Discover with us the most beautiful beaches near Rome to enjoy the Italian summer vibe by taking a day off from your Eternal City exploration holiday.
When you think about Rome, images of ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and cobbled streets probably come to mind. Indeed, what many travelers don’t realize is that some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches are just a short train or car ride away from the Eternal City.
Whether you’re looking for a tranquil seaside spot or a lively beach party location, there’s surely a perfect spot just outside the Eternal City. So, if you are planning a vacation to the Eternal City during the summer, pack your swimsuit, slap on some sunscreen, and add a beach day to your Roman holiday itinerary.
In this guide, we highlight the top beaches to visit near Rome, ordered from north to south, the most beautiful and interesting, ideal for day trips or weekend getaways. Let’s find them out together!
Best beaches north of Rome: Santa Marinella
Located about 60 km northwest of Rome, Santa Marinella is one of the most convenient and charming seaside escapes from the Eternal City. Its beach is known for calm, clear waters, making it perfect for swimming, especially for families with kids.
The town has a relaxed, local feel with seafront restaurants and small cafes ideal for a summer lunch with a view. It’s easily accessible by train in under an hour, making it one of the top picks for a quick and easy beach day.
Santa Severa: A beach with a castle
Just a few kilometers south of Santa Marinella, Santa Severa offers a unique beach experience, complete with a stunning medieval castle right on the shoreline.
The beach itself is wide and sandy, with shallow waters and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re lounging in the sun or exploring the historic castle, Santa Severa combines culture, history, and sea in one picturesque spot. Like Santa Marinella, it’s easily reachable by train in about an hour from Rome.
Fregene: The coolest beach near Rome
Fregene is where the Eternal City’s most fashionable set flees for sun, sand, and seriously good times. It’s a trendy, vibrant hotspot with chic beach clubs which offer everything from comfy sun loungers to gourmet seafood lunches and endless aperitivo hours. As the sun dips, Fregene truly comes alive, transforming into an open-air lounge where music pulses and cocktails flow.
Fregene is the perfect summer location if you’re looking for a beach escape that’s as much about style and socializing as it is about soaking up the sun, and you want to experience the Roman “dolce vita” by the sea.
Lido di Ostia: Rome’s nearest beach
Looking for a quick dip in the sea without straying far from the city? Lido di Ostia is the place to go since it is close to Rome, only 30-40 minutes away. While it’s more urban than others, Ostia is popular among locals for beach bars, clubs, and lively local vibes.
With rows of colorful umbrellas and sunbeds at beach clubs, buzzing promenades, and the irresistible scent of fresh seafood wafting from trattorias, Lido di Ostia offers a perfect mix of the Italian summer vibe. In addition, it can easily combine a beach day with a trip back in time to the incredible ancient ruins of Ostia Antica, just moments away, and continue your vacation in the Eternal City.
Best beaches south of Rome: Anzio, A mix of history and sea
Anzio is more than just a beach town. It’s where history meets the sea. Its beaches are famous, especially for their soft sand and gentle waves, often with a blue flag of excellence. Moreover, Anzio is the place where Roman emperors like Nero once built their luxurious villas, and you can even spot the ancient ruins right by the water’s edge.
In addition, you can explore the profound historical significance of its shores, the site of a pivotal World War II landing. Anzio, located only 60 km from Rome, is a great choice for those looking for a summer spot with a mix of culture and relaxation.
San Felice Circeo: where myth, nature, and sea meet on the Roman coast
San Felice Circeo isn’t just a coastal town about 100 km from Rome — it’s a place woven into legend. According to the Odyssey, this is where the enchantress Circe bewitched Ulysses and his crew, and the mystical aura still lingers. It’s where Roman emperors once vacationed and where today you can enjoy a fantastic summer day surrounded by sun-kissed sands and sparkling waters.
Perched majestically on the slopes of Monte Circeo, the town offers a charming medieval old center, hidden coves waiting to be discovered, and a glamorous yet deeply historical atmosphere. From the top of Monte Circeo, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the Tyrrhenian Sea, just like a mythic hero surveying his next journey.
Just a few kilometers away, don’t miss Sabaudia, renowned for its long stretch of wild, dune-backed beach — one of the most pristine and natural coastal spots near Rome.
Sperlonga: The Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea
With clear turquoise water, stunning views, and a charming old town, Sperlonga is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Lazio. This Blue Flag beach boasts crystal-clear water, soft sand, and a picturesque whitewashed old town perched on a cliff.
Located approximately 130 km from Rome’s city center, Sperlonga’s highlight is being home to the spectacular Grotto of Tiberius, the ancient Roman emperor’s very own seaside villa and cave, filled with incredible sculptures. It’s where history truly merges with pure coastal bliss and an unmissable place to visit during a summer vacation in Rome.
Top beaches near Rome: Gaeta, The hidden coastal gem
If you’re willing to venture a bit further — approximately 150 km from Rome’s city center — Gaeta is a dramatic fusion of ancient history, breathtaking natural wonders, and gorgeous beaches. As well as its charming old town, its narrow, winding streets whispering tales of centuries past, Gaeta also offers golden sands kissed by the clear Tyrrhenian Sea. And for a truly unique experience, in Gaeta it is a must to explore the legendary Montagna Spaccata (“Split Mountain”) and the mysterious Grotta del Turco, where nature’s artistry meets ancient myth.
Despite the distance, both Gaeta and Sperlonga are easily accessible by train from Rome in just over an hour, making them perfect options for a summer day trip.
