Your guide to the best beaches in Rome

Civitavecchia sits approximately 80 kilometers northwest of central Rome and has served as the capital’s principal seaport for centuries. That location puts cruise guests closer to several appealing beaches than travelers beginning their day near the Colosseum or Vatican City.

On Cruises to Rome (via Civitavecchia), you can reach the town’s own waterfront within minutes. Regional trains also travel south toward Santa Marinella, Santa Severa and Ladispoli, allowing you to exchange city pavement for sand without crossing the entire metropolitan area. The route follows a coast shaped by castles, nature reserves and working seaside towns where you can enjoy lunch while watching fishing boats offshore.

A beach day offers a refreshing counterpoint to the usual things to do in Rome, especially before or after your cruise. Guests who prefer organized sightseeing can also explore the region with Princess excursions. The Easy Tarquinia By Trolley Train & Gelato excursion, for example, pairs a low-walking tour of a hilltop town with medieval landmarks and time to enjoy a sweet treat while overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The right beach depends on where your day begins and how much time you want to spend in transit. Some choices sit nearer to the port or a railway station. Others reward the longer trip with archaeological sites, established beach venues or a more residential view of coastal life.

Santa Marinella is likewise one of the easiest conventional beach days from the port. Regional trains generally complete the journey from Civitavecchia in about 20 minutes, though guests should check schedules for their sailing date. The main beach lies close to the station, reducing the amount of walking and local transportation required.

A sandy, sheltered bay forms the center of the seaside experience. The gentle slope into the water is a good fit for families who prefer an easier swim, while nearby stabilimenti balneari (private beach clubs) offer loungers, umbrellas and refreshments.

The medieval Castello Odescalchi rises beside the bay, where its stone walls and battlements overlook Santa Marinella’s small harbor. Santa Marinella is especially popular with locals on summer weekends, so arriving earlier gives you more choice between the serviced beach clubs and the limited spiaggia libere (free public beach) sections. Direct rail access and nearby facilities make it a comfortable option for guests who want to keep the day simple.

Santa Severa pairs a broad sandy beach with one of the coast’s most significant historic sites. The Castello di Santa Severa complex stands on land once occupied by Pyrgi, an ancient Etruscan port, giving guests the chance to move from the shoreline into centuries of local history within the same visit. The castle complex is open to visitors on published dates and contains museum spaces, courtyards and historic buildings. Opening hours vary by season, so check the official schedule before planning time inside. 

The nearby beach includes public areas as well as seasonal services, allowing you to divide the visit between the water and the castle grounds.

Regional trains connect Civitavecchia with Santa Severa. From the station, it is about a 1.5-kilometer walk to the castle and beach, which generally takes 15–20 minutes. Allow enough time for the walk in both directions when planning your return to the ship. Your reward is a shore day where swimming and cultural discovery occupy the same patch of coastline, with no need to choose one over the other.

Ladispoli delivers a wider, more residential coastline with long public sections alongside private establishments. The sand has a naturally dark tone because of the area’s volcanic geology, giving the shore a different appearance from the pale strands often associated with southern Italy.

The town receives fewer international visitors than central Rome, so a day here feels like a snapshot of ordinary Italian summer life. Families gather beneath rented umbrellas, residents walk the waterfront and cafés serve meals within easy reach of the sand. 

Regional trains run between Civitavecchia and Ladispoli-Cerveteri. From the station, the nearest shoreline is walkable through the town center, though beaches farther along the coast may require a taxi or local bus. Nearby, the Torre Flavia wetland protects coastal habitat and draws birdwatchers, adding another point of interest for guests who prefer a nature walk  to a full afternoon on a lounger.

Approximately 30 kilometers from the city center, Ostia is the closest major beach district to central Rome. It has a distinctly local character, with rows of stabilimenti, public beach areas and seafood restaurants lining the waterfront.

Although farther from the cruise port than some of these other options, Ostai Beach represents a chance to pair the coast with Ostia Antica. This archaeological park preserves streets, baths, temples and apartment buildings from Rome’s ancient port city. Visiting the ruins in the morning before continuing to the beach connects Ostia’s ancient role as Rome’s port with the seaside town you see today.

From central Rome, the Metromare railway connects Porta San Paolo with Ostia, while seasonal buses serve beaches farther along the shoreline. From Civitavecchia, however, the trip is a little longer and requires connections. Allow roughly 1.5 to 2 hours each way depending on traffic or rail schedules. For cruise guests, Ostia may make more sense as a pre- or post-cruise destination, rather than as a port day. Cruises from Rome give you the flexibility to arrive a day or two before setting sail from Civitavecchia, so you can spend an extra afternoon combining beach time with a visit to Ostia Antica without watching the clock quite so closely.

Not every beach is a short walk from the port, but that does not mean it should feel out of reach. A little planning can help you enjoy Italy’s Mediterranean coast while still discovering the history and culture of this remarkable region.

• Consider the distance: Santa Marinella and Santa Severa are the most manageable independent options, with regional train journeys of about 20 to 30 minutes from Civitavecchia. Ladispoli takes longer, while Ostia is better suited to a pre- or post-cruise stay in Rome.
• Know what beach access includes: Some beaches offer free public sections, while others are served by private beach clubs. Fees may include a lounger and umbrella, with showers or changing facilities available at select establishments. Services vary, so confirm what is included before paying.
• Plan around the season: June through September generally brings the warmest water and the widest choice of beach services. May and October often offer more space to settle in, though the water is cooler and some beach clubs may operate on reduced schedules.
• Consider a private vehicle: Princess’ Civitavecchia by Private Vehicle — Car Class Full Day excursion includes a car and driver, giving you more flexibility than public transportation. Request any beach stop in advance and confirm that the route fits comfortably within the ship’s schedule.

The Lazio shoreline adds another dimension to European cruises, pairing days of art and archaeology with time beside the sea. From Civitavecchia’s harborfront to the castle-backed sand at Santa Severa, each stop reveals a different part of the region. Choose the beach that fits your available time, then return with a broader sense of the region beyond central Rome.