Top 10 beaches in Lazio
Lazio may be best known for Rome, but its coastline hides some of central Italy’s most beautiful beaches. From turquoise coves on Ponza to wild stretches beneath Monte Circeo, these are 10 of the best beaches to discover in Lazio.
10. Serapo Beach
Just outside the historic centre of Gaeta, Serapo is a long sweep of golden sand backed by Monte Orlando. Its clear, shallow water and easy access make it one of the most popular beaches along the Riviera di Ulisse.
Why visit: Golden sand, clear water and beautiful views towards Monte Orlando.
Hidden Italy tip: Combine your beach day with the historic centre of Gaeta and walk up towards the Montagna Spaccata before sunset.
9. Spiaggia di Sabaudia
Stretching beneath the dramatic profile of Monte Circeo, Sabaudia’s beach feels surprisingly wild despite being within easy reach of Rome. Long dunes separate the sea from the coastal lake behind it.
Why visit: Endless sand, natural dunes and one of Lazio’s most striking coastal landscapes.
Hidden Italy tip: Head slightly away from the main access points for a quieter stretch of beach and stay until sunset.
8. Cala Nave
On the tiny island of Ventotene, Cala Nave is a small volcanic beach just below the village. Dark sand, clear turquoise water and dramatic rock formations give it a completely different character from mainland Lazio.
Why visit: Volcanic scenery, transparent water and an intimate island atmosphere.
Hidden Italy tip: Stay overnight on Ventotene rather than visiting only as a day trip. The island becomes wonderfully peaceful once the ferries leave.
7. Torre Astura
One of Lazio’s most unusual coastal spots, Torre Astura combines a wild beach with a medieval fortress standing directly above the sea. Pine forest and dunes surround this remote section of coastline near Nettuno.
Why visit: A medieval coastal tower, wild scenery and a beach that feels far removed from nearby Rome.
Hidden Italy tip: Check access before visiting, as the surrounding military area means opening periods can vary.
6. Spiaggia dell’Arenauta
Between Gaeta and Sperlonga, Arenauta is a beautiful stretch of coast backed by steep cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation. It is also known as the Beach of 300 Steps because of the long staircase leading down from the road.
Why visit: Dramatic cliffs, clear blue water and a more secluded feel than many nearby beaches.
Hidden Italy tip: Bring everything you need with you. Once you have walked down the hundreds of steps, you probably won’t want to climb back up until the end of the day.
5. Frontone Beach
Just a short boat ride from Ponza town, Frontone combines clear water with dramatic volcanic cliffs. Despite its proximity to the main port, the beach feels distinctly island-like and is surrounded by rugged scenery.
Why visit: Turquoise water, dramatic geology and easy access from Ponza.
Hidden Italy tip: Take an early boat from the port and enjoy the beach before the busiest day-trippers arrive.
4. Spiaggia di San Felice Circeo
Beneath the towering headland of Monte Circeo, the coastline around San Felice Circeo mixes sandy beaches, rocky coves and intensely blue water.
Why visit: Beautiful sea views, dramatic mountain scenery and easy access to the Circeo National Park.
Hidden Italy tip: Combine your beach stop with the historic hilltop centre of San Felice Circeo for panoramic views over the coastline.
3. Cala Feola
Hidden on the western side of Ponza, Cala Feola is one of the island’s most beautiful swimming spots. The bay is surrounded by volcanic rock, colourful cliffs and remarkably clear water.
Nearby natural rock pools known as the Piscine Naturali make this part of Ponza especially memorable.
Why visit: Crystal-clear water, volcanic scenery and natural swimming pools.
Hidden Italy tip: Arrive early and explore both Cala Feola and the nearby Piscine Naturali before the afternoon crowds arrive.
2. Sperlonga Beach
Below one of Lazio’s prettiest whitewashed villages lies a long stretch of pale sand and clear Mediterranean water. The beaches around Sperlonga combine beautiful swimming with views of the hilltop historic centre.
Why visit: Clear water, soft sand and one of Lazio’s most beautiful coastal villages.
Hidden Italy tip: Walk away from the central beach towards the quieter stretches closer to the archaeological site and Grotta di Tiberio.
1. Cala del Core
On Ponza’s dramatic eastern coastline, Cala del Core is surrounded by towering volcanic cliffs streaked with unusual colours. The small cove is best reached from the sea and feels wonderfully remote.
Why visit: Spectacular volcanic cliffs, intensely blue water and one of Lazio’s wildest island landscapes.
Hidden Italy tip: Visit as part of a small-boat tour around Ponza so you can combine Cala del Core with hidden caves and coves that cannot easily be reached from land.
Plan your Lazio trip
Want to discover more than just Lazio’s beaches? Explore ancient towns, wild coastline, volcanic lakes and hidden villages with our regional guide and seven-day road trip itinerary.
7-day roadtrip
Explore Lazio in seven days, combining medieval hill towns, volcanic lakes, ancient landscapes and the Tyrrhenian coast beyond Rome.
Lazio Travel Guide
Discover Lazio beyond Rome, from medieval hill towns and volcanic lakes to the wild coastline of Circeo and the Pontine Islands.