EXPLORE THE SURROUNDINGS
Things to do and see in the region.
TARQUINIA
Tarquinia is an old city in the Northern part of Lazio, Italy. It is best known for its Etruscan necropoli, but it is also a fascinating and beautiful city with a well preserved medieval old town. It is also an excellent place to experience authentic small-town Italian lifestyle. Thanks to the proximity of the sea, the climate here is mild throughout the year.
THE MAREMMA REGION
Maremma is a coastal area of western central Italy. It consists of south-western Tuscany and part of northern Lazio, including Tarquinia. The Maremma region offers beautiful and varied landscapes, charming and historic little towns, natural hot springs and sandy beaches. Even more importantly, it is yet unspoiled by mass tourism. For the list of top 10 things to see on the Maremma region, click here.
ROME & TUSCIA
It only takes one hour or so to travel from Rome to Tarquinia and vice versa, making Tarquinia an excellent base for making daytrips to the eternal city. If you find the idea of driving in Rome a little too stressful, you can always take the train. And if you feel you have already seen enough of Rome, you can change course and explore Tuscia, which is the name for the area consisting of the province of Viterbo. The historic city of Viterbo, the province capital, is just 50 km away from Tarquinia and it is well-worth visiting. Other must-see places in Tuscia are the stunning "dying village" of Bagnoregio and the fascinating Gardens of Bomarzo, also known as "the park of monsters" for its monumental and grotesque 16th century sculptures.
VINEYARDS
Tarquinia's surroundings have plenty to offer for wine connoisseurs. Maremma is famous for her reds, but she holds her own when it comes to whites too. The Morellino di Scansano is considered a serious contender to Chianti's reign. And don't forget the white wines of the Viterbo province, the most famous of which is Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone. The top wine producers of Tuscany can be found close to the Tuscany border (half an hour drive from the villa). Brunellos of Montalcino you can reach in 1.5 hour and the top Chianti and Bolgheri wine areas in less than 2 hours.
THE BEACHES
There are many miles of sandy beaches in Tarquinia. The longest and best-equipped beach is Lido di Tarquinia, which is 10 minutes' drive away from the villa. The sand on this beach is dark due to ferrous soil. Our favourite is Ultima Spiaggia (see photo) in Tuscany, less than half an hour drive away from the villa. The beach is clean and there are miles of blonde sand beach bordering the bright blue sea. You can also find a beach restaurant in the area.
GOLF
There is 9-hole golf course just 10 minutes' drive away from the villa. For more information about the course, visit the website of the golf club by clicking the link here. There are several highly-rated 18-hole golf courses around Rome and in the Maremma region in Tuscany. Most of them can be reached within one hour.
HOT SPRINGS
In Italy there are lots of natural hot springs and some of the best are located in Tuscany and Northern Lazio. Possibly the best free one is Cascate del Mulino (see photo) in Saturnia, Tuscany, just a one-hour drive away from Villa Linnazello. The water there is 37 degrees celcius throughout the year. Bathing there is pleasant, but also great skin care. The smell of sulphur is present, but it's not too strong.
SHOPPING
In Tarquinia there is a reasonable amount of small boutiques, but those looking for more shopping opportunities may want to head to Civitavecchia, which is just 20km away. Rome, however, is beyound compare, when it comes to shopping. In the centre of the Eternal city, you will find all the luxury brand shops, unique specialty stores and all kinds of stylish small boutiques. Right outside of Rome, there is the outlet village of Castel Romano where inexpensive finds can be made.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Tarquinia has dozens of excellent and affordable restaurants - both in the old town and on the beach. And there are many many more in the neighboring towns and cities. Civitavecchia, some 20km south of Tarquinia, is known for its seafood restaurants. And Tuscania, 26km to the north, is a charming small town with many attractive restaurants, also with outdoor terraces. One option is also the many agriturismo restaurants in the countryside surrounding Tarquinia. Agriturismos are working farms that produce themselves at least part of the food they serve. The food just can't get more local than that!
WHAT TO EAT
The Maremma region, including Tarquinia, is known for excellent seafood that is mostly served on seaside restaurants. Different types of mussels and clams, shellfish, squid, sea urchin and local fish are cooked and served in various forms. Further away from the shore, the wild boar or 'cinghiale' has become the symbol of gastronomy of the Maremma region. Locally produced artichokes, tomatoes, peppers, fennels and asparagus are of excellent quality. Overall, the local restaurants combine the rich traditions of Tuscan and Roman cuisines. And don't forget the pizza! Best pizzerias typically have a wood-fired oven ('forno legno') and take pride in the long maturation of their pizza doughs.