2026 - August - Civitavecchia

Many know Civitavecchia only as the port of Rome, where large cruise ships dock and from where most tourists are taken directly to Italy's capital by bus. However, if you have the time to stroll through the town the night before boarding, as we did, you will discover a historic old port town that is definitely worth it.

We used the time to walk along the promenade, admire the market stalls, and try out restaurants. And of course, we also rode the giant Ferris wheel. It is an eye-catcher, both from below and with the view from above. In fact, there is even a pebble beach here, actively used by the locals.

Right at the transition to the harbor, the white baroque city gate Porta Livorno impresses. Next to it stretches the monumental harbor wall Mura Urbaniana, into which the artistic Vanvitelli fountain with its distinctive faun head is integrated. At the harbor basin, you will also come across the city's absolute landmark, the gigantic fortress Forte Michelangelo with its mighty main tower.

If you walk a few steps further into the old town, you dive into original Italy. During our tour, we also discovered the Cathedral of San Francesco d’Assisi and the bronze statue of Pope John Paul II in front of it. Not far from there, we also stumbled upon the picturesque Piazza Leandra with the historic Chiesa della Stella and the Archetto, a centuries-old medieval town gate made of natural stone.

On the way to the cruise terminal, we passed by the lovely little fishing harbor from the town. I had so much fun watching and photographing the huge stacked fishing nets there that I ended up taking a whole series of pictures. So, Civitavecchia awaits you as a charming Italian town that is easily accessible from a cruise ship and offers small discoveries at every corner.

And to be honest: I would only recommend spending several consecutive days in Rome. We have been there, and it is worth it! Rushing to see the sights by bus is far too short. Therefore, my personal conclusion before a cruise is: Not all roads lead to Rome; sometimes, stopping just before it is enough.