Things to do

Walk around the historic center, the port, buy an ice cream or a crepe.

Visit the Forte Sangallo which now houses the WWII war museum and garden and often has cultural events.

Have some local wine at Silvana’s wine cellar, Via Cattaneo, 48. She will also cook for you if you give her advance notice.

Visit the American Cemetery in Nettuno, a British cemetery is in Anzio – both stark reminders of the devastation of World War II.

On Thursday mornings there is a large open produce and clothing market on the road in front of the American cemetery.

If you have a car you can visit other nearby towns: Cori, Ninfa, Sermonetta. The mountain towns often have outdoor summer concerts in beautiful castles.

Take an afternoon walk to Anzio and try out its port-side restaurants. Better priced than some of the bigger places is “Il Grecale” at Riva Zanardelli 57. Also in Anzio is a delightful wine bar called “Vini e Delizie” run by our friend Daniela.

Further south Latina, Terracina. Drive to Gaeta for lunch. Visit Sperlonga!

From Anzio, take the boat to the Pontine islands Ponza and their turquoise waters, tiny vineyards, wild herbs and flowers. Ponza is the most interesting island. It's full of grottoes and secluded beaches. The Pilatus Caves are one of the main highlights. Ventotene is smaller. Its tranquility is probably its main draw.

There are tennis courts a little way out of town. Also we’re told there is a golf course …
Rome is just an hour away. There are tourist information desks at the Termini station. If you go into Rome, ask at the Nettuno train station about the daily/weekly/monthly tickets. We use the daily – it costs about E.7 and includes Nettuno-Rome-Nettuno, as well as all public transportation within Rome – a great deal! Remember the last train back to Nettuno leaves Rome Termini at about 9 pm.

I won’t even try to make suggestions about Rome. But I will say that the 64 bus goes straight through historic Rome and on across the Tiber to the Vatican. Be careful on crowded buses. Because of its appealing route, tourists become easy targets for pick-pockets!

The best way to see Rome is on foot. There are many walking itineraries. Get a guide book that includes walks. We have been told that the new Lonely Planet is terrific. In the parking lot in front of the train station in Rome, bicycles can be rented. If you show a train ticket, you get a better rate.