Unfiltered in Anzio

Anzio is easily one of my favorite beach towns near Rome, even if I visited in early October and didn’t get the chance to test the waters. It was clear from the beginning that the town was relaxed and revolved around the sea, only fully functioning during the warmer seasons. There were several nonni swimming, perched on rocks on the beach, and I wanted to join them so badly but hadn’t packed my swimsuit.

My friends and I made our way to Anzio after a visit to the Gardens of Ninfa in Latina. Our goal was to see the World War II sites that Anzio is famous for, but somehow we ended up spending the day over a long lunch and then relaxing by the sea. (Next time we’ll do more research, hah).

Either way, I loved my afternoon in Anzio for several reasons. The beach is walkable from the train station, the architecture is beautiful, especially the palazzi that line the boardwalk, and the food is so fresh (as it can only be when pulled out of the sea earlier that day). I indulged in bruschetta and an insalata di mare with a cold white wine and was in heaven for an hour or two. As is the case in many small towns, our server didn’t speak English so I spent the lunch translating for my friends.

Afterwards, we walked by the sea and saw the statue of Nero (the ruins of his villa are also found in Anzio). We sat and felt the breeze coming off the sea and watched the nonni in the water below. Then we walked to part of the beach and perched on the edge of the boardwalk, practicing dolce far niente at its best. The art of doing nothing. I sat and listened to music and observed life in Anzio passing by right in front of me.

When it was time to head back to the train station for our return to Rome, we slowly walked through the center as life was picking up, families strolling before dinner, and we made one last stop at the gelateria before we left the seaside paradise and officially kissed summer goodbye.

I’m hoping to return to Anzio one day soon to explore more and actually lay out on the beach in the sun. One thing I loved about living in Rome is how close the sea is. There are so many great places to go for the day or a few nights and take a break from the bustling city, refreshed by the clear blue water of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

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