We're leaving Saturday and I would like info on the best beach on the Mediterrean for a day trip. Ostia or Sperlonga? What's the best way to get there, bus or train? Help please.

You don't want to go to the beach at Ostia, though the site itself very much merits a visit. My impression of the beaches close to Rome was that they were incredibly crowded, dirty, and unattractive.

Sperlonga, on the other hand, is lovely. You can take a train from Stazione Termini there, not sure about buses.

Gaeta, which is farther south, is also a great beach town.

La Posta Vecchia in Ladispoli has great oceanside facilities--but stay at the pool, not at the seaside.

My impression of the beaches close to Rome was that they were incredibly crowded, dirty, and unattractive

I'll second that fact. But then again, I live in Hawaii.

When in Rome I asked the concierge what beach she could recommend, and she said that Nettuno is very nice and easily accessible by train from Termini. Fregene, Sperlonga, and Ostia which were the choices I had in mind she responded were too crowded and not as clean. I didnt get a chance to go to Nettuno so cant put my two cents in.

Thanks, I think we'll try Sperlonga. We are planning a trip to Ostia, as we have set aside 6 days in Rome, so 2 day trips seems about right.

oops, forgot to ask is the train direct to Sperlonga, I have a terrible time reading the schedules on line.

My memory's a bit hazy, as it was 7 years ago, but what I remember of Nettuno was what seemed like miles and miles of ugly modern apartment buildings and nothing remotely charming - but maybe we were not right on the beach town but farther inland.

We took a train from Rome south along the coast a number of times to the town we were staying in - Livinio, north of Sperlonga. I'm quite certain that train continued on to Sperlonga. And yes, it was direct. Trenitalia.com should be able to clarify that for you.

It seems about an hour ride on the train, is the beach within walking distance of the train station?

I like Sperlonga for historical reasons, aside from being a beautiful place. There are trains from Roma Termini station, then a local bus (costs 1 euro) to get you to the coast road/beach area.

Ostia Antica is the ancient port site of Rome so not exactly a "beach" per se. However, it certainly merits a day trip to see the ancient ruins if that interests you.

It was 18 years ago, but yes, I remember Nettuno has an easy train connection with Rome, public beach, also there is the WWII american cemetary and a small museum to visit.

Thanks to all, we leave TODAY!