Rome Leisure

The best source of activity in Rome is walking. Its one of the great cities of the world for idle wandering, so this is likely to be the only exercise you'll get during your visit. Soccer is the main sporting event in Rome, with two of the best teams in the top Italian league being based in the city. If you can get outside of the city, there are a few nature preserves that are worth a visit.

Football

Rome is the home of Lazio and AS Roma, two of the best football clubs in the Italian Serie A. Both of these teams have won the Serie A championship in recent years, and their local derby is one of the most passionate in the game. Both teams play their home games in the Stadio Olimpico, so theres a good chance you can catch a game during the Italian season, which runs from September to May; matches usually take place on Sunday afternoons. If you are lucky enough to be in town for the derby between these two clubs, youll be in for a treat. Rome grinds to a halt, as the city stops everything to cheer on their side.

Walking tours

Perhaps the best way to experience Rome is to take to the streets and wander about. Getting lost is never a problem, as Romans are generally helpful and glad to see visitors make an effort to see more of their city. If you need a little guidance, there are several established walking routes as well as completely guided tours. Check with any tour office for more information.

Boating the Tiber River

One of the more interesting ways to experience the outskirts of Rome is to take a canoe or kayak along the Tiber River. Travelling along a river provides a unique perspective on the landscape of a place. As you float along, you will pass through the Valley of Tiber and travel past Perugia, Assisi, Deruta, Orvieto and Viterbo. Visitors are recommended to go with a guide for this excursion. Information is available at many tourist offices.

National Parks

Within a fairly short distance of Rome are several national parks, which provide a refreshing taste of quiet and nature if the bustle of the city becomes too much for you. The Parco Nazionale dAbruzzo, founded in 1923, is one of the most renowned in Italy. There are several peaks over 2,000 metres high and lots of wildlife. The Parco Nazionale del Circeo was designed to protect the local habitats and animals in Latina province. Covering several different natural habitats, this park is one of the best for bird-watching.

Hiking is a very popular activity in the countryside around Rome due to the varied and picturesque landscape. You will find plenty of trails for all levels of ability in the national parks. Some of the best hiking in the region can be found at the Abruzzo National Park, particularly at Fondillo Valley, which is well-shaded by beech trees. Other good hiking can be found south of Lazio, in Latina and Ciociara.