Anzio Travel Guide (Metropolitan Rome/Lazio/Central Italy/Italy/Europe)

Anzio Travel Guide

Anzio is a charming coastal town located south of Rome in the Lazio region of central Italy. This ancient town has significant cultural and historical importance with numerous museums, majestic churches, and ancient ruins that hint the remnants of old civilization dated back to Roman times.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we cover everything you need to know before visiting Anzio, including the best places to visit, where to eat and drink, where to stay, transportation options, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Anzio

Visitors to Anzio will have plenty to do. Here’s our guide to the best places to visit in Anzio.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Museo dello Sbarco di Anzio: This museum chronicles the historical events of World War II’s Battle of Anzio, in 1944.
Porta di Nerone and the Villa Imperiale di Nerone: Visitors can explore the remains of an ancient villa built by the Roman Emperor Nero.
Santuario Santa Maria Goretti: Built-in honor of the twelve-year-old martyr Maria Goretti, this church is home to ornate frescoes that tell the story of her martyrdom.

Natural Attractions of Anzio: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Beaches and Caves of Anzio: Anzio’s beaches are idyllic. While you can choose from many beaches in Anzio, tourists especially like the Grotto delle Capre that was used by Emperor Nero.
Beach Promenade: Anzio has an excellent beach promenade that stretches alongside the beaches.
Tor Caldara Natural Reserve: Nestled south of town, this reserve boasts of scenic beauty and an exclusive line of coastline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Anzio

Circeo National Park: From Anzio, you can hike and explore the Circeo National Park, a haven for flora, fauna, and water sports, located to the south of Anzio.

Best Things to Do in Anzio: Activities and Tours

Boat Tour: Enjoying the stunning coastline of Anzio, boats can take you to the best beaches and scenic spots, including the Blue Grotto.
Scuba Diving: Anzio is famous among divers owing to the endless opportunities to dive. You can explore sunken ships and planes at the bottom of the ocean.
Wine Tasting: Anzio is known for its wine, so why not visit wineries, taste, and sample the local produce that makes this area such a charming haven.

Week-long Itinerary for Anzio

Here is a sample one-week itinerary for Anzio:

Day	Activity
1	Visit Museo dello Sbarco di Anzio, Porta di Nerone and the Villa Imperiale di Nerone
2	Enjoy the beaches in the Grotta delle Capre.
3	Tor Caldara Natural Reserve
4	Visit San Antonio Church or Tor Caldara natural reserve
5	Day trip to Rome
6	Boat tour of the surrounding coast
7	Wine tour at local vineyards

Food and Drink Scene of Anzio

The food in Anzio is traditional, hearty, and bloody good. Here are some must-try dishes in Anzio:

Must-Try Dishes

Spaghetti alle vongole: one of the most popular dishes in the area, Spaghetti alle vongole is a pasta dish made with fresh clams and tomato sauce.
Porchetta: A traditional pork dish with a crispy and juicy taste.
Fiori di zucca ripeni: A delicate and crispy snack made with zucchini flowers stuffed with cheese and local herbs.

Local Beverages

Colli Lanuvini: A DOC white wine with a light and fruity aroma.
Frascati: A dry white wine with a floral aroma, perfect for wine lovers.

Where to Stay in Anzio: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Anzio offers a variety of accommodation options – from budget hostels and guesthouses to luxurious and historic hotels. Here are some options:

Hotel Lido Garda: A beachside hotel surrounded by lush greenery with a beautiful terrace that offers an incredible view of the sea.
Grand Hotel dei Cesari: A historic and prestigious hotel situated in the heart of Anzio with all the modern amenities.
Camping Parco della Gallinara: A perfect option for nature lovers with all the necessary comforts.

What to Buy in Anzio: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to take some local souvenirs back home to remember your trip to Anzio, here are some things you could consider:

Craftsmanship of the Pottery of Anzio: The famous Anzio Pottery is made by local craftsmen with their traditional techniques and creativity.
Dry pasta handmade at Pastificio Romano: For pasta lovers, try the dry pasta handmade in Anzio, including unique shapes and flavours from regional Italy.
Local olive oil: The local farms of Anzio produce high-quality olive oil. Take a bottle home to enjoy some authentic Italian flavour.

Local Culture and Customs of Anzio

Anzio has a rich and vibrant culture, deeply rooted in history. The locals are warm and welcoming, and visitors must respect their customs and traditions. It is widely recommended to dress modestly and be respectful in all holy places, including churches.

Best Time to Visit Anzio

The best time to visit Anzio is between May and June or September and October when temperatures are comfortable for enjoying the beautiful beaches of the town. July and August are the hottest months in Anzio and most crowded too.

Do’s and Don’ts of Anzio

Do:

Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your trip.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Try local cuisine and wine.

Don’t:

Wear revealing clothing while visiting a church or holy places.
Leave your belongings unattended on the beach or in crowded areas.
Speak loudly or behave in an offensive manner.

Safety and Health

Safety in Anzio

Anzio is generally a safe destination for tourists who take the necessary precautions against petty theft and pickpocketing. Visitors are advised to keep their belongings close to them at all times. Emergency services in Anzio can be reached by dialing 112.

Health in Anzio

Anzio has all the necessary facilities to deal with minor accidents or injuries. In the case of significant health concerns, visitors can head to the Anzio War Hospital or the nearby San Camillo Hospital in Rome.

Getting to Anzio: Transportation Options and Logistics

Anzio is easily accessible by air, road, or rail.

Airports Near Anzio

Rome’s two airports, Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci Airport and Ciampino - G.B. Pastine Airport, are the closest to Anzio. From there, visitors can take the train or bus to reach Anzio.

Bus Stations Near Anzio

Anzio is well-connected by bus service with other parts of Lazio region. Buses from Rome to Anzio leave hourly from outside the Anagnina metro station, taking about an hour to reach Anzio.

Other Options

Visitors who prefer to drive can rent cars at the airports in Rome or get a taxi service directly to Anzio.

How to Get Around in Anzio

Anzio is a small town, and most of the places of interest and nearby beaches can be covered on foot. Visitors can also hire a bike or take a bus to move around the town.

Where to Go Next from Anzio: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sperlonga: A charming coastal village with a dramatic clifftop overlooking the sea.
Circeo National Park: A natural park that provides an excellent opportunity to explore and contemplate the scenic beauty of the Italian countryside.
Rome: Capital city Rome is just 64 km north of Anzio - and an absolute must-visit due to its beautiful historic landmarks, adventurous walking tours, and mouthwatering delicacies.

Conclusion

Anzio has much to offer tourists, with a rich cultural and culinary scene, coupled with stunning beaches and natural scenery. Its proximity to Rome and other nearby destinations makes Anzio a perfect place to stay and explore the rustic Italian countryside.