Beaches under an hour by train from Rome
Table of Contents
The best beaches near Rome to visit for a day trip
I’ve put together this collection of beaches near Rome for families like mine who find themselves in Italy’s capital in the scorching summer heat. There are several beaches located under an hour from Rome by train. During our visit to Rome, we actually chose to cool off at a lake rather than a coastal beach. So whether you fancy experiencing a typical Italian seaside near Rome or an inland beach, I hope you find these suggestions useful.
This page may contain affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay.
If you’ve visited Rome in summertime, you’ll know how incredibly hot it can be. Many Romans leave the city all together and head to established beach holiday destinations such as Sardinia, Calabria and Puglia. However, there are still plenty of day tripping locals who need a seaside fix closer to home. In this article I’ve focussed on the beaches which are closest to Rome but there are of course many more within day trip distance if you don’t mind staying on the train a little longer.
Our own beach experience near Rome was the volcanic Lake Albano, a heavenly treat after a day of sightseeing in the capital. We went one weekday morning at the end of July and it was really quiet.
Remember that August is peak beach month for Italians so, if you’re travelling with little ones, be prepared for sunbeds and umbrellas to be fully booked – consider visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid the really hot temperatures.
The beach is a big part of Italian culture so visiting a seaside near Rome is a great way to immerse yourself in Italian life. Italians love beach clubs. These are private sections of the beach which you have to pay to enter. Some of them are pricey but if you find a good value one, it can be worth spending a bit of money to have showers, changing rooms, a play area for kids and other facilities to make your day more relaxing.
If you’re after a good value day out at the beach and don’t need all the beach club facilities, most beaches have a “public” area where you can throw your towel on the sand.
Check out my article about our beach holiday in Grottammare for more on Italian beach life.
If you’re heading to Sicily, I’ve put together an article about the best Sicilian beaches.
Map of beaches near Rome
Which is the best beach near Rome?
This all comes down to what you’re looking for. Ostia is the closest beach to Rome but not the most charming. This chart shows the pros and cons of each beach:
| Beach | Approximate train time | Sand | Summer crowds | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ostia | ~30 min | Fine, golden | Very busy | Convenience, nightlife |
| Santa Marinella | ~50–60 min | Light sand + pebbles | Moderate | Swimming, families |
| Ladispoli | ~40–50 min | Dark volcanic | Low–moderate | Quiet, local vibe |
| Santa Severa | ~50–60 min | Light, soft | Moderate | Scenery, relaxation |
| Anzio / Nettuno | ~55–60 min | Fine sand | Moderate | Full seaside town |
| Castel Gandolfo | ~ 50-60 minutes | Dark volcanic | Low-moderate | Scenery, relaxation, swimming |
Lido di Ostia
Ostia is the closest beach to Rome and the easiest to reach by public transport, which makes it extremely popular. The sand is fine and golden, typical of long urban beaches, and the sea is usually calm, though water clarity can vary depending on wind and crowds.
In summer, especially on weekends, Ostia is very busy with locals, families, and young people. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with many beach clubs, restaurants, and bars lining the shore. While it’s not the most scenic option, it’s ideal if you want convenience, facilities, and a social beach scene without leaving the city area.
How to get to Lido di Ostia: Take Metro B to Piramide or EUR Magliana, then the Roma–Lido train to Lido Centro or Cristoforo Colombo (about 30 minutes total).
Santa Marinella
Santa Marinella is a favourite for day trips thanks to its pleasant balance of quality and accessibility. The sand is light-coloured and soft, sometimes mixed with small pebbles, and the water is generally clearer than Ostia’s, making it better for swimming.
Summer crowds are noticeable but manageable, especially on weekdays. The beach is only a short walk from the train station, which adds to its appeal. Santa Marinella feels calmer and more relaxed, with a family-friendly atmosphere, gentle waves, and a small-town seaside charm that makes it ideal for a peaceful beach escape.
How to get to Santa Marinella: Take a regional train from Roma Termini or Roma San Pietro to Santa Marinella (about 50–60 minutes), then walk 5–10 minutes to the beach.
Ladispoli
Ladispoli offers a different look from many nearby beaches, with distinctive dark volcanic sand that absorbs heat and can get quite warm in summer (bring sandals or flipflops to protect your feet on the sand).
Water clarity is average, improving on calm days, and swimming conditions are usually good. Compared to Ostia, Ladispoli is less crowded, even during peak summer months, and attracts mostly locals rather than tourists. The mood is laid-back and unpretentious, with wide beaches and casual seaside restaurants. It’s a good choice if you want a quieter, more authentic coastal experience that’s still easy to reach by train.
How to get to Ladispoli: Take a regional train from Roma Termini to Ladispoli–Cerveteri (about 40–50 minutes), then walk or take a short bus ride to the seafront.
Santa Severa
Santa Severa is known for its beautiful setting, with a medieval castle rising directly above the beach. The sand is light and soft, and the water is often relatively clear, especially in the morning.
Summer weekends can bring crowds, but the beach generally feels less hectic than Ostia or Anzio. There’s a peaceful, spacious feel, and the historic backdrop makes it especially appealing for photos and relaxed walks. It’s ideal for visitors who want a slower-paced beach day combined with culture and scenery.
How to get to Santa Severa: Take a regional train from Roma Termini to Santa Severa (about 50–60 minutes), then walk 5–10 minutes toward the castle and beach.
Anzio and Nettuno
Anzio and Nettuno together form a classic Italian seaside destination with a long stretch of sandy coastline. The sand is fine and comfortable, and the water is usually clearer than beaches closer to Rome, particularly away from the harbour areas.
The two towns are popular in summer, but the extensive shoreline means it’s easier to find less crowded sections. The atmosphere mixes lively promenades, historic sites, and quieter residential beaches, making it feel like a complete seaside escape.
How to get to Anzio and Nattuno: Take a regional train from Roma Termini to Anzio or Nettuno (about 55–60 minutes), then walk from the station to nearby beaches.
Castel Gandolfo – Lake Albano
Heading inland, Lake Albano is a peaceful volcanic lake, set in a deep crater and surrounded by wooded hills. This is a good option if you’d prefer somewhere a bit quieter than the busy Roman seaside resorts.
The water of Lake Albano is a vivid blue-green. We took a pedalo out to the middle of the lake and peered down into the water – it was incredibly deep and clear and so refreshing to swim in. As this is a lake beach, it can be a little muddy around the shoreline but once you’re in, it’s heavenly with just the green hills and the serene water all around.
By train from Rome, the easiest access point for Lake Albano is the small town of Castel Gandolfo which overlooks the water and is lovely for a wander, gelato stop, or relaxed lunch. It’s an easy, low-key escape from Rome which combines nature, fresh air and a touch of Italian history.
How to get to Lake Albano: Take a regional train from Roma Termini to Castel Gandolfo (about 45 minutes), then walk 20 minutes downhill to the lake. Bear in mind if you’re travelling with little children that it’s a steep walk back up – there are taxis available (ask a cafe to call you a cab) and sometimes a bus.
We combined our trip to Lake Albano with a stay in Frascati. You can read about both of them here.
****
Read more about Italy:
Complete guide to Italy with kids
Driving from the UK to Italy: route ideas
Family road trip from Tuscany to Le Marche
Things to do in Umbria with kids
