If you are looking for a summer getaway just two hours from Rome, Gaeta, a charming coastal town in the province of Latina, is the perfect destination for a rejuvenating weekend getaway. Here quiet town life blends with breathtaking natural landscapes, making it one of Lazio‘s jewels.
A seaside place with clear waters, close to the capital, to be discovered!
Where to go to the sea in Gaeta: beaches to visit
Gaeta’ s beaches are among the most beautiful in the region. The famous Serapo beach, a short walk from the center, offers a long stretch of white sand and a clear sea with shallow waters, ideal for families. Fontania beach is famous for the remains of a sunken Roman villa, perfect for scuba diving enthusiasts, as is nearby San Vito beach.
Ariana beach, with its characteristic “three-dog rocks,” features fine sand and crystal clear waters. For those who enjoy physical challenges,Arenauta beach, equipped for naturists, can only be reached by a long flight of 300 steps. Finally, the wild 40 Remi beach, accessible only by sea, provides a unique and unspoiled experience.
Other activities to do and attractions to see in Gaeta
Gaeta is not only sea: the town boasts a lively nightlife with clubs along the Caboto Promenade offering evenings with live music, karaoke, aperitifs, DJ sets, and parties at beach clubs such as Selene and Palm Beach.
Those who love nature and history will find many attractions to discover, such as the striking Split Mountain and the legendary Grotta del Turco, known for the mysterious handprint attributed to a skeptical Turkish sailor and for having been a refuge for Saracen pirates in the Middle Ages.
Also worth seeing are the majestic Angevin-Aragonese Castle overlooking Gaeta, the town cathedral, and the quaint old town with its narrow alleys, craft stores and typical small restaurants. For an elegant panoramic view, the Temple of St. Francis is the ideal place to admire the entire gulf.
Where to eat in Gaeta
Among the restaurants with the highest score on Tripadvisor are Magie dei Sapori, which stands out for its refined and creative cuisine, with a focus on fish dishes and local products, and La Salute Restaurant, another landmark for those seeking true Mediterranean cuisine (seafood dishes) in Gaeta.
How much does it cost to stay in Gaeta
When it comes to staying, average prices per night in Gaeta generally range between 70 and 120 euros in mid-range hotels, with some luxury options or cheaper solutions depending on the season and location.
How to get there from Rome
To reach Gaeta from Rome, the most practical way is by car, driving along the A1 and A12 highways (about 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic). Alternatively, you can opt for the train to Formia-Gaeta, with frequent connections from Rome’s Termini station, and from there continue by a short shuttle service or cab, with total travel time around 2 hours. We recommend, however, for greater autonomy, to go with one’s own car.