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
