Beach in Sicily, Italy / photo by admin

1. Ostia

Ostia is about thirty minutes from Rome by train, and is one of the most popular summer day trips for Roman citizens. Three miles of golden sand is bordered by the Paolo Toscanelli boulevard; a great place for you to stroll down, popping into the cafes and restaurants for bite to eat. The beautiful beach is divided up into public and private areas- you can access the private for a fee; these beaches are usually less crowded with better facilities. If you’re tired of the sun, check out the Roman ruins or the historic port of Ostia Antica.

2. Nettuno

Slightly further from Rome is the bay of Nettuno. Easily accessible on foot, the sea esplanade leads to modern Nettuno; whereas the older ‘Il Borgo’ part is located near the town centre. Il Borgo contains some of the Amalfi coast’s best restaurants, with a beautiful view over the port area. Live music and other activities take place over the summer on the esplanade and the marina. The best small beach is the Spiaggia le Sirene.

3. Santa Marinella

It’s just a quick train ride from the Rome Termini station, (only 45 minutes) to this picturesque beach commune. The clean Mediterranean sand and crystal waters attract many locals, so this isn’t the place to go if you’re looking for privacy and seclusion! Adding to the allure, one of Italy’s most famous seafood restaurants – L’Acqua Marina – is located only ten minutes away.

4. Sperlonga

When you need a break from the history, consider Sperlonga. Although it’s two and a half hours from Rome, the journey is definitely worth it when you see the stunning pale sandy crescent and open ocean view. The beach is well-developed, with all facilities within easy reach; and the local eateries serve everything from fish and chips to authentic Italian cuisine. Some places will even deliver food direct to your beach towel!

5. Santa Severa

With the officially-recognized cleanest waters around Rome, this beach is easy to get to from Rome by bus or train. In addition to the pristine sand, there’s a nature reserve located on a nearby headland; as well as a naturally formed cave system once used as a hiding place by slaves.

Whether you’re renting one of the Rome apartments or staying in an Amalfi coastline villa; visiting a local beach is the perfect way to finish off your summer vacation. Make sure you leave early to grab that prime spot on the sand!

Next time you are heading over to Europe, why not rent one of the apartments in Rome from Worldwide Accom.There are many within the city centre, close to the metro stops as well, meaning you can easily hop on the metro to all the attractions or even to the beach.

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The oldest city of Hungary was known as Savaria – the capital of Pannonia. It has been an important city since the very beginning. There were built the imperial residences, public baths and amphitheater. From Roman times you can see the preserved Savaria Mithraeum shrine, which was discovered during the construction of a new shopping center in 2008.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by János Tamás

In one area of ​​excavation (Romkert Templom tér) you can find the remains of the Forum, which belonged to a civilian city. There are also fragments of the largest mosaic of the Lieutenant-Governor’s Palace. Majority of the most important Roman monuments, including remains of Roman road signs, customs, shops and the medieval castle walls, can be seen in the so-called Garden of Ruins.

Once you are in Szombathely you should visit Savaria Museum, which takes care of the fortress foundations, findings from the Mercury Temple and public baths, and almost fifty metres long part of two thousand years old Amber Road. The cellar is full of Roman altars and blue glass vials found during excavations in Savaria. The first floor of the museum provides an overview of local history, including the collection dedicated to the Romanesque church of Jak.

Jak is the nearby small village boasting a Benedictine church, which is one of the finest examples of Hungarian Romanesque architecture.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cecilia, Lili & Krisztian

In Szombathely there is also a huge cathedral designed in 1791 by Melchior Hefele for Bishop János Szily. This Bishop’s double-towered cathedral was covered with stucco and frescoes by Franz Anton Maulbertsch and supported by large marble pillars. It is the largest Baroque church in Hungary. Its interior is decorated with frescoes, paintings and sculptures, which were, however, in 1945 seriously damaged during a bombing and are still restoring.

Those are just few of lots of sights you can see here. Szombathely is really worth a visit!

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