What better way to relax post-Eternal City adventures than to visit one of the best beaches near Rome? Trick question – there is no better way! If you are spending more than 3 days in Rome, or are briefly escaping the city’s heat, these beaches are perfect. Furthermore, these beaches could also be an extra destination during your Italy travels – especially the last hidden gem.
On the whole, whatever reason it may be that you’re looking for the best beaches near Rome, these are all great contenders. Throughout this post, you will learn about the beaches, “stabilimenti balneari”, how to get there, and extra activities you can enjoy in the area.
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Here are the Best Beaches Near Rome & Everything You Need to Know!👇
Stabilimenti Balneari
Before we dive into the best beaches near Rome, it’s important to learn about Stabilimenti Balneari, what they are, and what they offer. Beaches in Italy are oftentimes occupied by “Stabilimenti Balneari”, beach resorts and facilities.
What do Stabilimenti Balneari offer?
Italian beach resorts usually offer amenities such as umbrellas, loungers, showers, bars, and so forth. In some unique facilities, you can find restaurants, swimming pools, and baby clubs. Baby Clubs are daycares for kids to come and engage in fun activities, art projects, dancing, and more. These daycares allow your kids to make new friendships and you to rest up.
Are Stabilimenti Balneari Worth It?
In my personal experience, growing up in two different beach resorts, they are worth it. These beach resorts offer endless convenience, usually at a reasonable price. How nice is it that you can just show up with sunscreen and a bathing suit and have everything you need at your feet?
Final Thoughts on Beach Resorts in Rome
When you come across a beach resort, definitely see what the amenities and prices are. They can absolutely be worth visiting and paying for – especially if you’re on vacation and simply want a beach day.
Best Beaches Near Rome (Listed from Closest to Farthest)
I based the commute lengths on the Roma Termini train station. If you will have your own car or are closer to a different train station, input your own location for a better understanding of how far the beaches are.
Fregene
- Best For: Closest beach to Rome
- Commute Length: 37 minutes by car, 1 hour 20 minutes by train
Ranking #2 out of the 65 beaches of the Roma Capitale region, this is one of the top best beaches near Rome. Fregene has a long stretch of soft, brown sand and blue water, and is mainly occupied by beach clubs – with only a small free area available. Overall, Fregene is perfect for both tourists and locals
Fregene, despite being so beloved, is never too crowded during the summer season. Whether you’re a family with kids, a solo traveler, a senior, and so forth – this beach is suitable for everyone. Here, some activities you can do include windsurfing, kiteboarding, and playing beach volleyball.
Fregene has a vibrant nightlife, making it the perfect way to end a beautiful beach day. It can even be a fun way to end your Roman adventures with a seaside city break.
Furthermore, should you want your beach day to be adventure-filled, there is the Parco Avventura Fregene right near the beach. This adventure park has free entry, you only pay for the specific adventures you choose to go on.
HOW TO GET FROM ROME TO Fregene (Public Transportation)
Take a train from Roma Termini to Fiumicino Aeroporto, then take the Capolinea Cornelia bus to Fiumicino | Pineta di Fregene.
Lido di Ostia
- Best For: Most accessible beach from the city
- Commute Length: 37 minutes by car, 1 hour 25 minutes by train
Lido di Ostia is the most accessible beach from Rome and is an iconic summer spot for Romans. Ostia Lido is mainly occupied by beach clubs, some of which even have pools! That’s right – if you want beach time but don’t like swimming in the sea, you can go to a beach club with a swimming pool.
In addition to the pool and usual amenities, some of Ostia’s beach clubs often offer Baby Clubs. As someone who spent summers in Rome growing up, I can confirm Baby Clubs were always a highlight! Two beach resorts I recommend are the Kursaal and the La Bicocca.
It’s good to note that despite being occupied by beach resorts, you can walk freely on the beach. While walking around Ostia, make sure to check out its beautiful beach town and iconic observation deck, Pontile di Ostia.
If you want some additional adventures and activities to add to your beach day, you can visit Ostia Antica or the animal farm, La Fattoria degli Animali. Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman city from the 7th century BC, with buildings and archeological sites dating back as early as the 3rd century BC. Now it is one of Rome’s largest archeological sites. La Fattoria degli Animali, on the other hand, is an animal farm where you can visit and pet animals, have a picnic, and so on.
HOW TO GET FROM ROME TO Lido di Ostia (Public Transportation)
Take a train from Roma Termini to Fiumicino Aeroporto, then take the Stazione Lido Centro bus to Ostia | Via Baleniere Via Traghetti.
Castel Porziano
- Best For: Free Beach
- Commute Length: 29 minutes by car
With long stretches of soft, brown sand, and crystal-clear blue water, Castel Porziano is a beautiful and wild beach to visit. The beach coast, being wild and in a natural state, is free for everyone and has no establishments – meaning there are no beach clubs and no restaurants. However, there are a few facilities in the area with restrooms and people renting umbrellas.
With all this said, Castel Porziano is perfect for those who want the full beach day experience – where you bring your own “beach amenities”, food, and so forth. Furthermore, Castel Porziano’s beach is not crowded, making it an extra-relaxing spot.
HOW TO GET FROM ROME TO Castel Porziano (Public Transportation)
If you do not have a car, this is a harder beach to access. Castel Porziano’s beach is right next to Ostia Lido, meaning you can take the same route and then walk over to the beach.
Lake Albano
- Best For: Lake day with crystal clear waters.
- Commute Length: 38 minutes by car, 1 hour 54 minutes by train
This picturesque site is a small volcanic crater lake in the Albano Hills. This is the perfect site for those who prefer lakes over the sea and want to be surrounded by magical greenery and crystal-clear waters. Lake Albano offers a picturesque and serene setting, making it extremely inviting for a fun swim or kayak session.
At Lake Albano, you can find both establishments and free areas. One highly recommended establishment is La Pentima, which offers the option of resting on the shore’s black and sandy beach, or on the grassy lawn. La Pentima offers the usual amenities of loungers, umbrellas, and so forth.
Should you want to place yourself on a free beach and bring your own equipment, there is one right next to La Pentima’s establishment.
Castel Gandolfo, the quaint town that Lago Albano is in, is also home to a historical papal palace that looks over the beautiful lake. If you enjoy architecture and history intrigues you, the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo can be the perfect activity for you! Along with the architecture are the palace’s mesmerizing, and perfectly landscaped, gardens – Giardini di Villa Barberini.
With all its activities, from swimming to hiking to visiting the town, Lake Albano has something for everyone!
HOW TO GET FROM ROME TO Lake Albano (Public Transportation)
Take the SIT Bus Shuttle to Rome Ciampino Airport, and from there take the Rocca di Papa | Piazza della Repubblica bus to MARINO | Via dei Laghi Via Caselle. When you get dropped off, you will have a 20-minute walk to the lake. If this sounds like too much, this experience (ADD LINK) will take you from Rome to Castel Gandolfo and the Lake!
Ladispoli
- Best For: Free Beach + Shallow and clear blue waters + Family-Friendly
- Commute Length: 46 minutes by car, 59 minutes by train
Ladispoli is a small town that offers a family-friendly beach with its beautiful golden sands and shallow, blue waters. Spiaggia di Ladispoli is a free beach left in its natural state. However, despite being a free beach, there are various establishments renting out umbrellas, loungers, and some kiosks.
If you are interested in additional activities in the area, asides from the beach, you can visit a castle, Castello Palo Odescalchi. The castle, Castello Palo Odescalchi, is a medieval fort from the year 1500 that looks over the sea.
HOW TO GET FROM ROME TO Ladispoli (Public Transportation)
Take the 4134 Pisa Centrale Freccia Rossa train from Roma Termini and stop at Ladispoli – Cerveteri.
Santa Severa
- Best For: Picturesque Beach with Medieval Castle
- Commute Length: 52 minutes by car, 1 hour 44 minutes by train
Ranking #3 out of the 65 beaches of the Roma Capitale region, this is one of the top best beaches near Rome. With its beautiful blue water and a mixture of sandy and rocky floors, Santa Severa is perfect for both tourists and locals.
Similarly to the beaches above, Santa Severa is mainly occupied by beach clubs – however there is one free beach, should you want to bring your own equipment! The location of the free beach is 00058 Santa Severa, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy.
Santa Severa is one of the most picturesque beaches of Rome, with an iconic medieval castle perched on the shoreline. Should it interest you, an extra activity is visiting the castle which now houses the Museum of the Sea and Ancient Navigation.
HOW TO GET FROM ROME TO Santa Severa (Public Transportation)
Take the Freccia Rossa train “12526 Civitavecchia” from Roma Termini and stop at Santa Severa, to then walk 20 minutes to the beach.
Santa Marinella
- Best For: Family-Friendly + Shallow and clear blue waters + High-quality beach.
- Commute Length: 55 minutes by car, 1 hour 12 minutes by train
Ranking #9 out of the 65 beaches of the Roma Capitale region, Spiaggia di Santa Marinella is perfect for everyone. Santa Marinella is fully occupied by beach clubs, meaning there are no free beaches in the area. These beach clubs, however, can be very convenient as they offer everything you need on a beach day, along with restaurants, showers, and more.
Similarly to other beaches in Rome, Santa Marinella has clear blue and shallow waters and a mixture of sandy and rocky floors. Having clear waters, this is a great place to go snorkeling. Having a shallow floor, this is a great destination for families with young children.
HOW TO GET FROM ROME TO Santa Marinella (Public Transportation)
Take the Freccia Rossa train “4134 Pisa Centrale” from Roma Termini and get off at Stazione Marinella.
Anzio
- Best For: Shallow and clear blue waters+ Historical importance
- Commute Length: 59 minutes by car, 1 hour 33 minutes by train
Anzio is a sandy site with shallow, crystal-clear waters, that is mainly occupied by beach resorts and props for fun water activities and sports. It is a great place for all types of visitors. Anzio offers a lively beach scene with its restaurants, vibrant promenades, and beach clubs.
In addition to its beaches, Anzio is a city that holds significant, historical importance and is also home to important ruins. One of the important ruins is the Roman villa of Agrippina the Younge, Emperor Nero’s mother. Some additional sites in the area include an archeological park, and the Nerone’s caves – Grotte di Nerone.
If you’re looking for a beach day with some historical or water activities, this is a great destination for you!
HOW TO GET FROM ROME TO Anzio (Public Transportation)
Civitavecchia
- Best For: Luxurious feel + Historic port and Medieval center
- Commute Length: 1 hour by car, 58 minutes by train
Civitavecchia coastal town has a beach doted in blue waters and rocky floors. This town is famous for its port and cultural attractions, like Michelangelo’s Fortress and Piazza della Vita. Due to its cruise port, this is more of a destination for people who want to walk around a coastal town and see the beach.
HOW TO GET FROM ROME TO Civitavecchia (Public Transportation)
Take the Freccia Rossa train, 12550 Civitavecchia, from Roma Termini all the way to the Civitavecchia station.
Sabaudia
- Best For: Free Beach + Picturesque + Uncrowded
- Commute Length: 1 hour 20 minutes by car, 1 hour 35 minutes by train (fastest)
Ranking 4th out of the 51 beaches in the Latina region, this is one of the top best beaches near Rome. Sabaudia is a breathtaking gem with crystal-clear waters, long stretches of golden sand, and gorgeous greenery surrounding it. Sabaudia’s beach mainly remains public and in its natural state with few resorts in the area – leaving you able to choose what works best for you.
If you are a hiker or a sucker for beautiful coastal views, you can hike to the top of the beautiful Monte Circeo to see Sabaudia from above.
HOW TO GET FROM ROME TO Sabaudia (Public Transportation)
21057 Napoli Centrale and stop at Priverno-Fossanova then take train Sabaudia |Piazza Oberdan # f3237
Terracina
- Best For: Crystal-clear waters, Hiking, Greek Mythology
- Commute Length: 1 hour 29 minutes by car, 2 hours 22 minutes by train
Terracina is a famous city for its Odyssey story and Spartan legends doted in beautiful crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches. While a significant part of the beach is occupied by resorts, there is a fairly large area with free access.
This city is perfect for not only beach lovers and hikers, but for those who love Homer’s Odyssey, Greek Mythology, history, and historic legends. Terracina is home to endless ancient sites and important works of art – including a 2000+ year old statue of Diana the Huntress, and the Temple of Jupiter Anxur from 312 BC.
HOW TO GET FROM ROME TO Terracina (Public Transportation)
Sperlonga
- Best For: Family-Friendly + Shallow and clear blue waters
- Commute Length: 2 hours by car
Sitting a 20-minute drive from Terracina is the beautiful coastal town of Sperlonga. Here you will find shallow and clean, blue waters, making this the perfect spot for families and non-swimmers. Sperlonga is partially occupied by beach resorts and has some free access areas spread around.
Sperlonga is a picturesque town with white-washed homes that perch on a hill by the beach – adding to the picturesqueness. Along with its beautiful beach and clear blue waters, Sperlonga is best known for the Villa of Tiberius, and its ancient Roman sea Grotto – all of which can be great additional activities!
Some additional activities besides the Lido Grotta dei Delfini and Villa di Tiberio, include visiting the Torre Truglia and walking through the beautiful Borgo Sperlonga Paese.
HOW TO GET FROM ROME To Sperlonga (Public Transportation)
Take a train from Termini to Fondi-Sperlonga (along the Naples line), and then catch the regular shuttle bus on to Sperlonga Beach (or Spiaggia Sperlonga).
Gaeta
- Best For: Crystal Clear waters + historic buildings
- Commute Length: 2 hours 11 minutes by car, 2 hours 6 minutes by train
Gaeta is a beautiful coastal city that is home to mesmerizing beaches and Monte Orlando Park. Gaeta has crystal-clear waters surrounded by golden sand and breathtaking views of the elevated coastal city. Serapo Beach is Gaeta’s public beach, while right next to it are various beach resorts like Lido Sirio and Lido la Perla. This allows you to pick your favorite type of beach without sacrificing the quality of the water and sand.
Monte Orlando Park, perched on the cliffs, is home to ancient Roman ruins, diving sites, a staircase leading to Grotta del Turco, and so much more! Parco Monte Orlando is definitely worth the visit, should you be interested in additional activities for your beach day and adventures!
HOW TO GET FROM ROME To Gaeta (Public Transportation)
Take the train from Roma Termini, 12733 Minturno, and make a stop at Formia-Gaeta. From there, you’ll have a short walk and take a bus from FORMIA | Porto # f99992 to GAETA | Corso Italia Via Firenze #f4494.
Ponza
- Best For: Hidden Gem and Day Trip
- Commute Length: Depends on the route.
Now… this hidden gem is ready to blow your mind! Ponza is the largest of the Italian Pontine islands and offers the most mesmerizing, crystal-clear waters. This island is rich in picturesque coves, vibrant towns, and water activities.
The caves of Ponza are famous for their mystical mythology and being an inspiration for Homer’s Circe’s Island in the Odyssey. From grottoes to botanical gardens and underground Roman tunnels, this hidden gem is simply magical and absolutely worth visiting!
How to get from Rome to Ponza (Public Transportation)
Being on an island, this is a trickier destination to reach – especially if it is a day trip. To have easier transport and a guided tour, this is the perfect activity for you!
If you choose to navigate on your own, here is how to! Take a train, 12727 Minturno, from Roma Termini to Monte San Biagio – Terracina Mare. Then you will take a bus to Terracina | Piazza Repubblica #f4006 and later walk 10 minutes to the Terracina Port. From there you will take a ferry to the Ponza Port.
Map of the Best Beaches Near Rome
I have to ask…
How excited are you for your Rome travels?!😍 Let me know in the comments which of these best beaches near Rome you’d want to visit first!
If you found this blog post helpful, please share this with friends and family who may find this helpful. If you have any questions regarding the itinerary, leave a comment below or contact me!
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Finally, and as always, thank you for being here; I am so glad you are.❤️
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