Things To Do
in Nepi
Nepi is a hilltop town in Lazio that rewards gentle wandering with sweeping views of the Tiber valley and the surrounding countryside. Its medieval streets, stone buildings, and ancient gates give the town a timeless, small-town charm. Located within easy reach of Rome and the Bracciano lake region, Nepi makes an ideal quiet base for day trips and countryside dining.
Visitors will enjoy a relaxed pace, local trattorias, and scenic viewpoints at every turn.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the majestic Castello di Nepi, a medieval castle that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Wander through its ancient halls and learn about the rich history of the area. Don't forget to capture some photos of its impressive architecture.
After your castle exploration, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria, savoring traditional dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Post-lunch, take a stroll through the charming streets of Nepi, where you can discover quaint shops and hidden gems. Make your way to the nearby Roman aqueduct ruins for an afternoon of exploration.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot in a local piazza to enjoy an aperitivo, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of the town. Dine at a family-run restaurant, indulging in authentic Italian cuisine and perhaps trying the famous local wine. Cap off the evening with a leisurely walk under the twinkling stars, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Begin your day with a peaceful hike in the Bisenzio Valley, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Italian countryside. The fresh air and scenic views will rejuvenate your spirit and set a tranquil tone for the day. Stop by a local bakery for a delicious Italian pastry to fuel your morning.
Head back to Nepi for a quiet afternoon at the Parco Regionale Bracciano-Martignano, where you can picnic by the lake or take a refreshing swim. Immerse yourself in nature by exploring the trails or enjoying some water sports available in the area. For lunch, pack a basket with local cheeses, meats, and bread to enjoy amidst the stunning landscape.
Return to Nepi for a delightful evening dinner at a rooftop restaurant, where you can feast on seasonal dishes while overlooking the city. Engage with the locals as they share stories about the town's history and culture. Finish the night with a gelato from a popular gelateria, savoring the sweet flavors as you stroll through the vibrant streets.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $1.5-3 |
| 🏨Hotel night | $70-120 |
| 🧺Groceries (basic items for a couple days) | $20-40 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per liter) | $1.7-2.2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable historic center with scenic countryside nearby
- Authentic Lazio cuisine and welcoming local trattorias
- Limited nightlife within Nepi itself; more options in surrounding towns
- Public transport options can be intermittent; a car is helpful for exploring the area
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dove si trova...?" - Where is...?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Il conto, per favore" - The check, please
- "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
Places to Visit in Nepi
Visit one of these nice places.
Cobbled square framed by ancient walls and a gate, a classic backdrop for atmospheric street photography.
Elevated terraces and perches offering wide panoramas of the Lazio countryside, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Narrow lanes, stone façades, and hanging laundry create quintessential Italian-town scenes.
Quiet rural scenery with seasonal crops and soft, golden light in the late afternoon.
Water reflections and distant hills provide striking shoreline compositions a short drive away.
Food in Nepi
Nepi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tender lamb roasted with rosemary and garlic, a Lazio staple often available in local trattorias.
Must-Try!
Pasta with chickpeas in a light tomato or plain broth, a comforting Lazio classic.
Slow-roasted, herb-infused pork served in slices; a popular regional specialty you’ll see at many eateries.
Potato gnocchi in a simple tomato sauce, a comforting choice at osterie and family-run restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, bread, cured meats, and regional specialties.
Seasonal bites, salty snacks, and coffee kept on hand for a quick, casual meal in the town center.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite buongiorno or buonasera is appreciated. Address people formally unless invited to use first names.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; speak softly and respect quiet spaces.
Meals are social events; wait for everyone to be served before beginning and keep voices moderate in restaurants.
Safety
Tipping in Nepi
Ensure a smooth experience
In Italy, a tip is not mandatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip for good service is common in restaurants if service is not already included.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and larger shops; carry some cash for smaller vendors and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make walking easy; expect occasional showers. Great for outdoor dining and city strolls.
Warm to hot days with long daylight hours; stay hydrated and seek shaded viewpoints. Evenings are pleasant for outdoor meals and strolls.
Comfortable temperatures with harvest atmosphere; ideal for wine and food-focused day trips and country drives.
Cool, sometimes damp conditions; many outdoor sites are quieter, with fireplaces and seasonal menus in eateries.
Nepi at Night
Hiking in Nepi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A rewarding hike with panoramic views over the Tiber valley, moderate to steep in sections.
A scenic loop along the lake shore with opportunities for birdwatching and photo stops.
Forested canyon path ending at seasonal cascades, ideal for a day trip in the Aniene valley.
Airports
How to reach Nepi by plane.
Main international gateway to the region; typically 50-70 minutes by car to Nepi, depending on traffic.
Smaller airport serving mainly domestic and low-cost international flights; often closer to central Rome and convenient for some itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly Italian families and retirees living in the hillside communities around Nepi.
Day-trippers from Rome and Lazio seeking a quiet countryside base with easy day trips.
Seasonal laborers who work in fields around Nepi and contribute to the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely followed sport with local clubs and matches that draw community interest.
Country roads and rolling hills provide ideal routes for recreational rides and training.
Scenic routes around the hills and lake areas attract runners seeking varied terrain.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nepi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose vegetable-based dishes, legume soups, pasta with tomato or mushroom sauces, and seasonal salads; many places are happy to adapt recipes where possible.