Brits have been warned against visiting a 'magical' European coastal town that's at risk of being buried under concrete.

Isola Sacra, or Sacred Island, is a seaside destination roughly 20 miles from Rome, renowned for its vast Roman Necropolis spanning the 1st to 6th centuries AD, boasting distinctive tomb structures that resemble dwellings. The compact community is home to approximately 15,000 inhabitants. Yet its proximity to RomeFiumicino Airport, combined with access to a stunning stretch of coast, has transformed it into a magnet for holidaymakers.

Accommodation has sprung up across the region, and now a massive port is set to be constructed. Called Fiumicino Waterfront, the port will feature moorings for roughly 1,000 small vessels and a jetty for enormous cruise ships that will soar to 70 metres in height and stretch 350 metres in length, with capacity for up to 6,000 passengers.

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The plans received approval in November, sparking outrage amongst activists and securing Isola Sacra a spot on Fodor's 2026 No List.

The No List was established to spotlight destinations where tourism is exerting unbearable strain on the environment and local populations. Its aim is to provide "a gentle nudge to ease up on a spot for now–not forever–and give a rest to any location that clearly needs a breather."

Longtime locals of Isola Sacra have established Tavoli del Porto, a group dedicated to protecting the region. "Only together can we stop these projects that threaten to destroy a delicate ecosystem of dunes, wetlands, agricultural land, unique vegetation, and terrestrial and marine animal species, the activists warned local press in November.

The council has defended the project, stating that it includes measures for marine biodiversity protection and adheres to regulations, according to Fodor's. However, campaigners argue that the development will ruin the town's character and local habitat. They caution that three million cubic metres of sand would need to be dredged to create a deep channel for ship access."

Just 300 metres from the port construction sites lies a protected natural area.

Environmental experts warn that its flora and fauna would be devastated. Large portions of the coastline will also be concreted over," Fodor's reports.

Anna Longo, president of Italia Nostra Litorale Romano, expressed her concerns: "The scenario that looms appears apocalyptic: the coast will be overturned by piers and docks, hotels, and new commercial buildings.

Barbara Bonanni, a local resident and Fiumicino city councillor, told local press: "For us, [the coastline] is a place that still holds its magic."

Another significant worry is whether the town can handle the influx of visitors once the port is operational. Massive cruise ships, bringing thousands of passengers at a time, can strain local infrastructure, overwhelming towns while providing little economic benefit as most passengers dine onboard.

David Di Bianco, spokesperson for the Port Working Group, told Roma Today: "They call this development, but it's just another step toward the destruction of our sea."

In a statement, Fiumicino Waterfront CEO Galliano Di Marco said: "With a total investment of approximately 600 million euros. The project is destined to become one of the most innovative and sustainable tourism infrastructures in the Mediterranean, and tangible proof that infrastructure development and urban regeneration can successfully go hand in hand, fostering the economic and social growth of the community."