As the sun blazes down on Rome’s ancient monuments, locals know it’s time to escape the heat and head for the coast. Fortunately, Rome, Italy, is conveniently located near several beautiful coastal retreats that promise stunning views and a chance to unwind and recharge. Board the blue-and-white Trenitalia from Eternal City with your beach bags slung over your shoulders and trade ancient stones for golden sand.
From Ostia Lido to Gaeta, these top beaches near Rome offer more than just relief from summer’s intensity. Whether you’re seeking a quick afternoon retreat or a leisurely day by the sea, here’s your guide to the most alluring Rome beach getaways.
1. Ostia Lido
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How to Get Here: 30 minutes via Metro B to Piramide, then Ostia Lido line to Lido Centro
Romans have been escaping to Ostia since ancient times, and today’s Lido maintains that egalitarian spirit. As the best beach close to Rome, this is where office workers decompress after long weeks, families introduce children to the sea, and everyone from university students to nonnas claims their patch of sand. The extensive shoreline stretches for miles, anchored by colorful stabilimenti (beach clubs) renting out umbrellas and loungers.
Skip the crowded central area near the station. Walk south toward the Tor San Lorenzo end for wider beaches and better swimming conditions. Stabilimento Kursaal offers excellent fish restaurants, while the free beach sections near the pine forest provide budget-friendly alternatives.
2. Santa Marinella
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How to Get Here: 45 minutes from Roma Termini via FL5 line to Santa Marinella
Dubbed “La Perla del Tirreno,” Santa Marinella attracts Romans seeking refinement without pretension. The crystalline waters consistently earn Blue Flag recognition, while the elegant promenade lined with Liberty-style villas creates an atmosphere more Riviera than rustic. The protected bay ensures calmer waters ideal for swimming, even when other beaches face choppy conditions.
Time your visit for the evening passeggiata when locals stroll the lungomare in their finest beach attire. Book dinner at Il Gabbiano (Via del Plebiscito 40) for exceptional crudo di ricciola overlooking the water, or grab gelato from Gelateria Polo Nord – locals swear by their pistachio.
3. Fregene
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How to Get Here: 40 minutes by car via SS1 Aurelia, or train to Maccarese-Fregene, plus a 15-minute bus
Fregene pulses with sophisticated energy that attracts Rome’s creative class and visiting Milanese. Among the best beaches close to Rome, Italy, designer beach clubs dot the shoreline, while Mediterranean pine forests create natural air conditioning just steps from the sand. This is where you’ll spot Italian celebrities trying to vacation incognito and fashion photographers scouting natural backdrops.
Visit Tuesday through Thursday for a more relaxed vibe and better restaurant availability. Splendor Beach Club draws the fashion crowd, while Il Pirata offers excellent fish in a more low-key setting. Don’t miss the evening aperitivo ritual at Sunset bar, and arrive by 6:30 PM for the best spot to watch the sky turn crimson over the water.
4. Santa Severa
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How to Get Here: 50 minutes from Roma Termini via FL5 line to Santa Severa
The imposing Castello di Santa Severa rises directly from golden sand, creating one of Lazio’s most photogenic coastal scenes. This 14th-century fortress, once a papal residence, now houses museums showcasing Etruscan artifacts and maritime history. The juxtaposition of medieval battlements against lapping waves creates an almost surreal beauty that few Roman beaches can match.
Combine castle exploration with beach time. The fortress provides crucial afternoon shade when the sun peaks, while the free beach section near the castle offers excellent swimming and fewer crowds than nearby beach clubs. For lunch, La Torretta restaurant inside the castle serves fresh seafood with unbeatable views.
5. Sperlonga
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How to Get Here: 2 hours by car via A1 then SS7, or train to Fondi-Sperlonga, plus a bus connection
Sperlonga cascades down limestone cliffs like a Greek island village transplanted to the Italian coast. Among the best beach towns near Rome, this destination offers whitewashed buildings that overlook crescents of golden beach punctuated by dramatic rock formations. Emperor Tiberius chose this spot for his seaside villa, and the Grotta di Tiberio still showcases remarkable Roman sculptures discovered in the 1950s.
Start early with the archaeological museum and grotto, then claim your beach spot before the day-trippers arrive. The southern beaches near the Torre Truglia offer the most dramatic cliff backdrops. For dinner, Osteria del Pirata serves exceptional spaghetti alle vongole with ingredients sourced from local fishermen.
6. Sabaudia
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How to Get Here: 2 hours by car via Pontina highway
Protected within Circeo National Park, Sabaudia offers 12.43 miles (20 km) of unspoiled coastline backed by sand dunes and pristine pine forests. Consistently ranking among the best beaches in Italy near Rome, this Blue Flag destination maintains some of central Italy’s cleanest waters while the town itself showcases fascinating 1930s Rationalist architecture. The absence of train service keeps crowds manageable even in high season.
Rent bikes from Circeo Bike to explore the coastal pine forest trails. The northern stretch near Capo Portiere offers the most secluded beach experience. Pack a picnic from the Conad supermarket in town, as few restaurants operate directly on the beach. Time sunset visits carefully since the western orientation creates spectacular evening light.
7. Anzio
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How to Get Here: 1 hour by car or train from Roma Termini
Anzio wears its wartime history with quiet dignity while offering some of Lazio’s best seafood and most authentic beach culture. The 1944 Allied landing sites now host peaceful beaches where local families gather for weekend picnics. The working fishing port ensures restaurant menus feature daily catches rather than frozen imports.
Visit the Anzio War Cemetery early in the morning for peaceful reflection, then head to Spiaggia di Levante to swim. Book lunch at Il Pescatore (Via del Porto 15) for the region’s best fritto misto—their calamari is legendary among Romans. The Thursday fish market near the port offers fascinating glimpses into local maritime traditions.
8. Gaeta
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How to Get Here: 2 hours and 30 minutes by car or train to Formia, plus a bus connection
Gaeta’s medieval quarter tumbles toward the sea from its clifftop perch, while below, a variety of beaches cater to every preference. Serapo attracts families with its gentle slope and facilities, while Ariana’s rocky coves appeal to snorkeling enthusiasts. The town’s strategic position on the Gulf of Gaeta creates consistently calm, clear waters perfect for swimming.
Explore the old town’s narrow alleys before the afternoon heat, then descend to Sant’Agostino beach for the most dramatic cliff backdrop. Don’t miss the Montagna Spaccata sanctuary built into a cliff face, which is a 10-minute walk from Serapo beach. For dinner, Da Nando serves the area’s best tiella (savory seafood pie) in a family-run setting unchanged for decades.
Takeaway
The next time Rome‘s summer heat threatens to overwhelm, remember that relief lies just beyond the city limits. These coastal gems represent the best Italian beaches near Rome, offering not just respite from urban intensity, but a chance to experience la dolce vita as Romans do—with sand between your toes, salt air in your lungs, and discover why the sea has been calling to Romans for over two millennia.
From the lively atmosphere at Ostia to the tranquil shores of Sabaudia, there’s a beach for every type of traveler looking to escape the Eternal City’s hustle and bustle. Sign up for FREE on OneAir and gain access to unpublished hotel rates and secret pricing on flights, making it easier than ever to plan your next beach escape.
*Banner photo by Ozan Tabakoğlu from Pexels
