The summer beach season in Ostia officially began on May 1st, 2026, with Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri signing the ordinance that regulates activities on both public and concession-managed beaches. This year, for the first time in decades, all open establishments will have regular concessions, ensuring a season free from past abuses.
Key Dates and Operational Services
The new ordinance is valid from Saturday, May 10th to September 30th, 2026. However, beach operators with concessions were allowed to activate bathing assistance services from May 1st, 2026, until October 30th. This extended period ensures a longer, more regulated beach experience for visitors.
A Historic Turning Point for Ostia
Mayor Gualtieri emphasized the significance of this year’s regulations, stating, “For the first time in decades, all open establishments will have regular concessions and will be free from abuses. We have introduced clear rules, reaffirmed the centrality of free beaches and environmental protection, and introduced more effective measures to improve accessibility.” He also thanked various institutions for their “extraordinary commitment and collaboration.”
Guaranteed Free Access to the Shoreline
A core principle of the new ordinance is the guarantee of free access to the shoreline (battigia). This means that entry to the sea is always free, whether through public access points or via beach establishments. Concessionaires are mandated to ensure open, visible, and clearly marked passages.
Public Access Points (Varchi)
There are 10 designated public access points along the Ostia coastline:
- Kursaal
- Elmi
- Battistini
- Marechiaro
- Zenit
- La Vela
- Il Gabbiano
- Cotral Mero
- Vecchia Pineta
- Ex Maresole
Even if you arrive at a private establishment, such as Marechiaro on Lungomare Paolo Toscanelli 31, you are permitted to pass through to reach the sea.
Beach Establishments: Progress and Transparency
Tobia Zevi, the delegate for heritage in Gualtieri’s administration, confirmed that efforts are ongoing to ensure a smooth beach season. He highlighted the commitment of Ama and Zetema, as well as entrepreneurs and concessionaires, in working towards “a new era in the management of Rome’s sea, marked by transparency and legality.”
While some structures remain closed due to the removal of past abuses, 31 establishments are now fully operational. This includes 10 new concessions signed recently, adding to the previous 13. The newly approved establishments include:
- Lido Beach
- Kelly’s
- Il Delfino
- Lega Navale
- Orsa Maggiore
- La Bonaccia
- Guerrino er Marinaro
- Il Gabbiano
- L’Ancora
- La Playa
More contracts are expected to be finalized early next week.
Concessionaires’ Strict Obligations
Beach concessionaires are now subject to stringent rules to ensure a high standard of service and safety:
- Free access to toilets: Available to all users and bathers.
- Collective labor contract: Application of collective labor agreements for staff.
- Lifeguard service: Mandatory from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Beach cleaning: Regular cleaning of the sandy areas.
- Transparent pricing: Clear display of all tariffs.
- Safety and legality: Adherence to all safety regulations and legal requirements.
Food and entertainment activities are permitted until 3:00 AM on holidays and pre-holidays, and until 2:00 AM on other days. Designated areas allow for pets.
New Services and Prohibitions on the Coastline
Beyond the existing lifeguard services for Ostia Ponente beaches, several new services and regulations are now in effect:
- Castelporziano Free Beaches: Kiosks and services are operational at gates 1, 2, 6, and 7.
- Additional Free Beaches: From May 10th, kiosks and services will also be available at 6 other free beaches.
- Smoking Ban: Smoking is prohibited within five meters of the shoreline.
- Caretta caretta Turtle Protection: Obligation for manual protection and cleaning of the beach in case of nesting and hatching of loggerhead sea turtles.
- Accessibility: Each establishment must provide at least one Job chair (for disabled access to water) and a changing table for infants.
Contact Information
For further information and updates, please refer to official channels from the City of Rome.
Source: https://www.ilmessaggero.it/roma/ostia/ostia_mare_dove_si_puo_andare_questa_estate_varchi_orari_divieti_e_servizi-9505509.html
