When the summer turns too hot and gets on your nerves, going to the beach is one of the simplest and most refreshing day trips from the Eternal City. Fortunately, some of the nearest beaches to Rome are less than an hour away, offering sandy shores, shallow waters, and a range of lively beach clubs or quiet stretches for relaxation. Whether you’re looking for a chic sea spot with a lively nightlife, a calm and safe place for kids, or a secret fishing village where time seems to stand still, the Lazio coast has a solution for you in the form of its multitude of offerings.
But first, let’s cover some basics…
Helpful Tips For Visiting Rome
If you’re looking to get off the beaten track in Rome, check out our list of hidden gems in Rome. If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Rome. For more day trip ideas, check out this list of charming towns and villages near Rome.
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Ostia
We start this list of the nearest beaches to Rome with Ostia, the nearest beach to Rome, only 30 km away, which makes it ideal for a brief getaway from the city heat. By train from Piramide station, or car via Via del Mare, you can get there in less than an hour.
Once a small fishing village, Ostia is now known for its long and sandy beach and lively summer culture; it’s lined with beach clubs and offering all you need for a day at the beach, from sun beds and umbrellas to bars serving Aperol spritz at sunset. One of the main attractions is the Pontile di Ostia, a walk on the sea that offers some of the most magnificent coastal views in the area.
Moreover, people who love history can also merge a bathing expedition to Ostia Antica, the ruins of the ancient Roman port just a little distance away from the beach. As for food, the neighborhood is full of seafood trattorias cooking the day’s local catches.
Hotel Bellavista, a hotel on the beach with sea-view rooms and short walking distance to both the shore and local restaurants, is a great place to stay.
Anzio
About 60 km south of Rome, Anzio is a beautiful seaside town that is famous for its lovely sandy coves, crystal-clear waters, and its rich history. You can get there by taking a train from Termini station, which takes roughly an hour. The beaches of Anzio are well-known for their turquoise waters and the cliffs surrounding them, while town of Anzio is a place immersed in history; it was the place of the landing in WWII, and the Anzio War Cemetery is still one of the most solemn witnesses of this dark page of Italian history.
Nero’s Villa ruins and the harbor are the other places to visit aside from the beautiful sea viewpoints and the harbor where fishing boats still unload fresh seafood daily. Visitors can take a boat trip to see the coast or just have a nice time with gelato on the promenade. Anzio is also a place where people want to dive or snorkel. There are several local operators who offer guided excursions for diving activities.
If you want to stay in a hotel near the place, you can choose Hotel Parco Del Principi which has rooms facing the sea, a swimming pool, and easy to access the beach.
Sperlonga
Just over 115 km south of Rome, Sperlonga is frequently included in the list of Italy’s most beautiful seaside towns. The beaches of the town have become popular for their soft golden sand and transparent waters, earning a few Blue Flags along the way. The charm of Sperlonga lies in its whitewashed houses stacked on the hillside, winding narrow lanes that merge into little piazzas, and the views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
One must indeed visit the Villa of Tiberius , a sea cave with sculptures from the ancient Roman villa, while the lungomare promenade is the place to be for those looking for trendy cafés and seafood restaurants. Besides these activities, people can enjoy swimming, kayaking along the rocky coast, hiking trails in the Aurunci Mountains near the town, and visit some charming shops in the area.
The nightlife is quieter than Ostia and is more suitable for couples or families looking for some peace and relaxation. Hotel Aurora Sperlonga is a great place to stay nearby, it has a private beach, amazing views of the sea, and great Mediterranean food.
Fregene
About 40 km from Rome, Fregene is one of the favorite getaway beach for most Romans and a place they usually go to have a stylish beach day. Known for its golden-sanded beach, and tall pine trees along its coast, it has been described as having a chill-out but also an impressive ambiance. Most of the private beach clubs there are packed with facilities such as restaurants, pools, and cocktail bars, perfect for people who want both comfort and the right atmosphere. By car, it can be reached (in about 40 minutes) or by regional bus from Rome.
Those who are planning to stay there overnight, might consider Villa Vanessa, just a short walking distance from the beach, which also has a spectacular roof terrace over the sea.
Santa Severa
Santa Severa is one of the beaches near Rome with the most beautiful scenery. It’s located about an hour’s drive away and in addition to beaches, it’s also famous for the old Castello di Santa Severa, an ecclesiastical building of the Middle Ages. The beach is broad and sandy, there are both public and private parts of it, and the water is shallow making it ideal for families with kids.
Besides going for a swim and sunbathing visitors can still visit the castle and museums or even attend cultural events organized in the castle during the summer.
Sabaudia
Sabaudia, about 100 km south of Rome (so a bit further away than most others on this list), is frequently referred to as one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes. It’s a part of the Circeo National Park area, which means the dunes, pine forests, and very clean waters are all there for visitors to enjoy and that’s just the beginning.
The beach is several kilometers long, so it’s possible to find a tranquil place away from people even during the hottest period of the year. The sea here is very calm, so it is very popular with families, while wind enthusiasts often indulge in windsurfing and kitesurfing.
The city itself is widely known for the 1930s rationalist style of architecture and it offers a peculiar combination of the untouched nature and the past. For accommodations, Hotel Le Dune is a stunning property directly on the beach with beautiful rooms and direct access to the sand.
Terracina
Terracina is a seaside town about an hour and a half drive south of Rome, famous for its beautiful and vast sandy beaches, the legendary Circeo Caves, as well as its ancient Roman ruins and the magnificent Temple of Jupiter Anxur which dominates the town. Visitors can divide their time between swimming, exploring the old streets, and hiking to the viewpoints, and also sail to the Pontine Islands from here.
The town has a lively nighttime scene with cafes and trattorias serving local specialties. It’s reachable by train from Rome (about 1 hour 15 minutes). Grand Hotel L’Approdo, close to the harbor and beach, is a convenient option for a relaxed stay.
Ponza
A bit further afield but well worth the trip, Ponza is the largest of the Pontine Islands, reachable from Rome in about 2.5–3 hours (train to Anzio or Formia, then ferry). The island is famous for crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs. Activities include boat excursions, snorkeling, hiking trails with sea views, and exploring colorful Ponza Town. Fresh seafood and island wines are a highlight for food lovers. It feels much less touristy than Capri but equally beautiful.
Hotel Chiaia di Luna, built into the cliff with panoramic views, offers a stunning place to stay.
Gaeta
Gaeta is a beautiful historic town along the coast with the cleanest beaches in the Lazio region of Italy, and it can be reached either by train or car in about two hours from Rome. The most famous beach is Serapo Beach which is famous for its fine golden sand and calm waters. Besides swimming, visitors can discover Montagna Spaccata, a spectacular cliff with a sanctuary nestled inside, or they can hike to the old fortress that dominates the sea.
A little harbor is available for boat rides to secluded beaches, while the old town is full of narrow streets lined with traditional restaurants. One of the best places to stay is Hotel Serapo which is a perfect spot on the beach and is close to both, the beach and the historic center of the city.
Nettuno
Nettuno is a lively coastal town just over an hour by train from Rome. It’s very close to previously mentioned Anzio. The town is known for its long sandy beaches, the medieval old town, and the American War Cemetery. In addition, residents and tourists use the town as a base for diving trips to discover the numerous shipwrecks and marine reserves along the coast.
Families with children love the pedestrian promenade with its many restaurants and ice cream shops, while history lovers can visit the Forte Sangallo, a magnificent Renaissance fortress.
Astura Palace Hotel is a great place if you want to combine a comfortable stay close to the sea with the wonderful harbor views.
Civitavecchia
Approximately 80 km northwest of Rome, Civitavecchia is most often identified as a cruise port, but it also has beautiful beaches that are worth going to. La Frasca is a small rocky beach quite popular among snorkelers, while Spiaggia della Marina is a charming sandy option. Those who are fond of history can check out the Michelangelo Fortress or the Roman baths which are just a short distance away.
If you have planned an overnight stay, Villa Susana will be a nice and comfortable place offering you the view of the sea along with easy access to both the port and town beaches.
Ladispoli
Located about 35 km west of Rome, Ladispoli is one of the closest beach towns to the capital, reachable in under an hour by train. Its beaches are known for their dark volcanic sand, believed to have therapeutic properties and its coastline is lined with free stretches and beach clubs, making it popular for a quick escape from the city. Birdwatchers often head to the Torre Flavia wetlands nearby. In town, you’ll find casual trattorias serving Lazio specialties.
For a comfortable base, Hotel Villa Margherita offers a pool and proximity to the seafront.
Marina di San Nicola
About 35 km west of Rome, Marina di San Nicola is a jewel hidden from the eyes of most tourists and therefore, it is an excellent place to have a quiet day at the sea. The village by the sea is mainly made up of houses, which gives it a less hectic and more local vibe compared with the likes of Fregene or Ostia. The beach is not only very large and clean but also offers free areas and beach clubs with sun loungers and umbrellas.
One of the most unique features of Marina di San Nicola is the presence of ancient Roman ruins right on the beach—remnants of a villa attributed to Emperor Galba. It takes 40 minutes to get there by car from Rome, or you can catch a regional train to Ladispoli and then take a bus or a taxi.
If you are looking for a lovely place to stay, De Angelis Bed & Breakfast is a very comfortable choice only a few minutes on foot from the beach.
Santa Marinella
Just an hour away from Rome, Santa Marinella is famous for its nickname- the “pearl of the Tyrrhenian” because of its unpolluted, somewhat transparent waters and lovely coastal landscape. In contrast to Ostia or Anzio, the town has a slightly more beautiful and tasteful atmosphere of peace, making it a preferred day trip by families and couples.
Locals love to use their kayaks to venture along the cliffs that surround the shore and you can do it too. Aiming to enhance the place’s popularity is the Castello Odescalchi, a castle that overlooks the sea and makes the town’s appearance seem like it’s taken out straight from a fairy tale.
If you decide to stay somewhere overnight, Hotel Cavallucio Marino will provide you with rooms that face the sea that come with scenic terraces with a garden.
Passoscuro
Last but not least we conclude this list of the nearest beaches to Rome with Passoscuro, a traditional fishing village that has managed to keep its authentic charm despite being so close to the capital. Its long and wide beach is perfect for people who like a quiet and less commercialized seaside atmosphere.
The sand is golden, the water near the shore is shallow, and the horizon seems to be very open, giving the visitors a lot of space even on summer weekends. Unlike Fregene with its chic beach clubs, Passoscuro is still more rustic and therefore is the perfect place for travelers who want to experience the simple and natural beauties of the Lazio coast.
The beach can be reached by car in less than an hour from Rome or one may choose to take a train to Ladispoli or Maccarese which are close and then use bus for the rest of the journey. If you want to stay overnight, Agriturismo Casale di Tormaggiore, just outside the village, combines the charm of the rustic countryside with the easy accessibility of the sea.
How did you like this guide to visiting the nearest beaches to Rome? Did you ever visit any of them? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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