This year, Italy is set to welcome a record-breaking 15 million cruise passengers.
From historic cities and idyllic beaches to world-famous cuisine, the country has long been one of Europe’s most popular cruise destinations.
But a new proposed cruise port near Rome, part of the Fiumicino-Isola Sacra project, has been blocked after authorities rejected its environmental impact assessment.
The project has an estimated cost of €600 million (£500 million).
A court ruled the port’s classification as a tourist marina was incorrect, even though it could bring in 1.3 million visitors annually.
The company behind the project intends to appeal the decision, according to Baird Maritime.
In the meantime, there are plenty of beautiful Italian cruise ports already welcoming visitors.
Civitavecchia, for Rome
Civitavecchia is the main port for those wanting to see Rome, which is around an hour away
Located around an hour from Rome, Civitavecchia is the main port for those wanting to explore the iconic capital.
From the ancient Colosseum to the Pantheon, the historic city has countless landmarks to pack into a port day.
There may even be time to try some authentic Italian cuisine – including fresh pasta, gelato and pizza – in one of the many restaurants.
Vatican City is located within Rome too, and is its own independent, walled city-state.
Livorno
In Livorno, cruisers can see Renaissance fortresses, a charming harbour or even head to Florence
Livorno can be found along the west coast of Tuscany and is a vibrant port city with a picturesque network of 16th-century canals.
There are also two Renaissance fortresses – Fortezza Vecchia (Old Fortress) and Fortezza Nuova (New Fortress) – both built during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The New Venice District, called Quartiere Venezia, is located in the middle of the city and has characterful bridges and winding streets that connect down to the harbour.
Livorno is also a good stop for those wanting to head to Florence, which is around 90 minutes away.
Porto Marghera, for Venice
Porto Marghera is the main port for Venice, which banned large liners from sailing through in 2021
One of the most popular cruise ports, Venice attracts a whopping 30 million tourists each year.
Whether your dream day in the beautiful city involves a trip along the canal in a gondola or exploring the streets with buildings dating back centuries, Venice won’t disappoint as a stop.
Porto Marghera is the closest port to Venice and large cruise liners have been banned from sailing through the city centre since 2021 to help protect the area.
Genoa, the Italian Riviera
Genoa has everything – from a UNESCO World Heritage Site to pebbled beaches
The main port for the romantic Italian Riviera, Genoa is in northwestern Italy.
Its city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are plenty of historic landmarks, including the Romanesque Cathedral of San Lorenzo.
A long transfer isn’t required either, as the main town area is only around 10 to 15 minutes away from the port by foot.
There are several beaches to choose from too and most are pebbles with rocky backdrops.
Naples
Naples is linked to sites like Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum
The port of Naples is an ideal base for those hoping to delve into Italy’s ancient history.
Conveniently located, it is well linked to sites like Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum.
Cruisers can also hop on a ferry from Naples and reach other gorgeous spots like Capri or Sorrento in just a short journey.
Salerno, for the Amalfi Coast
Cruisers stopping at Salerno can easily make their way to the Amafli Coast
Salerno is only a few miles away from the Amalfi Coast and the dreamy hotspot is reachable by a ferry ride to the main town area, taking around 35 minutes.
Popular towns to visit include Ravello and Positano, where visitors can find whitewashed buildings, local restaurants and beaches.
Naples is also a 35-minute train journey away from the port.
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