Passing long days at the seaside is a favourite Italian pastime, and the city of Rome has plenty of nearby beaches to while away warm afternoons – from Santa Marinella to Sperlonga. Explore the best beaches up and down the Roman coastline, all easily accessible with public transportation from the city centre.
Want to visit Rome with a small group of culturally curious travellers? Culture Trip’s epic 10-day Northern Italy trip starts in Rome with a cycle tour of the city, before exploring the top attractions.
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Santa Marinella, for the overall best beach near Rome
Natural Feature
The best beach near Rome in terms of travel time, comfort and overall experience, is most certainly Santa Marinella. This lovely beach is located in a quaint bay and has clear water, a great little hole-in-the-wall for a quick takeaway lunch (beneath the Gigi Bar on the boardwalk) and plenty of lounge chairs. There is a small public area to lay out your towel, but space fills up quickly, so plan to arrive early.
How to get here: Take the train from any major station in Rome (Roma Termini, Ostiense, Trastevere or San Pietro) to Santa Marinella. The walk from the station to the beach takes about five to 10 minutes.
Santa Severa, for a beach with a castle
Natural Feature
Another great option is Santa Severa, just one stop prior to Santa Marinella. This beach has an impressive castle, making for a very photogenic bathing experience, and some hidden rocky alcoves that lie just behind it. There is a delightful restaurant right on the beach, L’Isola del Pescatore, for a lunch of fresh fish or a sunset spritz.
How to get here: Take the train from any major station in Rome (Roma Termini, Ostiense, Trastevere or San Pietro) to Santa Severa. The beach is a 20-minute walk from the station.
Ostia, for the closest beach to Rome
Natural Feature
Ostia is the closest beach to Rome and features many stabilimenti (which require a membership to enter) along the boardwalk, as well as a large public beach area. Although Ostia is the quickest option from the city, you’ll be rewarded with clearer water and cleaner sand as you head farther away from the capital. If you do opt for proximity over quality, though, check out the Cancelli: a series of numbered beaches with sand dunes (you’ll need to catch the 07 bus to arrive).
How to get here: Take the Metro B to Piramide, and then follow the signs for the trains to Roma-Lido (up the escalator and to the left). Make sure to get off at Lido Centro and not Ostia Antica.
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Fregene, for a trendy crowd
Natural Feature, Historical Landmark
Just north of Ostia lies Fregene, a slightly cleaner and hipper beach. It’s a favourite with the trendy crowd of northern Rome and offers splendid evening aperitivi at the Singita Miracle Beach Club, where cushions are strewn all over the beach and a ceremonial gong is hit when the sun goes down.
How to get here: Take the Metro A to the Cornelia stop (direction Battistini). Then, hop in one of the small buses that go to Fregene, which pass every 10 to 15 minutes.
Ladispoli, for a long stretch of coastline
Natural Feature
Ladispoli is another safe bet north of Rome: with its long coastline, you’re always sure to find ample room to lay your towel, and it’s only a short train ride from Rome. If you enjoy spending time at the beach during the offseason, be sure to check out the artichoke festival that takes place here during the second week of April each year.
How to get here: Take the train from most stations in Rome to Cerveteri-Ladispoli. The beach is a 15-minute walk from the station.
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Anzio, for World War II history
Natural Feature
Just south of Rome lies Anzio, a city best known for being the site of the landing of Allied forces during World War II and the Battle of Anzio. The beach has beautiful water (it has been awarded the Bandiera Blu, which recognizes cleanliness, water quality and sustainable management of beaches in 48 countries around the world), and the ruins of Emperor Nero’s ancient villa make for a delightful backdrop.
How to get here: Take the train from Roma Termini to Anzio. The walk from the station to the beach takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Sabaudia, for escaping the crowds
Natural Feature
Continuing further south is Sabaudia, a city characterised by its fascist architecture. This beach is also recognised with the Bandiera Blu award and is less crowded than many others because the train doesn’t stop directly in the town. The extra effort to get here will seem worth it when you see the clear water and expansive beach.
How to get here: From Roma Termini, take the train to Priverno-Fossanova and then a Cotral bus to Sabaudia. From the road, climb down the wooden stairways to the beach.
Sperlonga, for an award-winning beach next to a charming town
Natural Feature
Sperlonga is most certainly the most beautiful beach near Rome: not only is its white-washed town worth a visit in its own right, but the water has also been awarded the Bandiera Blu for 16 years in a row. With long beaches on either stretch of the town and plenty of quaint alleyways to discover post-sun bathing, Sperlonga is great for an overnight stay on a weekend.
How to get here: Take a train from Roma Termini to Fondi-Sperlonga. Then, catch a bus to the town of Sperlonga, or opt for a taxi to avoid long waits.
Explore more beaches on our epic 10-day Southern Italy trip, or our four-day Mini Trip island-hopping around Procida and Ischia.
Still not quite sure if Rome is the right fit for your next trip? Check out our list of reasons everyone should visit the Italian capital at least once and our handy guide to the attractions to check out here. Stay at one of the best luxury or boutique hotels we’ve compiled for you, and fill your belly with mouthwatering pasta at the best pasta places in Rome.
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