Ostia - the seaside district of Rome

Rome is a city full of extremes. Centuries ago it was the capital of the pagan world, now it has become the center of Christianity. It is here that we can take an extraordinary journey through time. However, it is worth deciding on a longer stay, or even returning to the Eternal City many times, each time discovering it anew. An interesting part of Rome is Ostia - an area loved by tourists looking for rest.

Ostia is a seaside district of Rome, about 30 km from the city center. It is located near the intercontinental airport Leonardo da Vinci – Fiumicino . Due to its convenient location and seaside climate, the district is a favorite place to relax for Romans and tourists.

Seaside port and ancient architectural pearls

The name of the district comes from the Latin word "ostium" and means the mouth of a river. In the past, Ostia, the port of Rome , was located at the very mouth of the Tiber into the Tyrrhenian Sea. It was probably founded around 620 BC by the fourth king of Rome , Ancus Marcius . For a long time, the settlement was used as a naval base and a main port .

The town called Lido di Ostia was built in the Middle Ages on the orders of Pope Gregory IV. The main landmark of the district are the ruins of ancient Ostia - a forum, basilica, granaries, residential houses, numerous porticoes, an amphitheater from 12 BC and a curia.

When visiting this region of Rome, it is worth seeing the complex of imperial baths, the baths of Neptune with preserved mosaics , as well as the temples of Roma and Augustus, Cybele, Ceres, the Capitoline Triad, Mithras. In Ostia there is also the castle of Pope Julius II, the Roman cemetery (Isola Sacra) and the Port of Trajan .

Vacation in Ostia

Ostia has over 14 km of sandy beaches filled with grey volcanic sand. This seaside district has both public and private beaches. The most popular of these is the Capocotta dune beach , which is divided into several different areas, including a family bathing area, a nudist beach and a beach for animal lovers.

It is worth noting that in Ostia we will find numerous bars and restaurants, as well as night clubs . This district of Rome is also often chosen as a convenient place to stay , because it is a great starting point for visiting other parts of the Eternal City.

Ostia has a very rich and extensive accommodation base . You can choose not only from hotels, apartments and private accommodation, but there is also the Camping Village Fabulous .

This resort is ideal for the whole family, but is particularly popular with young people due to its great atmosphere, evening music events and the possibility of easy and cheap access to the centre of Rome. Buses stop 100 metres from the campsite and there is also a metro.

Camping Village Fabulous is located close to the beach , and the comfortable and comfortably equipped holiday homes are hidden in the shade of the trees, as are the pitches with sanitary and electricity connections.

For those tourists who get tired of sightseeing in Rome, the resort offers plenty of attractions. Children can participate in sports and games organized by animators, while adults have access to a swimming pool , a water lagoon, a mini-golf course, a solarium, a jacuzzi and a disco.

The resort is very positively rated by guests , who praise not only the service, but also the gastronomic facilities (an exquisite restaurant with the best Italian dishes, a pizzeria and a pool bar).

Tour of Rome

While relaxing in Ostia, it is of course worth taking a trip to other districts of Rome. If you haven't done this yet, be sure to see the most important and most famous monuments of the Eternal City. The main point of the program is usually the Colosseum , the symbol of Rome and the most magnificent of the ancient buildings of the Italian capital.

Other important monuments include the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain . You can't just pass by Piazza di Spagna and the famous Spanish Steps . A visit to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel will be an opportunity not only for a religious experience, but also to admire the extraordinary paintings and frescoes.

Rome is a unique and diverse city. There is something for everyone, whether you want to see the magnificent monuments or take a break from admiring the local architecture. In the latter case, it is worth relaxing in one of Rome's parks or gardens .

Campsites near Rome

Campsites in Lazio have excellent facilities and are well-connected to Rome. You don't have to choose a campsite in the city centre to visit the Italian capital. One of our favourite campsites outside the city limits is I Pini Family Park , located 40km from the centre of Rome in Fiano Romano. There is a train from the town which will take you to the north of Rome in under 2 hours. This family-run campsite, located close to the forest, has water lagoons so after a day of sightseeing you can cool off in the water and in the shade of the trees.

If you prefer to be in the middle of the action and are looking for something more entertaining, I recommend Roma Camping in Town . This campsite is lively until late at night, but the bar where the evening events take place is very well soundproofed. The pool is open until late. In season, there is a bus to the Vatican directly from the campsite, but the city centre is also easily accessible by public transport.

If you are going to Rome, also check out the Kierunek Włochy blog, where you will find the Rome in 5 days guide. Day by day, it describes sightseeing routes, practical tips, recommended restaurants and links to official websites with tickets to the most famous museums and attractions of the Eternal City