Sometimes the best way to experience Rome is to leave it for a few hours.

That might sound strange when you're visiting one of the world's most iconic cities, but after several days of landmarks, crowded piazzas, and busy streets, an afternoon outside the city can feel surprisingly refreshing.

For me, one of the most memorable afternoons of the trip was spent beside a volcanic lake just thirty minutes from Rome—having lunch by the water, walking along the waterfront, and experiencing a completely different side of the region.

It's hard to believe somewhere this peaceful is so close to the city.

If your itinerary allows, I'd make time for Lake Albano.

Why Visit Lake Albano?

Lake Albano sits beneath the hilltop town of Castel Gandolfo, best known as the historic summer residence of the Pope. While many visitors come to see the town and Apostolic Palace, what stayed with me wasn't a particular attraction—it was how different the afternoon felt from being in Rome.

Along the lake you'll find waterfront restaurants, cafés, walking paths, and views across the surrounding hills, while Castel Gandolfo offers a completely different perspective from above. Together, they make an easy escape when you want to see something beyond Rome without committing to a full day trip.

Getting There

One of the best things about Lake Albano is how easy it is to reach from Rome.

• Train: Regional trains run from Roma Termini to Castel Gandolfo, with the journey taking around 40 minutes. The station sits between the lakefront and the historic center, so keep in mind that exploring both involves some uphill walking. If you're planning to visit the Pontifical Villas, Trenitalia also offers a connecting bus from the station.

• Taxi: A convenient option if you'd rather travel directly, although considerably more expensive than the train. Travel time varies depending on traffic leaving Rome.

• Rental Car: Most useful if you're planning to combine Lake Albano with other stops throughout the Castelli Romani.

Whichever option you choose, I'd treat Lake Albano as an easy escape rather than a tightly scheduled day trip. Give yourself enough time for the waterfront, Castel Gandolfo, and a relaxed lunch without planning another major Rome attraction immediately afterward.

✦ Editor’s Note
Before You Leave Roma Termini:If you have a little time before your train, stop by Mercato Centrale inside Roma Termini. The market brings together a collection of food counters under one roof, making it an easy place to grab a coffee, pastry, or something for the train before heading out of the city.

What I'd Prioritize

Rather than trying to fit too much into the afternoon, I'd focus on the experiences that make Lake Albano and Castel Gandolfo worth leaving Rome for in the first place.

Walk Along the Waterfront

Start with some time by the lake. Walk along the waterfront, take in the surrounding hills, and watch the boats out on the water. The scenery feels remarkably removed from Rome considering how little time it takes to get here.

Explore Castel Gandolfo

Make your way up to the historic center of Castel Gandolfo, where you'll find small streets, cafés, shops, and views overlooking Lake Albano. You can visit the Pontifical Palace if that interests you, but I'd leave some time simply to explore the town without much of an agenda.

Have Lunch by the Lake

Make lunch part of the afternoon rather than something you squeeze in between stops. Choose one of the restaurants along the waterfront, find a table with a view if you can, and give yourself time to enjoy being somewhere completely different from central Rome.

Stay Through Golden Hour

If your schedule allows, stay as the afternoon light begins to soften. The lake and surrounding hills are especially beautiful later in the day, and it's a lovely way to end the afternoon before heading back to Rome.

Who Should Visit?

I think Lake Albano is especially worth considering if you:

• Have three or more days in Rome.

• Enjoy balancing iconic landmarks with quieter experiences.

• Love scenic walks, waterfront restaurants, and slower afternoons.

• Want an easy escape without committing to a full-day excursion.

If you're only in Rome for a day or two, I'd probably stay in the city and focus on its major landmarks.

But if your itinerary has the flexibility for one afternoon beyond Rome, I think Lake Albano is one of the most rewarding—and often overlooked—day trips nearby.

Planning Tips

• Go on a weekday if you can, particularly during the warmer months.

• Check train times before leaving Rome, especially for your return journey.

• Wear comfortable shoes, particularly if you're exploring both the lakefront and hilltop town.

• Leave some flexibility in your return time rather than planning another major Rome attraction immediately afterward.

Continue Exploring Rome

Planning your trip? You may also enjoy:

• A First-Timer's Guide to Rome

• Where to Eat in Rome

• The Rooftop Bars Worth Planning Around

From The Edit

Leaving Rome for an afternoon wasn't originally part of my plan. In fact, I wondered if it was worth giving up the sightseeing time.

It ended up being one of the best decisions I made.

After days of ancient ruins, crowded piazzas, and busy streets, Lake Albano gave us something completely different: a long lunch beside the water, beautiful scenery, and an afternoon with nowhere particularly urgent to be.

Sometimes seeing a little less is what makes a trip feel like more.

If your Rome itinerary has the flexibility, I'd absolutely make time for it.

Lake Albano, a peaceful escape from Rome beneath the hilltop town of Castel Gandolfo.

Down by the water at Lake Albano, with views across the surrounding hills.

Lunch at Vista Wine Bar

One last look across Lake Albano before heading back to Rome.