Isola Tiberina is the only island on the Tiber River - and one of the most pleasant places for a short stopover between the centre and Trastevere.

Don't expect a big Colosseum-type attraction. Rather, a place that works by atmosphere, location and by taking a break from the chaos of the city for a while.

Book a hotel with a view of the Tiber

The island is about 270 metres long and shaped like a ship.

A relaxed atmosphere by the river

The island is my favourite place on the Tiber. Definitely.

More than half of its shoreline is filled with wide pedestrian promenades where you can sit and enjoy the most beautiful views of the Tiber in Rome.

Right on the island you will also find two important monuments:

• Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola
  • a small baroque church from the 10th century with free admission.
• Fatebenefratelli Hospital
  • one of the oldest still functioning hospitals in Italy, founded in the 16th century

Two bridges connect the island to the mainland:

• Ponte Fabricio towards the historic centre.
• Ponte Cestio towards Trastevere

The Ponte Garibaldi bridge also offers a beautiful view of the island:

Best time to visit?

For me, definitely the early evening before sunset.

That's when the atmosphere at Isola Tiberina is definitely the best, even though it's also the most crowded.

If you prefer absolute quiet, go here more in the morning or in the morning.

We only stopped on the island for about 10 minutes, when we ate some great gelato from Gelateria Tiberino Roma.

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How to include in your itinerary?

In my opinion, it makes the most sense to cross Isola Tiberina on foot on an early evening journey between the historic centre (for example, from the nearby Capitol or Altare della Patria) to Trastevere.

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