One of the great things about Rome is how close it is to the coast. After a long, hot day at work, you can be cooling off in the sea or relaxing on the beach in under an hour. There’s even a direct train that will take you there for the price of a metro ticket – or a couple of euros more, depending on where you decide to go.
But what if you actually want to live on the coast? There are plenty of seaside towns with easy access to Rome: Ladispoli, Santa Marinella, Fiumicino, Ostia, Fregene… It’s no surprise that people are drawn to them. In fact, I often see people on social media looking for a rental by the sea. A typical post goes something like this: “We’re looking for a two-bedroomed furnished apartment in the Ostia area. As close to the beach as possible. Budget €800–€1000 a month. Minimum duration one year.”
So far, so reasonable, right?
Wrong. It’s completely unrealistic – and here’s why. Finding a 12-month lease in any seaside town near Rome is extremely difficult. Owners can earn far more by renting at a premium over the summer months, when families from Rome often take a place for the entire season. As I write, there’s a studio apartment in Ladispoli listed at €1000/month, or €400 a week, for the coming September. It’s already fully booked (undoubtedly at much higher rates) for high summer.
Off-season, you may find the same property available at a much lower price: but only for 7 or 9 months. Contracts like these are often aimed at teachers or students living or working in Rome but returning to their home town over the summer.
If your priority is the coast but you need a lease of 12 months or more, you’ll need to be pragmatic. In most cases, you’ll have to look at least a couple of kilometres inland rather than right on the beach. Alternatively, you could choose to live in a neighbourhood in Rome with a direct train connection to the coast. That way you’ll get a rental contract that suits your needs while still having reliable, year-round access to the sea.
If you’re planning a move and want a realistic view of what’s actually achievable, that’s exactly what I help with. I work with clients to avoid wasted time and focus on options that genuinely exist in the current market. Book your free consultation today!