| Page Views: 4,320 Last Visit to Ostia: September, 2009 I Used To Live Here | Rome's Beach - many entrances by icunme - last update: Sep 26, 2009 |
Summer - all roads lead to the seaside! | OK - we're here early - so when do you open? |
Many popular beaches in Italy are privatized, which means that beach "clubs" get money from the city to take care of their part of the beach while we pay to use the facilities. You pay an entrance fee and, then, of course, loungers and umbrellas are extra.
That said - it is a great excursion - especially if you consider that OSTIA ANTICA is right close by also - it is huge and you pass by part of it on the way to the beach. You could conceivably enjoy both in one day. I personally prefer going to Antica on cooler fall days and the beaches in summer.
Problem is - there is one main road and everyone goes - the traffic takes a good slice out of your day. We made the mistake of driving during peak hours the first time - far better, although not so comfortable, to tote everything by train. Solution - go VERY early in the morning - return late orstay overnight and spend the weekend there at the beach. You will still have unbearable traffic returning to Rome at any reasonble evening hour.
There are free public beaches further down from what you see in the center. Parking is not so difficult down at these beaches.
If you come by train from Rome, through the Porta San Paola Metro which has spiffy new trains - when you exit the terminal the "MARE" busses will take you by all 8 gates of the public beaches where there are no entrance fees.
Romans have squared off here at the beaches - private beaches where you pay for everything - free public beaches - there are dedicated family beaches - then you have the gay beach - the nudie beach - the beach where teenagers congregate - the beach for people whose doggies like to swim - and a beach where you find a little of all the above! Best to know where you are going soooo - no surprises!
Gate 7 on the free public beach is a lovely family beach with a nice cafe for indoor or outdoor lunch.
The waters are not noted for their cleanliness - maybe part of the reason I like the pristine lakes so much!
Ostia was the original Port of Rome and this site can be view from within Ostia Antica. |
|  | Lido di Ostia seaside piazza with fountain Astrology signs surround the fountain in the small seaside piazza |
| | Free Public beaches If you go to one of the 8 free public beaches, best to know your preference as there are 8 different public gates. Families gather at the public beaches.
Gate 8 - topless women are not unusual, dogs were enjoying a dip - nude men were asked to wear bathing suits when someone complained.
Gate 7 is a great family beach with good, spacious cafe for indoor or outdoor lunch. I saw no nudity here! |
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| Pros: | "Outstanding day trip from Rome!" | | Cons: | "Traffic if you are driving - take the boat or train!" | | In A Nutshell: | "A must-see!" |
icunme's Ostia Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 7 - Photos: 15 | | | | Restaurants | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | Transportation
Tips: 1 - Photos: 3 | Local Customs
Tips: 5 - Photos: 7 | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping
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 Comments for icunme about Ostia | | | | |
royalempress Sun Nov 8, 2009 02:35 UTC
Thanks for the tips. Mike | mircaskirca Wed Oct 28, 2009 21:06 UTC
Some great memories! My Roman friend brought me here once. We stayed in the camping for a weekend and had a lot of fun. It was in June so the beach was not overcrowded yet. But the traffic was quite annoying. | Nemorino Fri Oct 2, 2009 23:02 UTC
I'm glad they have those spiffy new trains, so it is possible to get to the beach without getting stuck in traffic. | Pawtuxet Thu Oct 1, 2009 14:10 UTC
We enjoy the beach at end of day when it's quiet... and we can take Aussie with us. Crowded beaches no fun for me. Talk about vine covered cottages! time to trim, I'd say... altho it looks charming this way. |
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