Gaeta: Italy’s Beach Destination Near Rome & Naples

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Discover this Italian beach destination close to both Rome and Naples that most international tourists don’t know about – Gaeta!

Gaeta, Italy is sandwiched between the two most exciting cities in the entire country. Alongside its favourable location are many various reasons it’s a place worth exploring by any type of traveller.

For many non Italian tourists, it’s still a gem to be discovered, particularly for a beach holiday.

The small town of Gaeta has everything one is looking for in a quintessential Italian seaside destination. Visit for Gaeta’s beach but stay for its undeniable charisma, history, spectacular views and of course beautiful beaches.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about planning the perfect Gaeta beach holiday and more!

Essentials for a Gaeta Beach Holiday

• ✈️ Located in the middle of Rome and Naples, you can fly into either airport in order to reach Gaeta.
• 🚆From Rome or Naples, use a bus or train to get to Gaeta.
• 🏖 Serapo Beach is the biggest beach in Gaeta and great for kids because it’s sandy.
• 🚤 One of the best things to do in the summer is to book a boat tour of the nearby caves.
• ☀️ While visiting Gaeta, consider a day trip or overnight stay in Sperlonga.

Where is Gaeta in Italy?

The history soaked town of Gaeta sits along the Ulysses Riviera (or Coast of Ulysses). It belongs to the Latina province which is part of Italy’s Lazio region.

Lazio is also most notably the home to Italy’s capital, which makes Gaeta the perfect beach holiday near Rome. The region which you’ll find Gaeta in shares borders with Tuscany to the north and Campania in the south.

Is Gaeta Italy on the Amalfi Coast?

Although it shares a similar landscape and stunning shoreline, Gaeta is not located on the Amalfi Coast. The two are separated by Naples and nearly 3 hours apart or 170 km (105 miles). Comparatively, Gaeta and the Ulysses Coast is much smaller of an area and remains less crowded than the Amalfi Coast.

Is Gaeta, Italy Worth Visiting?

There are a handful of reasons why Gaeta makes the perfect beach holiday but the beach isn’t its only offer. In our opinion, a destination is truly great when it provides a depth of characteristics to enjoy, just like Gaeta does!

From night life to fun for the whole family, Gaeta packs a punch with things to do and see.

Gaeta’s vibrant atmosphere and lively streets are almost parallel to those of Naples. With its cobble stone paths, local fishmongers and tiny alleys you must squeeze yourself through, it feels like a small piece of a different world.

The town of Gaeta is ideal for anyone with a laidback itinerary and just looking to soak everything in by walking around.

On the other side of the town, you’ll find the medieval neighbourhood with its charming waterfront, historic landmarks and romantic eateries. Around the corner from here is where you’ll discover the core of Gaeta, the beach!

A sprawling sandy beach with endless lidos, clear water and a striking view of the cliff which the old town sits on.

Gaeta doesn’t stop at just beautiful beaches and rustic Italian charm, there’s still far more to uncover. The wildlife and natural preserve that is Parco Monte Orlando will impress any outdoor enthusiast, history fanatic and photographer.

This natural tourist attraction among others in Gaeta is a breathtaking highlight that’s suitable for just about anyone visiting the town. 

What Makes Gaeta Unique?

Italy has no shortage of cute coastal towns with beaches and great seafood. So, why is Gaeta particularly interesting? Gaeta is also a huge naval port and the location of a NATO base.

This means that American influence silently lingers among the local crowd. It is a bit fascinating to experience as you see imported American cars, U.S. flags waving in the wind and even onion rings on a restaurant menu.

If you consider yourself a beginner traveller and are worried about language barriers, Gaeta is a safe destination choice when it comes to not getting lost in translation.

Gaeta Map: Top Sights

The Best Things to Do and See in Gaeta

1. Relax at Gaeta Beach and Its Surrounding Beaches

A Gaeta beach day or holiday would be nothing without… the beach! With crystal clear waters, fine sand and a number of seaside restaurants, your only dilemma will be which beach to choose from.

Spiaggia di Serapo, or Serapo Beach is the Gaeta beach and it’s certainly the most popular for a reason. It is without a doubt the most accessible beach and particularly fantastic for families.

There are no rocks, the entrance is shallow and there are plenty of beach loungers for rent. However, if you are in Gaeta for a few days, consider a few more beaches near Gaeta and within 10 minutes of town by car.

A stop to all of these beaches will ensure you made the most of your Gaeta beach trip! Or not… there’s absolutely nothing wrong with staying put at one great beach the entire trip.

• Spiaggetta di Fontanina and Spiaggia di Fontania
• Spiaggia dell’Ariana
• Lido 300 Gradini (known for the 300 steps to get to the beach)
• Spiaggia di Sant’ Agostino
• Spiaggetta dei 40 Remi

2. Marvel at Churches and Historical Landmarks

Gaeta is certainly not shy when it comes to its church count. Some are definitely more worn than others but there are a handful which are worthy of visiting during your trip. The town of Gaeta is so historic that its exact origins are unknown.

Guesses are that the town was built in the 6th century! Influence of Gothic architecture is most noticed among the town’s many churches.

Church of Saint Francis of Assisi

This church goes by a couple of different name variations which can get confusing. It may also be called Tempio di San Francesco d’Assisi or Tempio di San Francesco. Name identity crisis aside, it’s one of the most remarkable landmarks in all of Gaeta and truly splendid to see in person.

We understand that not everyone is interested in visiting churches while travelling, but this one is an absolute must-see landmark in Gaeta.

From the lower and sea level section of Gaeta, you can reach Tempio di San Frencesco on foot or by car. It is a little bit of an incline but certainly doable. You can park your car here and ascend to the church from the stairs to the left of the grand staircase, which is closed off for tourists.

Additional significant churches to visit in Gaeta include:

• Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata
• Santuario della Santissima Annunziata
• Chiesa di S. Giovanni Evangelista a Mare

Castello Angioino-Aragonese

The castle and fortress wall of Castello Angioino-Aragonese are probably Gaeta’s most recognisable features of its horizon. To visit the actual castle, you must book a guided tour as the castle is owned by the state, with some parts being military zones. However, you do not need to go inside to appreciate it.

Its commanding beauty and stature can be adored from multiple locations throughout the town instead.

3. Take a Hike or Walk

The city’s number of surprising options for outdoor activities are a delightful treat during your Gaeta beach holiday. If you need to take a break from the ocean, consider exploring the clifftop natural park filled with wildlife and jaw dropping views.

Still, exploring Gaeta’s natural attractions doesn’t have to be extreme. There are many gorgeous walking paths throughout Gaeta that are suitable for kids and anyone looking for a relaxing stroll.

Parco Monte Orlando

The Natural Park Of Monte Orlando is an out of place piece of the Aurunci mountain range which sits on the Gulf of Gaeta shores. The cliff is comprised of limestone rocks which are millions of years old and incredibly majestic to see.

Historically, the park was part of the Gaeta fortress but in the 80s, was developed into a natural park. It is home to many natural wonders such as Grotta del Turco and Montana Spaccata, a canyon with a narrow viewpoint of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

With the many cliffs in the area, Gaeta and its surroundings are popular for sport rock climbing.

On top of the cliff and among the greenery, you’ll also stumble upon many historical and cultural landmarks such as the statue of Statua di S. Maria Ausiliatrice. Walking to the very top of Mount Orlando means you’ll reach Mausoleo L.Munazio Planco and a beautiful scenic viewpoint of old town Gaeta below.

From the historical site of Batteria Malladrone, you’ll have a clear-cut view of Gaeta beach (Serapo Beach) in all its glory. For an unparalleled view of Monte Orlando, head to Paittè cafe for a coffee on the terrace.

Easy Walking Paths

You’ll find many opportunities for low impact walks without any inclines by the waterfront in Gaeta. Via Marina di Serapo is the street which runs right along the main Gaeta beach and is well maintained for either walking or biking.

On the other side of the city, you can start at Molo Sanità and walk all the way down towards Lungomare di Gaeta. The seaside walkways are paved, flat and consists of continuous views.

If you’re travelling with kids, you can make a stop at one of the many children’s playgrounds in town such as Piazza Generale Vincenzo Traniello or Villetta di Serapo (our daughter’s personal favorite).

4. Explore Gaeta Medievale and and Borgo Elena

If you had to break down Gaeta into sections for a tourist, there would be three main areas you must check out. First, there is the large neighbourhood by Gaeta beach and Stadio Antonio Riciniello which is much newer.

Then, there are the older parts of town which are Gaeta Medievale and Borgo Elena. In our opinion, the historic areas of Gaeta have much more personality and are very interesting to explore.

Borgo Elena

Borgo Elena is a neighbourhood in Gaeta made up of narrow streets, alleys and humble local shops. Buildings are in such close proximity to each other that you could pass something to your opposing neighbour through each other’s windows.

Gaeta’s most authentic character lives in this corner of the town and it is undoubtedly the most hypnotising area of the city. Via dell’Indipendenza is the “main” road within the neighborhood which is only for pedestrians, scooters and shopkeepers hauling produce and fish on dollies.

Gaeta Medievale

The medieval quarter of Gaeta is a fan favorite for anyone visiting the town, especially if you’re interested in walking throughout history. It doesn’t take long to notice the countless churches, buildings and small details that are often in ruins just from being that old.

Gaeta has done a sufficient job of renovating and preserving the medieval neighbourhood for visitors to enjoy which can be noticed with the mix of new and very old establishments.

Walking through the medieval center of Gaeta provides a distinct ambience you can only find in a place with so much history. As with many ancient villages, there are hidden passageways, grand arches and tucked away piazzas such as Palazzo Cardinal De Vio.

5. Go Out for Drinks and Delicious Food

Finding quality food in Italy really isn’t difficult but there are still some restaurants and bars which stood out to us during our time in Gaeta. If you are in Gaeta for a short period of time, the number one thing you must try is tiella.

Tiella is essentially stuffed pizza but it is a original speciality to Gaeta and super tasty. Although it’s half pizza and half calzone, it’s uniquely perfect for what it is. The most traditional version you can try is tiella stuffed with octopus. I repeat, do not leave Gaeta without trying a slice, or three!

Can’t decide on where to try one? Pizzeria Traniello in the medieval quarter of Gaeta has the best tiellas.

Below is a list of other fantastic bars, bakeries and restaurants in Gaeta worth trying.

• Antico Forno Giordano dal 1890 – phenomenal original tiellas
• Bar Platani
• Triestina
• Pasticceria Lanzetta – the best unassuming bakery in Gaeta
• Hermes Bar – serves American nostalgia in various fried forms
• Istanbul Kebab – an easy and delicious alternative to Italian or seafood
• Minibar 94
• Pasticceria Carmine – the second best bakery in Gaeta
• Bar Bazzanti sas
• Pizzeria Traniello
• Mare Fritto – casual eatery for quick food
• Il Molo – the best gelato in Gaeta
• Bar La Villa – great bar for parents as it’s conveniently located next to a big playground

Places to Visit Near Gaeta

If you’re planning on visiting Gaeta for more than a few days, there are a couple of places nearby which are worth seeing. These places are easier to reach if you have your own car but if not, there are also tours available.

Renting a car is also an option for those looking to venture off on their own terms. From neighbouring beach towns to amazing panoramic mountain views, there is a lot to see within just 30 minutes of Gaeta.

Sperlonga

Sperlonga is another seaside destination which takes under 20 minutes to reach by car or 30 minutes by bus from Gaeta. The old town is similarly and distinctly placed on a cliffside above the port with sandy beaches surrounding both sides.

Quantity wise, Sperlonga has a bigger beach area than Gaeta which actually stretches all the way to the town of Terracina. For additional time in the sun, checking out Sperlonga is a great addition to your Gaeta beach holiday trip.

There is also an incredible viewpoint just above Sperlonga which can be best accessed by car here.

Itri

The town of Itri sits inland and away from the coast. It takes only 20 minutes to reach by car but an hour by bus. Itri’s highlight is Itri Alta which is the ancient quarter of the town and sits at the very top near Castello Medievale di Itri, a medieval castle.

To access the historic old town of Itri, it’s possible to park here and walk throughout the remaining streets and alleyways. For a change of scenery that’s equally as beautiful as the seaside, spending an afternoon in Itri is time well spent.

Parco Naturale dei Monti Aurunci

The natural park of the Aurunci Mountains is easily accesible through Formia and then the hillside town of Maranola.

The stunning wildlife site covers a lot of ground and there is much to be explored but if you have a car, it’s an easy adventure to set out on for the morning or afternoon. Most of the roads are also paved which means it’s achievable with just about any car.

After passing through Maranola, the road ascends up and up with many stops along the way for fantastic photo opportunities. We suggest going as far as Sperone della Madonnina near Rifugio Pornito.

During the summer season, we highly recommend making a stop at Rifugio Pornito for drinks or a homestyle meal with a view.

There are a handful of places to park and walk a short distance for mesmerising views of the coastal towns and their beaches below. If you have the time and are equipped, you can also trek towards the more famous destinations of Statua del Cristo Redentore and Eremo di San Michele Arcangelo.

How to Get To Gaeta

Gaeta in Italy is advantageously located between two major European cities. Both Rome and Naples are within an earshot which makes Gaeta an astounding choice for a beach holiday without travelling too far.

The town of Gaeta is conveniently located close to Formia which is a major hub for railway and bus travel. Whether you’re driving or using public transportation, reaching Gaeta is easy.

Rome to Gaeta

Reaching Gaeta by car from central Rome will take just over a couple of hours. The distance between the two is around 175 km or 108 miles. The most direct route will take you along major motorways which are toll roads. To avoid tolls and enjoy a more scenic route, it’s possible to arrive in Gaeta from Rome in 2.5 – 3 hours instead.

Catching the train from Rome at Rome Termini station will take you to the Formia-Gaeta train station in under 1.5 hours. Trains from Rome to Gaeta depart regularly and at least once every hour.

Naples to Gaeta

Driving from central Naples to Gaeta will take anywhere from 1.5 – 2 hours depending on the traffic. The good news is, you can take the toll free route and it’ll take you the same exact time to get to Gaeta as it would on the motorway.

Getting to Gaeta from Naples by train takes under one hour plus a 15 minute bus ride. This method and route is the quickest option to getting to Gaeta, even faster than driving.

The train ride will end in Formia-Gaeta train station which means you’ll follow the steps in the next section to arrive in Gaeta city center.

Formia-Gaeta Station to Gaeta by Bus

Upon arriving by train from either Rome or Naples, you’ll need to complete the end leg of the journey to Gaeta by bus. From Formia-Gaeta train station, you can either walk or take the regular shuttle bus to Formia Porto which is less than 1 km away and downhill.

From Formia Porto, you’ll have the option to jump on one of many buses headed towards the direction of Gaeta. If you’re unsure, just ask (or hand gesture) the bus driver or a local which direction it’s headed.

It may make a couple of stops but there will always be a stop in Gaeta. In high season, bus schedules may even include direct Formia to Gaeta bus routes. Bus tickets can be purchased at Formia train station, any newstand or tabaccheria.

If you’re short on time or don’t feel like dealing with the bus, it’s possible to catch a taxi outside of Formia train station. The drive from Formia to Gaeta is less than 15 minutes.

Where to Stay In Gaeta

Il Bottone al Duomo (Sea View Suite) – CHECK PRICES

Grand Hotel Le Rocce (Beachfront Hotel) – CHECK PRICES

Acquazzurra Gaeta (Budget Option) – CHECK PRICES

More Coastal Destinations in Italy:

• Is Polignano a Mare Worth Visiting?
• The Best Free Things to Do in Naples
• Savelletri: A Sleepy Seaside Town
• The Trabocchi Coast in Abruzzo
• Where to Stay in Calabria

Gaeta Beach Holiday Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator