A Perfect Summer Day in Ostia Lido: Rome’s Seaside Escape
Rome is beautiful, no doubt. But in the height of summer, when the heat is relentless and the pavement seems to melt beneath your feet, the desire to escape becomes hard to resist. Thankfully, Rome has its own seaside refuge — a place where the breeze carries the scent of salt, the sun softens as it touches the water, and time seems to slow down. That place is Ostia Lido.
One summer morning, tired of the city’s hustle, I decided to treat myself to a little getaway. No car, no stress: just the Metro B to Piramide, then a quick transfer to the Roma–Lido line (Metromare). In less than an hour, I was already there, greeted by the first hints of the sea breeze on my face.
The moment you step out of Lido Centro station, the atmosphere shifts. Palm trees, the scent of pine in the air, and that strong Mediterranean light reflecting off the pavement — everything around you invites you to slow down. My first stop? A quick breakfast at a beachfront café. Sitting at a small table with a warm croissant in hand and a foamy cappuccino in front of me, I watched the waves from afar and already felt like I was on holiday.
After a short walk down the promenade, I found a public beach — simple but clean, perfect for laying down a towel and switching off. The sun was already high in the sky, but a gentle breeze made it all bearable. I spent hours there, alternating between swims, pages of my book, and gazing at the endless horizon.
Around lunchtime, sun-kissed and pleasantly tired, I headed to one of the many seaside trattorias. I chose a spot with outdoor tables and a straightforward but honest seafood menu. Spaghetti with clams, a light fried mix, and a glass of chilled white wine — the sea had found its way onto my plate, too.
In the afternoon, a few clouds began to roll in — just as the forecast had warned. I took that as a sign to go for a walk toward Ostia’s pier. It’s one of those places made for thinking, for pausing. Kids were fishing, couples held each other quietly, and the sound of the water created a rhythm for reflection. Not far away stood the Church of Santa Maria Regina Pacis, a beautiful little structure with elegant neoclassical lines, quietly blending into the city’s hum.
For those craving a bit more culture, just a few train stops away lies Ostia Antica, the ancient harbor of Imperial Rome. With its ruins remarkably preserved — bathhouses, temples, a theater, cobbled streets — it’s like walking through history. I’ve been there before, and it’s worth every step. But today wasn’t about history. Today was about stillness.
As the sun began to dip, I found a small bar overlooking the sea and sat down with a cocktail in hand. The sky turned soft shades of orange and pink, the water mirrored every color, and all around me, people laughed, chatted, and toasted to nothing in particular. It was simple. And it was beautiful.
By the time I boarded the train back to Rome — my hair still salty, my skin slightly sunburned — I carried that rare feeling only perfect days leave behind: lightness. Ostia, with all its imperfections, its honest charm and its effortless rhythm, had surprised me again.
And sometimes, to feel like you’re on vacation, you don’t have to go far. You just need the right day, and the right sea. For me, today, Ostia was exactly that.
How to get to Ostia Lido from Rome
The most practical way to reach Ostia is by public transport:
Take the Metro B to Piramide.
From there, without leaving the station, change to the Roma–Lido line (Metromare) towards Cristoforo Colombo.
In about 30 minutes you will arrive at Lido Centro or Stella Polare.
All with a normal urban ticket for €1.50 or a day pass (€7). Easy, cheap and stress-free!
This article is sponsored by Basilio 55 Rome
