Location
Italy
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to September
About Spiaggia naturista "Sabbie Nere
Sabbie Nere ('black sands') is the naturist beach of Santa Severa, on the Lazio coast about 50 km north-west of Rome in the comune of Santa Marinella. It lies south-east of the medieval Castello di Santa Severa, beyond the archaeological zone of the ancient port of Pyrgi, on a stretch of open shore backed by low scrub. The sand is dark volcanic sand mixed with fine gravel, which gets very hot in the sun, so footwear is useful. The naturist sector starts roughly 500-600 m along the shore from the castle area, past an old Second World War bunker, and is recognised by the municipality as an 'oasi naturista'; FENAIT, the Italian naturist federation, lists it among Italy's officially recognised naturist beaches. A naturist association looks after the area and part of it has been run as an equipped, supervised section, with free unequipped stretches either side. Further south the Macchiatonda WWF nature reserve begins, and nudity is not allowed inside it. Being an easy train ride from Rome, it can get crowded at weekends, when volunteers from a regional naturist association often keep an eye on the beach.
Getting there
By car, leave the SS1 Aurelia at about km 52.5 and take Via del Castello toward the Castello di Santa Severa and the archaeological area, where there is a paid car park; from there walk south-east along the shore for about 500-600 m past the bunker to the naturist sector. By train, take the FR5 Roma-Civitavecchia line to Santa Severa station and walk about 15 minutes. Do not stop inside the signposted archaeological zone on the way. The approach is along the sand, so it is not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Visitors like the black sand, generally clear water and relaxed atmosphere, and appreciate that it is reachable by train from Rome. It is crowded on summer weekends, when volunteers from a regional naturist association are often present to keep order. Some regulars complain about how visitors bringing their own umbrellas and gear are treated relative to the managed area, and the hot dark sand catches out first-timers.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The Comune di Santa Marinella recognises the Sabbie Nere stretch as an 'oasi naturista' (reported as authorised since 2021), and FENAIT lists it as officially recognised, so nudity is lawful within the marked sector. Nudity is not allowed in the adjoining Macchiatonda WWF reserve or in the archaeological area. Check the current season's municipal ordinance, as beach rules are renewed annually.
Naturism at Spiaggia naturista "Sabbie Nere sits under Italy's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Italy public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 42.0037, 11.9724
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Italy
Frequently asked questions
Is nudity legal at Sabbie Nere?
Yes, within the naturist sector, which the Comune di Santa Marinella recognises as an oasi naturista and FENAIT lists as official. It is not allowed in the Macchiatonda reserve further south.
How do I get there from Rome?
Take the FR5 regional train to Santa Severa and walk about 15 minutes, or drive the Aurelia to km 52.5 and follow Via del Castello to the paid car park.
Where does the nude area start?
About 500-600 m along the shore south-east of the castle area, past an old WWII bunker.
Are there facilities?
There is paid parking and a snack bar near the car park; part of the naturist area has been run as an equipped, supervised section, with free stretches where you bring your own gear.
Is it family-friendly?
Families do visit; weekdays are quieter than weekends, when it can be crowded.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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