Civitavecchia Travel Guide: Best Things To Do, Top Attractions & Where To Eat?
Civitavecchia Travel Guide: Best Things to Do
Planning a visit to Civitavecchia, Italy? I’ve just returned from this charming coastal city — and, shamefully, I’ll admit that if I hadn’t missed my stop on the train, I may never have ended up here at all. But what a beautiful surprise it turned out to be.
Many travellers arrive in Civitavecchia as a stopover on a Mediterranean cruise, while others visit when exploring the Lazio coast independently. I had actually planned to come the year before to catch a ferry to Tunisia — but that trip never happened. So ending up here by accident felt like a funny coincidence.
Either way, this historic port city has far more to offer than most travellers realise.
In this complete Civitavecchia travel guide, you’ll discover:
- The top attractions in Civitavecchia
- The best things to do in Civitavecchia
- The best restaurants in Civitavecchia
- Popular Civitavecchia day trips
Let’s explore this beautiful seaside gateway to Rome.
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Where Is Civitavecchia?
Civitavecchia is a coastal city in the Lazio region of Italy, about 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Rome. It serves as the main cruise and ferry port for central Italy and is often referred to as “The Port of Rome.”
While many visitors pass through on their way to Rome, staying a few hours (or even a night) reveals a relaxed seaside atmosphere, Roman history, and excellent seafood.
What Brought Me Here To This City
It was never my plan to go anywhere else in Italy besides Rome. I only ended up here because it was meant to be a cheap stopover on my way to Yerevan, Armenia en route to Tbilisi Georgia.
The few days leading up to it had already been stressful — rats at my hostel, roommates complaining about my snoring, and then, when it came time to leave for the airport, I stayed on the train too long.
What I hadn’t realised was that to reach Rome FCO Airport, I needed to change at Rome Ostiense and catch the airport connection from there. Instead, I stayed on the train — and before I knew it, I had arrived in Civitavecchia.
The moment I stepped off, I knew I wouldn’t make it back in time. It was around 1:30pm, and my flight was at 3:40pm. I checked Uber — over £100 — and realistically, I knew it just wasn’t going to happen.
After already spending more money than planned (including a €50 train penalty within my first hour in Italy), missing the flight felt like the final blow. And although I liked the look of Civitavecchia and being by the sea, under those circumstances it was not really somewhere I cared to be.
But eventually, I calmed down. I found another flight to Yerevan for the following day and booked a room in Civitavecchia just ten minutes from the harbour.
And honestly? It wasn’t a bad place to get stranded.
There was no WiFi in my apartment, but as soon as I stepped outside and saw the sea glittering beside the ancient fort walls of Forte Michelangelo, I realised I’d stumbled into something special.
What started as an unexpected stop turned into a discovery — and the more I looked into Civitavecchia, the more I realised just how much there is to see and do here.
Top Attractions in Civitavecchia
Despite its compact size, there are several fascinating historical landmarks worth exploring.
1. Forte Michelangelo
The city’s most iconic landmark, Forte Michelangelo dominates the harbourfront. Construction began in 1508 under Pope Julius II, and the fortress is partly attributed to the great Renaissance artist Michelangelo.
Its impressive walls and towers make it a must-see for history lovers and photographers.
2. Terme Taurine
Also known as the Taurine Baths, these ancient Roman thermal baths date back to the 2nd century AD and were commissioned by Emperor Trajan.
Wander through the ruins and imagine Roman citizens relaxing in these once-luxurious spa complexes.
3. Cattedrale di San Francesco d’Assisi
Located near the harbour, this 18th-century cathedral features elegant Baroque architecture and offers a peaceful escape from the busy port area.
This was right next to where I stayed and after a look Inside I was very Impressed by what I see here.
4. Largo della Pace
This is where cruise passengers often arrive. From here, you can easily walk into town and begin exploring.
Note:If you read my post last year about missing my ferry from Salerno to Tunis, Tunisia, that was actually when I first discovered that Civitavecchia offers far more convenient and affordable ferry connections — often starting from around €50. In hindsight, it’s a much easier departure point than Salerno and a unique way to combine Italy with North Africa while enjoying a scenic Mediterranean crossing.
Best Things to Do in Civitavecchia
If you only have half a day, here are the best things to do in Civitavecchia.
🚶 Take a Seafront Walk Along the Promenade
The waterfront promenade is perfect for a relaxed stroll. Enjoy views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and stop for gelato at a local café.
🏖 Relax at Pirgo Beach
A small but pleasant beach area ideal for cooling off during summer cruise stops.
☕ Experience Authentic Italian Café Culture
Order an espresso at a local bar and enjoy watching daily Italian life unfold around you.
🎡 Take a Ride on the Big Wheel
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, you may spot the large observation wheel set up along the seafront near the harbour. A ride on the Big Wheel offers panoramic views over Civitavecchia’s coastline, the marina, and out across the Tyrrhenian Sea.
From the top, you can see the historic harbour area, including Forte Michelangelo, as well as the surrounding waterfront promenade. It’s a relaxed and scenic way to take in the city — especially around sunset when the light reflects beautifully off the sea.
It’s also a fun option if you’re short on time but still want a memorable view of the city without venturing too far from the port.
Best Restaurants in Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia is known for fresh seafood and traditional Roman-Lazio cuisine. Here are some of the best restaurants in Civitavecchia to try:
1.) 🍝 Ristorante Il Bettolino
Highly rated for fresh seafood dishes and pasta. Their mixed seafood platter is particularly popular.
2.) 🍕 Pizzeria Del Ghetto
A casual and affordable option for authentic Italian pizza with crispy Roman-style bases.
3.) 🐟 La Ghiacciaia
Great for traditional seafood recipes in a relaxed setting near the marina.
Tip: If you’re visiting during cruise season, consider booking ahead.
4.) 🥗 Semplice
A modern, minimalist eatery offering a mix of Italian classics and creative dishes including Seafood, Pizza and Prawns. Known for its fresh ingredients and beautifully presented plates, Semplice is perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner after exploring the port area.
I ordered the Spaghetti Bolognaise here. It wasn’t anything too fancy but they were very friendly, their customer service was very good and they was very helpful for letting me use their WIFI.
Where to Stay in Civitavecchia
Although many travellers only visit Civitavecchia as a stopover, staying overnight can make your trip more relaxing and give you time to explore the city beyond the port. From budget-friendly guesthouses to hotels with sea views, there’s something for every type of traveller.
🏨 Hotel Traiano
A comfortable, central hotel just a few minutes from the harbour. Ideal for travellers who want quick access to the port and local restaurants. Check rates here
🛏️ Hotel Mediterraneo
Located near the waterfront, this guesthouse combines modern design with convenience. Perfect for solo travellers or couples. View availability
🌊 Hotel Porto di Roma
Overlooking the marina, this hotel offers spacious rooms and easy access to the promenade. A great choice for those looking for sea views. Book your stay
🏖️ B&B Il Veliero
A charming bed & breakfast just a short walk from the beach and local cafés. Budget-friendly with a homely atmosphere. Check prices
🏠 MD House 2.0
This is where I stayed during my visit, and for €53, I was very happy with the place. It’s just a 2-minute walk from the cathedral, right in a prime location in the city.
I really liked the little details — the showers even have built-in radios, which I thought was a fun touch, and there’s a very comfortable lounge area to relax in. The only downside for me was that there was no WiFi, but overall it was a great base for exploring Civitavecchia. See what It Is Like.
💡 Tip for Cruise Passengers
If you’re arriving on a cruise and plan to stay in Civitavecchia, consider booking early. Accommodation fills up quickly during high season, and staying even one night can make your trip to Rome or the surrounding Lazio coast much smoother.
How to Get from Civitavecchia to Rome
Many travellers use Civitavecchia as a gateway to Rome — especially cruise passengers heading into the city for the day. For, anyone planning to do so getting from Civitavecchia to Rome is fortunately very straightforward and affordable in most cases.
🚆 By Train (Most Popular Option)
The easiest and most budget-friendly way is by train. Trains run regularly from Civitavecchia station to Rome and take approximately 50–70 minutes, depending on the service.
You can travel to:
- Roma Termini (central Rome)
- Roma San Pietro (near the Vatican)
- Roma Ostiense
Tickets are usually inexpensive and can be purchased at the station or online in advance. From what I see it was around 7 to 10 Euros.
🚕 By Taxi or Private Transfer
Taxis and private transfers are available from the port area. This is a more convenient but significantly more expensive option, particularly during cruise season.
🚗 By Rental Car
If you plan to explore beyond Rome, renting a car may be worthwhile. However, driving in central Rome can be challenging due to traffic restrictions (ZTL zones).
💡 Tip for Cruise Passengers
If you’re visiting Rome for the day from a cruise stop, allow plenty of time to return to Civitavecchia before departure. Italian train schedules are generally reliable, but delays can happen — and ships won’t wait.
Civitavecchia Day Trips
One of the biggest reasons travellers stop in Civitavecchia is its excellent location for exploring central Italy.
1. Rome
The most popular Civitavecchia day trip is, of course, Rome. Trains run frequently from Civitavecchia station and take approximately one hour.
Must-see highlights include (of course):
- Colosseum
- The Roman Forum
- Vatican City
- Trevi Fountain
Note*: Don’t be an Idiot like I was in Rome and not pay for a train ticket. The trains are very strict in Italy (50 euro Penalty I had to pay) and also if you miss your train they will not let you use the same ticket for a later train. Very harsh compared to in England and definitely one thing I like the least about Italy!
2. Tarquinia
A UNESCO-listed Etruscan site just 20 minutes away, famous for ancient tombs and archaeological treasures.
3. Orvieto
A beautiful hilltop town known for its cathedral and panoramic countryside views.
Is Civitavecchia Worth Visiting?
Absolutely — especially if you take time to explore beyond the cruise terminal.
While many travellers treat it purely as a transport hub to Rome, Civitavecchia offers:
- Rich Roman history
- Seaside relaxation
- Authentic local restaurants
- Easy access to central Italy
It’s ideal for a slow-paced half-day itinerary or an overnight stay before or after your cruise.
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Civitavecchia
- 🚆 Trains to Rome run regularly from Civitavecchia station
- 🚕 Taxis from the cruise port can be limited during peak season
- ☀ Summers are hot — bring sun protection
- 💶 Most places accept cards, but carry some cash for small cafés
Note: From my own expereince
Probably a silly thing but before booking check if they have WIFI as my place did not and I’m pretty sure I probably wouldn’t have booked it if I had known.
Final Thoughts: Your Civitavecchia Travel Guide Summary
Civitavecchia may be known as the gateway to Rome, but it deserves recognition as a destination in its own right. From historic fortresses and Roman baths to fresh seafood and scenic waterfront views, there’s plenty to enjoy.
For me as I mentioned already I would have never come here if I didn’t mess up getting the train from Rome Termini to the airport.
Be sure if you are heading to the airport to make your way to Ostiensie first! – Do not do what I did! I had no time whatsover to head back in the other direction when I got to Civitavecchia and after this I really didn’t want to be here. It was a shame really I couldn’t appreciate it more and even If you have a few spare hours before heading to Rome — use this Civitavecchia travel guide to see what is here and check it out for yourself.
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Keen traveller and digital nomad looking to share my stories from my international trips with my faithful companion Mr Bean 2.0 (Alex Chivers).
I really enjoyed reading about your unexpected trip to Civitavecchia. Your story about missing the train and suddenly finding yourself in a completely different place made the article feel very real and relatable. Sometimes those unplanned moments end up becoming the most memorable parts of a trip, and it sounds like that might have been the case here.
Do you feel that missing the train ended up being a bit of a blessing in disguise? It’s interesting how what first seems like a travel disaster can turn into a unique experience and a chance to discover somewhere you might never have visited otherwise.
I’m also curious about your time exploring the city once things settled down. Did you happen to try any local restaurants or cafés while you were there? Since Civitavecchia is a coastal town, I imagine the seafood must be fantastic. If you found any places that really stood out, I’d love to hear your recommendations for visitors who might be passing through or staying for a night.
Hi Steven, thanks that means a lot. Missing the train was horrible. The thought of trying to do something that just isn’t possible it’s kind of heart breaking but really I suppose to actually just de stress from the whole situation being by the sea away from all the madness in the city really helped. It was a nice place to stumble upon definitely. I would like to come back and take the ferry to Tunisia one day I think.
I went to one restaurant regarding your other question but I opted for the Spaghetti Bolognaise rather than one of the more pricier seafood options as to be honest with you I really hated having to spend another 140 already on my accomation and new flight it was supposed to be more of a budget trip bit Italy overall cost me way too much.