I discovered a real gem in Italy. You'll see extraordinary caves by the beach.
There are some beaches in Italy known mainly to locals. Few tourists from Poland or abroad go there, and it's very quiet – especially before the summer season. I experienced this firsthand. I went to Anzio, because that's the place I'm talking about, in early June, and only one day was it a bit crowded. There were plenty of opportunities for relaxation, and the town had a very authentic atmosphere.
When you hear about seaside destinations near Rome, you often hear the name Ostia (its coastal district). It's a bit closer than Anzio, but that means more people will get there. I preferred the option of going to a less popular town, especially since it has an interesting attraction related to Nero.
Anzio is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea, about 60 km south of Rome in the Lazio region. You can quickly reach it by car from the Italian capital, but the train can be even more convenient. I arrived in about an hour, getting off at a small station. It's only a 10-minute walk to a beautiful beach. You can stay overnight almost on the beach, as many houses are located near the sea. Despite this, the coastal landscape is picturesque and charming.
Already in early June, Anzio was blessed with sunshine, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius, making the water perfect for swimming. Walking through town to the beach, I noticed it was bustling with activity but not overly crowded. It boasts plenty of greenery, and its port-like character adds to its charm.
From the beach, I could see the Alban Mountains in the distance – they lie northeast of the city. From some points, the outlines of the Gran Sasso, the Abruzzo Apennines, and other peaks could also be seen. The island of Ponza, looming out to sea, is also particularly impressive.
Anzio Beach is a Blue Flag beach and meets the high standards of cleanliness , safety, and environmental management awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education. It also has soft, golden sand that makes a truly impressive impression. Driving there, I knew it would be beautiful, but I also wondered if I'd have to pay to get in. I quickly realized that much depends on which beach I choose.
The beach on the Riviera Vittorio Mallozzi has numerous stretches of beach with sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent. If you want to rent one in the morning, you'll pay €35 for two people, and around €25 in the afternoon. I assume prices may vary depending on the season. In these designated areas, no one will let you spread out with a towel. However, just a few meters away, towards Faro di Capo, you'll find wide stretches of completely free beach . Each is sandy, equally beautiful, offers free toilets, and there are also bars nearby.
I managed to relax on both types of beaches and was very happy each time. I felt safe and could escape the overcrowding of tourists – most sunbeds remained empty. The exception was June 2nd, when they celebrated Italian Republic Day. It's the country's most important holiday, commemorating the transition from monarchy to republic, and a public holiday. This was noticeable. Many locals came to Anzio for a day trip, soaking up the sun and strolling around town. Many restaurants were also open, but the next day they were closed – only a few places were allowed to reopen.
It's worth remembering that a little further from the town center, heading towards Nettuno, you'll discover other interesting beaches. These also sometimes require a fee and are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. You can rent wave surfing equipment there and even take lessons. Anzio Beach is incredibly wide, with plenty of bars and umbrellas. When I saw it in the evening just before sunset, I was enchanted. Only a few people were strolling around. I saw golden sand and waves everywhere, and felt the idyllic atmosphere. If you head to the other side of Anzio, Libera Beach is a hit.
What about swimming, you ask? I think Anzio and the surrounding Riviera Vittorio Mallozzito are a perfect place for those who are afraid of the deep and can't swim well. Rocky breakwaters are set up at certain heights in the sea, creating shallow areas for swimming. You can walk for a long time into the sea, and the water barely reaches your knees. The seabed is covered with soft sand, and the beach is protected by a beautiful, long breakwater.
When I went to Anzio to see the beaches, I was also curious about the attractions. It's not just sand and water, but something more. I had read about Nero's famous caves and the unique cliffs before my trip. The city has a fascinating history and kept me entertained.
The grottoes of Anzio. Here Nero is rememberedAnzio was the birthplace of Caligula and Nero, and an important center during the Roman Empire. This remains evident to this day. Some beaches are dotted with petrified grottoes, and a monument to the Roman emperor stands at a special viewpoint facing the sea. A major local attraction is the Grotte di Nerone, marked on the map. All this is at the foot of the Capo d'Anzio promontory. This is where we will see the most ruins and caves. All this on the beach, right by the sea. These are the remains of a Roman villa belonging to the emperor . This one existed right on the shore in the 2nd century BC, during the era of the Republic. It stretched along the coast for about 80 meters wide and 800 meters long.
This site was Nero's summer residence and constituted a significant architectural element of the city. The caves, reinforced with columns, were designed to support the buildings above. Today, these sites are primarily a tourist attraction and attract beachgoers.
Some caves are accessible and allow visitors to touch the fossils; others are fenced and access is prohibited. Visits to the interior of the villa are possible on designated days and hours. The entire area creates a beautiful landscape. It is full of cliffs, and nearby, you can also see a small white lighthouse and a breakwater. Looking up above the cliffs, you'll see streets lined with tall palm trees and abundant greenery.
The entire town, including the beaches, coastline, grottoes, and local restaurants, creates an incredibly unique atmosphere. Interestingly, all the attractions are located quite close to each other. The center is closely connected to the port and its narrow, charming streets.
In Anzio, I also found a small market square with a fountain surrounded by numerous buildings and establishments. Besides the port, lighthouse, and viewpoint with benches and the Nero monument, other attractions include the Beach Head War Cemetery and the Tor Caldara nature reserve – a slice of paradise inhabited by numerous bird species and even rare Mediterranean tortoises. The Tor di Caldano tower is also impressive. The Anzio Beachhead Museum is also worth visiting, displaying artifacts, weapons, and uniforms belonging to the four largest armed forces involved in the fighting in 1944. Interesting artistic monuments and other artifacts add to the charm of the area.
When it comes to restaurants, many can be found right by the beach on the Riviera Vittori Mallozzi, but food and coffee there will be a bit more expensive. Just wander through the maze of streets behind the port and you'll find plenty of tiny greengrocers and Italian, fish, and seafood restaurants. In some places, you can buy a coffee for €1.50 or the famous cornetto croissant for less than a euro. The Italians served the coffee with a smile and joy in colorful cups. One of the ladies even boiled an egg for me to add to a ready-made mortadella and cheese sandwich!
The Italians were pleasantly surprised when they realized I was a tourist. This was most noticeable in the small establishments a short distance from the beach. Everyone welcomed me warmly and kindly. It was clear that the tourists there were mostly Italians, so the sound of a foreign language impressed and sometimes surprised the locals.
Who would I recommend this place to? Those who want to visit Rome but would also like to escape the crowds and spend some time lying on the beach or swimming in the sea. It's also a fascinating spot for lovers of ancient ruins and history. To get there, simply hop on a regional train, which takes about an hour. A one-way ticket costs €3.60, or about 15 złoty.
It's also worth remembering that there are many options for active recreation nearby. The town is close to other coastal villages, so if you have more time, you can explore them on foot or by bike. There are also ferry connections to Ponza, Palmarola, and Ventotene.
Read also: This island has the most beautiful beaches in the world. Not everyone knows them. Read also: This is how Italians sunbathe on a popular island. Compared to this, beach screens are a piece of cake.
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