Best Towns to Stay in Lazio, Umbria and Campania

Central and Southern Italy’s hidden gems offer authentic experiences beyond the famous capitals. The regions of Lazio, Umbria, and Campania blend historic richness, cultural depth, and natural beauty, creating unique destinations for discerning travelers.

Quick Picks: Best Towns at a Glance

• Best Overall Location: Perugia (Umbria)
• Best for Beach Lovers: Sperlonga (Lazio)
• Best for Luxury: Positano (Campania)
• Best Value for Money: Viterbo (Lazio)
• Best for Culture: Orvieto (Umbria)
• Best for Solo Travelers: Perugia
• Best for Families: Sperlonga
• Best for Romantic Getaways: Positano

Transportation Overview

Understanding transportation options is crucial for exploring these regions:

• High-Speed Rail: Connects major cities (Rome to Naples: €30-45, 1.1 hours)
• Regional Trains: Link smaller towns (€5-20 per journey)
• Local Buses: Available within towns and to rural areas (€1.50-4 per ride)
• Car Rental: Recommended for exploring (€40-60/day)
• Parking: Challenging in historic centers (€15-25/day)

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 For: History buffs, wine enthusiasts, architecture lovers

Pros:

• Stunning Gothic cathedral
• Famous white wines
• Underground cave network
• Excellent restaurants
• Historic funicular access
• Strong artisan traditions
• Spectacular cliff-top setting

Cons:

• Limited evening entertainment
• Can be crowded with day-trippers
• Few budget accommodations
• Steep streets throughout
• Limited public transportation

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 For: Beach lovers, history enthusiasts, relaxation seekers

Pros:

• Beautiful beaches
• Historic Roman ruins
• Pristine water quality
• Less touristy than Amalfi
• Fresh seafood restaurants
• Walkable historic center
• Easy access from Rome

Cons:

• Very crowded in August
• Limited winter activities
• Seasonal business closures
• Few cultural venues
• Expensive in peak season

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 my Guide to the Best Towns to Stay on the Amalfi Coast for more!

Best For: Luxury travelers, photographers, romantics

Pros:

• Stunning coastal views
• High-end boutiques
• Excellent restaurants
• Beautiful beaches
• Boat excursion options
• Iconic architecture
• Vibrant nightlife

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Extremely crowded in summer
• Many stairs to climb
• Limited parking
• Difficult accessibility

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 For: History enthusiasts, wellness seekers, budget travelers

Pros:

• Well-preserved medieval quarter
• Famous thermal baths
• Authentic local atmosphere
• Good value accommodations
• Rich papal history
• Local food traditions
• Fewer tourists

Cons:

• Limited English spoken
• Few international restaurants
• Quiet nightlife
• Some areas need renovation
• Limited shopping options

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 For: Art lovers, students, chocolate enthusiasts

Pros:

• Rich cultural scene
• Famous chocolate festival
• Vibrant university atmosphere
• Excellent museums
• Good transport connections
• Year-round events
• Strong jazz tradition

Cons:

• Steep hills throughout city
• Complex bus system
• Some areas feel industrial
• Limited parking
• Can be crowded during festivals

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.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring (March-May)

• Temperature: 12-22°C (54-72°F)
• Pros: Easter celebrations, spring festivals, comfortable weather
• Cons: Easter crowds, variable weather
• Price Impact: 10-20% lower than peak season

Summer (June-August)

• Temperature: 25-35°C (77-95°F)
• Pros: Beach weather, festivals, outdoor dining
• Cons: Intense heat, maximum crowds, highest prices
• Price Impact: Peak rates (100%)

Fall (September-November)

• Temperature: 10-25°C (50-77°F)
• Pros: Food festivals, perfect weather, fewer crowds
• Cons: Some rain, shorter days
• Price Impact: 15-25% lower than peak season

Winter (December-February)

• Temperature: 3-12°C (37-54°F)
• Pros: Christmas markets, lowest prices, no crowds
• Cons: Limited coastal activities, shorter hours
• Price Impact: 30-40% lower than peak season

Expert Tips for Booking

Accommodation Strategy

• Book 4-5 months ahead for coastal areas in summer
• Consider agriturismos in Umbria
• Look for hotels with parking in historic centers
• Request rooms with views in coastal towns
• Check for festival dates when booking

Money-Saving Tips

• Visit coastal areas in shoulder season
• Book inland destinations in summer
• Use regional trains between towns
• Consider half-board in smaller towns
• Look for multi-day thermal bath passes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Poor Planning of Beach Time

Problem: Overcrowded beaches in August Solution: Visit in June or September

Underestimating Distances

Issue: Towns spread across mountainous terrain Fix: Plan realistic day trips and routes

Ignoring Local Festivals

Impact: Can affect prices and availability Solution: Check local calendars when planning

Transportation Misconceptions

Issue: Limited public transport to smaller towns Fix: Rent a car or book organized tours

Meal Timing Issues

Problem: Limited dining options during afternoon hours Solution: Adapt to local meal schedules

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many days should I spend in these regions? A: Minimum 7 days, ideally 10-14 to explore multiple areas.

Q: Which town is best for first-time visitors? A: Perugia offers good connections and plenty of activities.

Q: When is the best time to visit the coast? A: May-June or September for good weather without crowds.

Q: Do I need a car to explore these regions? A: Yes, for smaller towns and rural areas, though trains connect major cities.

Q: Which areas are best for food experiences? A: Perugia for chocolate, Orvieto for wine, coastal towns for seafood.

Q: How far in advance should I book for summer? A: 4-5 months for coastal areas, 2-3 months for inland towns.

Q: Is it possible to visit as day trips from Rome? A: Yes for Viterbo and Sperlonga, but other towns deserve longer stays.

Q: What’s the best way to get between towns? A: Regional trains for major towns, car for smaller locations.

Q: Are guided tours worth it? A: Yes, especially for combining multiple towns and accessing rural areas.

Q: Which town is best for combining beach and culture? A: Sperlonga offers both beautiful beaches and historical sites.

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!