Best Beaches Near Rome

Discover the Best Beaches Near Rome to Extend Your City Break  

The famous Roman philosopher Seneca once said: “Beyond all things is the sea.” And, just as luck would have it for your upcoming trip to Rome, there are numerous beaches within a short drive or train ride of Seneca’s ancient city.  

So, if you are one of the 35 million people planning a trip to Rome in 2025, the perfect way to extend your trip to this ancient city is to prepare a few days on one of Italy’s pristine beaches.  

people and a dog relaxing on the beach of Ostia, Rome.  

After battling for pavement space in the bustle of downtown Rome, you can luxuriate and relax on several beaches near Rome before catching your flight home.  

Some of the Locals Insider writers have spent time wandering the streets of Rome, so we asked them to recommend balmy beaches within a drive, train, or bus ride from the Colosseum.  

Best Beaches Next to Rome, Italy

Here are our recommendations, with tips on how to get there and what to do while you’re at the beach.  

Ostia  

Distance from Rome city center: 17 miles  

Ostia is technically in Rome, or just on the outskirts, and it’s the closest swimming spot to the ancient city. Ostia is an old Roman port with many fascinating ruins and natural points of interest.  

There are also hip bars and top restaurants, while there are ten miles of sandy beaches to choose from as you relax after your city break. You can easily drive directly from the city to Ostia, so hiring a car is your best bet. 

Though Ostia is crowded with young Romans in the summer months, it’s the closest beach resort to the city. So, a trip to Ostia is a great way to round things off if you only have a day or two after visiting the city’s famous ancient landmarks.  

Santa Marinella  

Distance from Rome city center: 33 miles  

While Ostia is a little crowded, and the water quality isn’t the best, Santa Marinella boasts arguably the best water quality in the regions surrounding Rome. You can reach Santa Marinella via a 40-minute train for €5 directly from Roma Trastevere, making it a super convenient beach destination for a day or overnight trip from the Italian capital.  

The crescent-shaped beach at Santa Marinella has parasols and sun beds for rent, while individual vendors serve food and drink. In other words, if you arrive with your towel, swimsuit, and some Euros in your pocket, you can relax at Santa Marinella beach all day before hopping on the train back to Rome in the evening.  

It’s perfect for a quick getaway from the bedlam of the city.  

Civitavecchia  

Distance from Rome city center: 37 miles  

Though most people visit this major seaport on the Tyrrhenian Sea to catch a ferry or cruise ship to various destinations in the Med and Africa, there’s a lovely sandy beach in Civitavecchia that is often overlooked by locals and tourists alike. You can also arrange a dip in the Ficoncella Thermal Baths, one of the town’s biggest draws.  

As for the beach, head to Marina di Civitavecchia, starting at Fort Michelangelo. Here, you will find the Pirgo Beach Resort, which has relatively clean water and several sea-facing restaurants and eateries catering to all tastes. To reach Civitavecchia, you can take the bus from Rome for around €10, which should take around one hour and 15 minutes from the heart of the city.  

Fregene (Fregenae)  

Distance from Rome city center: 20 miles  

Though some tourists who visit Fregene (often spelled Fregenae) as an “undiscovered” beach town, Romans have been staying here for thousands of years.  

Still, Fregene operates at a snail’s pace compared to downtown Rome, with quaint trattorias serving seafood and upmarket bars dispensing cocktails and delicious wines from nearby regions.  

We recommend hiring a car and driving to Fregene, which you can reach from Rome in about 30 minutes. To extend your stay on the Italian coast, you might consider checking into one of several local boutique hotels, as there’s much life here to enjoy.  

The B&B Villa Jasiga is a charming spot for a few days after escaping Rome.  

Sperlonga  

Distance from Rome city center: 80 miles  

Though Sperlonga is a fair distance from Rome, the effort is worth it if you want to extend your stay, ideally for a weekend break after exploring the ancient city. If you visit Sperlonga by train, you can reach the coastal town in just over one hour, but a self-drive in a rental car will likely take a few hours.  

So, why make the effort when there are closer beaches to Rome? Well, Sperlonga is a quintessential Italian beach town in the Lazio hills, far from the hustle of any major metropolis. The town on the hill enjoys magnificent views across the Tyrrhenian Sea and boasts narrow streets, beautiful eateries, and bustling little coffee shops on street corners.  

But the best part? The blue-flag beaches. Our top recommendation is Lido La Cassetta Beach, south of the old town, perfect for swimming, relaxing, and eating. 

Sabaudia  

Distance from Rome city center: 61 miles  

Our final recommendation is Sabaudia, which is roughly an equal distance between Rome and Naples, making it a great stop-off point if you’re traveling between the two cities. The nearby Anzio beach is another good option.  

We recommend making the extra effort to reach Sabaudia, as it’s much more peaceful and one of this coast’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. You can travel to Sabaudia by train, but we recommend hiring a car, as it’s the best way to travel the coastline at your own pace.  

Sabaudia is home to the Circeo, Italy’s most renowned national park, which combines beaches, sea, and mountains. You can also dine at the beach-front Saporetti, one of Italy’s most famous seafood restaurants.  

But as well as miles upon miles of sandy beaches, Sabaudia offers a glimpse into the slower, often sensual nature of rural Italian life that you simply don’t see in the country’s major cities.  

If a change of pace is required after your sojourn around the Colosseum and other sites of antiquated Rome, a trip to Sabaudia is the perfect way to round off your vacation.  

The verdict: Which is the best beach near Rome?  

For sheer convenience, Ostia is the best beach for an immediate escape from downtown Rome, as it sits on the periphery of the ancient city.  

But for a day trip, we recommend Santa Marinella beach, which you can reach by train in just 40 minutes.  

If you’re planning a weekend away before or after your trip to Rome, look into Sperlonga, Sabaudia, or even Fregene. These towns offer a change of pace and scenery while boasting some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches.   

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