Your Guide to the Best Beaches Near Rome

Giglio Island by Matteo Musso via Unsplash

Rome is a wonderful city, but in summer it gets crazy, hot, and sticky. After a while, I crave a beach and cool seas. Do you agree?

Then the good news is that within a few hours of Rome, there are plenty of top beaches. Before I get to the best beach near Rome, I would like to mention those beaches to avoid.

Unless you are really desperate for a bit of beach life and don't want to travel far from Rome, then avoid the beaches within an hour's drive to the south of Rome, like those in Ostia and Fregene. These beaches are really horrible—overdeveloped, crowded, and dirty too.

If you want the best beaches near Rome, you will need to travel about two to three hours from Rome to find them.

The Best Beaches near Rome

Sperlonga

Nice long beaches and a fair number of smaller ones too make Sperlonga the best option if you are looking for the best beaches near Rome. The sea is crystal clear, lovely, and clean. It's a joy to swim out a little way and then simply float about in the glorious Med, something I always love doing.

One tip, though: don't go in August as it is horribly overcrowded; June or September are best. Sperlonga is not just a good beach town but a pleasant place to stay in its own right, with a lovely car-free old town.

The "Taste of the Sea Festival," normally held in September, is a great time to be in town, and some of the seafood dishes on offer are truly out of this world. My husband, greedy old thing that he is, just doesn't stop eating.

Other things to see are the villa or cave of Tiberius and the Tiberius museum, which contains a lot of interesting items discovered in the villa.

Imagine a massive mansion adjoining a huge cave, with an endless pool stretching from the beach, along the edge of the villa, and deep into the grotto. It really makes those rap star mansions look pretty lame.

You can get to Sperlonga by train from Rome; it takes around an hour, and trains leave every hour. Sperlonga station is called Fondi Sperlonga but is actually Fondi, and once you arrive, you need to take the local bus to Sperlonga; departures of the bus coincide with the train's arrival.

Stay a While

You should really try to stay a night or two in Sperlonga. The town is full of life in the evenings, when tables spill out onto the piazza and the delicious aromas of Italian cuisine drift through the air.

Laughter and the music of beautifully spoken Italian accompany you everywhere. The lanes and avenues are packed with friends and families enjoying the long summer evenings in the dolce vita style that Italians manage so well.

Giglio and the Gulf of Baratti

If you can spare two to three hours traveling time from Rome, then you are in for a real treat and some truly amazing beaches.

Not just one beach, but nearly a hundred of the best beaches in Italy and definitely the best beaches within three hours of Rome.

I particularly love two beach zones along this coastline.

The first are the beaches on the Gulf of Baratti, where the beaches have fine sand and many are lined with shady pine forests.

The second option is the best of all, perfect if you'd like to discover a little paradise in the Med and the best beaches near Rome, the Island of Giglio 

About Giglio Island

Giglio is one of those places that feels like a dream—and trust me, it’s one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Yes, people may know it because of the Costa Concordia tragedy, but that’s not what Giglio should be remembered for. This island deserves fame for its pure beauty, laid-back vibe, and beaches that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t come sooner.

Let’s start with the beaches. One of the most popular is Cala dell’Arenella. Picture this: soft golden sand, sparkling turquoise water, and surrounding granite cliffs that create a lovely sheltered cove. It’s perfect for lounging or snorkeling in the calm, clear waters. If you’re after a more secluded experience, Caldane Beach is an ideal choice. It’s a bit of a trek—a half-hour walk along a scenic path from Cannelle Beach—but you’ll be rewarded with tranquility and breathtaking views. This quiet stretch of coastline is often less crowded, so it’s just you, the sound of the waves, and the sun-dappled water.

If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry—summer brings plenty of boat services from Giglio Porto to take you to beaches and hidden coves around the island. These boat trips are like mini-adventures themselves, offering stunning views of Giglio’s rugged coastlines, with its cliffs, caves, and rocky outcrops. The water here is so clear that you can see straight to the bottom, making it a paradise for anyone who loves a good swim or snorkel.

Now, beyond the beaches, Giglio’s charm lies in its quaint towns, each with its own unique vibe. Giglio Porto, the island’s main port, is where you’ll first arrive. It’s a colorful, lively spot lined with pastel-painted houses and bustling with little cafes and seafood restaurants. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, watch the boats come in, and soak in the island’s laid-back atmosphere.

Then, there’s Giglio Castello, a medieval hilltop village that feels like stepping into the past. Perched above the sea, it’s surrounded by ancient walls and narrow, cobblestone streets. The views from here are incredible—you can see the coastline stretching out below and catch glimpses of neighboring islands on a clear day. This village is full of history, with buildings dating back centuries and a peaceful, timeless feel. If you’re up for a bit of exploring, the Castello is definitely worth the trip.

Finally, Giglio Campese is the island’s main beach resort town, located on the western coast. With its sandy beach, water sports options, and famous Campese Tower, it’s perfect for families and beach lovers alike.

Giglio truly offers an authentic Italian island experience, without the massive crowds you’ll find elsewhere.

Getting to Giglio

By Car

The drive from Rome to Porto Santo Stefano, where the ferry to Giglio leaves, takes around two hours.

If you would like to take your car over to the island, then I recommend you book well in advance with one of the two ferry companies sailing the route; tickets cost approximately 10 euros per person without the car and around 35 euros for the car. The two companies sailing the route are www.toremar.it and www.maregiglio.it.

By Train

To reach Giglio Island from Rome, start by taking a train towards Pisa and get off at Orbetello-Monte Argentario station, which is approximately a 1 hour 45-minute journey. Once in Orbetello, catch bus line 1 to Porto Santo Stefano—the bus departs every 30 minutes, and the trip takes around 20 minutes. At Porto Santo Stefano, you can board a ferry to Giglio Island, which takes about 45 minutes to reach the island’s port.

Where to Stay on the Island of Giglio and near the Gulf of Baratti

Giglio Island by Michele Bitetto via Unsplash

If you are coming up from Rome it really does make sense to spend at least a few nights here.

Personally, on the Gulf of Baratti, I can highly recommend the Poggio All'agnello Country & Beach Residential Resort. On Giglio island itself try the Hotel Arenella.

About the Gulf of Baratti

You simply must visit the Gulf of Baratti! This hidden gem, nestled between Piombino and the ancient town of Populonia, is one of my favorite recommendations for friends looking for something truly special. Picture this: a beach where golden sands kiss crystal-clear waters, all framed by lush pine groves and the whispers of Etruscan history. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration that captures the heart and soul of Italy.

There are no towering resorts or bustling commercial developments—just the beauty of nature in its purest form. The shallow, calm waters make it an ideal spot for families, allowing kids to splash around safely while you bask in the sun or lose yourself in a captivating book under the gentle shade of a pine tree. And for those who adore snorkeling, don’t forget your gear! The underwater rock formations here are a true wonder, and the water’s clarity is simply perfect for spotting colorful marine life. 

But let’s not forget the rich history that makes this place even more fascinating. Just a short stroll from the beach, you’ll discover the archaeological park of Populonia. This ancient Etruscan settlement offers a delightful glimpse into Italy’s distant past, with its ruins and artifacts whispering the stories of a once-thriving civilization. Imagine wandering through the remnants of old ironworks and pottery, surrounded by breathtaking coastal views—it’s a surreal experience that connects you to the very essence of this land.

And don’t worry about packing a picnic—there are charming local cafes nearby where you can grab a bite to eat. Picture yourself savoring fresh seafood, perfectly cooked pasta, or delightful Italian delicacies, all while enjoying stunning sea views. It’s these little moments, the taste of Italy combined with the beauty of nature, that make Baratti so unforgettable.

Getting to Baratti

The best way is by train. The fast train from Rome to Populonia takes around two and a half hours and costs around 30 euros each way.

If you are lucky enough to be able to take life a little slower, take the slow train from Rome, which leaves every two hours and costs 15 euros.

In either case, you will need to change trains at Grosseto. The station will tell you more when you buy your ticket.

From the station, you can catch the local ATM bus to the beach.

When to Visit Baratti or Giglio?

Any time from May to September is great, although avoid August if you can; it can get very crowded and the prices of hotels and restaurants go up a lot too. 

For more photos of Tuscan beaches click here. 

For my pick of the best hotels in Rome itself click here.

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