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ISSIMO’s Travel Guide to the Roman Coast

May 07, 2026

ISSIMO’s Travel Guide to the Roman Coast 

Experience the coastal spirit of Italy’s Capital 

Sea air, fragrant pine forests, and sunsets that set the horizon ablaze: the Roman coast is the ideal destination for a getaway just a few miles from the Capital’s attractions. From Fregene to Santa Severa, it’s a succession of beaches, villages, and authentic vistas where you can rediscover the gentle rhythm of coastal life. 

It is no coincidence that right along this stretch of coast, in Palo Laziale, Pellicano Hotels has transformed a Renaissance villa into the refined La Posta Vecchia hotel. 

The user who originally uploaded the file was Lucius from Wikipedia in Italian - Transferred from it.wikipedia on Commons from Michiel1972 using CommonsHelper., Public domain, Collegamento

For centuries, the splendid coastline north of the capital has been a place of leisure and vacation for Rome’s aristocracy: first the ancient, Republican, and Imperial aristocracy, then the papal nobility, and finally the ladies and gentlemen of the Belle Époque. These patricians knew how to live life to the fullest and appreciate beauty, and here they helped enrich an already magnificent landscape with exquisitely refined villas. The remains of one such villa, dating back to the 1st century AD and likely having belonged to Pompey the Great, are still visible near the sea, just two kilometers south of the Odescalchi Castle in Palo Laziale.  

Speaking of the Odescalchi: the name of the town of Ladispoli (Ladislao-polis), which encompasses this area, derives from Ladislao, a member of this princely family! It was he, in fact, who founded this modern “seaside resort” in 1888. A few years earlier, he had chosen the small village of Palo as the site of Rome’s first sailing club, around which sophisticated sunbathing resorts soon sprang up.  

Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or looking forward to a long, rejuvenating stay on the Tyrrhenian Sea, here’s a brief guide to making the most of this long stretch of the Roman coastline. 

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Fregene has always been a favorite seaside getaway for Romans. In addition to the beaches, the monumental pine forest is well worth exploring: a shady oasis perfect for a walk or a bike ride, especially during the cooler hours of the day. 

Heading north, you’ll come to Palo Laziale, one of the most picturesque and lesser-known corners of the coast. Its castle overlooking the sea, nestled in greenery, retains a discreet charm with a cinematic flair. 

Finally, the castle of Santa Severa: a must-see, a medieval complex right on the beach offering a unique view. Especially at sunset, when the walls are bathed in golden light. 

DO

Treat yourself to long days at the beach, alternating sunbathing with refreshing dips in the water.  

By Fczarnowski - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

If you prefer to be active, a bike ride through the pine forests and along the seafront is the ideal way to experience this stretch of coastline, but you can also enjoy the coast on horseback. Exploring one of the area’s many protected nature reserves on foot, such as the Macchiagrande Oasis or the Torre Flavia Marsh, offers the chance to enjoy birdwatching

And as the sun sets, it’s worth stopping to watch the Tyrrhenian Sea turn red: that’s when the Roman coast is at its best, with warm lights and a relaxed atmosphere.  

How to Get There

The Roman coastline is easily accessible from Rome: it takes less than an hour by car. Alternatively, regional trains connect the capital to towns such as Ladispoli and Santa Marinella, from which it is easy to continue on to the beaches. 

Curated by Meridiani - © Editoriale Domus S.p.A.

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