Things To Do
in Cave

Cave sits on a gentle hillside in Lazio, offering sweeping views over olive groves and the Roman countryside. Its narrow, cobbled streets wind around medieval churches, a fortress, and scenic belvederes. The town serves as a quiet gateway to the Castelli Romani, with easy access to Lake Albano, vineyards, and hiking trails.

Visitors come for intimate trattorias, relaxed pace, and warm hospitality that characterizes this corner of Lazio.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Cave
morning
:

Arrive in the charming town of Cave and check into your cozy accommodation. Take a stroll around the picturesque streets and familiarize yourself with the local vibe. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in a nearby café, savoring Italian pastries and fresh coffee.

afternoon
:

Explore the historic center of Cave, where you can visit the Santa Maria Maggiore church and admire its stunning architecture. Relax at a local park while soaking in the sun and the serene atmosphere. Stop by artisanal shops to pick up unique Italian crafts and souvenirs.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional Italian trattoria, enjoying homemade pasta dishes that highlight the region's flavors. After your meal, take a leisurely evening walk under the stars, appreciating the quaint charm of the town. End the day with a gelato from a local shop, the perfect sweet treat.

day 2
Hiking in the Nearby Hills
morning
:

Start your day with an hearty breakfast before venturing out on a hiking trail in the nearby hills. The lush landscapes and panoramic views will invigorate your senses as you trek through nature. Bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

afternoon
:

After a morning of hiking, enjoy a picnic lunch with locally sourced products in a scenic spot. Spend the afternoon exploring more trails or simply relaxing in nature, taking in the tranquility. If you're up for it, try a nearby vineyard tour where you can learn about local winemaking.

evening
:

Return to Cave for a relaxing dinner at a local pizzeria renowned for its wood-fired pizzas. Share stories from your adventurous day with fellow travelers or new friends. Look for a local event, such as a market or music performance, to immerse yourself in the community spirit.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🍝Pasta dish at mid-range restaurant$20-30
🧀Local cheese and wine tasting$15-25
Coffee and pastry$3-6
🚌One-day public transport pass$6-10

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming hill town with panoramic views
  • Close to Rome and Castelli Romani wineries
  • Limited nightlife and some services may be sparse in shoulder seasons
  • "Buongiorno" - Good morning
  • "Per favore" - Please
  • "Grazie" - Thank you
  • "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Cave

Visit one of these nice places.

Belvedere di Monte Cavo

Panoramic overlook offering sweeping views over the Lazio plains, ideal for sunset photography and wide landscapes.

Porta Romana and Borgo Streets

Historic town gate and surrounding lanes provide characterful street photography with ancient stone textures.

Piazza della Repubblica

Central square framed by old buildings, perfect for capturing daily life and dusk light on the cobbles.

Culinary Guide

Food in Cave

The Castelli Romani region around Cave is known for rustic Lazio cooking: olive oil, vine-ripened vegetables, fresh pasta, and wines from nearby vineyards. Expect heartwarming dishes designed for sharing, with seasonal ingredients playing a starring role in most menus.

Cave Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pasta all'Amatriciana

A classic tomato and guanciale pasta sauce with pecorino, widely available in local trattorias around Cave.

Must-Try!

Porchetta

Herb-roasted pork served in slices as a main or as filling for sandwiches at traditional eateries.

Fave e Cicoria

A simple, beloved Lazio dish of fava beans with bitter chicory, often enjoyed with rustic bread and olive oil.

Saltimbocca alla Romana

Veal cutlets topped with sage and prosciutto, pan-seared and finished with sauce; a staple in many osterias.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercato di Cave

Weekly market in the town center offering produce, cheeses, bread, and local specialties; great for sampling fresh regional ingredients.

Street Food Corners

Casual spots along the lanes offering quick bites like fried supplì, slices of pizza al taglio, and roasted chestnuts in season.

Climate Guide

Weather

Cave experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Spring and autumn bring pleasant temperatures ideal for outdoor exploration, while summer requires sun protection and hydration.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a polite 'Buongiorno' (good morning) or 'Buonasera' (good evening). A handshake is common in formal settings; friends may kiss on both cheeks in casual circles.

Religious Sites

Dress modestly when visiting churches; maintain a respectful tone and quiet demeanor inside sacred spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall safety is good, but be mindful of vehicle traffic on narrow hill roads and uneven cobbles. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas and at night, and carry emergency numbers (112) for medical or police assistance. Lift with caution on steep trails and check local weather before hiking.

Tipping in Cave

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charges are not always included; in nicer restaurants a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up the bill is common in casual spots.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; some small venues may prefer cash for smaller purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days and dry conditions; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon; bring sun protection and stay hydrated.

Autumn

Mild temperatures with fall colors; ideal for hikes around the Castelli Romani and vineyard visits.

Winter

Cool to mild with occasional rain; towns are quieter but cozy, with warm trattorias and holiday markets in December.

Spring

Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes; perfect for walking tours and scenic photography along hillside paths.

Nightlife Guide

Cave at Night

Nightlife in Cave is relaxed and intimate, focused on enotecas and wine bars where locals and visitors share lists of regional wines and small plates. On weekends, some venues host live acoustic sets or small concerts, but the scene remains low-key compared with major cities.

Hiking in Cave

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Monte Cavo via Rocca di Papa

Classic ridge hike offering views over Rome and Lake Albano; starts from Rocca di Papa and passes historic outposts.

Anello dei Laghi Romani (around Lake Albano and Lake Nemi)

Scenic circuit around the two volcanic lakes with several viewpoints and easy to moderate trails.

Airports

How to reach Cave by plane.

Rome Fiumicino (FCO)

Major international hub; about 30-40 km from Cave; well-connected by train and road.

Rome Ciampino (CIA)

Smaller airport serving mainly domestic and European routes; closest option to Cave.

Getting Around

Walkability

Cave’s historic center is compact and very walkable, with steep stairs and cobbled lanes; a car helps to reach surrounding viewpoints and trails, but the town itself is best explored on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Mostly Italian families and older residents; steady mix of commuters and farmers in the surrounding valleys.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Calcio (soccer)

Soccer is the national pastime; local clubs and amateur matches are common in towns nearby.

Cycling

Hilly terrain around the Castelli Romani makes for popular road cycling and gravel routes.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic around Cave is usually calm; driving to the Castelli Romani areas can get congested on weekends; use trains from Roma Termini to nearby towns and connect by local buses or taxis.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Cave.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in Lazio trattorias—look for vegetable-based pastas, frittatas, and cheeses; many places will customize dishes on request.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Cave is via the Lazio regional system; essential services are in nearby towns such as Frascati and Albano; carry health insurance documents and know emergency numbers (112).

Discover Italy

Read more in our Italy 2025 Travel Guide.

Italy Travel Guide