This guide to the best beaches near Rome, Italy focuses on the Rome beaches which are easy to reach with public transport, travelling there and back within a day.

While the county of Lazio has some outstandingly attractive beaches including the Latina beaches of the Pontine islands and Sabaudia in the south, these are not really suitable for just a day trip from Rome.

This guide to the best beaches near Rome, Italy includes bus and train timetables updated for 2023, plus a price guide for the Rome beaches with paid facilities, such as sunbeds and umbrellas. And when you’re done here, don’t forget to check out my guide to Italian swimwear style!

Whereas if you’re looking for some tips on the Amalfi Coast, bookmark my stories on Positano and Ravello. If you’re heading to the Venetian coast, I also have guides on visiting Venice, free things to do in Venice, sustainable Venice tourism and camping near Venice.

The best beaches near Rome include Ostia, Sperlonga, Gaeta, Anzio, Santa Marinella and Fregene, and they all have a different character and vary in the time it takes to reach them and the kinds of beaches you will find there.  So with towel, sunscreen and water at the ready, here’s the full breakdown of the best Rome beaches, including some locals-only hacks.

The best beaches near Rome 2023: cleanest Rome beaches

While Italy boasts one of the most stunning coastlines in Europe, the beaches near Rome can’t really compare with the crystal-clear waters found in parts of Sardinia, Puglia or Sicily (check out my guide to some of the best beaches in Sicily right here).

Despite this, the best Rome beaches still make for a fun and family-friendly day out, and many Rome beaches can be easily reached using public transport.  Your choice of the best beaches near Rome depends on whether you’re focused on bathing in the cleanest possible sea water, or whether you’re simply looking for a pleasant sandy beach with an umbrella and sunbed hire, or something in between.

This guide to the best beaches near Rome will cover the obvious options, including the closest beach to Rome, Ostia, just a 30 minute train ride from the centre of Rome. We’re also going to look at harder-to-reach beaches near Rome famous for clean sea and outstanding natural beauty. As a general guide, the further you are prepared to move from the centre of Rome, the cleaner the water.

The Lazio region won ten ‘bandiera blu’ for 2023, Italy’s clean water classification, for the beaches of Fondi, Gaeta, Latina, Sabaudia, San Felice Circeo, Minturno, Sperlonga, Terracina in the province of Latina, as well as Anzio in the province of Rome, plus the lake beach of Trevignano on Lake Bracciano.

Fregene still makes our recommended Rome beach list, despite not having a blue flag, in the spirit of trying something different; Ostia, the closest beach to Rome, makes the list for sheer convenience. This is the only beach actually in the city of Rome on our list. Ostia beaches range from free, public beaches, to the modestly priced cancelli, and paying beach resorts.

We haven’t covered Latina beaches Sabaudia or Circeo in this list of best beaches near Rome, Italy as you have to get a coach from Rome to those destinations, which, from personal experience, is pretty hot and a bit too long-winded for a day trip. If you are planning on visiting Sabaudia, the coach leaves from Laurentina in south Rome. Otherwise, you really need a car. The same goes for Capalbio in the north, which has a pretty coastal area but is really a car-only destination.

Ventotene forms part of the Pontine islands, so has to be reached by boat, and is too far for a day trip. Full details on how to visit the Pontine islands and the best of the Latina beaches coming up in another post.

1.   The best beaches near Rome 2023: Ostia

Romans have a love-hate relationship with Ostia, the small beach town which lies 25 km south-west of the city. It’s easy to get to – there are urban trains that link to the metro line in the city, so from anywhere in Rome, you just need to take the metro to Piramide, San Paolo or Eur Magliana, and change onto the Lido train line to reach the beach in around 30 minutes.

Tickets to the coast cost just €1.50 and can be bought on the spot, but it can be handy to get your return ticket in advance so you’re not stuck looking for a ticket machine that works in Ostia or a tobacconist to sell you a ticket. Credit cards can also be used at turnstiles for contactless payment, providing a handy cashless option.

Ostia boasts the only beaches in Rome, Italy – in the sense that they are the only Rome beaches actually in the city limits. It’s worth noting that the seawater isn’t that clean throughout Ostia, and in the main part of town, the seafront is literally gated off and ‘managed’ by private bathing establishments, which effectively charge you even to see the sea.

Ostia itself is characterised by a bustling sea-front, with lots of families with strollers, youths and cyclists trying to tackle its overrun cycle path, and row upon row of private or paying beaches. The controversy here – and say it in a whisper – is that many of the bathing establishments are run by a kind of local ‘mafia’, and you will see them rigorously enforcing that you pay to even get in and walk along the seafront.

Forget trying to bypass the controls and place a towel on the sand, even really close to the waves, as if you are within the parallel lines defining each private beach club, you will be charged something for occupying even a small piece of beach there.

That said, there are some good value options here as far as beaches in Rome go, and most will let you enter for €5 if you just want to stick your towel on a square of sand and soak up some sun. As the closest beach to Rome, Ostia is a good option for the traveller short on time. Otherwise, just go with the flow and rent a sunbed and umbrella at one of the Ostia beach clubs, with prices for either starting at about €8 apiece.

When you get off the train at Lido Centro, in the heart of Ostia, expect to walk through a recently renovated pedestrian area in the town and cross the busy street that flanks the seafront to reach the stretch of Rome beaches. Look out for the large dome of the church – Santa Maria di Regina Pacis – and you know that you are getting close to the sea.

Once you reach the Ostia seafront, if you turn left, keeping the sea on your right, you will eventually reach a couple of stretches of free Roman beach in the heart of Ostia, but they get very busy, noisy and dirty in the summer and are only recommended if you’re on a real budget and frankly don’t care much, beyond getting a tan and having a quick dip in the water.

If, on reaching the seafront, you turn right, keeping the sea on your left, there are a few smart bathing establishments which are ideal for a day at the sea. Keep going, and you will eventually reach the port of Ostia, a smart and recently constructed docking area for yachts and boats of all dimensions, well-served by a cluster of restaurants and bars. Out of season, it is also fun to stroll or bike down here and contemplate the port, before stopping for a cool drink or a bite to eat near the beach.

There is a third option in Ostia, and that’s visiting the Cancelli, which translates literally as ‘gates’, and is a stretch of eight public Rome beaches subsidised by the local council. These are a lot better than the description sounds and are actually my favourite option for going to the beach in Ostia, remaining some of the closest beaches to Rome. Why is this the best beach in Ostia? Quite simply, because you have the option of renting a sunbed and umbrella, and paying for drinks and snacks, but can equally just take a towel and your own umbrella or beach tent and lie on this Rome beach for no additional charge. The dunes on many of the Cancelli Rome beaches add a relaxed nature vibe – making this easily one of the best beach options near Rome.

How to get to the Cancelli beaches in Ostia 2023

The only issue is that these eight beaches aren’t in the centre of Ostia, so you have to take an extra bus on top of the Lido train from Rome. How to get to the Cancelli beaches in Ostia? The drill is this: when you take the Lido train to Ostia, stay on it until the last stop, called Cristoforo Colombo, and then as soon as you come out of the station, take a bus, usually the 07 MARE bus, or simply follow the crowds equipped with beach bags and sun parasols. Your €1.50 metro ticket will cover both parts of your journey, so you don’t need to buy an additional ticket for this.

You then have a choice of which of the Rome beaches or Cancelli to try. My favourite of the Cancelli beaches in Ostia is the last one, number 8, with the black billiard ball logo. It has a pleasant raffia covered beach bar surrounded by swings, and as well as neat rows of umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, also offers an ample area of free beach near the dunes which offers space and seclusion even on the busiest of days. Definitely one of the best beaches near Rome.

Please note, while the buses to the Cancelli Rome beaches are frequent in the summer months, out of season, and even during the spring and autumn, they are few and far between, so you may have to wait a while to get your connection.

How to get to Ostia, the closest beach to Rome, using public transport: Reaching Ostia from the centre of Rome requires a €1.50 metro ticket on the city’s regular metro line, departing from the Roma Lido station, situated next to the Piramide metro stop on Rome’s blue line. You can also join this train at San Paolo or EUR Magliana.

Food tip: Check out the bars and cafes in the Port of Ostia for a bit of people watching. Meanwhile, we like the casual and formal dining restaurants located inside the bathing establishment Il Capanno.

2. The best beaches near Rome 2023: Sperlonga

By far and away Lazio’s prettiest beach resort, Sperlonga is a unique spot on the Lazio coastline and is well worth the trip. I can confidently say that this is probably the best beach near Rome, so if you like gorgeous resorts and clean seas, this may be the best choice for you. Sperlonga has often been compared to a Greek fishing village, and it’s easy to see why: houses like white cubes are pressed into a steep-sided rock, with dramatic views over the sea and two handsome, sandy bays for bathing in the sea. Up in the old town, winding cobbles streets provide much needed shade, as well as a mix of gift shops, bars and restaurants. All this makes Sperlonga queen of the Latina beaches.

The dilemma: how to get there. By car, you have to brave the agonisingly slow Pontina road (2 hours in traffic) or shoot down the A1 motorway and then work your way back to the coast. The cheap and fast option is the 1’ 10” train from Roma Termini to Fondi, but you do have to then get the bus from Fondi to Sperlonga. These only run once an hour, so do try and time your train to meet one.

Minicabs cost around €20 from Fondi to Sperlonga (don’t let them charge you more) but if you travelling alone or as a couple, local taxis are happy to charge to €5 per head and allow you to ‘go in’ with other travellers trying to reach Sperlonga. It is all worth it, as once you get to Sperlonga, it’s a rare paradise. Walk round the rock on which the town is founded to the second bay for the prettiest views and the better beach facilities. All in all, it may not be the closest beach to Rome but its one of the best beaches near Rome.

How to get to Sperlonga with public transport: Take the train from Termini to Fondi, attempting to coincide with the buses going from Fondi to Sperlonga (ten past the hour).

Cheapest solution: The €14 all day ticket (7 zones) for Lazio will give you the freedom of the region for 24 hours (regional trains only; includes all trams, metro and buses in Rome as well). Ask for a €14 BIRG at one of the newspaper stands in Termini. The Sperlonga bus is €1.50 each way in addition. Two sunbeds and an umbrella start at €20 in Sperlonga.

Lunch tip: We like Da Martini sul Ponte up in the old town for the best views and an enviable breeze overlooking the coast. Otherwise, down in the port, don’t underestimate Il Porticciolo: it may look like a regular beach bar, but this laid back trattoria serves some of the best seafood pasta in town.

My top Sperlonga hotels 2023

Moresco Park Hotel

Ideal if you’re arriving by car, Moresco Park Hotel is set up on a hill with a gorgeous green garden and incredible views across the azure waters of the Gulf of Terracina, just 800 metres from the pretty town centre of Sperlonga. Free parking, spacious, modern rooms, air conditioning and private balconies with sea views make this an excellent choice (parking can be a real challenge in the historic centre, and gets expensive too).
To find out more or reserve a room at the property, click here.

Hotel Corallo

Hotel Corallo has a special place in my heart and it’s still my favourite downtown hotel in Sperlonga. This immaculate three-star hotel has a prime position in the white streets of the pretty old town and it’s just a five minutes’ walk from the beach. Ideal if you’re arriving with public transport, it has a gorgeous panoramic terrace, perfect for a drink at sundown.
To find out more or reserve a room at the property, click here.

B&B Sperlonga

Located along Sperlonga’s main promenade, but set back from the traffic of the sea front, B&B Sperlonga is a great, central choice. It’s five minutes’ walk from the Ponente beach, but there’s none of the walking up and down steps that you associate with accommodation in the old town. Clean, modern facilities, a bus-stop to Fondi close by, and Wi-Fi in all areas make this an ideal, practical choice.
To find out more or reserve a room at the property, click here.

For a full list of Sperlonga hotels and a more in-depth guide, read: How to Get to Sperlonga From Rome or Naples – Plus the Best Sperlonga Hotels

3. The best Rome beaches 2023: Gaeta

If you like combining sunbathing with sightseeing, Gaeta is always an option when researching the best beaches near Rome. Take the same train that you would for Sperlonga, but stay on until Formia (again the €14 24 hour BIRG ticket is valid). Cotral buses run every 20 minutes from outside the station to Gaeta (and accept the same BIRG ticket, so no extra expense).

Stay on the bus until you get to Corso Italia and walk down to Via Marina for your pick of the dull but functional stabilimente or private beach clubs. This isn’t a pretty stretch of sea front like Sperlonga, but the sea is clean and you’re close to nature if you head for the promontory of rock under the ruins of the old Aragon castle in Gaeta. We tried the private beach Risorgimento which asked €20 for two sunbeds and an umbrella. All in all, a good option if you’re looking for beaches near Rome.

From the Via Marina, you can also walk around the coast road to the stunning old town, where a steep climb is rewarded with magnificent sea views and a visit to the imposing gothic church of San Francesco d’Assisi (not sure about the paint job).

The same circular bus from the foot of the old town will take you back to the station of Formia; trains run every hour back to Rome but remember that the BIRG is only valid on the regional train, not the Intercity.

If you’re not enjoying your day in Gaeta there are also regular buses to Sperlonga from the town centre, in case you want to check out other beaches near Rome.

How to get to Gaeta with public transport: Take any regional train from Rome to Naples (running every hour from Roma Termini) and then hop on a bus to Gaeta.

Cheapest solution:  The €14 all day BIRG should cover it. Stabilimenti cost from €15 for two sunbeds and an umbrella (typically more expensive from July onwards).

Lunch tip: Take a packed lunch this time to make the most of the beaches and the sightseeing options, also because the journey is longer.

4. The best beaches near Rome 2023: Fregene

Many Romans seem to favour Fregene as a beach resort so I had to go and see whether they should make the cut of the best beaches near Rome. There are some pretty chic ‘stabilimenti’ out here, ideal if you want to stay until the early evening and enjoy an aperitivo on the beach. Singita and La Rambla are two of the most popular resort-style Rome beach clubs, but there’s plenty of choice here. The water isn’t much cleaner than Ostia but Fregene is ideal if you ‘re looking for a Rome beach with a little luxury, from pottering around by a pool to enjoying a bite to eat al fresco in a decent beach restaurant. The town of Fregene itself is a pretty anonymous place so stick to your stabilimento of choice and don’t forget your cruise wear.

How to get to Fregene with public transport: Take the train to Maccarese, from Termini, Tuscolana, Ostiense, Trastevere or San Pietro. Then, from Maccarese station, hop on a bus to Fregene – for example the 020 line. It’s only a 5km journey but can get busy at peak times. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could travel with a bike (preferably folding) and cycle to the coast from Maccarese station along Viale Castel San Giorgio, but watch out for speeding cars.

Cheapest solution: A single on the train costs just €2.10 and takes between 20 minutes and half an hour from the centre of Rome. However, you’ll need to add a bus or a taxi on top of this to get to the beaches of Fregene. (The easiest way is by private car).

Lunch tip: Eat in one of the chic stabilimenti – we were recommended Bagni Albos and Controvento.

5. The best beaches near Rome 2023: Santa Marinella

A little further from Ostia and Fregene, Santa Marinella, pictured above, is a popular choice for beaches near Rome, as well as being the town where a number of Romans choose for their retirement, due to the reasonable real estate prices and the sleepy vibe. This beach town is flanked by a long stretch of coast but if you’re just going for the day, there’s no need to make things complicated: you might as well just go to one of the paying beaches very near the railway station.

To reach Santa Marinella, definitely one of the best beaches near Rome, catch a train from Rome’s Termini station or its suburban Ostiense station. The slowest train can take around an hour and a quarter, but there are also options taking around 50 minutes – check before you jump on.

By public transport: Expect to pay €4.60 for your ticket from Roma Ostiense or Roma Termini to Santa Marinella. No change is required.

Lunch tip: There are cheap bars in most of the bathing establishments, or take your own packed lunch.

6. The best beaches near Rome 2023: Santa Severa

Pretty Santa Savera has a reassuringly wild feel, with its impressive castle overlooking the sea and a long stretch of wide sandy beach, making it one of the best beaches near Rome. Much of the beach is the so-called ‘spiaggia libera’ – a beach freely accessible by all, but lacking the facilities of the paying beaches.

However, these multiple options for beach lovers and the size of the sandy area means that this beach is absolutely packed during the summer months. I actually prefer this Rome beach off-season, as pictured above, for a stroll in the springtime or the autumn, including a quick ice-cream or a light lunch before returning to Rome.

If you are looking for budget accommodation to extend your stay, the Castle of Santa Severa actually hosts a wonderful, clean and smart hostel with private rooms and dorms overlooking the sea. For the full details, head to my review of my night in Santa Severa Castle.

How to get to Santa Severa with public transport: It takes about an hour to reach Santa Severa by train, and the train line is the same one that takes you to Fregene. Tickets cost about €4.00.

Lunch tip: Pino al Mare, a restaurant connected to one of the beach resort’s better hotels, serves an elegant fish-focused menu – but keeps its feet firmly in the sand. Restaurant review here.

7. The best beaches near Rome 2023: Anzio

Anzio is just an hour away from Termini and trains run hourly (slightly less frequently on a Sunday); while the beaches are a pleasant surprise. While Anzio doesn’t offer the closest beaches to Rome, it does boast some of the best beaches near Rome in terms of light, fine sand and clean sea.

To reach the Rome beaches in Anzio, I suggest getting off the train at Marechiaro station, from which it’s a short walk to the seafront where you can choose public or private bathing clubs; this stretch of coast was a deserving winner of the blue flag award once again this year and the sea is clean. Try the stabilimenti of Tortuga or Sole e Luna for a simple and natural experience (we paid €26 in July for two sunbeds and an umbrella at Sole e Luna; the beach is pretty busy at this time of year). Anzio truly deserves its reputation as one of the best Latina beaches.

Anzio played its part in the second world war beach landings so history buffs might want to check out the Anzio War Cemetery or the Beach Head Cemetery, its two Commonwealth War resting places.

How to get to Anzio with public transport:  With a single costing just €3.60 (or ask for a 24 hour Lazio ticket costing €8) it’s a pretty cheap day out for some of the best beaches near Rome.

Lunch tip: The fish is excellent at Punto D’Anzio in the town centre. It’s a small and popular restaurant so you might want to book in the evenings.

Read next: 30+ unmissable rooftop bars & outdoor aperitivo places in Rome