Owais Crawford
Rome's Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is a great place to stop over, with plenty of options for those looking to get out and about between flights. The airport itself has been upgraded, with new boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and art installations. For those looking to venture further afield, the nearby town of Fiumicino is known for its excellent restaurants, serving the freshest seafood straight off the fishing boats. The town also offers a peaceful beach, a small lake, and scenic walks. If you're looking for a change of pace, the ancient ruins of Ostia Antica are a short taxi ride away, and the city of Rome is also within reach.
Things to do around FCO Airport
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food | Fried calamari, roasted pork sandwiches, pizza, pastries, and coffee |
| Restaurants | Pascucci, Il Timo, Bastianelli da 1929, Porchetta da Tonino, Pizzeria Marina, Ristorantino da Giorgio, Eataly, Ramen restaurant Ajisen, Beercode, Chef Market, Caffe Kimbo, Venchi |
| Shopping | Terminals T1 and T3 have new boutiques and vending machines |
| Art | Grand pianos for guests to play, reproductions of Da Vinci's flying machines, exhibitions in Terminal 3 |
| Architecture | Futurist architecture in T3, floor-to-ceiling windows and teardrop ceiling in T1 |
| Nearby Towns | Fiumicino, Ostia Antica, Rome |
| Nearby Attractions | Monument to the Fallen in Kindu, Darsena (main street), Ancient Boat Museum, Church of St. Louis of the French |
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What You'll Learn
Enjoy the beach and restaurants in Fiumicino town
Fiumicino, meaning "little river", is a fishing town located near FCO Airport. It features a small river that is an offshoot of the main Tiber River. The town is known for its excellent restaurants, including the only two one-star Michelin Guide restaurants: Pascucci and Il Timo.
Fiumicino's beach is a popular destination for Italians, especially Ostia Beach. The beach is clean and sandy, with gentle waves and calm waters. It offers sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, as well as surf and paddle lessons. The beach attracts a diverse range of people and ages, with various goods being sold by vendors.
The town's restaurants serve fresh seafood, including fried calamari, a local favourite. Bastianelli da 1929, a family-owned restaurant, is a popular choice for elegant indoor and comfortable outdoor seating. For those seeking pizza, Pizzeria Marina, owned by World Champion of Pizza Roberto Cecchione, is a must-visit. Gran Cafe Conti is the go-to spot for pastries and coffee, and for a nostalgic experience, Krapfen del Bar Armando Pagila in Piazza Arco Marzio serves up hot "krapfen" in a 1950s-style setting.
Fiumicino may not have many traditional tourist attractions, but it offers a relaxing and authentic Italian experience, with scenic walks along the river and a glimpse into local fishing culture.
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Try the fried calamari and pizza in Fiumicino
Fiumicino, meaning "little river", is a fishing town located near FCO Airport. It is known for its excellent restaurants, including two one-star Michelin Guide restaurants: Pascucci and Il Timo.
Fried calamari is a local favourite, and Fiumicino is the perfect place to try it. The calamari is fresh, thinly coated in a light batter, and cooked to crispy perfection. You can enjoy it as a sit-down meal or on the go, served in a large paper cone with a lemon wedge and a wooden skewer. One place that stands out for its fried calamari is "Porchetta da Tonino", a green building with outdoor picnic tables.
If you're looking for a more substantial meal, try the World Champion of Pizza, Roberto Cecchione, at "Pizzeria Marina". In Italy, pizza is often sold by weight, so you can sample a variety of toppings without filling up on large slices. You can also find unique pizza flavours and friendly vibes at "Pizza Paradise".
For a sweet treat and an afternoon pick-me-up, head to Gran Cafe Conti for the best pastries and coffee in the area. So, whether you're just arriving at FCO Airport or looking for a place to spend the night before an early flight, be sure to try the fried calamari and pizza in Fiumicino.
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Wander through the airport's art and architecture
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is Italy's largest airport and serves as the main gateway to Rome. The airport is named after Leonardo da Vinci and has been ranked among the top 10 airports in the world.
FCO celebrates Rome's artistic heritage with a curation of art, including contemporary and ancient pieces. Terminal 3 (T3), for instance, features a "cracked" matrix ceiling, futuristic architecture, clean lines, and lots of open space. T1 has a similar vibe with floor-to-ceiling windows and a teardrop ceiling. Grand pianos are placed in the main halls of both terminals for guests to play, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Ancient statues and mosaics from Ostia Antica, a nearby archaeology park, can be found throughout T3. Additionally, the ITA Piazza di Spagna lounge in T3 features gorgeous Bitossi art pieces and Richard Ginori flatware. T1 also has a ITA lounge called Piazza Venezia, which likely features similar artistic elements.
The airport offers a range of dining and shopping options, including Michelin-starred restaurants and boutiques. The VAT exemption on purchases made at the airport adds to the appeal of shopping here.
Overall, FCO provides a smooth travel experience with its modern design, efficient navigation, and incorporation of art and culture.
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Visit Ostia Antica
If you're looking for something to do near Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Ostia Antica is a great option. This archaeological site is massive, with well-preserved ancient buildings, frescoes, and mosaics. You'll find Roman baths, a Roman forum, an amphitheatre, fountains, arches, and temples set in a grid-like fashion. It's easily accessible from the airport and makes for a great layover activity if you want to get out and explore. Here's a guide to help you plan your visit:
Getting to Ostia Antica from FCO
There are a few ways to get to Ostia Antica from the airport. One option is to take a taxi, which will cost around 30 euros for the trip. Another option is to take public transportation. From the airport, you can take a Cotral bus from Terminal 2 to Lido di Ostia. From there, follow the signs to Platform 1 and catch the train going towards Porta S. Paolo. Get off at the Ostia Antica stop, which is just two stops away. The site is just a short walk from the train station.
What to Expect at Ostia Antica
Ostia Antica is an impressive archaeological site that was once the bustling port town of ancient Rome. The site is vast, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. You'll need more than a couple of hours to explore everything, including the Roman baths, forum, amphitheatre, fountains, arches, and temples. The ancient buildings, frescoes, and mosaics are well-preserved, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.
Local Cuisine
When you're ready for a break, there are plenty of dining options nearby. Fried calamari is a local favourite, and you can find it at eateries like "Porchetta da Tonino." For a sit-down meal, try Bastianelli da 1929, a long-time local favourite known for its elegant atmosphere and excellent menu choices. And if you're craving a sweet treat and a coffee, head to Gran Cafe Conti, a local favourite for pastries and coffee.
Planning Your Visit
Ostia Antica is open until 19:15 (7:15 pm), with the last entrance an hour earlier. Be sure to check the opening times before your visit, especially if you plan to take the bus or train, as you'll need to leave enough time to get back to the airport.
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Explore the abandoned film set pieces
Fiumicino, a small seaside town on Italy's west coast, is home to the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, the country's busiest airport. While it may not be a popular tourist destination, the town has a few attractions worth exploring, especially if you're looking for a quiet evening after a long flight. Here are some ideas for exploring abandoned film set pieces around Fiumicino:
Ostia Antica:
Fiumicino may not have the grandeur of abandoned cities like Pompeii, but it boasts the Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman port town located at the mouth of the Tiber River. This historic site comes alive at night, with the dimly lit Roman ruins, villas, amphitheatre, and even graffiti creating a unique atmosphere. While you can't explore late at night, an evening visit is highly recommended to catch the golden sunset over the river.
Parco Leonardo:
Just a short distance from the airport, you'll find Parco Leonardo, a colossal shopping centre. While it may not be an abandoned film set, it offers a convenient and modern contrast to the ancient ruins of Ostia Antica.
Victoria Beach Restaurants:
For a true Italian dining experience, head to Victoria Beach, where you'll find incredible seafood and pasta at reasonable prices. The spacious restaurants offer indoor and outdoor seating on the white sand beach, providing the perfect setting to unwind and indulge in local cuisine.
La Panzanella:
If you're a food enthusiast, don't miss the opportunity to savour delectable seafood pasta at La Panzanella. The restaurant's specialties, coupled with their kind-hearted staff and cheerful ambiance, will make your dining experience memorable.
QC Termeroma Hotel:
After a long flight, pamper yourself with a spa massage at QC Termeroma hotel, located near the airport. The skilled masseuses offer a range of indoor spa services in a serene setting, complete with pools and gardens, ensuring you arrive in Rome relaxed and rejuvenated.
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Frequently asked questions
FCO Airport, also known as Fiumicino Airport or Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, has plenty of options to keep you entertained during a long layover. You can enjoy the architecture, art installations, and exhibitions in Terminals 1 and 3, or indulge in some shopping and dining. If you're looking for a quick bite, try the highly-rated Eataly in Terminal 1.
Fiumicino town, known for its excellent restaurants, is located near the airport. Some notable eateries include Pascucci, Il Timo, Bastianelli da 1929, and Ristorantino da Giorgio. Fiumicino is famous for its fresh seafood, so make sure to try the fried calamari, a local favourite.
Yes, Fiumicino town has a few unique attractions. You can stroll along the main street, Via della Torre Clementina, which runs parallel to a small river. You can also explore the ancient boat museum or visit the CARGO museum to see abandoned objects from movie sets.
Yes, Fiumicino Beach is located near the airport and can be easily accessed by taxi. Ostia Antica, known for its beach, is another option, but it is a bit further away and may require a taxi or public transportation.
