One more thing: Terracina

I just want to add that Terracina and environs have been a most delightful and extraordinarily pleasant way to spend a vacation.  The beach head north of the town of Terracina, going all the way past Porto Badino and toward San Felice Cercio is a sandy paradise, peppered with both private (paid) and public (free) beaches.  If you are looking to get away from it all, go camping. But if you want to get away from your English-speaking compatriots, this is a fabulous getaway.

By the way, as far as swimming in the ocean, I was most pleasantly surprised by the combination of sand and CRYSTAL clear water (no lie, folks!). In the area where I stayed (Lido Circeo), there is a gradual steepness in the water, that approximately 30 meters out, I was over my head. But then, you swim another 80-100 meters out, and you're back on your feet. Really cool!! The August weather was absolutely hot but the breeze made life tolerable on the beach.

There is an old part of Terracina uphill from the main town, filled with medieval buildings built atop Roman ruins, and a portion of the Via Appia evident within the Town Hall Square.  It's a great Roman scavenger hunt for the family! Combine this with the Temple of Jove in Anxur at the top of the hill, and you have a delightful mini day trip.

Now about transport:  The closest train station is in Priverno-Fossanova, a 30-45 minute drive from Terracina, through back roads and regional highways. The fare for a one-way trip to Rome Termini Station is €5.00--a bargain. The fare for a one-way trip to Naples is higher, depending on the type of train and number of transfers. But there are opportunities for day trips if you want to combine a several hour trip with a late afternoon beach excursion in Terracina.

So, if you are considering a casual vacation--I stress CASUAL, not the stereotypical "Europe in seven days" excursion--I highly recommend Terracina, Italy, as the place to plant your flag (and beach umbrella) and give the area some of your tourist Dollars and Euros. You will NEVER regret it!