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Largely known to visitors as the home of one of Rome's two international airports, the Lazio coast town of Fiumicino is usually overlooked by visitors. But while they are speeding into Rome, take some time to explore this delightful fishing town. Fiumicino and the Tyrrhenian coastline around is very popular with weekending Romans, drawn by its terrific seafood restaurants. The beach here is of black sand, thanks to a high iron content and the volcanic rock of this part of Italy. There are other good beaches at Lido di Ostia and Lido di Castel Fusano. Also head inland for one of the more important Roman sights - though regularly overlooked by visitors to the city. Ostia Antica was, in Classical times, the coast. The waters withdrew and left high and dry what had been Ancient Roma's port. The area has been extensively excavated now, and a day can enjoyably be spent pottering around this reconstruction (of the layout at least) of a working Roman town. We have the main street of Decumanus Maximus, the Baths of Neptune and the old town centre (Piazzale delle Corporazioni). There are mosaic pavements in the House of Apulius, and the House of Diana is the best surviving private residence in the town. North of here we have the Etruscan coast - 'forlorn' according to DH Lawrence, but enjoyably bleak to other eyes. And to the east we have Rome of course.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Fiumicino hotels.
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