Are you looking for a day trip from Rome or a place to escape for the weekend? Maybe, you have stumbled across Gaeta and wondered whether this city is worth visiting.
That’s exactly what I am here to help you with today.
I will share my experience about getting to Gaeta Italy, first impressions, and things to do, and sprinkle in a few facts and tips along the way. I am also including my own itinerary for you to use.
Let’s explore Gaeta together.
Table of Contents
Location & History: Gaeta On A Map
Gaeta is a coastal city located on the west coast of Italy, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, and halfway through Rome and Naples.
Fun fact 1: While Gaeta is part of the region of Lazio, it’s actually closer to Naples than it is to Rome. So consider visiting it from either city.
Because of its strategic location, Gaeta has been a sought-after destination since Roman times. It was an important port on commercial routes, a military base, and a well loved vacation spot.
Many Roman Emperors built their villas along its coast, with big gardens, pools, temples, and mausoleums. We can still see some ruins, including rests from these 3 Ancient Roman villas: Lucio Munazio Planco, Gneo Fonteo, and a Roman Villa with Mithraeum.
Fact 2: Cicero’s villa was in the nearby city of Formia (a 15-minute drive from Gaeta). However, when he heard the soldiers were on his way to kill him, he escaped towards the port of Gaeta.
He was killed on the way on December 7 43 BC on order of Mark Antony because he was considered a political enemy. The soldiers didn’t just slaughter him, they also cut his hands and head and displayed them in the Roman Forum.
Gaeta also served as a refuge for Pope Pius IX for nearly a year during the revolutionary turmoil of 1848-1849. Seeking safety from the upheavals, the Pope stayed in Gaeta as a guest of the Bourbon monarchy. This led to Gaeta being referred to as the Second State of the Church.
It’s in Gaeta, and precisely at the Chapel of the Golden Altar, where the Pope often prayed that he had the intuition of the Immaculate Conception, leading to the proclamation of the Dogma upon his return to Rome.
That same position earned Gaeta the title of Citta Piazzaforte del Regno di Napoli – the stronghold of the Reign of Naples.
Cities like Gaeta were crucial defensive points within the Kingdom of Naples due to their strategic locations, strong fortifications, and historical significance. Gaeta helped in protecting the kingdom’s borders, controlling trade routes, and projecting power over neighboring territories.
Later, in 1927 Gaeta was chosen as a base of the Italian Maritime Military, becoming the primary naval stronghold in the Thyrrenian sea alongside La Spezia.
How To Get There: Gaeta From Rome
If its beautiful location and the intriguing historical facts I shared (there are many more for you to discover when you visit) made you want to visit Gaeta, here’s how to reach it.
While arriving might not be as straightforward as getting up on a train and arriving directly in the city, it’s still very easy. Let me explain.
Gaeta shares the train station with Formia (hence the name Formia-Gaeta), so to get there by train you’ll need to take a train from Rome to Formia, and then either a taxi or bus from Formia to Gaeta.
Here’s how we got from Rome to Gaeta, step by step, so you can do the same:
- Taxi from accommodation to Rome Termini Station – if you are closer to the station, you can walk or take a bus. However, I suggest booking a taxi to catch an early train.
- Train from Rome Termini to Formia-Gaeta station – the train takes approximately 1.5 hours, and Formia-Gaeta is a stop on route to Naples.
- Free mini bus from Formia train station to Formia port – This mini bus, called navetta in Italian, passes every 15 minutes and you can take it right in front of the exit. Just cross the street past the small garden in the middle (it’s really small so you’ll see it from inside the station). No ticket is required, this is a free service.
- Bus from Formia Port to Gaeta – When you go down the train station shuttle there might be a bus waiting for you. That’s what happened to us on the way back. If not, cross the street and stay on the side of the sea. That’s where the bus will stop and pick you up. Check it has a sign saying Gaeta, or ask the driver.
- Stop in Piazzale Caboto or just a few stops before. The journey to Gaeta takes about 20 minutes. I suggest you stop in one of these stops; they are located along Gaeta’s seaside promenade.
To go back to Rome, follow the same steps above but in the opposite direction. Before starting your way back, you may want to check the time the next train leaves for Rome, to avoid waiting an hour in front of the station. If you are early, you can buy an ice cream at the station and enjoy it in the sun or shade, whichever you prefer!
Overall, I think the journey was relatively easy and quick. The hardest part was all the walking in Gaeta, but with the tips below your day should be easier than ours.
Important Info:
Before taking the navetta, aka the train station shuttle bus to the port, don’t forget to buy the bus tickets you’ll need for the day. If you are 2, I suggest at least 4, for each way. If however, you don’t want to walk a lot but want to see the main sights, buy a couple more or ask for a day ticket. The single trip tickets are under €2 each.
Why Visit Gaeta: 10 Reasons You Should
1. Easily reachable – you can reach it from Rome in under 2 hours. I already shared how to get there, just scroll back up for that info.
2. Stunning views – visiting Gaeta without a car requires a lot of walking, but let me tell you those views are worth every step.
Best Places With Viewpoints of Gaeta
- Formia Monte Renditore (by car only in Formia, not Gaeta)
- Via Fontania Viewpoint
- Temple of St. Francis
- Belvedere Angioino
- Vista Punta Gaeta
- Batteria Malladrone
- Scenic viewpoint on the cliff of the Split Mountain along the Cliff Path
- Viewpoint from the Statue of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice
- Monte Orlando Promontory + Polveriera & Mausoleo
3. Small Charming Medieval Town – to get to it keep walking along the sea towards the Cathedral Basilica of Gaeta, and then start exploring the narrow streets.
Other Things to See in Gaeta:
Other than the viewpoints, here are a few key points of interest you may want to visit while in Gaeta.
- Duomo Cathedral & Square
- Tempio di San Francesco
- Other Churches: Annunziata & San Giovanni al Mare
- Mausoleo di Lucio Sempronio Atratino
- Via dell’ Indipendenza
4. Visit the Castello Angioino Aragonese – worth a visit for its rich historical significance spanning over a millennium, its architectural beauty showcasing diverse styles from medieval to Renaissance periods, and its stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the town.
Let me remind you that the castle served as a fortress and a military stronghold, not as the residence of a particular family.
Please note that the castle will be open only on weekends throughout 2024. You can find all the info on the official website.
5. Beautiful beaches – renowned for their natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque surroundings, Gaeta has the most gorgeous beaches.
Best Beaches in Gaeta:
- Serapo: Serapo Beach is one of the main beaches in Gaeta. It’s a popular destination known for its soft sands and clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
- Fontania: It’s known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat for beachgoers.
- San Vito: San Vito Beach is another popular beach in Gaeta for its natural charm and panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
- 40 Remi: This is more rocky and rugged, offering opportunities for exploration and adventure.
- Ariana: offers calm waters and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it a popular choice for visitors of all ages.
- Sant’Agostino: known for its pristine sands and clear waters, providing an ideal setting for relaxation and enjoyment.
- Arenauta: it has a secluded atmosphere, offering a tranquil escape from the crowds.
6. Explore the Riviera di Ulisse National Park – this is a protected coastal area offering forest trails, mountain hikes, and Roman-era ruins with stunning views across the gulf of Gaeta. You can also take a private boat tour to experience the Riviera from the sea, with most tours extending up to Sperlonga.
PS: Don’t try looking for the entrance of the Park via maps as you’ll walk uphill for nothing. The entrance in Via della Breccia is no longer in use.
7. Relaxed vibes outside Rome – although we love Rome, we enjoyed getting outside the city and arriving in this tranquil coastal city that truly feels like a small seaside town. The fresh breeze, the seagull sounds, the charming winding and narrow streets, and those stunning views make this place special.
8. Gaeta is small enough to visit in one day – especially if you are ok with walking a lot or are coming by car. We didn’t get to see all we wanted because we focused on the views and likely took the harder path, but at the end of the day we still thought it was a wonderful experience and a day trip worth taking.
9. Go to Gaeta to try the local dishes.
What to Eat in Gaeta:
- Minestra di carciofi e patate: This is a traditional Italian soup made with artichokes and potatoes. The ingredients are typically simmered together with broth, aromatics, and sometimes other vegetables or herbs until tender. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish, often enjoyed during the colder months.
- La Tiella di Gaeta: La Tiella is a savory pie originating from the Gaeta region. It consists of layers of thinly sliced potatoes, tomatoes, onions, olives, and sometimes anchovies or other seafood, all baked together in a pastry crust. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that showcases the local ingredients and culinary traditions of Gaeta.
- Calamaretti alla votapiatto: Calamaretti alla votapiatto is a dish featuring small squid, or calamari, cooked in a votapiatto style. Votapiatto refers to a method of cooking seafood quickly in a hot skillet with olive oil, garlic, chili peppers, and sometimes white wine or lemon juice. The dish is simple yet delicious, allowing the natural flavors of the seafood to shine through.
- Seppie e patate: Seppie e patate translates to “cuttlefish and potatoes.” It’s a classic Italian dish featuring tender cuttlefish simmered with potatoes in a savory tomato-based sauce. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish that’s popular along this Italian coast.
- Peperoni alle olive di Gaeta: Peperoni alle olive di Gaeta refers to peppers (peperoni) stuffed with Gaeta olives. Gaeta olives are known for their rich, fruity flavor. In this dish, the peppers are typically roasted or grilled until tender, then stuffed with a mixture of Gaeta olives, breadcrumbs, herbs, and sometimes cheese. It’s a flavorful and colorful dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
You can try many of these dishes at Masaniello Restaurant.
10. Taste a 3-cone awarded ice cream – Gretel Factory is one of the Italian ice cream shops that has been awarded the highest prize by Gambero Rosso. If you are coming for this reason, plan your visit to Gaeta on any day other than Monday and Tuesday. We overlooked the opening hours and ended up without the much anticipated gelato (sad times after all that walking).
My Gaeta Itinerary
10 am – walk along the Lungomare admiring the views
10.15 am – walk to Via Annunziata and admire this gorgeous street and one of the many churches
Fun fact: Gaeta is often referred to as the “City of the Hundred Churches” due to its remarkable abundance of religious structures, including churches, chapels, and religious monuments.
10.30 am – Back in Lungomare Giovanni Caboto promenade, we took two long flights of stairs from one of the sidestreets, called Salita Porta di Terra, in search of the entrance to the Parco Regionale della Riviera di Ulisse and then went up a slightly steep road (Via della Brescia), but this led us to nowhere as the entrance was closed and no longer in use.
Now that you know, don’t make that same mistake! Once you go up through Salita Porta di Terra, proceed towards the castle.
11.00 am – We walked along Via Angioina to reach both the Angioino Castle and the Tempio di San Francesco.
Once you arrive near Via di Lieto, you can turn that way to go to the Temple or keep going straight towards the castle.
We went towards the temple first and then turned back for the castle.
Once you start walking towards the castle you’ll come next to Belvedere Angioino, a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the sea and the cliffs.
We then went to the castle to see the walls and admire the architecture up close. We didn’t visit inside, and had we wanted to, it was closed since it was a Tuesday.
13.00 pm – Back to Salita di Porta di Terra, we proceeded to Batteria Malladrone and the Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata.
We stopped at Batteria Malladrone to take in the views of the sea and admire Serapo Beach.
Important notes: The Grotta del Turco was closed when we arrived, so we decided to walk up towards the Mausoleo and Polveriera. I don’t suggest this walk if you are tired or have issues walking.
Even though we have no particular problems, we found the path never-ending and incredibly hard to walk onto. After over 30 minutes, we still hadn’t arrived so we decided to turn back.
You might want to spare yourself the time and energy and skip this one. You can stop at the entrance and go to the Grotta del Turco if it’s open.
14.00 pm – We started walking towards Gretel Factory ice cream shop looking forward to that tasty reward after all the walking. Still, a few minutes away from it we checked the opening hours and found it close. It doesn’t open on Monday and Tuesday (very strange and incredibly frustrating!).
14:30 pm – Took the bus back to Formia port and the shuttle to the station.
15.40 pm – Train back to Rome.
PS: If you use this itinerary, I suggest you walk towards the Duomo first and explore that area of the Borgo Medievale from below. It’s something I regret not doing.
Highlights of our day:
The walk along the Lungomare – I wish we had done a longer one
The view at the top of the stairs in Salita di Porta di Terra
The views along via Angioina
The view of St. Francis Temple from via di Lieto
Belvedere Angioino
What Next?
Once you are back in Rome, treat yourself to some delicious food. You deserve it after all the walking!
Here are the best food spots to check out:
Best Sandwich in Rome
Best Tiramisu in Rome
Best Suppli in Rome
Best Cacio e Pepe in Rome
Trastevere Restaurants
More Rome Resources:
Best View Of Rome – Is it Janiculum Hill?
