Around 20 miles southwest of Rome, on a quiet stretch of Mediterranean coastline, lies the pretty provincial town of Isola Sacra. Stretches of long sandy beaches, dotted with traditional palafitte stilt houses, line this coastal town. which sits at the mouth of the Tiber River. Rome-Fiumicino "Leonardo da Vinci" International Airport, the busiest airport in Italy, is just minutes away, making it an ideal destination for tourists with their sights set on Rome.

Around 15,000 inhabitants are happy to call Isola Sacra home, but tensions are rising with the planned construction of a new mega port known as Fiumicino Waterfront, a joint venture between Royal Caribbean and Icon Infrastructure. Although building hasn't yet begun, it's been given the green light, with local authorities claiming it'll boost tourism and create 7,000 jobs. The mayor of Isola Sacra is also optimistic about the project, stating that it'll change the city for the better.

But, the project is currently stalled due to environmental assessments, community legal challenges, and opposition from residents and environmental groups. Many have protested against the proposed port since 2010, giving compelling reasons for visitors to reconsider traveling here. Not least the irreparable damage it would cause to the nearby special conservation area and the rich biodiversity and historical remains that lie within it. Isola Sacra has also been placed on Fodor's No List 2026, a yearly list that highlights destinations around the world where rising visitor numbers are overwhelming the land and local communities.

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Reasons to avoid travelling to Isola Sacra, Italy

While local authorities are promoting the proposed Fiumicino Waterfront to attract more tourists, the question is, does the area actually need more tourists? While Isola Sacra has some notable historical structures of its own, like the 2,000-year-old Necropolis of Portus, the proximity to the ancient ruins in Rome is the main attraction. Yet Rome is already struggling with the weight of 35 million visitors in 2025, does it have the infrastructure to deal with any more? More tourists mean more traffic, an increase in air pollution, and a risk to the residents' quality of life.

Protesters also point out that the building process, which includes sand dredging and coastal modifications needed to accommodate the 230-foot-high mega-liners carrying up to 6,000 passengers, will devastate the delicate ecosystem. They fear it'll cause lasting damage to marine habitats, erasing historical structures, cementing over the beaches, and changing the coastline forever — arguably more than enough reason to never take a cruise.

They also highlight that there's already a nearby port at Civitavechia, just 47 miles north of Rome. As one of the busiest ports in Europe, several cruise lines already use it to dock their mega-liners. Residents also worry that if the dock project goes ahead as planned, it'll set a precedent for other companies to develop freely along the coast.

Choose sustainable travel in Italy

If you're now reconsidering your planned trip to the Italian coast, there are ways you can travel responsibly while still enjoying your dream coastal holiday near Rome. Make sure you're not contributing to over-tourism by choosing less crowded destinations and prioritizing more sustainable tourism that supports local communities and protects the environment. Traveling off the well-worn tourist trail is a rewarding experience, and you'll discover somewhere new without having to stand three hours in line to see it.

Beaches with the Blue Flag certification are a great place to start. From 2025, having a Blue Flag means there's a solid sustainability action plan in motion, on top of being recognized for clean water, waste management, and accessibility services. In the Lazio region around Rome, 11 beaches are now Blue Flag certified.

Head to the stunning seaside town of Sperlonga, with archaeological ruins and whitewashed walls in its old town. Or there's Anzio, known for its large beaches and clear, shallow water. Both are about an hour away from Rome, and easily reached by train or bus. You can further travel more sustainably outside peak season, and support locally-owned hotels and independent restaurants instead of big chains. And while you're there, slow down, stay a while, and get involved in projects that benefit the local community rather than adding unnecessary strain.

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