Italy for me From Italy with love
If you’re heading to Rome for a vacation or holiday, don’t forget that just 15 miles (25 kilometers) from the Eternal City, the waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Mare Tirreno) are calling. A quick 30-minute train ride gets you to the beach. Plus, there are plenty of lakes near Rome, warmed by the blazing Italian sun. So if you feel the urge to take a dip during your stroll through Rome’s charming streets—you absolutely can, and you won’t need a genie to make it happen.
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Seaside Resorts
Keep in mind that Italy has very few public beaches. Most of the coastline is operated by private companies, so you’ll need to pay for your spot under the Italian sun. A day at one of these paid sections, known as stabilimenti, typically costs €10–15 (around $11–16).
See also:
Vacationers will undoubtedly add a new Italian word to their beach vocabulary—cabana. A cabana is a shaded canopy you can use to shield your lounge chair when the sun gets intense. In addition to cabanas, paid beaches offer other perks: clean changing rooms, showers, lifeguards on duty, and well-maintained facilities. One fun cultural note—Italian women rarely wear one-piece swimsuits. Even older women often prefer bikinis, and topless sunbathing is quite common.
Many beaches near Rome have been awarded the Blue Flag, a designation recognizing clean water and shores, basic amenities, efficient lifeguard services, and accessibility for visitors with disabilities (including wheelchair users).
Lido di Ostia
Lido di Ostia may not be as glamorous as many Italian resorts, but it’s conveniently close to Rome.
You can get to Ostia for just €1.50 (about $1.60), using a standard 100-minute public transportation ticket.
Take Metro Line B to the Piramide stop, then transfer to the train toward Cristoforo Colombo. In about 25 minutes, get off at either Ostia Lido Centro or the next stop, Ostia Stella Polare. If you’re flying into Fiumicino Airport in the evening, staying overnight in Ostia can be a convenient option.
Where to stay in Ostia:
Sperlonga
Sperlonga isn’t the closest beach to Rome—it takes about two hours to get there. Still, its Blue Flag beach, pristine sand, and postcard-perfect views make the trip worthwhile. From Rome, take the train to Fondi-Sperlonga station; tickets cost €6.90 (about $7.40). From there, a bus (schedule coordinated with train times) will get you to Sperlonga in 15 minutes for just over €1.
Check out my article – Where to stay in Sperlonga?
Tips:
- Driving a rental car takes about 2 hours, longer on weekends.
- From the train station, it’s a 10-minute walk to the beach. A day at a private beach area costs around €13 (about $14).
- A leisurely walk along the shore leads to the Archaeological Museum of Sperlonga. On the way, visit Tiberius’ grotto and the ruins of a Roman villa.
Fregene
Fregene is the beach for those who want to relax like a true Roman. After a sun-soaked day wandering through Rome, head just 23 miles (37 kilometers) out of the city—a quick trip by local standards—to soak up the coastal vibe.
Getting to Fregene is easy: a 30-minute ride on the FL5 train line from Termini Station toward Civitavecchia costs €2.60 (about $2.80). Get off at Maccarese-Fregene station, then hop on a bus for the remaining 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) to reach the heart of the beach scene—and the nightlife. Along this same line, you’ll also find Santa Marinella (more on that below), and from the final stop in Civitavecchia, you can reach a whole collection of beaches: San’t Agostino, La Frasca, and Pirgo.
Recommended hotels in Fregene:
Santa Marinella
Santa Marinella is a rare exception—it’s surprisingly easy to reach from Rome! The train ride from Termini Station takes about an hour and costs €4.60 (about $5). From the station, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the beach. Thanks to this convenience, the town draws a big crowd from Rome on weekends, especially to the public sections of the beach, which can get very crowded.
Where to stay in Santa Marinella:
Anzio
Anzio’s beaches stretch for 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) and are among the cleanest in the Lazio region, proudly flying the Blue Flag. Visitors can expect turquoise waters and golden sands. The 56-mile (90-kilometer) journey from Rome takes about an hour by train, with the final stop at Nettuno station. A one-way ticket costs €3.60 (about $3.90).
Anzio offers a cultural experience too, with highlights including the Anzio Landing Museum (Museo dello Sbarco di Anzio) and the archaeological museum inside Villa Adele, a 17th-century estate.
Top-rated hotels in Anzio:
- Hotel L’Approdo – Editor’s Choice
- Serpa Hotel
Terracina
The city of Terracina is just as ancient as Rome. Over 2,000 years ago, it was a vital port in the Roman Empire and the final stop of the famous Appian Way. The Temple of Jupiter, built in the 1st century BCE, still stands today.
Though modern Terracina might not rival Rome’s top attractions, many visitors come here to relax on its 3-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of sandy beaches and enjoy the azure waters and iodine-rich sea air.
Terracina ranks second in the world for the highest concentration of iodine in the air.
You can reach Terracina by train from Rome, taking the line toward Naples and getting off at Monte S. Biagio station (ticket costs €6.90 or about $7.40). From there, Cotral buses connect to the town.
For a more direct route, catch a bus from Rome’s Furmi terminal or book a private transfer with Sergio in a Mercedes for €115.
We recommend reading our guide to the best hotels in Terracina, or choose from the list below:
- Hotel Acquasanta
- Hotel Poseidon
- Hotel Mareazzurro
- Grand Hotel L’Approdo – Our Top Pick
- Torre Del Sole
Sabaudia
Sabaudia is another proud recipient of the Blue Flag, known for its golden sands and crystal-clear sea. Despite its many advantages, it remains one of the least crowded beaches near Rome—mainly due to the somewhat complex route to get there. From Termini Station, take a train to Priverno-Fossanova (50–55 minutes, €5 or about $5.40), then continue with a 20-minute Cotral bus ride, followed by a short descent down a wooden staircase to the beach. One major perk of Sabaudia is the abundance of free beach areas and campgrounds along its coast.
Recommended hotels in Sabaudia:
Pontine Islands (Isole Ponziane)
The Pontine Islands are an archipelago located between Rome and Naples. They can only be reached by ferry from the coastal towns of Anzio, Formia, and Terracina. Most hotels are located on two main islands: Ponza and Ventotene. The ferry ride takes between 50 minutes and 1.5 hours.
In the summer months, only local residents are allowed to drive on the islands. From fall to spring, visitors may bring their cars via ferry.
Recommended hotels on Ponza Island:
If you’re planning to spend several days on the beach, the Pontine Islands are arguably the best seaside choice in the Lazio region.
Other Resorts
- Eco-friendly island Ventotene-Cala Nave;
- the historic Gaeta;
- Blue Flag beach destination San Felice Circeo.
Freshwater Beaches
Bracciano
A trip to Bracciano costs just €3 (about $3.25), with a regional train taking you directly to the town of Bracciano. From the station, you can walk to the scenic lakeside park. Alternatively, Cotral buses also run from Rome to Bracciano if you prefer road travel.
Recommended hotels in Bracciano:
If you’re curious to explore more of the Italian countryside, consider buying a dual-segment ticket: Rome–Bracciano and Bracciano–Viterbo. That said, Bracciano itself has plenty to offer. The local highlight is the majestic Castello Odescalchi. Entry costs €7 (about $7.60), and guided tours depart every hour.
Lake Martignano (Lago di Martignano)
Martignano is a small, serene lake not far from Bracciano. This hidden gem of the Lazio region is nestled among the hills. You can reach it by bus from Bracciano, followed by a 600-meter (about 0.4-mile) walk on a dirt path.
The beach is naturally shaded by tall trees. Only quiet, eco-friendly activities are allowed: sailing, horseback riding, and golf. Motorized boats are strictly prohibited. There are no loud beach bars or typical tourist entertainment—Lake Martignano is the place to unwind in silence and soak up the peaceful scenery.
Recommended villas and apartments near Lake Martignano:
Helpful Tips
- Italians often buy seasonal passes to their favorite beach resorts, giving them access to the best lounge chairs closest to the water. If you’re planning to stay for a week or more, it might be worth investing in one.
- You can purchase Italian train tickets at: www.trenitalia.com. The site doesn’t offer a Russian version, but there is a helpful English-language guide for independent travelers. You can also check prices and schedules there.
- Italian transportation workers occasionally go on strike, but announcements are made in advance. Always double-check before your trip to avoid disruptions. Updates can be found on the same Trenitalia site.