Summer in Italy is the most anticipated time of the year. The weather finally gets warmer, walks extend, cold drinks flow among friends, music fills the air, and smiles glow a bit brighter. But have you ever been to Rome in the summer?
Italy’s capital city has compact streets, ancient stone structures, and low buildings that trap the summer heat, which melts your gelato in about 5 seconds or less. That’s why you should definitely take a trip to explore some of the beaches near Rome when you need a reprieve from the summer heat.
In the mornings, the Eternal City turns into the eternal inferno. So, take a tip from the local Romans and get out of the city.
Here are 9 of the best beaches closest to Rome, many of which are accessible by train!
TL;DR
Italy’s capital city can become uncomfortably hot during the summer months. Fear not! Make like the locals and escape to the sand and sea at some of the best beaches near Rome. Many are reachable by train or car, and the closest beach to Rome is Ostia—just a 30-minute Metro ride away.
Best Beaches Near Rome (Accessible by Train)
Europe’s legendary infrastructure makes it easy to get around by public transportation, and the Italian beach scene is truly something to admire. Starting at a major railway station like Roma Termini, you have a wealth of day trips accessible from Rome’s city center.
Pack a bag with a quick-dry towel and a bathing suit and get ready for a great day trip out of Rome.
Pro tip: The summer is Italy’s notorious train strike season. Check the strike schedules ahead of time and prepare for delays.
1. Ostia: The Closest Beach To Rome
- Duration of trip: 33 minutes by Rome metro (line B)
- Ticket price: €3.
- Atmosphere: Vibrant – Family-friendly – Social
Ostia Beach is hands down the best day trip from Rome because it’s only thirty minutes by metro! Naturally, it gets pretty packed during those balmy summer days.
Just hop on the metro in Piramide and eccolo, half an hour later you’re in Ostia, a spacious beach with a youthful, festive, yet relaxed atmosphere.
There are public beaches where you can bring your own gear, as well as private beaches where you can rent umbrellas.
2. Fregene
- Duration of trip: 1 hour by train and bus
- Ticket price: €3.
- Atmosphere: Family-friendly
Although most travelers think of Rome as the capital for art, culture, and history, they may not realize it’s also a great beach getaway. This is one of the most popular beaches near Rome among locals because the water is always calm and not too deep, making it an ideal spot for a family day out.
But, in case you’re craving some music and a youthful atmosphere, private beaches like Singita Miracle Beach are perfect. Known for its great tunes and fantastic cocktails, it’s best beach close to Rome for a lively vibe.
Pro tip: Not all beaches in Italy are free. Some require entry tickets, so when choosing, opt for Spiaggia Libera di Fregene if you’d rather not pay. Libera is the keyword when finding the free spots.
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3. Capocotta Beach
- Duration of trip: 2 hours by metro and bus from Rome
- Ticket price: €5 to enter the beach.
- Atmosphere: Free-spirited, Adult
This beach near Rome (south of the capital) is a top choice for naturists. It’s part of the Roman Coastal Nature Reserve and stands out for its well-preserved dunes. Here, you’ll find clean waters, a calm sea, and slightly lighter sand. Do you like to dive? Then there’s a protected marine area called Secche di Tor Paterno nearby.
If you’re looking for a relaxed day at the water, Capocotta Beach (Spiaggia di Capocotta) is perfect since it’s not usually crowded. Oh, and just a heads up, this Rome beach is nudist-friendly! You don’t have to be fully nude, but you will come across others who are.
4. Santa Marinella Beach
- Duration of trip: 1.5 Hours by train from Rome Ostiense
- Ticket price: €5 to enter the beach.
- Atmosphere: Family-friendly – Youthful – Surfing
This iconic beach was a favorite destination for Italian and international film stars during the 1950s. Santa Marinella Beach (spiaggia di Santa Marinella in Italian) is located in Civitavecchia, one of the most accessible beach towns near Rome.
Santa Marinella still carries some of that old charm but has also become a lot more laid-back and fun in recent decades. This one is perfect for friends looking for a day trip from Rome and families traveling with kids. Banzai Beach (Il Lido) hosts surf competitions and owes its name to Banzai Pipeline, a beach in Hawaii.
Renting a sun bed and umbrella here can cost around €20. Besides the good vibes you’ll find by the sea, there are plenty of Roman restaurants nearby!
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5. Santa Severa Beach
- Duration of trip: 1.5 hours by train from Rome.
- Ticket price for the beach: Free
- Atmosphere: Family-friendly, a bit crowded during high season
Searching for easy day trips from Rome? Consider adding Santa Severa to your list. Also located in Civitavecchia (it’s just south of Santa Marinella Beach), this one is about a 1.5 hour train ride from Rome.
In the summer, the train that takes you from Rome to Santa Severa will be packed with other beach goers. It’s not uncommon for local Romans to pack up a cooler and towels and ride the train there.
What’s interesting about this beach is you can tack on a museum trip and a castle to your visit. The Santa Severa Castle sits right on the coast line and costs € 16,00 to enter. I found it to be a nice way to get out of the strong afternoon sun for a few hours.
6. Bazzano Beach, Sperlonga
- Duration of trip: 2 hours by train from Rome.
- Ticket price for the beach: €17.
- Atmosphere: Lively – Youthful
Summer, beers, sea, music… party? Bazzano Beach (Spiaggia di Bazzano) in the town of Sperlonga has a reputation well earned for the DJs and parties that are organized during the peak season.
Bazzano Beach holds a youthful atmosphere for Romans who want to have a good time, and it has the best of both worlds, with a restaurant and bar right by the sand. Their seafood dishes are exquisite, and their presentation is incredible. This busy party beach close to Rome is super nice, with clear sand, crystal-clear water, and plenty of room to walk and swim.
Pro tip: Feeling adventurous? You can rent a canoe and explore the coast and caves. Also, not far from the beach, you can find the Roman Villa, an archaeological ruin that’s well worth seeing.
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Best Beaches Near Rome Accessible by Car
If you’re planning to rent a car while traveling through Italy, you’ll have a whole other side of the country open up to you.
You can explore lesser-known towns and quaint hamlets that seemingly only exist in fairytales. Plus, some of the nicest Italian beaches on the west coast are within driving distance.
Touring the Amalfi Coast is a great option for those who want to take a longer excursion to one of the most popular destinations in Italy. But guess what? There are so many more options to explore!
After exploring plenty of Italy’s west coast, I think Spiaggia wins as one of the best coastal towns near Rome. The beach and downtown is a local hangout far away from the maddening summer crowds.
7. Bambole Beach, Sperlonga
- Duration of trip: 2 hours drive
- Atmosphere: Adventurous – Naturist
Fancy a secret beach? Bambole Beach (Spiaggia delle Bambole) is a hidden gem and not well-known outside the locals. It’s just a couple of hours drive, making it an easy road trip from Rome.
Paired with some good music and a great driving partner, you’ll find yourself at a beach that’s truly worth the trip. The sea has a Caribbean vibe, surrounded by the beautiful Natural Park Riviera di Ulisse.
The beach “Bambole” gets its name from the cave delle Bambole, due to the enchanting stalagmites inside that resemble a series of statuettes carved into the rock. If you’re feeling adventurous, the cave is located just past the bay, towards Itri beach, and is only accessible by sea.
You can rent kayaks or canoes to get there. And when the temperatures are milder, it’s a fantastic spot for climbing.
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8. Le Batterie, Circeo
- Duration of trip: 1 hour and 40 minutes drive
- Atmosphere: Natural Lovers
Le Batterie is the perfect place for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing day. This beach is close to Rome, yet located in a completely wild area. It has a shallow, still-water pool that you can walk in before it opens up to the sea.
This spot is excellent for snorkeling, as the crystal-clear water and giant rocks create a vibrant underwater scene full of fish. You can also take a stroll through San Felice Circeo, which boasts a beautiful historic center.
9. Sant’Agostino Beach, Gaeta
- Duration of trip: 2 hours’ drive from Rome
- Free to enter
- Atmosphere: Family-friendly
If you love long walks on the beach, you’ll adore this spot. It stretches for 2 km and offers a stunning view of Monte Moneta from the shore, creating a unique backdrop. The sea is incredibly clean, with fine sand (and some pebbly areas), and you can rent umbrellas and lounge chairs.
Many of the best beaches near Rome have a combination of elements that make it worth the trip: beautiful scenery, a sprawling beach with room to lie on, and spectacular restaurants. As it turns out, this particular beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Lazio region.
It’s the perfect beach day trip from Rome, especially for families, as it offers all the necessary amenities and tranquility for a short trip with kids. Make sure to stay all day for a dreamy, Mediterranean sunset.
FAQs About Day Tripping to a Beach from Rome
What is the nearest beach to Rome, Italy?
Ostia – specifically Lido de Ostia – is the nearest beach to Rome. It’s just 30 minutes southwest of the capital. As well as being the closest beach near Rome, it’s one of the best.
How to get to Ostia beach from Rome?
Being the closest beach to Rome, Ostia is just a half hour Metro ride away. Hope on a B line train heading south from Piramide station. A return ticket is €3.
How far is Rome from the beach?
Rome is about 45 minutes from the western coast with many beaches (like Ostia) being only 30 minutes away by Metro.
What are the best beaches in Rome?
While the capital of Italy doesn’t have a beach in its central area, you don’t have to travel far to reach some stunning sandy spots. While some are easily accessible by train – Fregene, Spiaggia di Capocotta and Ostia for example – others, such as Spiaggia delle Bambole can be reached by car.
