Expats in Rome who like sports will find many activities in the capital, both indoor and outdoor. Running, walking, gym and fitness, outdoor yoga: you will certainly find the one that is right for you.
Indoor sports activities in Rome
One of the most common sports activities in Rome is the gym, called palestra. Romans commonly go there either to take classes or for fitness and weight training. There are circoli sportivi, sports complexes, where it is possible to do all kinds of sports or recreational activities. For example, Flaminio Sporting Club, Sporting Club EUR, Nuovo Tuscolo Sporting Club or Ondina, where you can row on the Tiber. The Club dei Circoli sportivi storici association brings together the ten most prestigious historical sports clubs in Rome. Neighborhood associations or scuole di ballo also offer indoor sports and dance classes, such as modern dance, salsa or tango, yoga, or pilates.
The staff of these facilities is usually available to guide beginners and give them a program according to their individual needs. They are found in all areas of Rome, and to access them, you will have to pay a subscription fee, an annual registration fee, and provide a medical certificate issued by your doctor. This document costs between 20 and 50€.
Climbing enthusiasts will enjoy Rock It Climbing or Monkey Island.
There are also numerous swimming pools in Rome, for example, Aquaniene, Daily Training Sporting Club, A.S.D Euromar, or SSD Alma Nuoto. The Circolo Arca is an oasis in the city, with swimming pools, solarium, and other sports and recreational activities.
Good to know:
The Municipality of Rome provides a list of municipal sports centers by district, which you can consult on its website and download the document that interests you.
Outdoor sports activities in Rome
As Rome is a sunny city with many large parks, running is one of the leading outdoor sports activities. Many Romans go jogging in the morning and evening, and it is not uncommon to see runners with headlamps at the end of the day or even after dark. Other sports offered by the circoli sportivi can also be played outdoors, such as swimming, tennis, rowing and calcetto.
For running enthusiasts, many marathons are organized in Rome, such as the Rome Marathon, held every year in March or April. In addition, the Roma Appia Run, Race for the Cure and RomaOstia are also very famous. Tourist agencies also organize night-time cycling tours of Rome or night-time running tours to combine sport and culture in the city. For a long walk, the Via Appia Antica is perfect, and athletes can head to stadiums such as the Stadio dei Marmi, Stadio delle Terme di Caracalla, or the Stadio Paolo Rosi. The Foro Italico in the north of the city, in addition to hosting the University of Physical Education, offers the opportunity to practice many sports and to attend major sporting competitions, including the Rome International Tennis Championships, part of the ATP circuit.
For water sports, it is possible to go rafting on the Tiber, rowing, and canoeing. For tennis lovers, there are many tennis courts in the Eternal City: you can play classical tennis or paddle tennis.
In the summer, many parks, Via Pamphili being the most famous for this activity, organize open-air yoga classes. All you need to do is bring your mat. Note that most are even free of charge.
Sports activities outside Rome
The mountains are close to the capital, so in winter, you can go skiing, snowboarding and other sporting activities for the whole family. Head to the ski resorts of Campo Felice, Monte Terminillo, Monte Livata and Campo Staffi. Out of season in winter, hiking and horseback riding are organized in the national parks of the region. Visit the Lazio Region website to learn about all the parks and activities in Rome.
For diving activities in Rome, the nearby beaches and islands offer real hidden treasures, and Tour Operators offer rafting and tubing activities in Lazio. In addition, the whole part of the Roman coast offers beautiful beaches such as those of Anzio, Gaeta, Sabaudia, San Felice Circeo, Sperlonga and the islands of Ponza and Ventotene.
Finally, extreme sports lovers will also find something to their liking in Rome. In Nettuno, for example, you can go skydiving. If you prefer, there is the zip line in Rocca Massima, heading to the province of Latina.
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