If you are searching for a delightful beach town with an authentic Southern Italian charm, Gaeta might just be your perfect pick. Just 1.5 hours from Naples and two hours from Rome, this popular yet still under-the-radar beach destination beckons. Gaeta is well-known for its seven beautiful golden sandy beaches, including the bustling Serapo Beach and the more secluded Quaranta Remi Beach. Add breathtaking panoramic views from Monte Orlando park , the allure of the Montagna Spaccata sanctuary, the imposing Angioino-Aragonese Castle , and fascinating caves, and you have yourself a nice destination for a couple of relaxing days.

Top Highlights of Gaeta

Inspiration

Travel Information

How long should you stay?

It basically depends what else you plan to do. A short stay of around 2-3 days is typical. This allows you to explore key attractions like the Santuario della Montagna Spaccata , and enjoy some leisure time on one of the seven beaches.

But if you are looking for a relaxed beach holiday and want an authentic Italian vibe, you can also stay in Gaeta for a week. Gaeta is nearly unknown to foreign tourists, so in August 95% of tourists are Italian. And with the combination of beautiful beaches, beach activities, and hiking options, Gaeta is a great option away from the overcrowded areas.

Best time to go to Gaeta

For swimming and sunbathing, the best months to visit are June to July. August is not recommended since its very crowded and pricier. Although the Amalfi Coast is way worse, August is also in Gaeta THE peak vacation month.

If you prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, then April to June and September to October are highly recommended. The weather is still warm enough to enjoy sun bathing and it's great for hiking in the nearby nature parks.

How to get to Gaeta from Naples

Since it's so easy to go to Gaeta by public transport (from Rome it's even faster than by car), you can opt for the train and save money (and CO2e). Of course, if you plan a road trip, it will likely be better to rent your car from Naples.

By Train

To reach Gaeta from Naples, take the train from Napoli Centrale to Formia-Gaeta. This takes about 50 minutes. From Formia, you can catch a local bus or a taxi to Gaeta, with the bus journey adding about 25 minutes to your trip.

By Car

You can easily reach Gaeta from Naples within 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on traffic. The most straightforward (and more scenic) route involves taking the toll-free roads, which are about as fast as taking the motorway.

How to get to Gaeta from Rome

By Train

The train journey from Rome to Gaeta takes around 2 hours and is thus faster than by car. Take the train from Roma Termini to Formia, which takes around 1,5 hours and from there catch a taxi or local bus, which takes another 25 minutes. Trains from Rome to Gaeta run quite regularly, usually once every hour.

By Car

The drive from Rome to Gaeta generally takes about 2 - 2.5 hours and the distance is between 140 - 180km, depending on traffic and on the route. You can either take the motorway A1, which is a toll road or take a more scenic route. This will add around 30 minutes to your driving time (2.5).

Both these routes, from Naples and Rome, take you through the beautiful Italian countryside and are a pleasant journey.

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Daytrips

Falvaterra Caves

Do want to have a unique adventure? Then book the "Spelaeo Tourist Tour" at this cave attraction. Equipped with helmets and wetsuits and led by experienced guides, you can explore the caves and wade through ice-cold water. There are various tours available, ranging from a basic 40-minute tour covering 250 meters to longer, more adventurous three-hour excursions that cover up to 1.2 kilometers. These tours offer a rare opportunity to experience a river cave system up close, traverse underground streams, and admire the breathtaking cave formations.

The caves are an hour's drive from Gaeta by car past Falvaterra . The cave is known for its rich underground water system that has formed in the karst terrain, creating dramatic landscapes of stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can experience underground rivers, waterfalls, and quiet pools.

If the ice-cold water is too cold for you, there is also the option to participate in a 30-minute walking tour instead.

Parco Regionale Riviera di Ulisse

The Riviera di Ulisse regional park is located along the southern coast of the Lazio region and includes

• the Regional park of Gianola e del Monte di Scauri,
• the urban Regional Park of Monte Orlando (see the article 'What to do and see in Gaeta') and
• the Promontorio Villa di Tiberio e costa Torre Capovento - Punta Cetarola natural monument.
• Since 2020, the Monte d'Argento natural monument has also been added.

Although we already talked about the Monte Orlando Park, we feel it's worth to also suggest the other areas of the park as a day trip idea. You have a variety from options, like hiking, biking and snorkeling.

The Suburban Regional Park of Gianola and Monte di Scauri, located east of Gaeta, offers a picturesque blend of historical and natural attractions. Visitors can explore ancient Roman ruins, enjoy varied landscapes from sandy beaches to rugged hills, and engage in activities like hiking and bird watching. For more details, you can visit the official website.

The Promontory Villa di Tiberio and Capovento Tower - Punta Cetarola is located along the coast of the Sperlonga area. It is reknown for its three rocky promontories, spectacular cliffs and archaeological significance. It houses the remains of the holiday Villa of Emperor Tiberius, an ancient Roman emperor, which overlooks the beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea. The park is home to a variety of birds of prey, gulls, kingfishers as well as peregrine falcons and badgers. With its scenic coastal views and beaches, this is a great excursion for nature lovers.
More information is also available here.

Regional Specialties

What to Eat in Gaeta

Gaeta is known for its fresh fish dishes and aromatic olives. The black olives from Gaeta are considered one of the best varieties of olives in Italy. They are used to produce olive oil and are also popular as table olives.
Here is an overview of the culinary specialties you can enjoy:

• Tiella di Gaeta: The must-try dish of the region is a savory pie / 'stuffed pizza' filled with a variety of ingredients such as seafood, especially calamari, or a mix of vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and potatoes.
• Oliva di Gaeta: These famous black olives can be savored on their own or used as a flavorful addition to various dishes including pasta.
• Fresh Fish and Seafood: Given its coastal location, Gaeta offers a variety of fresh fish and seafood dishes.
• Mozzarella di Bufala: This soft, creamy cheese is a regional specialty and is often served fresh with local dishes.
• Pasta alla Puttanesca: A popular pasta dish that originates from this region, made with tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies.

What to Drink in Gaeta

Falerno Wine: Enjoy a glass of Falerno, a wine with ancient origins and a staple in the region, perfect for complementing the local cuisine.

Fun Facts

• Ancient Name Origins: The town's name, Gaeta, may have been derived from "kaìtè," an ancient Greek word meaning "cave".
• Historical Filming Location: Gaeta served as a filming location for the popular Game of Thrones series. Do you know which city it respresents?*
• Strategic US Naval Presence: Known only by few, Gaeta hosts the U.S. Naval Support Activity, providing a base for the Sixth Fleet's flagship, the USS Mount Whitney, amid the town's picturesque coastal setting.
• Geological Marvel: The Grotta del Turco is a famous site where the rock is said to have miraculously melted under the hand of a skeptical Turkish sailor, leaving an imprint that can still be seen today.

*Answer: city of Braavos