Hello, fellow outdoor enthusiasts! 👋
If you’re looking to go hiking in Tivoli, explore the breathtaking beauty of this town in a hiking adventure, and wonder how to get there from Rome, then you’re in luck! This definitely is a alternative Tivoli Walking Tour for explorers.
Tivoli is a charming town nestled in the hills at the foot of the Lucretili mountain range, and it’s conveniently located just a short train ride away from Rome. Depending on the time and day, you can reach Tivoli from Rome by train in as little as 36 minutes, with some trains taking up to 1 hour and 17 minutes.
Hiking in Tivoli
Tivoli is not only a fantastic destination for hikers but also for history buffs and foodies. The town boasts several UNESCO World Heritage sites and magnificent villas, and the local cuisine and wines are sure to delight your taste buds.
The way I planned this hike is as a loop. You might find it interesting that this trail can also be done as a multi-day walk, which requires some more planning though. Part of the trail described here coincides with the so-called "Via dei Lupi", the "Wolves’ Path" – if you’re into pilgrimages and walks (like the Camino de Santiago), you can find more information about the Wolves Path on their official website.
Highlights
- Beautiful vistas
- Little cork forest along the way
- Raw and authentic terrain with a wilderness feel
- Possibility to see free-roaming Maremmana cattle
- Picnic area along the way (a very short detour is necessary at the Northern part of the trail)
Tech specs
- Official difficulty scale: E
- My difficulty assessment: Medium
- Elevation gain: 310m
- Elevation loss: 320m
- Type: Loop
- Length: 8.36km
- Time: about 3 hours
- Trail quality: good amount of trail signs (red/white flags) as of 2023, trail partially raw, but generally easy to walk on except for the ascent up to the Cork forest, or when walking on rocky ground
Note: you might come across some wooden gates along the walk.
Please keep them closed (or follow indications in case there is a temporary sign put up by the owners of the lands)
How to get there
By car
Your itinerary for reaching Tivoli from Rome may vary, depending on where you’re departing from, but generally, you’ll want to head east towards the A24/E80 highway in the direction of Abruzzo. Be aware that there is a toll station on the highway, and the toll for the segment starting at Roma Est (A24) and ending at Castel Madama is currently 3,40€ (as of writing).
Once you reach Castel Madama, you’ll need to exit the highway and follow the signs to Tivoli. The drive from Castel Madama to Tivoli is short and picturesque, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
When you arrive in Tivoli, you’ll find ample free parking available right outside the train station. In Italy, free parking spots are typically marked with white rectangles, while blue rectangles indicate paid parking, and yellow rectangles are reserved for drivers with special needs.
By public transport
Tivoli is easily accessible from both major train stations in Rome, Termini and Tiburtina, although train schedules may vary, particularly on holidays and Sundays. To avoid any confusion, I recommend comparing departure times from both stations before setting off on your journey.
It’s important to note that there are two separate train stations serving the Tivoli area, so be sure not to confuse the stop "Bagni di Tivoli" with "Tivoli." Many visitors have mistakenly ended up at the wrong station, causing unnecessary headaches and delays. To avoid this, double-check your train schedule and destination before boarding.
Train tickets to Tivoli are affordable, with prices starting at 2.60€ from Termini train station and 3€ from Tiburtina. These fares are for one-way travel, and tickets can be purchased from the ticket office or vending machines at the train station.
Itinerary
To start this hike, head to Via Don Nello del Raso, located near Villa Gregoriana Park, which features a stunning waterfall that carries the water of the Aniene River, Rome’s second-largest river. Look for the small information panel near the trailhead, which is marked with red and white strips.
The trail begins with a steep uphill climb, following the road and the marked trail. After a few minutes, you’ll notice a more rugged trail on the right-hand side, which marks the start of the real adventure. The trail continues upwards, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and immersing you in the natural beauty of the area.
As you ascend to higher elevations, the beauty of Tivoli unfolds below, offering stunning panoramic views. This is just the beginning of the adventure!
Continuing along the trail, you’ll come across a charming cork forest. However, as you hike, you may notice some burned trees along the way. Sadly, a wildfire swept through the area last year, causing damage to the local wildlife and plants. Despite this, I hope that the ecosystem will recover quickly.
Entering the small yet enchanting cork forest, the atmosphere and mood of the hike immediately change. The forest offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, immersing you in the natural beauty of the area.
Emerging from the depths of the woods, I was greeted with yet another breathtaking panoramic view on the other side of the mountain. The trail now began to feel more rugged and untamed, adding to the sense of adventure. This was exactly what I was looking for – a wild and authentic hiking experience that would allow me to fully immerse myself in nature.
After hiking for some time, I reached a crossroads. Since my destination wasn’t San Polo dei Cavalieri, I took a left turn towards a quaint picnic area.
The remainder of the hike took me through another beautiful forest, where I stumbled upon a Roman cistern – a fascinating piece of history. I then kept left at the following two crossroads, eventually leading me to an easy trail with yet another stunning view. As I descended, I returned to the main road, where I had to walk a short stretch next to the road.
This part requires some caution as some drivers tend to speed, but it’s only a brief section and leads us back to the breathtaking waterfall we had seen earlier.
Overall, this hike is an absolute must-try if you’re looking for the best hiking in Tivoli or spending a few days in or around Rome. The panoramic views, lush forests, and fascinating historic sites make it a truly memorable experience.
Want to get more out of this hiking experience?
- Book a guided hike with a certified hiking guide, to enjoy this experience in safety and to learn more about the flora, fauna, and to discover some hidden gems along the way!
Reach out to learn about our private hike and group hike availabilities. - Alternatively, purchase a self-guided hike for a highly detailed trail description, local tips, and everything you need to start exploring on your own safely and organized: Get in touch with us to learn more.
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