Surroundings of Rome: The Seaside Town of Anzio, Renowned for Its Beaches and Food & Wine
Along the Tyrrhenian coast, just an hour from Rome, there is a place where the air is fresh and relaxation is within everyone’s reach; sea, history, and flavors blend naturally, creating a destination with a distinct charm, yet unmistakable for both locals and Romans. We are talking about Anzio, a characteristic town and renowned seaside resort, easily accessible from the capital. Perfect for a day at the beach or a weekend outdoors, Anzio welcomes visitors with the scent of the sea drifting through its streets, calm waves, and beaches that invite you to linger. If you want to escape the daily rush without giving up charm, good food, and tradition, this is the ideal place to start. In this article, we will explore its most beautiful beaches, landmarks that tell the story of the past, and focus on the local food and wine culture: fish dishes, “humble” ingredients that become a delight for the palate. Let the experience begin!
The Sea and the Beaches: Anzio’s Soul
The sea is the main reason why Anzio is chosen: it is its soul, what makes it special. Its beaches stretch for kilometers, offering different settings depending on the visitor’s needs. Those seeking convenience will find well-equipped beach resorts with sunbeds and umbrellas, perfect for families or anyone wishing to spend entire days in complete relaxation. Those who prefer a more natural experience can opt for the free beaches, where the contact with sand and sea remains direct and authentic.
The Lido di Cincinnato is one of the busiest areas, with wide beaches and fine sand gently sloping into the sea, making it ideal for children. Not far away, the Tor Caldara Nature Reserve offers a unique landscape: a mix of beach and Mediterranean scrub, with the 17th-century tower rising over the promontory, recalling the ancient coastal defenses. Here, nature provides wild scenery, scents of pine and lentisk, and paths that lead to unforgettable panoramic views. The waters of Anzio are known for their clarity and transparency, often awarded the Blue Flag, a guarantee of quality and environmental respect. It is a sea that never disappoints, captivating both those who simply enjoy swimming and those practicing sports such as snorkeling, diving, or boat trips along the coast.
History and Culture of the Town
Beyond the sea, Anzio preserves a historical legacy that spans centuries and civilizations. The ancient name of the town was Antium, a flourishing center already in Roman times and the birthplace of emperors such as Nero and Caligula. The remains of Nero’s Villa, still visible today on the cliff overlooking the sea, evoke the splendor of that era: an impressive complex of mosaics, nymphaea, and rooms that testify to the grandeur of Imperial Rome. Walking through the historic center, other landmarks can be found: Villa Adele, now home to the Landing Museum, recounts one of the most delicate moments of modern history — 1944, when the Allies landed on Anzio’s beaches to begin the liberation of Rome. A few steps away, the Commonwealth War Cemetery preserves thousands of gravestones, a place of silence and remembrance that deeply moves visitors. Among the town’s most notable architectural symbols is the Paradiso sul Mare, a Liberty-style palace built in the 1920s. Initially designed as a casino and social hub, it now hosts events, exhibitions, and shows, preserving the charm of its elegant forms and sea-facing terraces.
Food and Wine
If history fascinates and the sea relaxes, Anzio’s cuisine captivates. Here, the harbor is not only a navigation reference point but the heart of gastronomic life. Every morning, fishing boats return loaded with fresh fish, which becomes the star of local tables. Typical dishes are simple and authentic, rooted in the fishermen’s tradition. The frittura di paranza, with small crispy golden fish, is perhaps the most loved specialty among visitors. Other classics include spaghetti with clams, seafood risotto, fish all’acqua pazza, and stuffed squid, prepared with Mediterranean aromas and served in generous portions. In the past, the smaller catch — anchovies, sardines, red mullets, and other less prized fish — was eaten by fishermen’s families or sold at very low prices. Today, these same ingredients have become the soul of local cuisine, interpreted by restaurants with respect for tradition but also with a touch of creativity. Among the most well-known places to taste these delicacies are the historic trattorias and harbor restaurants, where you can dine while watching the sea and the bustle of the fishing boats. It is an experience that engages all the senses: the aroma of freshly cooked fish, the intense taste of the sea, and the view accompanying each dish.
Curiosities
Known in antiquity as Antium, Anzio is not only a place of documented history but also legend and curiosity. It is said that the Trojan hero Aeneas landed here during his journey to Latium — a detail that wraps these coasts in a mythical aura, turning them into a bridge between myth and reality. Walking through the town, one cannot miss the already mentioned Paradiso sul Mare, an elegant Liberty-style palace built in the 1920s. Its graceful lines and privileged position overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea have made it a natural film set, chosen multiple times by Italian and international directors. Observing it today is like immersing oneself in an atmosphere suspended between elegance, memory, and spectacle. While cinema found inspiration here, daily life retains its authenticity in the harbor: it is here that fishing boats return every morning, and the traditional fish auctions take place — an ancient ritual that renews Anzio’s unbreakable bond with the sea.
Conclusion
Anzio is a town that surprises with its variety. It is sea, sun, and beaches inviting relaxation; it is ancient history speaking through Roman ruins and Liberty villas; it is the memory of the 20th century preserved with respect and silence. But above all, it is gastronomy, made of simple and authentic dishes capable of conveying a deep connection with the sea. For Romans, it is a point of reference, a place to enjoy on weekends or during summer holidays; for visitors, it is a discovery that combines culture, landscapes, and traditions. Visiting Anzio means breathing in its authenticity, leaving a lasting impression and offering genuine and unforgettable experiences.
