Rome reopens Ostia beach to the public, ending private clubs

The Roman coast at Ostia is being transformed from a network of private beach clubs into free public shoreline. Under the newly approved PUA (Piano Regolatore) plan, the city aims to increase free beach length from 1.2 km to 6.5 km and cut the number of concessionary establishments from over 70 to about 35. The demolition of the former Aneme e Core club, once a marble‑floored restaurant with white columns, created a large open sand area that residents can now enjoy without paying for umbrellas and loungers. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri described the change as a "historic turn" long awaited, while Tobia Zevi, the city’s heritage and housing assessor, said the sea had been a symbol of power and arrogance for too long. The project also includes a 7.4‑km “Parco del Mare” revitalisation of the promenade, funded by the Lazio region, and an upcoming SailGP race at the Ostia tourist port slated for September. Visitors are already praising the new free access, noting the stark contrast with previous fees of 35 euros per day for private facilities.