12 Best Beaches in Rome to Do as the Romans Do

Skip to main contentGo from the Colosseum to the sand in 30 minutes—veni, vidi, beachy.GettyLa dolce vita is what the best beaches in Rome are all about. Picture the perfect afternoon—a picnic of schiacciata sandwiches supplied by the legendary All’Antico Vinaio, a backdrop of medieval seaside castles that look like their from a time immemorial, and a plush cushion in the form of a chic beach towel you just picked up from Testaccio Market. You can practically hear the slapping beach volleyballs, humming Vespas, and lapping waves. When in Rome during summer, do as the locals do and make your way to the shore.Big city business is no match for the best beaches in Rome that range from being just a stone's throw away, such as Ostia, to farther day trips like Sabaudia Beach, located about 90 minutes away—these shorelines are as timeless as the Eternal City itself. Here, we've curated a formidable mix of free beaches along with those serviced by attentive butlers, and several picks designated with a Bandiera Blu (or Blue Flag certification) issued by the Foundation for Environmental Education for meeting standards in water quality, safety, and environmental education.Read our complete Rome travel guide here, which includes:The Best Things to Do in RomeThe Best Hotels in RomeThe Best Restaurants in RomeThe Best Tours in RomeGettyLadispoliMake the hour drive out west—the road trip will have been well worth it once you arrive at Ladispoli. This quaint, ancient town is one of the Roman coast's best kept secrets. While it's not exactly a high energy destination, the town is a boon for history lovers as home to the medieval Castello di Odescalchi and Borgo di Ceri, a preserved 13th-century hilltop village with a cluster of local restaurants.Where to stay: To live like royalty (albeit American royalty), make your way to La Posta Vecchia, the iconic former residence of oil tycoon and art collector J. Paul Getty which has cemented its status in cultural memory with its maize yellow umbrellas and vaulted-ceiling indoor pool.GettyAnzioLocated a convenient one-hour train ride south of Rome, Anzio is as rich with stories of Rome's past as it is easy to get to and from the capital city. As the birthplace of the infamous emperor Nero and the site of a famous World War II battle, Anzio's shore has seen the Romans through it all. Should you prefer your vacation to be a calm one, opt to lounge around the town's miles of soft, sandy beaches, or easily sail away to the nearby Pontine islands for an even more intimate sense of escape.Where to stay: Stay steps away from the shore and a mere 25 miles away from Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport (CIA) at La Casa Del Sole, a cozy beachfront B&B that also offers a breakfast buffet featuring vegan and gluten-free options.GettySanta MarinellaThis charming little beach town is a favorite among Romans for its clear, azure water and easy access. A regional train will get you here from Termini Station in about an hour, and it’s only a five-minute walk to the beach. The crescent-shaped sand is lined with beach clubs where you can rent sun beds and umbrellas for the day, plus restaurants in town include waterfront options Bianca Ristorante and Molo 21 to enjoy a leisurely meal overlooking the sea without being directly on the beach.Where to stay: Seated right in the center of town, Villa delle Palme keeps the sea front and center with spanning views at its outdoor restaurant plus a garden patio to take it all in from.GettyCivitavecchiaFrom its roots as a humble Etruscan village to its days as one of the Roman Empire's most critical harbors and its stint as a Papal State, Civitavecchia is a seaside town that has lived many lives. Today, visitors venturing an hour away from Rome by car reap the fruits of both its beaches, like Il Pirgo, and the rich history of its cathedrals, fortresses, and town square.Where to stay: Hotel San Giorgio pampers its guests with seafront views, a rooftop garden, full-service beauty center, and on-site restaurant that crafts its menu around the day's fresh catch.GettySabaudiaIn the summer months, Sabaudia is frequented by a mix of Romans and Neapolitans, owing to its equidistant position between the capital and Naples (roughly two hours away from each by car). With nearly ten miles of Blue Flag-approved public shoreline, it's easy to see why year after year, this sizable beach welcomes throngs of vacationers.Where to stay: At Love & Fama Hotel guests can shake off the sand at the hotel's garden or roomy terrace. Plus, there's no need to worry about roaming the streets for curbside space here—the hotel offers free private parking.Tim Macpherson/GettyOstiaA mere 30-minute drive from the Vatican and Colosseum, Ostia is located in the Municipio X subdivision of Rome. If you're looking for a little more than the breeze off the Tyrrhenian Sea, consider strolling through Ostia Antica, the excellently preserved ancient city where still-vibrant mosaics and frescoes color the pathways.Where to stay: Wake up to spanning views of the seafront at Smy Aran Blu Roma Mare, a 68-room property with breezy balconies just six miles away from Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino (FCO) Airport.Oleg P/ShutterstockGrotte di Nerone BeachHistory buffs looking to indulge in a little sun, look no further than Grotte di Nerone steps away from Nero's former villa—75 minutes away from Rome center by car. Evidence of the beach's ties to a storied chapter in ancient history is scattered throughout the land, especially in the cliffs hugging the waters where carved out caves once served as storage for the disgraced emperor's property.Where to stay: Feel like an emperor yourself at Astura Palace Hotel, noted by guests for its ideal location near the marina, shopping areas, and the medieval town of Nettuno.Leventina/GettySanta SeveraLocated an hour's drive north of Rome, Santa Severa meshes the modern trappings of a European beach vacation—the candy shop umbrellas, surf rentals, and gelaterias—with its medieval castles. At sunrises and sunsets, this is a beachfront that invites dramatic photography.Where to stay: There's a pied-à-terre feel to the accommodations at Le Casette di Frà Studios where guests can continue perfecting their tan on the residential-style sun terrace.Stefano Carocci/GettyCastel Porziano BeachThe conservation-minded Roman Littoral State Nature Reserve, about 45 minutes from Rome's city center, contains Castel Porziano, one of the largest public beaches in Rome. Tree-huggers, animal lovers, thrill-seekers, and even beachgoers going au naturel gather here to relish the park's blend of wild green space and custard-smooth sands.Where to stay: Viriamo House ROMA's apartment-style living offers its guests home-away-from-home solace in the comfort of an air-conditioned flat with an outdoor play area for children in addition to welcome extras like a paid airport shuttle and packed lunch service.GettySperlonga BeachRomans have been taking summer holidays at Sperlonga since the first century, proving it's true that some things never get old. The golden sands and jovial town are simply timeless, and the beach has a long-running track record as a Blue Flag-approved beach. It's a two-hour drive from Rome, but trust us that this destination is well worth the day trip.Where to stay: This Airbnb in Sperlonga has direct access to the water, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms, making it a prime choice for families and friend groups looking for some low-key R&R.GettySant' Agostino BeachA two-hour roadtrip to the south of Rome, Sant' Agostino is kissed by balmy winds and surrounded by vineyards and orchards. The sunny climes of this wine country beckon oenophiles and epicureans to sample the region's finest glasses and famous olives against its peaceful shores.Where to stay: This luxury apartment in Gaeta drinks up the sunshine and charms with its patterned tiles, arched window wall, and Porco Rosso-reminiscent neighborhood just a short walk from the marina.Tiziana Fabi/GettyFregene BeachAfter spending a long summer day lounging around and playing in Fregene's warm waters, visitors will hear a gong striking to announce sunset and turn their attention to the sherbert-painted sky. Located a 45-minute drive outside the city, this quaint one-mile beach is an easy day trip to fold into the itinerary.Where to stay: Start a wellness kick at QC Termeroma Spa & Resort which boasts an on-site spa with eight treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, and 13 spa hot tubs backgrounded by classy country-chic surroundings.This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.Recommended An atmospheric showcase for contemporary design with a destination cocktail bar in a secret spot right next to Palazzo Borghese.Read full reviewA grand old dame reimagined with a focus on design and artRead full reviewView All Rome The world's greatest outdoor museum