Civitavecchia

Travel Guide

Civitavecchia
Photo by Hannah
Photo by Majid Shaheen
Photo "Civitavecchia" by Giovanni Dore (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo "Civitavecchia" by Giovanni Dore (CC BY) / Cropped from original

Wander around an ancient fort, watch cruise ships sail by or shop and dine in the typical Roman streets of this bustling Old Town.

Although in theory part of the wider metropolitan area of Rome, Civitavecchia is actually a small town set on a hillside beside the ocean. As well as being a quaint coastal town, it also forms the Port of Rome. Dating as far back as the 2nd century, this harbor was built by the emperor Trajan. Civitavecchia means Old Town and oozes history and Roman culture.

Begin your visit by admiring the solid Forte Michelangelo that dominates the harbor. It is named after the world-famous Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo who designed part of it. Although you can’t enter the fort, it an amazing sight to see in its picturesque surroundings.

From the fort, take a stroll across the Piazza della Vita and along the palm-lined promenade. Stop for a swim at Pirgo Beach or just relax on a deck chair in the shade of a parasol to escape the heat of the day. Enjoy lunch with a sea view in one of the many bars or restaurants.

Delve deeper into the hidden delights of Civitavecchia by ambling through the historic streets. Take a seat beneath a tree in the cobblestone Piazza Antonio Fratti and watch the Italians go about their daily business. Spend some time inside the cool realm of the Cathedral of Civitavecchia while admiring its religious artworks and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.

Take a ride up into the hills and explore Terme Taurine, historic thermal baths that were used by the Romans. Information signs explain the in-depth history of the baths and the associated buildings. Surrounded by greenery, Terme Taurine also offers sweeping views of the coast and countryside.

Back in the city center, dress up smart and embrace the warm Mediterranean evenings like a local. The atmosphere becomes almost magic when Civitavecchia’s residents spill out into the streets to socialize and enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the many local bars and cafés. Sample the world-famous Italian cuisine paired with a locally produced glass of wine.

Many people just pass through Civitavecchia from their cruise ship to the train station for the ride into Rome. But this town is much more than a port, so stay a while longer to enjoy everything this charming Old Town has to offer.

Hotel de La Ville
Hotel de La Ville
4 out of 5
Viale della Repubblica, 4, Civitavecchia, RM
Stay at this 4-star property in Civitavecchia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (791 reviews)
"The hotel was convenient for the cruise port and the local train station. The staff was pleasant helpful, the room was clean well appointed, breakfast had a lot of variety with plea serving stuff. We definitely recommend this hotel and will definitely stay again if in the area."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Hotel de La Ville
Hotel Traiano
Hotel Traiano
3 out of 5
via Fabio Filzi, 1, Civitavecchia, RM
The price is RM448 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
RM448
RM532 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Civitavecchia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"We loved our stay here- we booked 3 rooms for 10 people total and it was exactly what we needed for a night before a cruise. The shuttle service from the airport was easy and efficient, as was the shuttle to the port. The AC was great in the rooms. Breakfast was good and the staff was very ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Hotel Traiano
Sunbay Park Hotel
Sunbay Park Hotel
4 out of 5
Via Aurelia Sud -km 68 750, Civitavecchia, RM
The price is RM346 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
RM346
RM420 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Civitavecchia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Port of Civitavecchia and Piazza della ...
7/10 Good! (555 reviews)
"Typical of Europe but very slow staff service in the Resturant. Otherwise - all fine"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Sunbay Park Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy Sea View Apartment in Civitavecchia
Cozy Sea View Apartment in Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia
Stay at this apartment in Civitavecchia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Port of Civitavecchia and Largo della Pace are located ...
"Cosa dire? Tutto perfetto , proprietari molto gentili e disponibili!"

Reviewed on 5 Dec 2022

Cozy Sea View Apartment in Civitavecchia
Antica Pietra
Antica Pietra
Via S. Liborio, Civitavecchia, RM
Stay at this vacation home in Civitavecchia. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a free cruise terminal shuttle. Popular attractions Port of Civitavecchia ...
Antica Pietra
Casale Elisa Country Hotel
Casale Elisa Country Hotel
Via dei Pini 11, Ladispoli, RM
Stay at this vacation home in Ladispoli. Enjoy a free beach shuttle, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Popular attractions Castello di Palo and Spiaggia Libera ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"I enjoyed my 4 nights and 5 days of vacation at a small resort hotel in the countryside..."

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

Casale Elisa Country Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Civitavecchia

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 27%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 36%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 9%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Don't expect instant taxi arrival, even when the hotel manages to contact one. The good point is that there is a shuttle bus from the railway station to the port every ten minutes, costing only 2 Euros.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Charming town well worth exploring