10 best beaches near Rome

So you’re vacationing in one of the world’s greatest cities, but you can’t help fantasizing about the salty ocean air. The good news is, you won’t have to travel too far away from Rome to find a beach.

Having said that, get ready to spend some cash, as most beaches in Italy aren’t exactly public. Instead, the shoreline is usually divided into private areas known as stabilimenti. These “beach clubs” require you to pay a fee to access their corner of the beach, but you’ll also get lounge chairs, umbrellas, and shower facilities. If you’re not keen to cough up $10 to $30, you can wander the coastline in search of spiaggia libera (free beach) areas.

For an impeccable experience, look out for Bandiera Blu (Blue Flag) beaches, certified for their clean and safe waters.

Get an instant beach fix at Lido di Ostia. This seaside town has the nearest—and busiest—beach to central Rome. You’ll also have to pay for the luxury of convenience; most of the sandy strip is dominated by stabilimenti like La Bicocca and Plinius. Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, the ancient archaeological site Ostia Antica is just nearby–perfect for a side trip.

Getting there: 45 minutes from Roma Termini to Lido Centro (change to the Ferrovia Roma-Lido at EUR Magliana), plus a short walk

Santa Severa has been a coastal village since the Bronze Age. Here you’ll find a sprawling medieval castle, and most importantly, a free beach. There’s plenty to eat and drink here, but the most popular by far is Ristorante L'Isola del Pescatore, a seafood shack built right on the sand. Tip: Avoid weekends, when the beach is packed to the brim with Italian families.

Getting there: 1 hour from Roma Termini to Santa Severa

Located near the airport, the coastal town of Fiumicino stretches along the Tyrrhenian coast. We particularly love the beach scene in Fregene, a small hamlet with a population of only 6,000. This is a hot favorite among Rome’s trendy youth, who flock to chic stabilimenti in droves. Drink, dance, and watch the sun go down from Singita Miracle Beach, a beach club with a resident DJ. For a more family-friendly spot, Point Break offers water sports and lessons for newbies.

Getting there: 30 minutes from Roma Termini to Cornelia, followed by an hourly bus to Fregene

With clusters of whitewashed houses, long stretches of beaches, and Bandiera Blu-certified waters, Sperlonga is the quintessential beach town with a dash of vintage glamor. While you’ll find scores of stabilimenti, there are also generous stretches of spiaggia libera for you to relax for free.

Apart from the beach, it’s worth uncovering other gems in Sperlonga. Walk along the cobbled streets of the Centro Storico and explore the Villa of Tiberius, home to an archaeological museum and a spectacular grotto that offers a tranquil respite from Rome’s heat. Then, ease your trip back to the city with this wine tasting tour.

Getting there: 1 hour from Roma Termini to Fondi-Sperlonga

Facing the Mediterranean Sea, Marina di San Nicola is a small town located in the Ladispoli region. In summer, you’ll find many Romans enjoying a vacation here, following in the footsteps of Alessandra Mussolini and Jerry Calà. The narrow beach stands out for its soft, finely-milled sand and its calm waters, safely shielded by breakwater cliffs.

Getting there: 50 minutes from Roma Termini to Ladispoli-Cerveteri, followed by an hourly bus to Marina di San Nicola

Anzio isn’t just the site of World War II’s Operation Shingle; it’s also home to a thriving fishing port and a Bandiera Blu beach with miles of golden sand. The free section of the beach is located right at the foot of Villa Imperiale, once owned by Emperor Nero. For a hearty dose of history, check out the Museo dello sbarco di Anzio, or join this tour for an in-depth insight into the Battle of Anzio.

Getting there: 1 hour from Roma Termini to Anzio

A seaport on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Civitavecchia is a major cruise and ferry port, connecting travelers to Sardinia and Sicily. Some parts of Civitavecchia’s beach can be rather pebbly, but if you prefer greater comfort, there are many waterfront restaurants and cabañas around. While you’re here, savor the taste of freshly-caught seafood on this food tasting tour. Otherwise, the boardwalk has plenty of options, including pizza and gelato.

Spot a looming castle from afar? Michelangelo Fortress was built in the 16th century to defend the seaport from pirates. Yes, it’s named after the legendary Michelangelo, who designed it. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to enter the fort as it’s now the headquarters of the Port Authorities. You can always take a quick bus ride over to the isolated ruins of Terme Taurine, where you can roam around to your heart’s desire.

Getting there: 1 hour and 30 minutes from Roma Termini to Civitavecchia

Once a marshland, Sabaudia was converted into a coastal town under the orders of Benito Mussolini. You’ll see many elements of Fascist architecture here, but the main prize is the long stretch of sandy beach—almost 10 miles long—boasting the Bandiera Blu flag. Golden sand dunes are piled high along both coasts fringing the Tyrrhenian Sea and Lake Sabaudia.

Popular stabilimenti here include Lido Azzurro Sabaudia and Duna 31.5. For a free experience, we recommend Spiaggia di Torre Paola and La Bufalara Beach, which are often frequented by locals. You can also head to Parco Nazionale Del Circeo, where you’ll find many lookout spots.

Getting there: 1 hour from Roma Termini to Priverno-Fossanova, followed by a 30-minute bus ride to Sabaudia

For an au naturel experience, venture southwards from Ostia to Capocotta, a beach protected under the Litorale Romano State Nature Reserve. Behind the sand dunes lies a hidden oasis for naturists, the Oasi Naturista Capocotta. This officially designated nude zone includes restaurants like L’oasi di Capocotta. As you’ll be able to tell from the rainbow flags proudly waving in the sea breeze, this nude beach is a popular hangout spot for the LGBTQIA+ community in Rome, who frequent the Settimo Cielo stabilimento.

Getting there: 2 hours from Roma Termini to Litoranea/Varco 3 (change to the Ferrovia Roma-Lido at EUR Magliana, then alight at Cristoforo Colombo to take a tram from Staz.ne Cristoforo Colombo)

Featuring a long shoreline, fine powdery sand, and azure waters boasting a Bandiera Blu flag, Terracina’s beach is definitely worth a visit. It has a shallow seabed and calm waves–ideal for families with young kids.

For a spectacular sunset view, hike up to the Tempio di Giove Anxur, a temple built by ancient Romans to worship Jupiter. On the way back, you’ll pass through the Old Town, which has plenty of restaurants, bars, and gelaterias. We recommend dinner at Ristorante La Tana Degli Artisti for its delectably fresh seafood.

Getting there: 1 hour from Roma Termini to Priverno-Fossanova, followed by a 20-minute bus ride to Terracina

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