Fiumicino is conveniently located less than five kilometers from Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO). It takes just a 10-minute taxi ride from the terminal, making it incredibly easy to reach.
Fiumicino's restaurants serve seafood delicacies that are guaranteed to be fresh. The canal might not be the coolest beach destination for everyone, as there are more and more worn-out trawlers attached to it. However, the sympathetic atmosphere of the authentic fishing port also attracts Romans who appreciate good food.
The sandy beaches of Fiumicino begin on the south side of the canal. If you have had lunch on the north side of the canal, you can cross the canal via a footbridge on the seaside. The sandy beaches start immediately after the port and offer all the services for spending a day at the beach.
The next beach destination south of Fiumicino is Lido di ostia, home to the chicest beach clubs on Rome's beaches and a lively nightlife.
In front of the T1 terminal, there is a bus to Fiumicino and the journey takes only 10 minutes. Or, if you come from Rome from the center, the fastest way to get to the airport is by Leonardo Express train, after which you can continue by bus to Fiumicino.
If you have an evening flight, you should consider arriving at the airport on time. You can leave your luggage in the airport baggage storage while you have lunch or spend a relaxing day at the beach in Fiumicino while waiting for your flight to depart.
You can find The Luggage storage on the ground floor of the T3 terminal and is maintained by ADR, which provides ground services at Fiumicino Airport. 0 level, ground floor
Fiumicino – More Than Just an Airport
For most travelers, Fiumicino is simply an airport, known by its IATA code FCO, which points to Rome’s largest international gateway. However, Fiumicino is more than just an airport – it’s also a charming seaside town where you can enjoy good food and a relaxed atmosphere, even while waiting for your flight.
We visited Fiumicino for lunch on a sunny weekend and were pleasantly surprised by the lively yet laid-back vibe of its marina. The port was bustling with tourists, families, and groups of friends enjoying their day out. Parking was relatively easy to find along the canal, though we weren’t entirely sure how we’d manage to leave the spot later, thanks to Italy’s famously creative parking habits.
Before lunch, we took a stroll along the canal and the harbor. While the canal may not meet everyone’s vision of a picture-perfect seaside destination – with its row of weathered fishing trawlers tied up along the bank – it exudes the charm of a working fishing port. This authentic atmosphere attracts not only curious visitors but also food-loving locals from Rome. Next time, I’ll remember to bring a cooler bag because we could have bought fresh clams straight from a fisherman’s bucket.
After the walk, we settled down on a terrace for a refreshing Aperol Spritz. The sunny weather, combined with the cheerful chatter of people around us and the occasional sea breeze, made for the perfect aperitivo moment.
For lunch, we chose a seaside restaurant and indulged in a three-course meal. To start, we had mussels, followed by a perfectly creamy risotto as the primo, and finished with crispy fried calamari as the secondo. A bottle of chilled Pinot Grigio complemented the meal beautifully. The seafood, as you’d expect from a restaurant in a fishing port, was impeccably fresh and bursting with flavor. While we may have slightly over-ordered, the total bill, including the wine, came to just €80 – excellent value for the quality and quantity.
If you’d like to explore the beach after a meal, you can cross the pedestrian bridge over the canal to the southern side, where sandy beaches await. The spiaggia libera, a free public beach, is just a short walk from the bridge, making it easy to dip your toes in the water or soak up the sun for a while. For a full beach day, pack your towel and swimsuit, as Lungomare della Salute, the beachside promenade, offers plenty of restaurants and beach bars with all the amenities you need for a relaxing day by the sea. On the south side of the River Tiber are the Porto turistico di Rome, a marina for sailboats and yachts, and Lido di Ostia, a very popular beach among Romans.
Fiumicino might not be the first place that comes to mind for a seaside outing, but it’s full of surprises. Whether you’re there for a quick lunch, a leisurely stroll, or a full day of beachside relaxation, it’s a destination worth exploring – even if your journey begins or ends at the airport. If you have a long layover or some time to spare before your flight, Fiumicino is a perfect place to escape the airport and enjoy a few hours of coastal charm.
Why Visit Fiumicino Before or After a Flight?
The town is just a 10-minute taxi ride from the terminal, making it incredibly convenient. Picture this: instead of spending hours sitting in a departure lounge, you could be savoring a fresh seafood lunch with a view of the marina or strolling along the beach with the sound of waves in the background.
For those arriving in Rome, Fiumicino offers a gentle introduction to Italian culture. Start your trip with a plate of freshly caught seafood, a glass of local wine, and the relaxed rhythm of life by the sea. It’s a wonderful way to unwind after a long flight and ease into your Italian adventure before entering Rome.
Whether you’re arriving, departing, or simply passing through, Fiumicino proves that sometimes the best travel experiences are found just beyond the terminal doors.
Reaching Fiumicino town from Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) is quick and straightforward. Here are your options:
Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services
Bus
Hotel Shuttles
