Best Towns to Stay in Lazio, Umbria and Campania

Central and Southern Italy offer a treasure trove of experiences beyond the well-trodden paths of Rome and Naples. Lazio, Umbria and Campania are regions rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, each with its own unique charm.

Last year, these regions collectively welcomed over 20 million visitors, highlighting their growing appeal among travelers seeking authentic Italian experiences. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the best towns to stay in in this enchanting region, focusing on lesser-known but equally captivating destinations.

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The Top 5 Best Towns to Stay in the regions of Lazio, Umbria and Campania

1. Orvieto: Umbria’s Hilltop Marvel

Perched dramatically on a volcanic cliff, Orvieto is a stunning example of an Umbrian hill town. Famous for its magnificent Gothic cathedral and Etruscan ruins, Orvieto offers visitors a perfect blend of history, art, and culinary delights.

Best Places to Stay in Orvieto

1. For Solo Travelers: B&B Ripa Medici. This centrally located B&B offers cozy rooms and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for solo travelers exploring Orvieto’s charm.
2. Budget-Friendly: Hotel Piccolomini. Situated near the Duomo, Hotel Piccolomini provides comfortable rooms at affordable prices, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
3. Couples Escape: La Badia di Orvieto. This romantic hotel, housed in a 12th-century abbey, offers elegant rooms and stunning views of the countryside, perfect for couples seeking a unique getaway.
4. Family-Friendly: Hotel Oasi dei Discepoli. Located just outside the historic center, this hotel offers spacious family rooms and a garden, making it ideal for families with children.
5. Group Travel: Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini. This historic hotel in the heart of Orvieto can accommodate larger groups and offers beautiful frescoed rooms.
6. High-End Luxury: Locanda Palazzone. Situated in the countryside near Orvieto, this luxurious relais offers high-end accommodations in a restored 13th-century manor house, perfect for those seeking an exclusive retreat.

2. Sperlonga: Lazio’s Coastal Gem

Sperlonga, a picturesque whitewashed village perched on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, is one of Lazio’s best-kept secrets. With its beautiful beaches, historic center, and proximity to Rome, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking a coastal escape.

Best Places to Stay in Sperlonga

1. For Solo Travelers: Hotel Mayor. This friendly hotel near the beach offers comfortable rooms and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for solo travelers.
2. Budget-Friendly: Hotel Corallo. Located close to the historic center, Hotel Corallo provides affordable rooms with sea views, perfect for budget-conscious beach lovers.
3. Couples Escape: Virgilio Grand Hotel. This elegant hotel offers romantic rooms with sea views and a private beach, ideal for couples seeking a romantic seaside getaway.
4. Family-Friendly: Hotel Belvedere. Situated near the beach, this hotel offers family rooms and easy access to both the sea and the historic center, making it perfect for families.
5. Group Travel: Grand Hotel La Playa. This large hotel can accommodate groups and offers a private beach, pool, and restaurant, ideal for friends or family traveling together.
6. High-End Luxury: La Dimora di Circe. This exclusive boutique hotel offers luxurious suites with sea views and a gourmet restaurant for those seeking a high-end coastal experience.

3. Positano: The Jewel of the Amalfi Coast

Positano, with its colorful houses cascading down the cliff to the sea, is one of the most iconic towns on the Amalfi Coast. Known for its pebble beaches, upscale boutiques, and breathtaking views, Positano offers a slice of la dolce vita.

Check out our Guide to the Best Towns to Stay on the Amalfi Coast for more!

4. Viterbo: Lazio’s Medieval Masterpiece

Viterbo, known as the “City of Popes,” is a well-preserved medieval city surrounded by ancient walls. Famous for its historic papal palace, thermal baths, and beautiful Etruscan sites, Viterbo offers a glimpse into central Italy’s rich history.

Best Places to Stay in Viterbo

1. For Solo Travelers: B&B The Tuscia. This centrally located B&B offers cozy rooms in a historic building, perfect for solo travelers exploring Viterbo’s medieval charm.
2. Budget-Friendly: Mini Palace Hotel. Situated near the historic center, Mini Palace Hotel provides comfortable rooms at affordable prices, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
3. Couples Escape: Alla Corte delle Terme. This romantic hotel near the thermal baths offers elegant rooms and spa packages, perfect for couples seeking a relaxing getaway.
4. Family-Friendly: Balletti Park Hotel. Located just outside Viterbo, this hotel offers spacious family rooms, a pool, and a large park, making it ideal for families with children.
5. Group Travel: Terme Salus Hotel. This spa hotel can accommodate larger groups and offers thermal pools and treatments, ideal for friends or family looking for a wellness retreat.
6. High-End Luxury: La Badia. Housed in a restored 12th-century abbey near Viterbo, this luxurious hotel offers high-end accommodations and a gourmet restaurant for those seeking an exclusive experience.

5. Perugia: Umbria’s Cultural Capital

Perugia, the capital of Umbria, is a vibrant university town rich in history and culture. Known for its Etruscan walls, medieval palaces, and world-famous chocolate, Perugia offers a perfect blend of past and present.

Best Places to Stay in Perugia

1. For Solo Travelers: Little Italy Hostel. This friendly hostel in the historic center offers both dormitory and private rooms, perfect for solo travelers looking to meet fellow adventurers.
2. Budget-Friendly: Hotel Rosalba. Located near the main square, Hotel Rosalba provides comfortable rooms at affordable prices, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
3. Couples Escape: Sina Brufani. This historic 5-star hotel offers elegant rooms, a spa with an Etruscan-style pool, and stunning views of the Umbrian valley, perfect for couples seeking a romantic urban getaway.
4. Family-Friendly: Etruscan Chocohotel. This unique chocolate-themed hotel offers family rooms and is a hit with kids, making it ideal for families exploring Perugia.
5. Group Travel: Hotel Giò Wine e Jazz Area. This modern hotel can accommodate larger groups and offers themed areas dedicated to wine and jazz, perfect for friends traveling together.
6. High-End Luxury: Borgo dei Conti Resort. Located in the countryside near Perugia, this luxurious resort offers high-end accommodations in a restored medieval village, ideal for those seeking an exclusive retreat.

Two Towns to Avoid Staying

While these regions are filled with charming destinations, there are a couple of places you might want to skip:

1. Cassino (Lazio): While historically significant, Cassino was heavily damaged during World War II and rebuilt in a modern style. It lacks the charm of other towns in Lazio and doesn’t offer much for tourists beyond the Monte Cassino abbey.
2. Battipaglia (Campania): This industrial town, while conveniently located between Salerno and Paestum, lacks tourist attractions and the picturesque qualities found in other Campanian towns. There are more appealing options for travelers in the region.

Conclusion:

Lazio, Umbria, and Campania offer a wealth of experiences beyond their famous capitals. From the hilltop charm of Orvieto to the coastal beauty of Sperlonga and Positano, from the medieval splendor of Viterbo to the cultural richness of Perugia, these regions provide a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. By choosing the right place to stay, you’ll enhance your journey through these captivating parts of Italy. So pack your bags, book your accommodation, and prepare to be enchanted by the diverse allure of Central and Southern Italy. Your off-the-beaten-path Italian adventure is about to begin!

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