Santa Marinella
A sheltered bay north of Rome, and the clearest water within an hour of the city.
5 things to bookthe nearest is a 1 h drive from Rome
Santa Marinella has a castle on a headland and a bay behind it that stays calm when the rest of the coast is not — which is why the diving schools are here and why people learn to surf on the beaches either side.
Underwater there are Roman remains as well as rock: this stretch was villa country, and some of it is now offshore.
Best fit for this section first, then whatever you can book today. Closest to Rome breaks a tie. Never by who pays us.
On the waterWindsurf courses at beginner, intermediate and advanced level at the Banzai beach club on the Aurelia at Santa Marinella.
See the day
On the waterA surf school in front of Banzai Beach at Santa Marinella, running since 2002 with instructors certified by the Italian surf federation.
See the day
On the waterA diving centre in the Porto Odescalchi marina at Santa Marinella.
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On the waterDives from an equipped inflatable boat leaving Porto Odescalchi at Santa Marinella.
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On the waterSix hours learning to stand up, on a beach the Termini train stops beside.
€160 their price
A sports club — you join them for the day
See the dayGetting there
The day stays yours: you leave when you want, stop where you want, and come back when the light goes.
Affiliate link — you pay their price, never more, and they pay us. You book with Localrent, and anything about that booking goes through them.
See prices on LocalrentNo parking to find, no wrong turns, and you leave when the day is done.
Affiliate link — you pay their price, never more, and they pay us. You book with Welcome Pickups, and anything about that booking goes through them.
See prices on Welcome PickupsLinks marked affiliate pay us a commission — you pay the operator's own price and we never take your money. How we rank