Holidays in Rome

Summers in Rome, Italy can become very hot. In fact, you may find that you need a slight cooling break from visiting the many monuments such as the Vatican, Colosseum and others that are located in the city. One of the best ways to cool off in the summer as well as grab some beautiful sunlight is to head to the beach. Of course, many would agree that the beaches nearest to Rome such as Fregene and Ostia are not nearly as clean as one might hope. If you rent a car or a scooter however, there are many beautiful and clean beaches just two hours away.

Beaches such as Gaeta and Sperlonga can be easily reached by driving just 130 km to Naples. You simply take the “SS 148 Pontina” until you hit Latina and then take the “Via Mediana”. You will come to Terracina and then just follow the “Via Flacca” which runs along the rocky coast. This takes you directly to Gaeta and beautiful beaches.

As a native Roman, I personally enjoy Gaeta and visit there every year. My favorite beach is Piana di Sant’Agostino which offers beautifully clear waters and clean, white sand. I typically stop off at the Ristoro da Guido which is located just 50mt. from the beach and has wonderful parking. You can get 2 beach chairs and an umbrella here for just Euro 15 during the week and Euro 18 on the weekends. You can also dine on the best local specialties you can imagine. Try the Caprese. This fresh dish made with traditional Mozzarella cheese (made from water buffalo milk) and tomatoes is divine. Try the Tiella with squids as well.

Now, once you have had your share of the beautiful sunny beaches, be sure to visit the Domus Tiberius before heading back to Rome. Take in the Villa of Emperor Tiberius and the enchanting small town of Gaeta as well. Here you will find the Montagna Spaccata and you can sample the best gelato in all of Italy at the Caffe Triestina.

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