Ostia Lido: beaches, food and our favourite places

Ostia is where Romans go to the sea, and it is lively all year round. Our apartments on Via delle Baleari are 10 to 15 minutes on foot from the beach.

Beaches

Along the seafront you can choose between beach clubs (stabilimenti), with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and bars, and free beaches. Further south, past the pine forest, the dunes of Castel Porziano and Capocotta offer kilometres of wilder, natural beach.

The Pontile and the seafront

The Pontile, the pier at the end of the main square, is the symbol of Ostia, and on clear evenings the whole promenade turns gold as the sun sinks into the sea. The seafront promenade is perfect for a walk, a run or a bike ride, early in the morning or in the evening.

The centre, food and evenings

The centre of Ostia grew up in the early 20th century around elegant Liberty-style villas. Its beating heart is Piazza Anco Marzio, overlooked by the colourful Palazzo del Pappagallo: when the sun goes down, its terraces fill with diners, cocktails and the chatter of the evening passeggiata. Before you leave, try the local speciality, spaghetti with telline, tiny clams from this very coast.

Port and nature

The marina welcomes boats of every size. Nearby, at the Idroscalo, the LIPU nature oasis is home to more than 200 bird species. Inland, the Castel Fusano pine forest is part of the Litorale Romano nature reserve and ideal for walks and cycling.

Evenings out

Piazza Anco Marzio

When the sun goes down, this is where Ostia comes alive: open-air tables, cocktails and the buzz of the passeggiata, a short walk from your door.

Sunset

By the marina

On clear evenings the sun sinks into the sea and the boats in the Porto Turistico glow gold. Grab a drink and watch the sky change colour.

Aperitivo

Dolce Amore

Do as the Romans do: an aperitivo, or a generous apericena with so many nibbles it becomes dinner.

Neapolitan pizza

L'oro di Napoli

Proper Neapolitan pizza with a soft, puffy crust: our go-to for an easy dinner after the beach.

Seafood dinner

Al Pescatore

For a real seafood dinner by the sea. Ask what came in fresh today.

Street food

La Friggitoria Street food Ostia

A paper cone of crispy fried seafood to eat on the go, for very little.

Gelato

Gelo Sia

The perfect excuse for an evening stroll along the seafront.

Free beach

Il Curvone

A free beach with services: spend the whole day by the sea without booking a beach club.

By bike

Seafront and pine forest

Rent a bike and ride along the promenade to the shady paths of the Castel Fusano pine forest.

PalaPellicone (Centro Olimpico Matteo Pellicone)

Ostia is home to the PalaPellicone, the national centre of FIJLKAM, the Italian federation for judo, wrestling, karate and martial arts. It regularly hosts Italian championships and major international events, from judo European Cups and wrestling’s Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series to Karate Premier League stages, as well as other sports such as dance sport.

Many of our guests come to compete or to cheer on family and friends. The apartments are a short taxi or bus ride away, with a kitchen to prepare your own meals and a quiet place to rest before the big day.

Upcoming events on the FIJLKAM website

The Spot, Ostia Skate Park

With 1,600 square metres for skateboarding, playground sports and urban art, The Spot is one of the largest skate parks in Europe. Besides local contests it hosts national and international events, such as the World Skate Games. Come to compete, to watch or simply to skate.

The Spot website

Exams and selections

Coming for a selection exam at the Guardia di Finanza recruitment centre in Ostia? A quiet apartment with a desk is the perfect base to prepare and rest.

How far is the beach from the apartments?

10 to 15 minutes on foot, depending on the apartment, and the Pontile is a short walk too.

Are there free beaches in Ostia?

Yes, alongside the beach clubs. Our favourite is "Il Curvone", a free beach with services.

When is the beach season?

Beach clubs usually open from late spring to the end of summer, but the seafront, the sunsets and the restaurants are lovely all year round.

Is Ostia a good base for visiting Rome?

Yes. The centre of Rome is about 30 minutes away by train: see our Rome & Ostia Antica guide.