Anguillara Sabazia
Latest page update: 19 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The lakeside town of Anguillara Sabazia is situated in the Metropolitan City of Rome, on the shores of Lake Bracciano. It has a population of around 20,000 residents and is located 37 kilometres north-west of Rome, the regional capital of Lazio.
Nearby places of interest include Trevignano Romano, Bracciano and Lake Martignano. |
What People Ask About Anguillara Sabazia
Where is Anguillara Sabazia located?
Anguillara Sabazia is located on the western shore of Lake Bracciano, about 30 km northwest of Rome. It is part of the Lazio region and lies close to Bracciano and Trevignano Romano.
Does Anguillara Sabazia have a train station?
Yes, Anguillara Sabazia has its own train station on the FL3 regional line between Rome and Viterbo. The station is about 4 km from the town centre and can be reached by local bus or taxi.
Can you swim in Lake Bracciano at Anguillara Sabazia?
Yes, the lake is suitable for swimming and has several small beaches near the centre of Anguillara Sabazia. The water is clean, and motorboats are restricted to help preserve water quality.
What is Anguillara Sabazia known for?
Anguillara Sabazia is known for its lakeside promenade, historic centre, and views across Lake Bracciano. It’s popular for day trips from Rome, especially in summer, with several lakefront restaurants and cafés.
Is Anguillara Sabazia a good place to visit?
Yes, Anguillara Sabazia is a great choice for those looking to escape Rome for a few hours or a weekend. It offers swimming, walking paths, and good transport connections, with less tourist traffic than nearby Bracciano.
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Discover Anguillara Sabazia
Sleepy Anguillara
There are three main towns around Lake Bracciano, each with their own character. Anguillara Sabazia is usually a very sleepy place but it gets a bit busier during the summers and at weekends all year round when Romans flock from the city for a bit of fresh air and open space.
It has a pretty centro storico (old town) to be explored and you can get some great views across the lake from here. Down by the lake there are a number of places to eat and drink; a selection of bars and restaurants at the foot of the old town and by the main pier.
You can take a ferry across the lake from this pier during the summer, to the towns of Trevignano Romano and Bracciano. It's a nice way to get out into the middle of the lake but in terms of speed, it's just as quick to drive around the lake to the other towns and the lake road offers lots of places to stop and take in the views.
It has a pretty centro storico (old town) to be explored and you can get some great views across the lake from here. Down by the lake there are a number of places to eat and drink; a selection of bars and restaurants at the foot of the old town and by the main pier.
You can take a ferry across the lake from this pier during the summer, to the towns of Trevignano Romano and Bracciano. It's a nice way to get out into the middle of the lake but in terms of speed, it's just as quick to drive around the lake to the other towns and the lake road offers lots of places to stop and take in the views.
Lakeside eateries
There are a number of restaurants and bars dotted along the roadside on the road that heads west out of Anguillara in the direction of Bracciano. These places to eat are supplemented by various beach clubs with their own snack bars or restaurants and the beach life is quite vibrant here.
Locals love the area because it gives them a chance to bathe in the warmer months without having to drive to the coast where the beaches can be crowded. Lake Bracciano's water is beautifully warm and shallow in places, making it ideal for families with small children.
Sleepy as Anguillara is, it has a strange connection with the entertainment industry: fans of the American sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond may have seen the town as it was used as the backdrop to a special two-part episode filmed in the year 2000.
Locals love the area because it gives them a chance to bathe in the warmer months without having to drive to the coast where the beaches can be crowded. Lake Bracciano's water is beautifully warm and shallow in places, making it ideal for families with small children.
Sleepy as Anguillara is, it has a strange connection with the entertainment industry: fans of the American sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond may have seen the town as it was used as the backdrop to a special two-part episode filmed in the year 2000.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Anguillara Sabazia
- Historic centre rises above Lake Bracciano on a promontory, with stone alleyways, medieval houses and views across the water. The old town includes remains of ancient walls, an arched gateway and small piazzas. Cafés and restaurants are tucked into narrow streets. The centrepiece is the main square, Piazza del Comune, near the lakeside.
- Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta sits at the highest point of the town and dates to the 16th century. Its simple façade contrasts with the richly decorated Baroque interior. The church features frescoes, a carved wooden ceiling and an organ still used during festivals. A terrace nearby provides one of the best panoramic viewpoints.
- Lakeside promenade and beach stretch along the bay and offer access to swimming areas, sunbathing spots and lakeside cafés. The main beach has shallow water suitable for families and is backed by a wide walking path. Canoes, pedal boats and paddleboards can be rented nearby. The area is busiest during weekends and summer months.
- Cycling and walking paths connect Anguillara with the wider Lake Bracciano area, including Trevignano Romano and Bracciano itself. A lakeside cycling route passes through natural scenery and picnic spots. Inland trails lead to wooded areas, fields and archaeological sites. Bicycles can be hired in the town.
- Boat tours and lake activities run seasonally and offer a way to explore Bracciano’s shoreline from the water. Guided excursions include nature-focused trips and connections to other lakeside towns. Windsurfing and sailing are also possible, depending on weather conditions. The lake’s motorboat ban ensures quiet surroundings for all activities.
Anguillara Sabazia Tours and Activities
Comune di Anguillara Sabazia
Province: Metropolitan City of Rome
Region: Lazio Population: 19,089 (in 2024 - source) Size: 75 km² Elevation: 195 metres Highlights: lake swimming, Piazza del Molo, Porta Maggiore Fly to: Rome Fiumicino Airport - 40 minutes by car (48 km) Close by: Trevignano Romano, Bracciano, Lake Martignano |
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Anguillara Sabazia
- Hotel Massimino Located just outside the historic centre of Anguillara Sabazia and close to the train station, this family-run hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms, a highly rated restaurant, and free parking. Guests appreciate the warm hospitality, easy access to Rome by train, and proximity to Lake Bracciano. €€ (mid-range)
- Domus Angularia Positioned in the heart of the old town, this B&B features cosy rooms with lake views, a shared terrace, and breakfast served with homemade products. Visitors enjoy the charming location, friendly hosts, and just a few minutes’ walk to the lakeside promenade. €€ (mid-range)
- Agriturismo Zugarelli Situated in the countryside just outside Anguillara, this agriturismo offers rustic-style rooms, apartments, a garden with a pool, and traditional food made with local produce. Guests value the peaceful rural setting and convenient access to both the lake and the town. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B La Casa di Momi A small bed and breakfast set in a residential area with garden views, offering clean, comfortable rooms and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the quiet location and welcoming service, with the town centre and lakeside just a short drive away. €€ (mid-range)
- Guest House Anguillara A modern guesthouse located near the waterfront, offering rooms with kitchenettes, balconies, and partial lake views. Guests enjoy the short walk to shops and cafés, as well as the convenience of staying close to the beach and ferry dock. €€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Anguillara Sabazia
- Ristorante Il Marchione: Located near the lakeside promenade, Il Marchione offers refined Roman and Italian cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Dishes include fresh lake fish, handmade pasta, and traditional meat specialities, served in an elegant dining room with views over Lake Bracciano. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Osteria del Borgo: Situated within the historic centre, this welcoming osteria serves traditional Lazio dishes such as amatriciana, cacio e pepe, and slow-cooked lamb. The rustic interior and attentive service make it a popular choice for an authentic and relaxed meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Trattoria Da Oreste: Found close to the lake, this long-standing trattoria focuses on hearty local cuisine, with highlights including grilled meats, polenta dishes, and fresh pasta. The informal, family-run atmosphere adds to its appeal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Il Gabbiano: Located near the beach area, Il Gabbiano offers a menu centred on seafood and Mediterranean flavours, featuring dishes such as seafood risotto, grilled calamari, and mixed fish platters. The outdoor terrace is especially popular during the summer months. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Pizzeria Forno a Legna: A casual option near the centre of Anguillara Sabazia, this pizzeria offers a wide range of wood-fired pizzas along with salads and a few pasta dishes. It’s a budget-friendly spot ideal for families or a relaxed evening meal. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
Photo Gallery
Anguillara Sabazia Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Anguillara Sabazia
Of the two other main towns around the lake, Trevignano Romano has every right to claim to be the prettiest with its long promenade fringed by dozens of restaurants; in fact it's quite renowned as a town for its culinary delights. From Anguillara it's a 15 minute drive north around the lake to Trevignano, or 13 minutes west to Bracciano.
The main highlight in Bracciano is the Castello Odescalchi, one of the most interesting castles in Italy. Bracciano has its own Centro Storico with a good number of shops, but as its not right on the lake in the way that Anguillara and Trevignano are, it does perhaps lack that little something.
The main highlight in Bracciano is the Castello Odescalchi, one of the most interesting castles in Italy. Bracciano has its own Centro Storico with a good number of shops, but as its not right on the lake in the way that Anguillara and Trevignano are, it does perhaps lack that little something.
Lazio Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Lazio
1. Rome
2. Ponza
3. Villa d'Este (Tivoli)
4. Castelli Romani
5. Sperlonga
6. Ostia Antica
7. Cività di Bagnoregio
8. Lake Bracciano
9. Montecassino Abbey
10. Gaeta
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lazio
1. Rome
2. Ponza
3. Villa d'Este (Tivoli)
4. Castelli Romani
5. Sperlonga
6. Ostia Antica
7. Cività di Bagnoregio
8. Lake Bracciano
9. Montecassino Abbey
10. Gaeta
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lazio
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Anguillara Sabazia
By Rail: Anguillara Sabazia is served by the FL3 railway line, which connects to various stations in Rome including Ostiense, Tiburtina, Trastevere, San Pietro, and Valle Aurelia. The journey from Rome to Anguillara takes approximately 40 minutes, with regular services throughout the day. The train station is located about 2 km from the town centre, with buses and taxis available for the short transfer.
By Road: Anguillara Sabazia is approximately 35 km northwest of central Rome. Driving from Rome takes around 50 minutes via the Via Cassia (SR2) and Via Anguillarese. From the A1 motorway, exit at Magliano Sabina and follow local roads towards Anguillara Sabazia.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Anguillara Sabazia is approximately 35 km northwest of central Rome. Driving from Rome takes around 50 minutes via the Via Cassia (SR2) and Via Anguillarese. From the A1 motorway, exit at Magliano Sabina and follow local roads towards Anguillara Sabazia.
Nearest International Airports:
- Rome Fiumicino Airport (Aeroporto di Roma-Fiumicino): Located about 50 km southwest of Anguillara Sabazia, the drive takes approximately 1 hour. From the airport, you can take a train to Roma Trastevere and transfer to the FL3 line to reach Anguillara.
- Rome Ciampino Airport (Aeroporto di Roma-Ciampino): Situated around 55 km southeast of Anguillara Sabazia, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. From the airport, travel to Roma Termini and continue by train on the FL3 line.