Things To Do
in Cisterna di Latina
Cisterna di Latina is a small town set on the Pontine Plain in Lazio, blending a quiet, agricultural landscape with a touch of medieval history. Its historic center features narrow streets, pastel facades, and a peaceful town square that invites lingering over a coffee. The town serves as a convenient base for day trips to Rome and the Lazio coast, while offering easy access to countryside walks and local markets.
Visitors can enjoy a relaxed pace, authentic Lazio flavors, and scenic views of the surrounding farmland and hills.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Italian pastries and espresso. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming streets of Cisterna di Latina, admiring the architecture and vibrant flowers that adorn the town. Don’t miss the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, where you can appreciate the beautiful frescoes and serene atmosphere.
For lunch, indulge in a meal at a trattoria, sampling regional dishes like pasta all'amatriciana. Afterward, visit the ancient ruins of the Roman aqueduct, an impressive reminder of the town's historical significance. Spend some time at the nearby park, enjoying the lush greenery and perhaps watching local families enjoy the afternoon sun.
As night falls, head to a local pizzeria to experience authentic Neapolitan pizza in a warm, inviting atmosphere. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, enjoying the soft glow of the street lamps. Cap off your evening with a gelato from a popular local shop, choosing from an array of delicious flavors.
Begin your day with a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside surrounding Cisterna di Latina, where vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. Arrive at a local winery for a guided tour, learning about the winemaking process and the unique varietals grown in the region. Enjoy a tasting session, sampling exquisite wines paired with fresh local cheeses.
After your tasting, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at the winery, featuring seasonal produce and traditional Italian dishes. Spend the afternoon exploring the vineyard, taking in the stunning views and perhaps participating in a grape-picking experience if in season. Before leaving, visit the winery shop to purchase a bottle of your favorite wine as a souvenir.
Return to Cisterna di Latina, where you can unwind at a local bar with a glass of wine from your earlier tasting. Engage with locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories and enjoying the warm community atmosphere. As the evening progresses, find a cozy spot for dinner, trying more regional specialties that highlight the flavors of Lazio.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🚆Public transport ticket | $1-3 |
| 🏨Hotel per night (budget) | $70-120 |
| 🧀Grocery staple (1kg pasta/cheese) | $4-8 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Lazio experience away from the crowds
- Close proximity to Rome and the coast for day trips
- Limited nightlife and large-scale entertainment
- Fewer hotel options than major cities, especially in peak season
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Dove si trova il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Mi può aiutare?" - Can you help me?
- "Il conto, per favore" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Cisterna di Latina
Visit one of these nice places.
Wanderable streets with pastel facades and quaint stairways; early morning or late afternoon light highlights texture and color.
Cobbled squares framed by churches and towers; great for candid street photography and atmospheric street scenes.
Rural lanes and olive groves just outside the town offer wide-angle landscape shots during golden hours.
Food in Cisterna di Latina
Cisterna di Latina Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Juicy roasted pork with herbs; widely available in nearby trattorias and as a celebratory dish at markets.
Must-Try!
Pasta with Pecorino Romano and black pepper; a Roman classic often featured in local eateries.
Pasta with guanciale, tomato, and pecorino; a staple in Lazio restaurants.
Fried rice croquettes with mozzarella; popular as a street or café snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Fresh produce, bread, cheeses, olives, olives oil, and regional specialties; great for sampling daily life and picking picnic supplies.
Casual bites like supplì, pizza al taglio, and gelato found around the town square and market areas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with buongiorno or buonasera; use formal 'Lei' in interactions with strangers or staff; politeness goes a long way.
Keep hands visible, use utensils, and avoid rushing tables; a brief toast is customary at meals.
Safety
Tipping in Cisterna di Latina
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory in Italy; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants and cafés.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; some small vendors may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make outdoor strolling and markets particularly pleasant.
Hot days are common; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon and enjoy gelato breaks and shaded streets.
Harvest-time ambiance with seasonal produce and wine events; pleasant weather for longer outdoor stays.
Cool and sometimes rainy; town centers stay cozy with cafés and local bakeries as focal points.
Cisterna di Latina at Night
Hiking in Cisterna di Latina
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Several marked trails through pine and oak forests with scenic overlooks over the Pontine Plain.
Gentle to moderate trails offering grottoes and varied landscapes suitable for a half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Cisterna di Latina by plane.
Major international airport; about 60-90 minutes by car from Cisterna, depending on traffic.
Smaller airport serving mainly European destinations; roughly 60-90 minutes by road to Cisterna.
Another international gateway farther south; longer drive but feasible for longer trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of local families and retirees; the town has a calm, community-focused feel.
Often travelers using Cisterna as a base for Rome and coastal day trips.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region; local clubs and community leagues provide a lively sporting culture.
Popular on rural roads and scenic viewpoints around the Pontine Plain and Monti Lepini foothills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cisterna di Latina.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in Lazio menus—look for pasta dishes with vegetables, risottos, and cheese plates. Ask for vegetable-based sauces and request no meat-based broths or stocks.