6 stunning seaside resorts near Rome

Just 90 km south of Rome, the seaside town of Sabaudia is a favourite holiday destination for both locals and tourists. Visitors are drawn to its stunning beaches, the historic Torre Paola watchtower, the tranquil Lago di Sabaudia and the town’s unique rationalist architecture – offering plenty to explore along this beautiful stretch of the Tyrrhenian coast.

Located in the Province of Latina, Sabaudia is also part of Circeo National Park, renowned for its spectacular scenery. The Circeo Promontory rises above a Blue Flag-certified beach, before merging with lush Mediterranean brush and coastal lakes. Gentle waves lap the shore, making it an ideal spot for peaceful evening strolls or invigorating early morning swims.

A short drive south of Sabaudia sits San Felice Circeo, named one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The historical centre is small but striking, formed around the 13th-century tower, Torre dei Templari. San Felice Circeo is steeped in legend, famously appearing in Homer’s Ulysses, where the famous hero was said to be enchanted and held captive by the sorceress Circe for over a year. Lush green trails wind above the sparkling sea, perfect for hiking and taking in breathtaking views. Nearby, you can visit Grotta Guattari, where nine Neanderthal skulls dating back 50,000 to 68,000 years were discovered.

Other attractions include the imposing papal towers from the late 16th century, the Capo Circeo lighthouse built in 1866, the climb to the magnificent Acropolis and the mysterious caves that date back to the middle Palaeolithic era. From its mythical origins to the must-try food, San Felice Circeo is a village of many wonders.

Nestled between Rome and Naples, Sperlonga is a picturesque fishing village perched above the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. Named after the ‘speluncae’ – the natural caves you’ll see carved into the coastline here – its surroundings are as scenic as this implies.

The winding streets in its old town are lined with charming whitewashed houses, and its beaches are lapped by pristine, Blue Flag-awarded waters. Meanwhile, history enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the impressive 16th-century Torre Truglia and the ruins of Tiberius’ Villa.

To the south, Sperlonga’s harbour stretches along a postcard-perfect shoreline, where blue waves glide onto golden, sun-warmed sand. Expect plenty of opportunities for relaxation here.

Lovingly nicknamed the ‘pearl’ of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Santa Marinella offers crystal-clear waters and year-round sun without the crowds of a major beach destination. Just 60 km from Rome, this gem on the Etruscan Riviera is a favourite day trip for both locals and visitors.

Picture this: Art Nouveau villas lining the volcanic sand, rows of colourful umbrellas dotting the beach and a laid-back mood that makes it easy to unwind. While sunbathers soak up the rays, divers are busy exploring the underwater world, discovering all kinds of marine life in the clear blue sea. For adrenaline-seekers, Santa Marinella’s waves attract surfers from all over, no matter the season.

Located 120 km from Rome, charming and historic Gaeta is known as the ‘city of a hundred churches.’ The coastline is also lined with stunning Blue Flag beaches, offering bays and coves galore for visitors of all ages to enjoy. With seven distinct beaches, there are endless opportunities for swimming, sailing and fun in the sun. Dominating the skyline is the Angevine-Aragonese Castle, a remarkable structure that served as a strategic stronghold in the 13th century.

Beyond Gaeta’s renowned fortress and cathedrals, you’ll find several museums and galleries, as well as the world-famous pilgrimage site, the Santuario della Montagna Spaccata. Meaning ‘split mountain’, this sanctuary is steeped in legend – the fissure running through the mountain is said to have appeared at the moment of Christ’s crucifixion.

At the base of the cliff lies another legendary site: the Grotta del Turco, or Cave of the Turk. According to local lore, the cave was formed when a skeptic of the split mountain myth pressed his hand into the rock, leaving a handprint that remains visible today.

Less than two hours offshore from Gaeta lies the sun-kissed island of Ventotene. Rocky, remote and full of rustic charm, this small island is an idyllic escape from city life – with a natural marine habitat that’s considered one of the most extraordinary in the Mediterranean.

Ventotene is believed to be the Island of the Sirens described by Homer in The Odyssey, with a flat, volcanic landscape that’s home to unique, mesmerising bird calls. In 2 BC, Emperor Augustus exiled his daughter Julia the Elder here for scandalous behaviour in Rome – its small size allowing him to cut her off from any contact with men. Today, it’s a favourite spot for Italians, yet relatively undiscovered by tourists.

For sun-seeking and relaxation, Cala Nave is one of the island’s best beaches, named for the sedimentary rock that resembles a ship rising from the sea. Crystalline waters invite divers and swimmers to admire the scarlet sponges and tropical coral hidden within underwater caves.