Serapo beach
For the sea and relaxing: golden sand, clear water and a gently shelving seabed.
Discover Gaeta
Rosanna's tips for enjoying Gaeta: beaches, places to visit, family activities, traditional flavours and everything you need to plan your holiday.
Beaches
Gaeta lies on the Riviera di Ulisse, with fine sand and clear water. The closest beach to Abuelita is Serapo, about 1 km away. Here are Gaeta's seven beaches, one by one.
Serapo
Gaeta's signature beach: long and golden, with beach clubs and free stretches. Shallow water, perfect for children.
Fontania
A small, quiet bay known for the remains of a submerged Roman villa: lovely to see with a mask and snorkel.
Quaranta Remi
An evocative little cove, reachable by sea.
Ariana
A splendid bay of pale sand and crystal-clear sea, set between two promontories covered in vegetation and recognisable by the Tre Cani rocks. Located along the Via Flacca, it is famous for its clear waters and striking natural setting. A characteristic corner of the Gaeta coast, ideal for anyone wishing to relax in a beautiful setting.
Arenauta (the 300 Steps)
A beach surrounded by nature, reached by a stairway.
San Vito
A lovely bay along the Via Flacca coast.
Sant'Agostino
A long stretch of beach, ideal for those who love wide open spaces and water sports.
Places to visit
The eight places Rosanna recommends to anyone visiting Gaeta for the first time.
Montagna Spaccata and the Sanctuary of the Santissima Trinità
One of the most striking places in Gaeta: the rock splits into three clefts above the sea, with the sanctuary watching over it.
Grotta del Turco
A cave cut into the cliff above the sea, with breathtaking views.
Medieval Gaeta and the Church of San Francesco
Discover the charm of medieval Gaeta, with its crystal-clear sea, the characteristic seafront and the historic buildings of the old quarter. On the hill stands the splendid Church of San Francesco, one of the town's most striking places, with a panoramic view over the Gulf of Gaeta.
Angevin-Aragonese Castle
Overlooking the sea, the castle dominates the harbour and tells centuries of Gaeta's history.
Sant'Erasmo village
Discover the historic heart of medieval Gaeta, among characteristic lanes, old buildings and glimpses of the sea. This is where the Cathedral of Saints Erasmus and Marcian stands.
Riviera di Ulisse Regional Park
An oasis of nature overlooking the sea, ideal for panoramic walks, trails through the greenery and moments of relaxation.
Viewpoints over the sea
Viewpoints from which to admire the magnificent Gulf of Gaeta, with spectacular views especially at sunset.
Also worth seeing
Monte Orlando Park
Trails immersed in nature, breathtaking views over the Gulf of Gaeta and the evocative Roman Mausoleum of Lucius Munatius Plancus.
Sanctuary of the Santissima Annunziata
A place rich in history and spirituality, famous for the splendid Golden Chapel, one of Gaeta's most precious artistic treasures.
Seafront & Via Indipendenza
Stroll along the Caboto seafront and discover the historic shops and characteristic lanes of Via Indipendenza.
Experiences to enjoy as a family
- A day at Serapo: golden sand and sea, ideal for a relaxing family day.
- A walk in Monte Orlando Park: nature, views over the gulf and traces of Roman history.
- A boat trip along the coast: discover the sea caves and admire the Split Mountain from the water.
- A trip to the islands of Ponza and Ventotene: reach them by ferry from nearby Formia, checking the available connections.
🍕 Flavours of Gaeta
Gaeta's cooking is simple and full of flavour, from both sea and countryside.
Gaeta's signature dish
The Tiella di Gaeta
The town's signature dish: a savoury pie made of two discs of dough, filled with traditional local ingredients such as octopus, escarole and olives, or anchovies, onions and vegetables.
Born as a practical meal to take along when working at sea or in the fields, it is delicious both hot and at room temperature.
Rosanna's tip: try the tiella at the bakeries and takeaways in the old town. If you want an address, message me!
And more from Gaeta's tradition
Gaeta PDO olives
Small, dark and unmistakable in flavour, they are one of the area's gastronomic excellences, perfect with an aperitivo and for enriching many dishes of the local cuisine.
Fish & seafood
Gaeta has a long seafaring tradition. Anchovies, mussels, octopus and fresh fish are the stars of local cooking and can be enjoyed in the town's restaurants and trattorias.
Votapiatto: a seafaring speciality of Gaeta made with calamarelle, the tiny squid of the gulf: floured and fried packed tightly together, then flipped like an omelette with the help of a plate, which gives the dish its name.
Buffalo mozzarella
One of the excellences of Campanian gastronomy, appreciated for its soft texture and delicate flavour. Best enjoyed fresh, with seasonal tomatoes.
Ristoro da Guido
A landmark on the Sant’Agostino plain, visited all year round by locals, tourists, motorcyclists and climbing enthusiasts.
Here you can enjoy buffalo mozzarella, caprese, olives, the traditional Gaeta tiella and other local specialities, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery at the foot of the mountains.
In summer it is also a pleasant stop for anyone spending the day by the sea.
🎉 Events in Gaeta, all year round
Gaeta has something going on in every season. Dates change every year: to find out what's on during your stay, message Rosanna.
Favole di Luce
In winter the town lights up with artistic Christmas lights: a trail of light between the old town and the seafront.
Patron saint festivals
The festivals of Sant'Erasmo and San Marciano: religious celebrations, processions and festivities across the town.
Concerts, shows and culture
Concerts, shows and cultural events, mostly in the summer months, in squares and historic places.
Food festivals
Food fairs, gastronomic festivals and events dedicated to the Tiella di Gaeta, olives and local products.
Summer, sea and families
Summer events, sea festivals and activities for families and children.
Christmas and New Year
Markets, Christmas festivities and New Year's Eve events.
Exhibitions and guided tours
Exhibitions, guided tours and events in the town's historic places.
Useful holiday tips
Getting here
By train: Rome–Naples line to Formia-Gaeta station, then bus or taxi to Gaeta. By car: from Rome or Naples via the Via Appia and the Via Flacca. Naples Capodichino airport is about 100 km away.
Parking
In summer, parking near the beaches and in town is often paid (blue lines). For parking at Abuelita, ask Rosanna when you book.
Getting around
A bus stop is about 500 m away. The town centre is around 15 minutes on foot; Serapo is a few minutes by car or a pleasant walk.
Not sure how to plan your stay? Message Rosanna: she is happy to help you organise your holiday.