Home to Italy’s busiest airport, Fiumicino lies along the Tyrrhenian Sea, west of Rome. It sprawls around the mouth of the Tiber River, with its name translating as “Little River”. Aside from boasting several sandy beaches, the town provides a convenient base for exploring the ancient archaeological site of Ostia Antica.
Things to do in Fiumicino
Take a step back in time at the Area Archeologica del Porto di Traiano, which preserves the site of two Imperial Roman ports. Set within a picturesque natural setting and with plenty of informational signs, it features the remains of ship docks and warehouses where goods were once stored. Contemporary art exhibitions are regularly held at the archaeological site.
Also near Fiumicino are the ruins of Ostia Antica, an ancient settlement that was once located at the mouth of the Tiber River. It’s renowned for its mosaic floors and magnificent frescoes, as well as boasting a large theatre where cultural events take place. Excavated artefacts from the site are exhibited at the Museo Archeologico Ostiense, which was built by Pope Pius IX in 1865.
Fiumicino is home to several beaches where you can cool off in the summer months or kill a few hours before your flight out of Rome. Relax on Spiaggia Mediterraneo or Spiaggia Libera, both of which are ideal for watching the sunset over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Lining the coast are plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can dine throughout the day, including Ristorante Miranda, Il Ghiottone and A Tutto Pesce.
Getting around Fiumicino
Fiumicino is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Rome and is home to Italy’s main international airport, Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport. Regular trains connect to the Fiumicino Aeroporto and Parco Leonardo railway stations while buses travel throughout the city.