Fregene

39km (24 miles) west of Rome

The fame of this coastal city north of the Tiber dates back to the 1600s, when the land belonged to the Rospigliosi, a powerful Roman family. Pope Clement IX, a member of that wealthy family, planted a forest of pine that extends along the shoreline for 4km (2 1/2 miles) and stands half a mile deep to protect the land from the strong winds of the Mediterranean. Today the wall of pines makes a dramatic backdrop for the golden sands and luxurious villas of the resort. If you'd like to see an Italian beach, head here instead of to the more polluted beaches along Ostia's Lido.

Getting There

You can catch the CoTral bus to Fregene, which leaves from the Cornelia Metro stop in Rome and carries passengers to the center of Fregene. A ticket costs 2.50€, and travel time is 1 hour.

If you're driving, follow SS1 (also known as Via Aurelia) heading west, crossing over the bypass that encircles Rome. After Castello di Guido, 23km (14 miles) west of Central Rome, exit onto the secondary road marked MACCARESE-FREGENE. Then continue southwest for another 16km (10 miles), following the signs to Fregene. There is no tourist information office.