Parco Regionale dei Castelli Romani — Marino Trails
Marino sits inside the Parco Regionale dei Castelli Romani, a 14,000-hectare protected area of volcanic lakes, ancient chestnut and oak woodland, and crater-rim ridges that feel a world away from Rome's chaos. A network of signed trails starts directly from the town's edge and leads through landscapes that have barely changed since the Latin tribes farmed these hills.
The Best Trails from Marino
Trail CAI 200 departs from the southern edge of Marino and descends through mixed oak-chestnut forest to the shore of Lago Albano — a 4 km route (one way) with a 200-metre descent that takes about 90 minutes at a relaxed pace. The lakeside path at the bottom connects to Castel Gandolfo, making a satisfying linear walk with a train return.
A shorter, flatter option is the sentiero dei Colli Albani loop (approx. 6 km circular) that follows the crater rim northward from Marino through vineyards and hazelnut groves with intermittent views over the Roman plain. Waymarking is clear with red-and-white CAI blazes.
Wildlife and Seasonal Highlights
The park is home to roe deer, crested porcupines, and over 120 bird species including red kites that soar on thermals above the crater rim. Spring (April–May) brings wild orchids and flowering broom; autumn (October–November) carpets the forest floor with chestnuts and porcini mushrooms.
Foraging for chestnuts is a local tradition and perfectly legal in designated areas of the park on weekends in October. Bring a cloth bag and sturdy shoes — the forest floor is uneven and often slippery after rain.
More of Marino
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Marino →
