The Lazio region in the centre of Italy truly appeals in all four seasons, and its Turano Valley offers timeless escapes for nature lovers.
The Turano Valley is just an hour and a half from Rome
In summer Lazio is a huge draw with its coastal towns and beaches but many visitors, especially those seeking nature’s quiet rhythms, authenticity and slower-paced travel, discover there are charming inland towns and villages to explore. Like in the Turano Valley, which is just an hour and a half from Rome in the province of Rieti, and invites travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in a world of scenic paths, authentic traditions, and charming small towns.
Solar-powered eco-friendly cruises on Lake Tora
One is Castel di Tora, which is perched dramatically above Lake Turano, a lovely medieval village that clings to a rocky promontory, with postcard-perfect views in every direction. Its old alleyways climb pas stone houses to the central square where locals gather, and the little Church of San Giovanni Evangelista. Its biggest attraction is the lake, which is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and for outings on the new eco-friendly cruises aboard the solar-powered Thiora boat. This offers narrated cruises, sunset aperitifs and educational tours year-round and is a refreshing way to rediscover the lake’s beauty, myths, and biodiversity. On June 21-22 and June 28 Casel di Tora will host the Turano Blues Festival which will echo across the lake, attracting lovers of music.
Traditional wild boar ragu pasta and family-run B&Bs
Just ten kilometres away Paganico Sabino is another charming hill town. The Grotto Trail winds through woodlands and rocky outcrops, revealing natural caverns like the Sotterra and Ronoriu, once rustic shelters and now open to visitors. Paganico also delights food lovers with traditional dishes like pettole (small fried dough balls), pasta with wild boar ragù, and local cheeses. There are also many guesthouses and family-run B&Bs in and around the town.
Collalto Sabino has an annual pilgrimage every 24 June
Further along the valley, Collalto Sabino, officially one of Italy’s “Most Beautiful Villages”, is encircled by Medieval walls, with cobbled streets and mountain views. Its Monte San Giovanni in Fistola Trail leads to the ruins of a Medieval church and a Roman sanctuary, which is honored every year during the annual June 24 pilgrimage that turns the quiet hilltop into a stage where past and present meet. Culinary traditions here lean toward grilled meats, lentils from nearby Santo Stefano, and handmade pasta dishes with truffles and prized porcini mushrooms. More than enough to satisfy even the most demanding of gourmets.
