Rome's Hidden Beach Town: Ostia
Located just a 30-minute drive from Rome city centre, Ostia is just one of many Rome’s hidden gems. This beach town is perfect for those wanting to get away from large crowds of tourists and combine the beautiful history of Italy along with the very much needed ocean breeze. Get ready to be transported back in time when Ostia was an ancient seaport of Rome and enjoy spending the day walking through the beautiful ruins, witnessing breathtaking sights and relive the always present spirit of Ancient Rome.
Valerio, member of Spotahome Italy, recommends Ostia as a perfect weekend getaway.
Ostia
What to do in Ostia:
Ostia beach
One of Ostia’s main attractions is its beach – beloved by many of Rome’s locals, but quite unknown to the rest of the world. Is there any better way to relax after a long day other than enjoying a cocktail or two on the beautiful beach while getting a tan and dipping your feet in the ocean?
Don’t forget to take a few surf classes at Ostia’s surf school!
Ostia beach
Grab a bite and party!
If you want to indulge in amazing food on the beach, our Italian team recommends stopping by Shilling Sea Point. From disco, sports, to live music, this restaurant is a perfect place to relax!
Address: Piazzale Cristoforo Colombo, 25, 00122 Lido di Ostia, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 56470728
Opening Hours: Sun – Fri 9:00 am – 2:00 am, Sat 9:00 am – 4:00 am
Ostia Antica
Luckily, there’s more to this town than just a beach. Ostia Antica is a crowd’s favorite and an excellent choice for spending a day learning about the city’s past. From pirates to emperors, Ostia has a rich history, dating back to the Middle and Late Bronze Age – those interested should definitely check Ostia Antica’s official tourist guide and read about the rise and the decline of this ancient seaport. Spend a day taking a tour of the sites and enjoy the enchanting tales of Ostia Antica.
Address: Viale dei Romagnoli 717, 00119 Ostia Antica,Italy
Telephone: 06 5635 8099
Please visit the official website for Ostia Antica ticket prices.
Ostia Antica
Did you know that in Latin, ‘ostia’ means ‘mouth’ as it is lying at the mouth of the river Tiber.
La Sagra Della Tellina Festival
Italian food lovers will rejoice over this annual local food festival which attracts thousands of people who can’t wait to try the delicious Tellina a Passoscuro, Ostia’s speciality. It’s an ideal opportunity to get to know Ostia’s locals and experience traditions of this very important town. The festival usually occurs in the summer, with dates being announced a few months before – this year it celebrated its 39th birthday!
Tellina a Passoscuro. Photo source: prolocopassoscuro
How to get to Ostia:
By public transport: Ostia is easily reachable by metro and train. Take the blue line from the Termini Station, change at the Piramide stop and take the Ostia Lido Train, stopping at the final Ostia Lido Centro station.
By car: If you are coming by car, you can get to Ostia through Autostrada Roma- Fiumicino, via del Mare or via Cristoforo Colombo.
By boat: Those craving an adventure can also reach Ostia by boat by making a reservation at the info point near the Tevere river, in front of Castel Sant’ Angelo.