located within the historic town. We chose several of our favorite hiking trails to share for everyone to explore but there are literally thousands more to find in the capital city of Rome.