Lariano (a town of approximately 14,000 inhabitants in the Alban Hills, Metropolitan City of Rome. 35km southeast of Rome, at 412m altitude on the eastern slope of the Colli Albani volcanic complex, between the two lakes of Castel Gandolfo and Nemi) is the Castelli Romani town whose specific agricultural identity is the peach: the Pesca di Lariano (the specific peach variety grown on the volcanic tufo soil of the Lariano hillsides, a white-fleshed peach of intense sweetness and aromatic complexity that the volcanic soil's mineral richness produces in a form distinct from the commercial peach varieties of the Po plain) ripens in July and is sold directly by the producers at the roadside stands along Via dei Laghi (the scenic road between the two Alban lakes. Castel Gandolfo on the west, Nemi on the east, that passes directly through the Lariano peach territory). The Lariano peach isn't a DOP or IGP denomination. It is simply the specific local variety that the Lariano producers have grown on their volcanic plots for generations, sold at the roadside in July for a few weeks before the season ends.
How do you want to see it?
Lazio, ItalyCompare the same experience on GetYourGuide and Viator, save what you like to My Trip, share it, and book when you’re sure. Nearest to this page first.
Lariano: Peaches and Landscape
Via dei Laghi Drive
Via dei Laghi (the provincial road SP217 connecting the two Alban lake towns, the 15km route between Castel Gandolfo and Velletri that passes over the Alban Hills ridge above both lakes) is the most scenically rewarding short drive in the Castelli Romani zone: the road climbs through chestnut and oak woodland, crosses the volcanic ridge at approximately 700m, and descends alternately offering views west to Castel Gandolfo lake (the Lago Albano, the former volcanic crater lake used by the Roman emperors as their swimming pool, with the Papal Villa on the rim) and east to Nemi lake (the smaller, more enclosed crater lake famous for the Roman pleasure ships of Caligula, the Navi di Nemi). The Lariano peach stands appear along this road in July-August.
The Lariano Wine and Olive Oil
The Lariano territory (the volcanic eastern slope of the Colli Albani) produces the Castelli Romani DOC white wine (the same Malvasia-Trebbiano blend as the rest of the denomination, with the specific Lariano character of the more protected eastern exposure) and a local extra virgin olive oil (the olive groves of the Lariano slopes produce an oil of medium intensity, lighter than the Sabina DOP equivalent, with the specific character of the volcanic soil minerality). Both are available at the local cooperative and at the producers who sell directly.
Q&A: Lariano
When is the best time to visit Lariano for the peaches?
The Lariano peach season: mid-July to early August (the specific 3-4 week window when the Pesca di Lariano is at peak ripeness, the earlier July varieties are slightly more acidic, the late July-early August varieties are the sweetest). The roadside stands along Via dei Laghi are open from approximately 8:00 to 19:00 during the season. The specific buy format is direct from the producer at farm prices (typically €1.50-2.50/kg versus €4-6/kg at Rome markets). Buy 3-4 kg, the peaches are fragile and should be consumed within 2-3 days.
