aranda

I will be staying in Castel Grandolfo in the Castelli Romani area in Lazio outside of Rome on Lake Albano. But I love beaches and the ocean. What are my options? Could anyone share experiences and ideas on beaches that are accessable for a day trip? How close is Sperlonga? or Gaeta? or Anzio? or anything else? I prefer beaches that are more natural and less touristy and crowded. What about transportation? In the interest of time would a car service to a beach be reasonably priced? One more question, what about the weather in early May, would swimming be a possibility? or not.

When I was in Positano a few years ago in late October I didn't expect 90+ degree weather, the ocean was warm and wonderful but I didn't have a bathing suit so I swam in my husband's underware. This time I would like to pack a bathing suit if I knew I would be needing it.

Do take care,
Aranda

ekscrunchy

The train from Termini, Roma to Anzio is about an hour. For me, it is too cold to swim in early May. There is great seafood in Anzio/Nettuno.

aranda

Good to know. Thanks ekschunky! No doubt it will be too cold for swimming at nearby beaches, but hiking and just hanging out and exploring would be great. I guess that any connection to a beach area would have to be made through Rome.

StCirq

Anzio is a great spot (and you can take a boat to the island of Ponza from there), with the absolutely best seafood I've ever had in my life. But it's not a beach town, per se, and you'll definitely not be swimming in May. Sperlonga is a wonderful town, as is Gaeta, but neither of them is "natural" or "untouristy" or "uncrowded" - they are major beach towns and as such attract a lot of people. That said, no one will be swimming in May except members of the Polar Bear Club, so they won't be packed the way they are in summer. It's a wonderful area, though, and lots of interesting villages to visit inland as well.

ekscrunchy

I looked it up and it seems that Sperlonga is an hour and change from Termini by train.

I asked some questions about beach areas near Rome, and got some very helpful responses (linked below)

I never did do the trip I asked about but I think that a stay in the Castelli, combined with some beach time, would make a lovely vacation!


http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-for-ideas.cfm

Steve_James

Hi Aranda - Sperlonga is lovely - but difficult to reach by public transport (- the nearest station is Fondi, from where there's an occasional bus link). San Felice Circeo is popular with Romans - but again there's no rail connection.

Somewhere like Santa Marinella might be the easiest by train (- via Roma Termini)

Hope this helps ...

Steve

aranda

I'll check this all out. Steve James, eskcrunchy, St Cirq, you're the best. Thanks!
Aranda