Explore the Roman Riviera

Enjoy a day at the seaside at Fregenae or Ostia
Talk of the town: In the mid-17th century, Pope Clement IX ordered a pine forest to be planted around Fregenae to protect the coastline.

The leading players of Rome's past have traditionally had summer houses in the beachside resorts of Fregenae and Ostia. Respectively north and south of the mouth of the Tiber, on the Tyrrhenian Sea, both have the draw of sandy walks with an Italian gelato, as perfectly tanned bodies spill from beach bars and nightclubs.
Ostia was once ancient Rome's harbour, gateway to the empire, and is home to some incredible excavations including a necropolis, but most come for the Lido, the most accessible seaside resort from Rome. Fregenae, once the luxury habitat of artists during the 1950s, is now more the hunting ground of football stars. There are better beaches further afield, but both these are known for their nightlife and proximity.

From Porta San Paolo, take metro Line B to Lido Centro (30 minutes) for Ostia. For Fregenae, take the train from Trastevere or Ostiense to Maccarese (20 minutes), from where there is a short local bus.