Visit Nemi Italy: Lake Views andStrawberry Delights

If you’re craving a slower pace and a lot more charm, set your sights on Nemi, an impossibly pretty village tucked into the green folds of the Castelli Romani. Perched above a volcanic lake that mirrors the sky, Nemi feels like a secret whispered by locals: part myth, part medieval fantasy, and all magic. From wild strawberries sold by smiling nonnas to ancient ruins that still hum with the energy of Roman gods, this tiny town knows how to make a big impression. Want to sip fragolino on a terrace with lake views? Or wander from the Temple of Diana to your next Lazio wine tours? Nemi lets you do both, and then some. Come for the beauty, stay for the flavors, and leave with a head full of stories you’ll want to tell everyone.

Visit Nemi: Best things to do

Start in the historical centre

Start your day in Nemi’s charming historic center. As you wander through ivy-draped alleyways and past balconies overflowing with geraniums, you’ll feel the relaxed rhythm of life in the Castelli Romani. Nemi is one of just sixteen towns that make up this wine-rich region south of Rome, and it wears its heritage well. Locals will greet you from tiny enotecas, and if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a terrace with unbeatable lake views, perfect for your first glass of local Cesanese or a sip of sweet fragolino.

Walk to the panoramic terrace overlooking Lake Nemi

When it comes to views, Nemi doesn’t hold back. Head to the panoramic terrace near the heart of the village and prepare to be floored. From this peaceful perch, you’ll catch sweeping views of the volcanic lake shimmering below, framed by dense green hills that hint at the region’s fiery past. The best time to come? Sunset, hands down, when the sky turns gold and the lake reflects it all like glass. It’s one of those spots where even locals stop to soak it in.

Enjoy the Strawberry Festival

If you’re lucky enough to visit Nemi in early June, prepare to step into a strawberry-scented dream. Every first Sunday of the month, the Sagra delle Fragole transforms this quiet hilltop village into a festival of flavor and color. Since the early 1900s, locals have been celebrating their iconic wild strawberries with food stalls, fragolino tastings, jam jars lined up like little jewels, and desserts that are almost too pretty to eat (almost).

Admire the Mother of Nemi

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Lake Nemi, La Madre di Nemi, The Mother statue, stands as a powerful tribute to femininity, nature, and ancestral roots. With her gentle gaze turned toward the volcanic waters below, the sculpture evokes themes of fertility, protection, and connection to the land. It’s a quiet but moving presence in the village, inviting reflection and grounding in a place already steeped in myth and memory.

Admire the ancient Roman tower

Standing tall over the rooftops of Nemi, the medieval tower is more than just a backdrop, it’s a storyteller in stone. Part of the village’s historic heart, this ancient tower and its crumbling walls whisper tales from the Roman Empire through to the Middle Ages. From its base, the view stretches over terracotta tiles, wild strawberry fields, and the shimmering lake below. It’s a quick stop, but one that anchors you right into the layered history of the Castelli Romani.

Learn the history of the town

This small but solemn chapel holds historic and cultural importance to the people of Nemi, housing a sacred crucifix and offering a contemplative retreat during your village exploration. It’s a peaceful spot that adds a spiritual layer to the history of Nemi.

Visit Nemi: Best things to do around

Relax around the lake

Circling Lake Nemi is a peaceful trek ideal for nature lovers. This small volcanic lake offers a serene escape from bustling Rome, with plenty of opportunities for picnics, photography, or spotting local wildlife. If you’re planning a romantic day tour or a nature-focused getaway, a quiet stroll here is absolutely worth a visit.

Uncover Genzano di Roma

Only 10 minutes from Nemi by car, or a gorgeous lakeside stroll if you’re up for it, Genzano di Roma brings its own flavor to the Castelli Romani scene. Famous for the Infiorata di Genzano, where the main street blooms into a vibrant carpet of flower petals every June, this hilltop town pairs history with flair. It’s also a hotspot for local treats like wild strawberry jam and fragolino liqueur, giving Nemi a little competition. Come during the first Sunday of June and you’ll find Genzano buzzing alongside Nemi for the Sagra delle Fragole, the beloved Strawberry Festival filled with sweets, sparkling wines, and lake views that deserve their own postcard.

Visit the charming streets of Castel Gandolfo

Just a 20-minute drive from Nemi, Castel Gandolfo overlooks the shimmering Lake Albano with the elegance of an imperial retreat. Part of the Castelli Romani, this hillside village is best known for the Papal Palace and its spectacular gardens, once a private escape for popes and now open to curious travelers. Wander through the peaceful historic center, sip a glass of local Lazio wine, and take in one of the region’s most breathtaking terraces. Castel Gandolfo is a quiet beauty, refined, timeless, and the perfect complement to Nemi’s charm.

Already dreaming of more lakeside magic? Discover its papal twin in our guide to visit Castel Gandolfo.

Take in the volcanic beauty of Albano Laziale

Just a scenic 20-minute drive from Nemi, Albano Laziale brings together crater-lake serenity and deep Roman roots. Overlooking the still waters of Lake Albano, this town is ideal for a peaceful lakeside stroll or a more adventurous volcanic trek through the forested hills. You’ll pass Roman ruins tucked between cypress trees, ancient amphitheaters, and echoes of the Empire in every stone wall.

Sip into Lazio wineries

Ready to slow down and taste the land? Lazio’s wine scene is full of surprises, less flashy than Tuscany but just as rewarding. From the volcanic hills of Castelli Romani to the sun-kissed vineyards near Tarquinia and Anagni, this region is all about wines with character. Think crisp Frascati, bold Cesanese, and delicate Malvasia, often paired with rustic local fare in cozy cellar doors or panoramic terraces. Many wineries here are family-run, so don’t be surprised if you’re sipping with the winemaker while they tell you stories of ancient soil and Roman roots.

Wander through Velletri

Just 25 minutes from Nemi, Velletri brings together ancient heritage and a genuine local vibe. This Castelli Romani town is full of narrow lanes, stone facades, and hilltop views, plus it’s surrounded by vineyards that have shaped the region’s identity for centuries. You’ll find family-run cellars, fragrant gardens, and food markets that spill out into lively piazzas. Velletri’s calendar is packed with festivals celebrating everything from wine to traditional sweets, so if you’re planning a visit, don’t miss the chance to join a sagra and taste your way through Lazio’s flavors.

Explore Frascati

Just 30 minutes by car from Nemi, or an easy day trip through the Castelli Romani, Frascati is a must for wine lovers chasing sunshine in a glass. This laid-back town is the beating heart of Lazio’s white wine scene, home to legendary bottles of Frascati DOCG and sweet Fragolino sips. But it’s not just about what’s in your glass: many wineries open their doors for behind-the-scenes tastings paired with rustic countryside views and stories that stretch back to Ancient Rome.

If your trip through Nemi has left you craving more wine and sunshine, just follow the scent of vineyards and visit Frascati Italy, a place where Lazio’s wine tradition truly comes alive.

Good to Know before visiting Nemi