Sport e relax
The Tiber is Rome's vital artery, a natural resource and iconic landscape and identity feature of the capital and its surrounding area. In the past, its banks were sandy beaches where Romans sought refreshment in the summer. Today these no longer exist. But the river still offers many opportunities for enjoyment in every season of the year. Steps link the Lungotevere at various points with the river banks where you can jog, run or cycle far from the noise of city traffic, with many available itineraries*. Moreover, around the river, there are numerous historical sites, clubs, associations and sports clubs which provide the chance of spending pleasant hours relaxing or exercising with a range of leisure activities to suit all needs. Among the city's oldest institutions are the historic rowing clubs, founded in the period between the Unification of Italy and the two wars, the ongoing presence of which safeguards and enhances the river. The clubs - 'Aniene', 'Lazio', 'Roma', 'Tevere Remo' and 'Tirrenia Todaro' - are located in elegant buildings along the Tiber. Access is usually reserved for members with occasional special openings to the public. Together with five other historic sports clubs in the capital - 'EUR', 'Sporting Club EUR', 'Roma Polo Club', 'Parioli' and 'Corte dei Conti' - an association has been created for the promotion of water and non-water sports activities and for the spread of amateur and professional sports. There are also many clubs and centres open to the public offering facilities, sports equipment and green spaces along the river banks, to the north and south of the city. Not only the urban riverside but also the many historic villas and parks, which can be easily reached on foot or by public transport, provide plenty of space for running or cycling enthusiasts. On the Roman coast, between Ostia and Fiumicino, there is no shortage of sports facilities, swimming pools and gyms, also available at the bathing establishments along the beaches. In addition to the Pineta di Castel Fusano with its cycle-pedestrian paths amid the greenery, the associations in the area offer diving and boat trips, as well as many other water sports activities. Foro Italico Sports Complex The Roma Rafting Association offers two river rafting itineraries, one along the Tiber and one on the Aniene. Roma Acquavventura also offers the possibility of rafting on the Tiber, between the Duca d'Aosta Bridge and the Sisto Bridge, experiencing the thrill of navigating the waters of the river with unusual views of the city's main bridges and monuments. Many other river itineraries are also available around Rome as well as activities for families, groups and schools. The Discesa Internazionale del Tevere (International Descent of the Tiber) is an association that promotes various collective sporting events on the Tiber every year. The initiatives take place in different parts of the Tiber lands in central Italy and involve various disciplines, including canoeing, kayaking and sup. Based at the Port of Ostia, Blue Marlin offers scuba diving in some of the most beautiful areas of the Riserva del Litorale Romano (Roman Coastline Reserve). Various types of water outings and courses are organised to improve diving skills, as well as water sports activities and equipment hire.
Inside the monumental complex of the Foro Italico, at the foot of Monte Mario, is a small leisure-time paradise. Tennis courts and new padel courts, gymnasium, swimming pool, wellness and refreshment area with bar and restaurant service are all available, with different entrance formulas, including to non-members.
The centre offers many different sports courses for adults and children.
The first runs along the urban stretch of the river and offers the thrill of a few small rapids, ending with a landing in Trastevere. The itinerary on the Aniene, particularly suitable for families with children, crosses the green Aniene Valley Nature Reserve, north of Rome.
