These less touristy beach towns near Rome don’t get the glossy international attention of Amalfi or Cinque Terre, but that’s precisely the point. Along the Lazio coast, you’ll find relaxed seaside communities where Romans go for a weekend swim, plates of fried calamari, and a slow stroll along the lungomare.
If you’re looking for quiet beaches near Rome, an easy day trip from Rome to escape the heat, or somewhere low-key for a longer coastal stay, these towns give you sand, sea and decent train connections without the coach-tour crowds.
Top lesser-known beach towns near Rome
Santa Marinella
Often described as one of the best beaches near Rome without crowds, Santa Marinella has long been a favourite with Romans who want clear water and an easy train ride.
The shoreline is a mix of sand and pebbles, with both free beaches and organised lidos where you can rent a sunbed for the day. The small harbour and Castello Odescalchi give it a slightly old-school seaside feel. In August, the local sea urchin festival brings everyone out onto the promenade.
Regional trains run from Roma Termini and Roma San Pietro, taking around an hour. Tickets are inexpensive, and the beach is a short walk from the station, which makes it one of the simplest day trips from Rome to the beach.
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Santa Severa
Santa Severa feels wilder and more pared back. Its main draw is the Castello di Santa Severa, a medieval fortress that sits directly on the sand, giving the whole stretch a slightly dramatic edge. The beach near the castle has soft sand and space to lay down a towel without feeling hemmed in.
Trains towards Civitavecchia stop at Santa Severa, and it’s about a five-minute walk to the sea. For anyone searching for quiet seaside towns near Rome with a bit of atmosphere but fewer crowds than the better-known resorts, this one ticks the box.
Nettuno
South of Rome, Nettuno has a more lived-in feel than many Lazio resorts. There’s a compact medieval quarter, Borgo Medievale, just behind the beach, and fishing boats still come in daily with the local catch. In July, the Madonna delle Grazie celebrations see boats gathering in the harbour, which gives the town a strong sense of community rather than a tourism spectacle.
Direct trains from Roma Termini take roughly 70 minutes. The station is close to the centre, so you can be on the sand quickly, making Nettuno a solid option for a Rome beach escape by train.
Anzio
Anzio sits next door to Nettuno but has a slightly bigger port-town feel. The beaches are long and sandy, with shallow water that tends to be calmer on clear days. The town also carries visible World War II history, including the Anzio Beachhead Museum and the Commonwealth War Cemetery, which adds depth beyond the typical seaside routine.
Regional trains connect Anzio to Rome in about an hour. Because the beach runs close to the centre, it works well as one of the more convenient beach towns near Rome by train.
Ladispoli
Ladispoli is practical and straightforward, with broad sandy beaches and a long seafront promenade. At weekends, it fills with Roman families rather than international visitors, and prices for beach clubs and snacks tend to stay reasonable compared to more polished resorts. In spring, the Sagra del Carciofo (Artichoke Festival) takes over the streets with food stalls and music.
Trains run roughly every 30 minutes from Rome and take about 40 minutes, which makes Ladispoli one of the quickest Rome beach day trips if time is tight.
Torvaianica
Torvaianica is firmly on the local radar but rarely appears in international guides. The beaches are wide and sandy, with affordable lidos and long stretches where families set up for the day. The atmosphere is unpretentious, with more plastic chairs and espresso at the bar than curated beach club aesthetics.
There’s no direct train, but Cotral buses run from Laurentina metro station (Line B). By car, the drive along the coast road is straightforward. For those searching for affordable beach towns near Rome, Torvaianica deserves a look.
Marina di San Nicola
Marina di San Nicola is a small residential enclave near Ladispoli, with a controlled-access feel and a quieter rhythm outside peak summer weeks. The beach is sandy and generally less crowded than the headline resorts further south. It suits anyone after a peaceful base rather than nightlife or a packed promenade.
You can drive from Rome in around 40 minutes, or take the train to Ladispoli and continue by local bus or bike. For a quiet coastal stay near Rome that still keeps the capital within easy reach, it’s a practical choice.
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