If you’re figuring out where to take your family this summer, Rome should be high on the list. We mean, what kid wouldn’t want to be a gladiator for a day while learning the history of the Colosseum? Then, after all the city activities, it’s nice to take the fam to the Italian seaside. Here are three spots within driving distance from Rome.
La Posta Vecchia
The drive: One hour
Rome’s elite always needed (and got) time away from the city. That means retreating to luxurious, art-filled villas by the sea where swimming and relaxation are the prime pastimes. La Posta Vecchia, dating back to the second century, offers this experience for the modern Rome road trip. The villa was once owned by Jean Paul Getty, and you’ll be staying amidst his private art collection (including a 17th-century tapestry and Roman emperors’ busts). Getty’s master suite and the adjoining Medici suite are available for guests. The main restaurant, The Cesar, has oceanside seating where travelers enjoy the exquisite food prepared by chef Antonio Magliulo. He even offers private cooking lesson to individuals and families. Other kid-friendly activities include going to the beach, and horseback riding at Ranch Ferretti.
Adler Thermae
The drive: two hours
The pools and the spa are the highlights of the Adler Thermae experience. The spa treatments are all inspired by getting in touch with the nature of the Tuscan hills. With five different saunas, an indoor and outdoor thermal pool, and an 82-feet swimming pool, you and you family will soon cool down from Rome’s walking tours. Local wine tours, suitable for adults, are everywhere. For the kids, there are hot-air balloon rides and bike tours.
Hotel Il Pellicano
The drive: two hours
With a 90-minute run time, Disney’s Luca is the perfect Rome road trip movie for the kids to watch wile you all make your way to this relaxing ocean town. Hotel Il Pellicano has a roomy swimming pool overlooking the ocean. Water is at the heart of the activities here: swimming in the lagoon, waterskiing, or taking a boat trip from the private pier. Food-wise, Michelin-starred chef Michelino Gioia’s restaurant Il Pellicano is the main event. There are 10 room-type options, but the Argentario suite stands out; it has a private terrace and a private pool.
Punta Ala
The drive: three hours
A Rome road trip can provide all the relaxation you need after a bustling city tour. Away from the madding crowd, there’s a better chance you’ll have a lovely Italian beach mostly to yourself . The Punta Ala marina is filled with beautiful sailboats. Bars and restaurants pepper the shoreline.
