Castelli Romani & Beach
Castelli Romani — The Alban Hills
The Castelli Romani are a group of towns in the Alban Hills, 20–30 km southeast of Rome — a retreat for Romans from the summer heat since ancient times. Volcanic lakes, vineyards, medieval villages, and a cuisine that is more rustic and generous than that of the capital. Here, you drink Frascati wine from the barrel and eat Porchetta (roast suckling pig) from the spit.
- Frascati: The most famous of the Castelli — renowned for its white wine and Renaissance villas. The trattorias on the main square serve Porchetta and Frascati wine at prices half of those in Rome.
- Castel Gandolfo: Located on Lake Albano, famous as the summer residence of the popes (now a museum). The lake is perfect for swimming in the summer.
- Nemi: Tiny village on the lake of the same name, famous for its strawberries (Sagra delle Fragole in June) and the museum ships of Emperor Caligula.
Getting There: COTRAL bus from Anagnina (Metro A), 30–45 min. Or regional train to Frascati from Roma Termini, 25 min., approx. 2€.
Beach: Ostia Lido & Sperlonga
Rome is only 25 km from the sea — beach days are always possible:
- Ostia Lido: Rome's local beach, accessible by the Roma-Lido train from Piramide (30 min., regular metro ticket). Not a dream beach, but okay for half a day. The stabilimenti (beach clubs with loungers, umbrella, bar) cost 15–25€/day. There are also free beach sections.
- Sperlonga: 1.5 hours south — one of Italy's most beautiful beaches: White town on a rock above turquoise water, cave grottoes, and an archaeological museum in the Tiberius Grotto. Getting there: Train from Roma Termini to Fondi-Sperlonga, then bus.
- Santa Marinella: 1 hour north, directly at the station — the easiest beach trip from Rome. Good sand, clear water, fishing harbor atmosphere.
