The coast of Civitavecchia is not homogenous: there are stretches
of sandy beaches, others of pebble beaches and others still are reefs;
therefore, it seems appropriate to distinguish between them, not only
for the colorful morphology of the coastline, but for the structures
which, depending on the area examined, develop services that blend
well with the opportunities offered by the surrounding environment.
Saint Augustine
Starting from Saint Augustine (an area situated approximately
10 kilometers from Civitavecchia, down the coast road towards Tarquinia),
a striking feature is the almost two kilometers of sandy beach:
thanks to this feature, even with the presence of numerous bathers,
especially in the high season, all find sufficient space to meet
even the most varied needs (from playing football to organizing
tournaments, as well as volley ball or beach volley, or just lay
down on comfortable beach beds or on the sand). For those who want
to enjoy the sun and the sea far away from crowded beaches, the
last beaches that appear in the direction of Tarquinia are an excellent
solution; in fact, since there are no bathing establishments, these
are "uncontaminated" and offer a beautiful and very suggestive
scenery, where it is possible to witness a very suggestive sundown.
Furthermore, almost the entire Saint Augustine coastline possesses
a characteristic which is worthwhile mentioning: since the water
is particularly shallow, it is possible to walk various meters out
to sea (from the shore to 50 meters out to sea, the water level
never exceeds one meter in height), so that even less expert swimmers
can take a relaxing dip without danger.
"La Frasca"
Behind the Saint Augustine area, there is approximately
6 kilometers of reef coastline which terminates at the extreme end
of the Port of Civitavecchia (the Mattonara area) called "La
Frasca". This is without doubt the most suggestive coast of
Civitavecchia, formed by a scale-like rocky expanse which,
incessantly carved by the tides, forms a series of inlets and bays
where mostly children enjoy fishing for numerous reef animals (crabs,
prawns, eelpouts, small mullets, burdocks, rock fish, hermit crabs,
etc.) that populate the water holes located here and there in the
area. In this regard, the ancient Roman fisheries that are found
in this area, mostly near the Mattonara, are even more suggestive:
one can still s ee
the walls that surround the tubs that graze the surface of the water
and which, still today, are used for the purpose for which they
were built, ensuring a continuous change of water through communicating
channels. It is here in these tubs, more than in the bays and inlets,
that visitors can view an incredible variety of sea flora and fauna
and, in particular one see the incredible poseidons appear where
the current created by the channels is strongest. "La Frasca"
is ideal for scuba diving, with its beautiful seabed which, thanks
to its rock nature, forms a perfect natural habitat for the numerous
species of fish, shell fish and crayfish. Lastly, one must note
the beautiful pine forest that dominates the coastal hinterland
as well as the efficient camping facilities it houses, which is
an important contribution to the ever increasing flow of tourists
which each Summer confirm the attractiveness of this location.
The "Pirago"
Leaving behind, for obvious reasons, the port area of
Civitavecchia one reaches the "Pirago, a recently discovered
beach area that spreads out right in front of some of the most beautiful
buildings in Civitavecchia. From the moment the beach area was built
and fitted out, the "Pirago" became a huge success, with
numerous visitors, both in the day time and at night, and not just
for its pebble beach but also for the extraordinary square that
emerges from the center of the sea and that can be reached by a
marvelously built wharf that begins at the beach itself. The architectonic
feature of this square, its wonderful lighting and the innumerous
shows of various types that animate the summer nights, make Pirago
one of the neuralgic points of the Civitavecchia Summer. 
Other Beaches
Continuing down towards Rome, parallel to the Aurelia,
there is a coastal area called "Ideale" (or Ideal) where
there are mainly pebble beaches, and the particularly high waves
that form on this shore at high tide encourage a fair amount of
surfing activity.
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