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Explore Rome, Italy

9 Beaches Close to Rome When You Want A Break From The City

From crystal-clear waters to historic seaside towns, these 9 Lazio coast beaches are perfect for day trips or the weekend away from Rome. getaways

9 Beaches Close to Rome When You Want A Break From The City

If you’re visiting Rome and craving some time by the sea, you're in for a treat. The Lazio region offers an incredible variety of beaches near Rome, many of which are just an hour or two away by car or train. The Tyrrhenian Sea delivers, with the coastline near Rome featuring a mix of sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and historic seaside villages—ideal for a quick day trip or a laid-back weekend away from the city’s crowds and heat.

Sperlonga Beach

Ariel view of Sperlonga Beach, with waves washing onto a beach with lots of white beach chairs.

Location: Sperlonga, Lazio

Sperlonga Beach is one of the most picturesque beach towns in Lazio, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Rome. It boasts a charming medieval town built on a cliff, with narrow alleys and whitewashed buildings. The beach stretches below with golden sand and shallow, calm water, making it ideal for families and couples alike. It also has the Blue Flag certification, indicating clean, safe waters and excellent facilities.

Highlights:

  • Blue Flag beach with clean, safe waters
  • Ideal for families with kids
  • Located next to a scenic cliffside town
  • Easily accessible by train to Fondi-Sperlonga station

Santa Severa Beach

A beach with clear turquois waters and a castle at the end of the beach.

Location: Santa Marinella, Lazio

Located just 45 minutes north of Rome, Santa Severa Beach is famous for its historic castle right on the beach—Castello di Santa Severa. This stretch of coastline offers dark volcanic sand, clear waters, and a laid-back vibe. It’s popular with locals and has good beach clubs, especially for a day trip.

Highlights:

  • Overlooks the Santa Severa Castle
  • Popular for photography and history buffs
  • Great for a quick escape from Rome
  • Family-friendly with calm waters

Anzio Beach

Walk way going up a hill side that runs along the beach front.

Location: Anzio, Lazio

Just over an hour from Rome, Anzio offers history and a great day at the beach. The town was a significant WWII landing site and has a lively marina. Anzio beach is sandy with clear waters, and it’s a favorite among Romans and has a variety of beach clubs and seafood restaurants.

Highlights:

  • Rich in World War II history
  • Wide beaches with soft sand
  • Lots of seafood restaurants nearby
  • Easily reached by regional train from Termini

Gaeta Beach (Spiaggia di Serapo)

Ariel view of a beach with hundreds of beach chairs waiting for the days beach goers.

Location: Gaeta, Lazio

Serapo Beach in Gaeta is one of the cleanest and most scenic beaches in southern Lazio. Located about 2 hours from Rome, it offers fine golden sand, clear turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs. The nearby Monte Orlando Natural Park makes this a top pick for both beach lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Highlights:

  • Pristine beach with golden sand
  • Great for hiking and beach combo days
  • Family-friendly and spacious
  • Close to Monte Orlando and Grotte del Turco

Lido di Ostia

Wavey sand leading out to the waters edge with ocean as far as the eye can see with clear blue skies.

Location: Ostia, Rome

Lido di Ostia is the closest beach to central Rome, just a 30- to 40-minute train ride from the city center. Though more urban than others on this list, it’s the go-to spot for locals who want a quick sun-and-sand fix. It offers long stretches of beach, both public and private, and a vibrant boardwalk.

Highlights:

  • Closest beach to Rome city center
  • Variety of beach clubs and public areas
  • Accessible via the Rome-Lido train line
  • Good for casual beach days and social scenes

Sabaudia Beach

Clear waters with a small beach that leads to a hill covered in thick trees with a small castle at the base of the hill.

Location: Sabaudia, Lazio

Nestled within the Circeo National Park, Sabaudia Beach is a stunning example of unspoiled Italian coastline. About 1.5 to 2 hours south of Rome, it’s known for its dune-backed sands, crystal-clear water, and quiet atmosphere. It’s less crowded than other beaches and perfect for a peaceful retreat.

Highlights:

  • Located in a protected nature reserve
  • Great for nature lovers and solitude seekers
  • Minimal development keeps it natural and quiet
  • Ideal for swimming and relaxing walks

Terracina Beach

Ariel view of a beach that has a few resort buildings on it with mountains at one end of the beach.

Location: Terracina, Lazio

Terracina is a lively coastal town with historic ruins, a vibrant promenade, and a wide sandy beach. Just under 2 hours from Rome, it’s a popular summer destination with a local feel. You can explore the Temple of Jupiter Anxur above the town and then relax on the beach below.

Highlights:

  • Combines history and beach in one town
  • Wide beaches with calm waters
  • Family-friendly with beach clubs and restaurants
  • Accessible by train or car from Rome

Nettuno Beach

A beach near the edge of a city with people walking along the beach and there's lots of blue beach umbrellas along the beach.

Location: Nettuno, Lazio

Just south of Anzio, Nettuno Beach offers a relaxed vibe, clean beaches, and a pretty medieval town center. It’s perfect for those who want to pair beach time with a bit of history and local culture. The beach is sandy with shallow waters and several stabilimenti (beach clubs).

Highlights:

  • Connected to Anzio’s historical legacy
  • Quiet and relaxing, great for day trips
  • Medieval old town just steps from the beach
  • Easy train access from Rome Termini

Lido dei Gigli

Ariel view of waves washing a shore on a long white sand beach.

Location: Ardea, Lazio

A bit under the radar, Lido dei Gigli is part of the Tor San Lorenzo area and is known for its natural beauty. The beach features golden sand, clear waters, and a more untouched feel compared to busier spots like Ostia. It’s less commercial, making it ideal for those seeking a more laid-back beach near Rome.

Highlights:

  • Quiet and more natural beach setting
  • Golden sand and clear shallow water
  • Great for those wanting to avoid the crowds
  • Best reached by car

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest beach to Rome?

The closest beach to Rome is Lido di Ostia, only about 30–40 minutes by train from the city center. It’s ideal for a quick escape.

Which beach near Rome is best for families?

  • Sperlonga Beach
  • Anzio Beach
  • Serapo Beach in Gaeta
    These offer shallow waters, clean sand, and family-friendly facilities.

What beaches near Rome have the cleanest water?

  • Sperlonga
  • Serapo in Gaeta
  • Sabaudia Beach
    These often have Blue Flag certifications for clean and safe waters.

Are there quiet, less crowded beaches near Rome?

Yes, try:

  • Sabaudia Beach
  • Lido dei Gigli
  • Nettuno Beach
    These spots are more tranquil and offer peaceful escapes from crowds.

Can I reach these beaches by train from Rome?
Many of them are accessible via train:

  • Santa Severa (to Santa Marinella station)
  • Anzio and Nettuno
  • Terracina (train to Monte San Biagio)
  • Sperlonga (train to Fondi-Sperlonga)

When it comes to beach getaways near Rome, the Lazio coast offers an impressive mix of options. From the historic charm of Sperlonga to the natural beauty of Sabaudia, and the vibrant shores of Ostia, there’s plenty of options to keep beach bums happy.

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