Best beach trips outside of Rome

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This blog post is prepared by our partners, Context Travel.

Santa MarinellaZ’ha’dum / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

With the ever rising temperatures of the summer, Romans are flocking to the seaside any chance they get to cool off with a refreshing dip.  But just where are they going?  Many visitors know about Ostia Lido, which is easily reachable by local commuter train, but numerous beaches within an hour to 90 minutes of Rome provide even more spectacular views and clear water.  While some are more easily reached by car, a combination of coach and/or train will get you to most places.  Just remember that most Italian beaches have been privatized into stabilamenti where you will pay for chairs and umbrellas, so be sure to bring your wallet with you.

Santa Marinella

Santa Marinella is a 30-40 minute train ride from the city, making it one of the best options for visitors who haven’t rented a car.  Trains can be boarded at Rome’s Termini, Trastevere, or San Pietro stations heading toward Civitavecchia and the beach itself is a short walk from the station.  Colorful cabanas and umbrellas dot the beach, which fills with summering Romans.  As with most beach towns, the seafood is excellent and you will have no shortage of options along the narrow stretch of sand that crawls along the coast.

Fregene

More easily accessible by car, though reachable by CoTral bus taken from the Cornelia metro stop in Rome, the beach at Fregene is the place to go if you want to see where moneyed Romans spend their summer.  Located in striking distance of Fiumicino airport, the clean beaches of Fregene have long been an attraction for locals who sun themselves by day and spend the evening at the numerous cocktail bars in the area.

The ship of Odysseus, SperlongaF. Tronchin / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

Sperlonga

Consistently named as one of the best beaches to frequent, Sperlonga is located south of Rome and requires those without a car to take a train to Fondi-Sperlonga and then bus out to Sperlonga.  Those willing to make the 90 minute journey will be rewarded with clear water and beautiful views.  As a former ancient Roman resort, archeology buffs get the added bonus of Tiberius’ villa and grotto.  A stop at the archeological museum is also recommended to see incredible marble sculptures depicting scenes from Homer’s tales of Odysseus.

Castello Orsini-Odescalchi in Bracciano overlooks the lake.Birnardo / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA

Lake Bracciano

Visitors to Rome may not realize that many locals spend their time at one of the numerous lakes that surround the city.  Lake Bracciano is a particular favorite, as this volcanic lake is the second largest in the region and special precautions have been taken to keep the water clean.  Taking the train from Rome’s Trastevere, Ostiense, or San Pietro stations to either Bracciano or Anguillara Sabazia will bring you lakeside.  Don’t miss a chance to explore these small, medieval towns as well, which give nice contrast to bustling Rome.