Rome Car Rental  Rome Hotel Discounts  Rome Flight Discounts

Rome Sports and Rome Outdoor Activities (Rome, Italy)



There are an enormous amount of sports available to visitors in the city of Rome and being only minutes away from many nearby towns, it has a wide range of activities to tempt all lovers of the outdoors. Rome's sporting calendar is full of exciting events throughout the year.

Rome Beaches - Rome, Italy
The beaches nearest to Rome are usually very busy in the summer and so it is often worth arriving early to avoid the crowds. There are many beach clubs that offer facilities, including cabanas and restaurants and these either charge per day, week or month. Some public beaches are well maintained, but for cleaner water and a more friendly, resort atmosphere, you will need to travel slightly farther.

• Santa Marinella - north of Rome, offers expanses of sand and also seaside restaurants, in what is a mainly residential resort
• Sabaudia, San Felice Circeo and Sperlonga - all have good beaches and public transport
• Castelfusano - about 2 miles / 3 km south-east of Ostia and about 20 miles / 33 km from Rome. With great beach clubs and swimming pools, the best method of transport is by train, although buses are available
• Castelporziano - a public beach maintained by the city, 2 miles / 3 km south-east of Castelfusano, only open during the summer months
• Fregene - 23 miles / 37 km north-west of Rome, with clean, combed sand, many beach establishments and also lively nightspots
• Lido di Ostia - this satellite city is 18 miles / 30 km south-west of Rome and although the beaches are becoming eroded, there is a great walk along the wharf

Rome Sports: Rome Cycling in Rome - Rome, Italy
A great way to see the wonderful sights of Rome is by bicycle and with plenty of suitable routes, this is a popular pastime, particularly when traffic is light. There are many cycle routes, including one that starts near to the Vatican, travels north to the Foro Italico and then along the 4 mile / 7 km pathway next to the River Tiber. With a choice of bicycle rental shops with competitive prices, rates usually include helmet, padlock and a free map of the city.

Rome Sports: Rome Golf Courses - Rome, Italy
Although golf is considered a somewhat elitist sport in Rome, it is currently gaining popularity throughout Italy. At many clubs, non-members are welcome, but membership cards of home golf clubs must be shown, together with proof of handicap before you are allowed to play. Fees are usually based on a day's play, rather than per round and it is not normally necessary to be introduced by a member.

Rome Sports: Rome Gyms and Squash Courts - Rome, Italy
Fitness centres and saunas are plentiful in this capital city and many also include squash courts, aerobic courses, massage, sun beds and swimming pools. Rome's largest fitness centre is the Roman Sport Centre, situated in the Villa Borghese, a friendly centre which welcomes non-members.

Rome Sports: Rome Swimming - Rome, Italy
La Piscina delle Rose is a very popular, outdoor swimming pool complete with sun lounges, that is frequented by both locals and tourists. There are also a number of swimming pools that are part of hotels and allow non-residents to use their outdoor and indoor facilities, but rates tend to be fairly high.

Rome Sports: Rome Tennis Courts - Rome, Italy
Every May Rome hosts the Italian Open tennis tournament, which has become one of the most important European clay court tournaments outside the Grand Slam. Both men and women compete in this popular event, in front of large crowds.

There is a huge sports complex in the Foro Italico which has excellent tennis facilities and is filled with giant marble statues of Roman athletes. This vast building is situated nearby the Stadio Olimpico. There are also several friendly tennis clubs that are open to non-members.

Rome Sports: Rome Horse Riding - Rome, Italy
The Concorso Salto Ostacoli Internazionale (CSIO) in Rome is Italy's largest annual show-jumping contest. Held in the amphitheatre of Piazza di Siena, in the stunning surroundings of Villa Borghese, the actual arena is probably the most beautiful in the country. This international show-jumping competition takes place every year in May.

There are also several riding schools and clubs near the city, where you can sign up for horse-riding lessons.

Rome Sports: Rome Football / Soccer - Rome, Italy
Rome has two first-ranking football clubs which share the Stadio Olimpico, AS Roma and SS Lazio and between them the teams have won three titles in Italian football's first division - Serie A. League games are traditionally played on Sundays, although matches may also be played on Saturday evenings and broadcast live on television. Cup and European games tend to be played mid-week Tickets can be purchased either directly from the stadium box office or from club merchandising outlets.

Rome Sports: Rome City Marathon - Rome, Italy
Held each spring, the Rome City Marathon is becoming a popular event and gaining international status, although it is essentially a Roman competition. Starting at the impressive Colosseum, it is run on the second Sunday in March and starts at 09:30. The route passes through some of Rome's most beautiful squares, including the Pizza Navona and Piazza di Spagna.

Other sporting activities in Rome include:

• Bowling
• Basketball
• Running / jogging
• Horse riding

 
ROME TRAVEL GUIDE...