In a nutshell
- The heart of Rome isn’t right by the sea, but the coast is less than 30 kilometers away – ideal for a beach day or even a full-on beach getaway.
- In this guide, we’re sharing 6 of the best beaches near Rome that you can easily reach from the city center using public transport.
- If you’re looking for a quick escape to the sea, Ostia is the closest beach near Rome – perfect for a spontaneous day trip.
- The coastline at Santa Marinella is stunning. The water here is some of the cleanest you’ll find near the city, and you can even surf at this beach close to Rome.
What You Need to Know about Beaches in Rome
Rome isn’t right on the coast, but the sea is only about 30 kilometers away.
From Termini, the city’s main train station, you can reach almost all the beaches near to Rome in around an hour by train.
The only exceptions are Ponza and Sperlonga. You’ll need to take a ferry to Ponza, while Sperlonga is easiest to reach by car.
These beach spots are great for a day trip from Rome:
- Ostia
- Santa Severa
- Santa Marinella
- Anzio
If you’re heading to these locations, it’s best to stay overnight, as they’re a bit farther out:
- Ponza Island
- Sperlonga
Map of the Best Beaches Near Rome
To help you get a better idea of where the best beaches near Rome are, we’ve plotted them all on a map.
Ostia
Ostia is technically still part of Rome, which makes Lido di Ostia the city’s go-to beach.
It’s a classic city beach: not the most scenic, but well maintained, easy to reach, and packed with amenities.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants, hotels, and nightlife here. In summer, especially on weekends and public holidays, it gets very busy as many locals head to the coast.
If you’re visiting Rome with kids, it’s best to come during the week when things are a bit quieter and more family-friendly.
Ostia is also super close to Fiumicino Airport, less than 10 minutes by taxi. So if you’re heading home right after your beach trip, this is a really convenient option.
How to get to Ostia:
From Termini station, take metro line B or B1 and switch at Piramide to the Roma Lido train.
Get off at Stella Polare. From there, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the shore. The full journey takes about 1 hour.
Our hotel tip in Ostia:
The Fly Déco Hotel sits right on the beachfront promenade and has a stunning rooftop terrace with sea views.
Santa Severa
The wide sandy beach at Santa Severa is located north of Rome. At the southern tip of the beach, you’ll find the striking Santa Severa Castle, which hosts a museum and even offers unique overnight stays at the Ostello di Santa Severa.
Santa Severa is a classic seaside resort with a laid-back vibe. A long promenade runs along the beach, lined with cafés and restaurants that overlook the water, and there are several hotels nearby.
Just south of the castle, there’s a long stretch of free beach with dark sand and minimal facilities. There’s even a designated nudist area if that’s your thing.
This spot is ideal if you’re after a mix of convenience and quiet; it’s one of the best beaches near Rome if you want both comfort and space to relax.
How to get to the beach of Santa Severa:
A regional train runs directly from Rome to Santa Severa station. The journey takes about an hour.
Our hotel tip in Santa Severa:
Besides staying in the castle, we also recommend the charming Baia Benessere B&B Eco Vegan a peaceful place to unwind close to the beach.
Santa Marinella
Santa Marinella lies just a bit north of Santa Severa.
The water here is known as some of the cleanest along the coast. The beach has both sandy stretches and rocky areas, making it a great spot for relaxing or exploring. You can also go snorkeling or diving if you’re up for a little adventure.
Thanks to the underwater terrain, Santa Marinella is one of the best places for surfing in the region, which is why it’s especially popular with surfers.
Breakwaters in front of the main beach keep the sea calm and shallow, so it’s perfect for swimming even with small children.
The town itself is charming, with a marina, a castle, and plenty of restaurants right by the water.
How to get to Santa Marinella:
From Rome Termini, take the regional train toward Genoa or Pisa. It runs directly to Santa Marinella. The journey takes about an hour.
Our hotel tip in Santa Marinella:
We recommend the lovely boutique hotel Le Palme, which has its own beach and an in-house restaurant.
Anzio
The seaside town of Anzio is about 60 kilometers south of Rome.
The water here is beautifully clear and clean, and Anzio offers more than just great beaches. History lovers can explore the ruins of Emperor Nero’s seaside villa and the famous Caves of Nero.
Right next to Anzio is the charming town of Nettuno, known for its lovely medieval old town.
Because of the easy travel from the city and the mix of sightseeing and relaxation, Anzio and Nettuno are perfect for both a quick day trip and a longer beach escape.
How to get to Anzio:
From Rome Termini, a direct regional train takes you to Anzio in under an hour. Nettuno is just 10 minutes further down the line.
Our hotel tip in Anzio:
There aren’t many hotels in Anzio or Nettuno, but a great option close to the sea is the B&B Vittoria, a cozy guesthouse near the beach and one of the best places to stay if you’re looking to explore beaches near Rome.
Island of Ponza
If you have a bit more time, you can even turn your city trip into a beach getaway on an island.
We’re talking about the small island of Ponza, home to some of the most stunning beaches in Italy. Located about 50 kilometers off the coast, Ponza is a favorite summer spot for many Romans.
It’s still a bit of a hidden gem in Italy, as you won’t see many international tourists here.
The island has white sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, sea caves, scenic hiking paths, and the colorful village of Ponza itself. While it gets busy in August, May, June, and September are perfect for enjoying the relaxed island vibe and soaking up the dolce vita.
How to get to Ponza:
The closest ferry port is Anzio, which you can reach easily from Rome by direct train or car. You can even bring your car on the ferry. The ride to Ponza takes about 1.5 hours. Tickets are available on the ferry company’s website, Laziomar, or right at the Anzio port.
Our hotel tip on Ponza:
One of the few hotels on the island is the Hotel Chiaia di Luna. It offers a lovely pool with sea views and reasonable prices if you’re traveling outside the busy season.
Sperlonga
Sperlonga is definitely one of the most beautiful seaside towns near Rome. The old town, with its whitewashed houses and narrow lanes, sits high above the sea and feels a bit like the stepped alleys of Matera.
Although it’s home to only around 4,000 residents, there’s plenty to explore here: scenic viewpoints, a piazza that overlooks the sea, a small marina, and a 16th-century watchtower.
Sperlonga also has two beautiful sandy beaches, one on each side of the tower. With the historic old town and the tower as a backdrop, it’s one of the best beaches near Rome for postcard-worthy vacation photos.
How to get to Sperlonga:
You can only reach Sperlonga by car, as there’s no train station in town. The drive from Rome takes about 2 hours. If you’re continuing on to Naples, it’s another two hours, making Sperlonga a perfect stop on a road trip between Rome and Naples.
Our hotel tip in Sperlonga:
La Maison is a stylish, modern boutique hotel just a five-minute walk from the beach.
More Places to Visit near Rome
Not quite beach weather yet?
There are plenty of great day trips from Rome that don’t involve the sea.
You can hop on a high-speed train from Rome to Naples or to Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer retreat, in no time.
There are also several great tour options to visit Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, or the Amalfi Coast.
Book a day tour from Rome to Pompeii & Vesuvius
Book a day tour from Rome to the Amalfi Coast
Do you know more beautiful beaches near Rome?
Those were our favorite tips for the best beaches near Rome. Have you already visited a beach close to Rome that you’d recommend? Let us know in the comments!