Table Of Contents
- Going to the beach: beautiful beaches near Rome
- Having an aperitif on the beach
- Total relaxation at Penelope’s Gardens
- Summer pools in Rome: a dip in the city
- Eating the “best ice cream in the world”
- Surfing within walking distance of Rome
- Visit a museum
- Bringing the temperature down at the Ice Club Roma.
- Having fun at a water park
- A walk in the Sasseto Woods.
- Aperitivo in the Castelli Romani: views, wine and good air
- A day at the park
When summer arrives, every corner of Rome becomes a little urban Sahara, and even ice cream melts before it reaches your spoon. But don’t panic-there are plenty of ways to save your day (and your sanity) from the grip of mugginess. A dip in the water, a green getaway, or simply a cool place near Rome: here are 12 brilliant ideas for enjoying summer without liquefying.
Going to the beach: beautiful beaches near Rome
Less than an hour from the city you will find several options perfect for a rejuvenating swim. Ostia is the closest and super convenient to reach even by train. Fregene is popular with Romans for its wide beach and trendy clubs. If you are looking for clearer water, Santa Severa with its castle by the sea is a little paradise to the north, while Torvaianica offers spacious and less crowded shores.
Having an aperitif on the beach
For a mix of relaxation and partying, nothing beats an aperitif by the sea. Singita Miracle Beach in Fregene offers sofas on the sand, DJ sets and picture-postcard sunsets. Pembe Beach Bar in Ostia is the perfect alternative: drinks, dinner and music until late. The atmosphere? Chill, elegant but without too many frills. Ideal for socializing, dancing or just relaxing with your feet in the sand.
Total relaxation at Penelope’s Gardens
In Ciampino, a stone’s throw from Rome, Penelope’ s Gardens is an oasis dedicated to adults seeking silence and well-being. Saltwater lagoon pools, bio-sauna, loungers under olive trees and a slow philosophy that puts the body at the center. The wellness path costs 40€, or 65€ with lunch included. Places are limited, so it pays to book in advance. This is your place if you really want to slow down.
Summer pools in Rome: a dip in the city
No need to run far for a refreshing dip. Rome has pools for every taste:
- Cavalieri Grand Spa Club (Balduina): luxurious, breathtaking views and exclusive atmosphere (80-150€).
- Vigor Sporting Center: practical, green and affordable (10-12€).
- Aquaniene (Parioli): Olympic-sized and ideal for sportsmen.
- Sporting Club Ostiense: large park and flexible rates (8-17€).
- Arca Piscine (Tuscolano): green, two pools and pinseria.
- Appio Claudio Tennis Club: in the Aqueducts Park, perfect for a break in nature.
- MagicSplash Valmontone: mega tropical water park with white sand.
- Cinepiscina at Cinecittà World: swim and watch movies on a big screen.
- TSG Sporting Club: among the best-kept in South Rome, with comfortable loungers and a relaxing environment.
Eating the “best ice cream in the world”
If it’s too hot for anything else-eat ice cream. But not just any ice cream: gelateria Il Cannolo Siciliano, in Piazza Roberto Malatesta, won first place in the Gelato Festival World Ranking 2025. Definitely try the dark chocolate and almond ice cream. Want to explore other excellence? Go to Captain Cone in Testaccio or Tempesta di Gusti in Pigneto. All are in the world’s top 40.
Surfing within walking distance of Rome
Yes, you can surf in Lazio, too. And you don’t need to be a pro. In Ostia Lido you find schools to start or practice. In Santa Marinella, in addition to the perfect sea for surfing, you can drop by the ruins of Pyrgi or the castle by the sea. In Fregene, on the other hand, the constant wind attracts surfers, kiters and windsurfers. Bring your board-or rent it there.
Visit a museum
Yes, visiting a museum is one of the things you can do in Rome when it’s an oven outside. Besides art, you find refreshment. Some musts:
- Palazzo Massimo: cool, quiet and with wonderful mosaics.
- Capitoline Museums: artwork and air conditioning with views of ancient Rome.
- MAXXI: contemporary art and perfect climate to recharge.
- Borghese Gallery: reservations required, but worth it. Perfect for a cultural break with thermal advantage included.
Bringing the temperature down at the Ice Club Roma.
In the center of Rome, in the heart of Monti, there is a place where summer doesn’t enter: the Ice Club. Everything is ice: furniture, walls, glasses. They give you a jacket, but the real challenge is to withstand the -5° while sipping vodka from frozen glasses. The venue is small but impressive, perfect for changing registers and temperatures. The experience lasts about 20 minutes (hard to resist more!) … and the second drink helps you resist!
Having fun at a water park
A great summer classic: water parks, and there are several in Rome. If you’re looking for adrenaline, slides, waves and relaxation, these are the tops:
- Hydromania: 90,000 square meters surrounded by greenery, lots of slides and pools.
- Zoomarine: in addition to a water park, it is also a zoo with shows and family attractions. With the #bluevibe promo, daily admission is only €12 instead of €34!
- Miami Beach (Latina): games, tournaments and real vacation atmosphere without straying too far away. Ideal for those who want an energetic and super wet day.
A walk in the Sasseto Woods.
In Torre Alfina (province of Viterbo), the Bosco del Sasseto is a unique place. Centuries-old trees, moss, paths among the lava rocks. A cool place near Rome where you can walk in tranquility even on the sultriest days. From Rome you can get there in about 2 hours by car. The ticket costs 6€ and you have to book by emailing the Municipality of Acquapendente. It is like entering another dimension — cooler and quieter.
Aperitivo in the Castelli Romani: views, wine and good air
If you want to get out of Rome and breathe, the Castelli Romani is the right destination. Ariccia, Frascati and Castel Gandolfo offer places with views, good food and milder weather. In the summer, a breeze rises in the evening that makes you want to stay all night. Great wine, porchetta and spectacular sunsets: for a summer in Rome that is different from the usual.
A day at the park
Among the things you can do in Rome to stay cool, parks are a perfect solution. Here are our favorite places:
- Villa Borghese: central, full of shady corners and overlooking the city.
- Villa Ada: lots of greenery, wide spaces and small lakes.
- Villa Doria Pamphilj: huge, with lawns, fountains and areas perfect for stretching out.
- Aniene Reserve: wilder, less crowded and very relaxing.
Bring a blanket, a small bottle of water and maybe a book. The coolness is assured.