Gaeta in Lazio: 7 spectacular sights, beaches and insider tips!

Why travel to Gaeta?

Seven o'clock in the morning at Porticciolo: the first fishing boats have long since returned, the baking trays clatter at the counter of the pizzeria on the harbor and the smell of tomatoes and octopus wafts over the pier. The two-part mass of the Castello Angioino-Aragonese towers above it all. Behind it, the old town with its narrow streets climbs up the slope. On the other side of the headland, the sea rolls gently onto the light sandy beach of Serapo - two faces of a city separated by just a few hundred meters of rock.

What most foreign tourists don't know: Gaeta was one of the strongest fortresses in Italy for centuries and was the capital of its own principality until 1734. In 1848, Pope Pius IX fled into exile here and in 1861, after months of siege, the last stronghold of the Bourbons fell here. This history is still present today in churches, walls and viewpoints, without the city having become an open-air museum. Instead, the old mixes with over 240 pieces of street art, a lively harbor and a cuisine that revolves almost exclusively around the sea.

Is it worth a visit here if you know the big names further south? If you are looking for southern Italy away from the coach caravans, then yes: you get sandy beaches instead of pebbles, a compact old town to walk around and prices that are significantly lower than those of Sorrento or Positano. In the following sections, you will find out which sights you should not miss, how to get there, where to sleep and eat well and where Gaeta has its pitfalls.

What do you absolutely have to see in Gaeta?

The sights of Gaeta are spread over three areas: the medieval old town around the cathedral, the Monte Orlando Nature Park with its famous rocky crevice and the long beach of Serapo. If you stay for three days, you can explore everything on foot and on short bus rides. Here are the most important stops.

Why is the Montagna Spaccata the most spectacular place in the city?

The Montagna Spaccata in the coastal town Gaeta is a spectacular split rock on the idyllic Monte Orlando. The historic pilgrimage church Santuario della Santissima Trinità is enthroned directly on this magical spot on the Riviera di Ulisse. Three enormous, deep fissures run through the massive rock right down to the glistening waterline. According to the fascinating legend, the mountain tore in two at the exact moment that Christ died on the cross.

In one of these striking crevices, a huge boulder has been dramatically stuck between the walls since a huge rockfall in 1434. It was on this jammed rock that the tiny Cappella del Crocifisso which offers you a breathtaking view of the cliffs over a hundred meters high. You can visit this impressive sanctuary completely free of charge, although a small donation for the preservation of the site is appreciated. In summer, the gates open daily from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and in the afternoon from 3 p.m. until the romantic sunset.

Emerald green water in the rock: the magic of the Grotta del Turco

The Grotta del Turco on Monte Orlando is an enormous Sea cave, which was created by thousands of years of erosion and the tireless power of the waves. Legend has it that this natural fortress on the rugged coast of Gaeta provided the notorious Saracen pirates of the Middle Ages with a safe and hard-to-see hideout. These pirates used the hard-to-access crevice in the solid rock to hide their ships from enemy eyes. Today, this historic site attracts visitors from all over the world who want to follow in the footsteps of the buccaneers of that time.

Your path down into the cool depths of the gorge leads down a steep staircase and is like a small, unforgettable adventure. The closer you get to the roaring waves, the more intensely you feel the humid, salty air of the Tyrrhenian Sea on your skin. Once you reach the bottom, you are rewarded with a spectacular Natural spectacle, when the bright sunlight hits the surface of the water through the narrow opening in the rock. These strong natural reflections cause the water inside the dark grotto to glow a magical, almost mesmerizing emerald green.

This natural wonder shows you the immense architectural power of the sea in an unsparing and extremely impressive way. A visit to the fissure combines pure adventure with the unique scenic beauty of the Riviera of Ulysses. It is the perfect place to experience the untouched nature and the dark but extremely exciting history of Gaeta up close. At the lowest point of the stairs, take a moment to listen to the thundering echo of the waves on the steep rock faces.

Is a visit to the Castello Angioino-Aragonese worthwhile?

High above the picturesque old town of Gaeta towers the imposing Castello Angioino-Aragonese and dominates the impressive skyline of the coastal city. Historically speaking, this huge complex consists of two closely linked building complexes from completely different eras. The lower part is formed by the historic Angevin building from the 13th century, which laid the stone foundation stone of the defensive complex. Somewhat later, Emperor Charles V had the complex massively extended and fortified around the significantly higher Aragonese wing.

When visiting this sight on the Riviera di Ulisse, travelers often make a classic mistake. The prominent upper part of the castle, the Aragonese wing, has long been completely closed to the public. It is now home to the renowned nautical school of the Italian financial police, the Guardia di Finanza, its heavily guarded military headquarters. Unfortunately, you can only admire this elevated part from the outside on a walk through the historic alleyways.

In contrast, the lower, Angevin fortress is open to you for an extremely exciting exploration tour. Until 1990, this gloomy historical wing served as the most notorious Military prison of the whole of Italy. Over the decades, numerous well-known war criminals and high-ranking prisoners served their long sentences behind these thick walls. Today, you can still feel the oppressive yet fascinating atmosphere of days gone by in the bare corridors.

You can explore this dark chapter of the fortress as part of an entertaining, 40-minute Guidance which takes you deep into the old cell complexes. The tour costs a fair 10 euros per person and fortunately also includes the small fortress church of San Teodoro, which is well worth seeing. The best way to arrange your preferred date for this experience is to contact the local tourist information office Pro Loco in Gaeta in advance. Tours are even organized in German on prior request, which makes it much easier for you to immerse yourself in the local history.

What makes the Cappella d'Oro so special?

Hidden in the historic heart of the coastal town Gaeta behind the Santuario della Santissima Annunziata lies a real artistic gem. The so-called Cappella d'Oro, often referred to as the Grotta d'Oro, is a fascinating chapel from the early 14th century. If you look up, you will see an imposing barrel vault that is completely covered in gleaming gold leaf. This warm light gives the small room an incomparably mystical atmosphere that immediately casts a spell over every visitor.

On the richly decorated walls you can admire 19 masterful Blackboard pictures by the painter Giovan Filippo Criscuolo from 1531. However, the absolute eye-catcher is enthroned directly above the historic altar in the middle of the room. The famous painting of the „Immacolata”, impressively created by local artist Scipione Pulzone in 1582, awaits you there.

Admission to this spiritual gem costs just 3 euros and includes access to a very informative multimedia exhibition. This is dedicated to the exciting life of Pope Pius IX., who lived in exile in this city in 1848 and 1849. It was here in the golden chapel that he often prayed before the Immacolata and found the theological inspiration for the later dogma of the Immaculate Conception. This profound historical context makes your visit extremely valuable far beyond the mere contemplation of art.

You will find the rather inconspicuous entrance to the complex at the adjoining cloister, the Chiostro, directly on Via dell'Annunziata. As the historical rooms are quite small, this highlight of the Riviera of Ulysses can quickly become a little tight. It is therefore definitely worth booking your ticket in good time if you are expecting a rush or during peak season. This way, you can easily ensure that you can take in this architectural masterpiece in complete peace and quiet.

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From the cathedral to the Roman tomb: Gaeta's most beautiful views

In the historic heart of Gaeta the magnificent Cattedrale di Sant'Erasmo e Marciano, dedicated to the two patron saints of the coastal town, awaits you. You can visit this spiritual center completely free of charge and discover valuable works of art inside. However, the absolute highlight of the complex is its imposing twelfth-century Norman bell tower. This striking campanile is quite rightly considered one of the most iconic landmarks on the entire Gulf.

If you look up in the old town, you will inevitably discover the majestic Tempio di San Francesco. You can reach this neo-Gothic church via an impressive flight of steps, which offers you an excellent photo opportunity on the Riviera di Ulisse. Once you reach the top, the wide forecourt rewards you with a magnificent Panoramic view over the glittering bay and the bustling harbor. Take a moment here to watch the incoming fishing boats and yachts from above.

If you are looking for nature after so much architecture, it is worth climbing to the summit of the densely wooded Monte Orlando. The impressive Mausoleo di Lucio Munazio Planco, the massive round tomb of an important Roman consul from the first century BC. This huge stone monument impressively shows you how deeply the roots of Roman history are anchored in this region. You can walk around the ancient building at close quarters and study the historical inscriptions on the façade.

The entire mountain is part of the protected Parco Regionale Urbano, whose shady paths are available to you free of charge at all times. The well-developed network of paths leads you through Mediterranean vegetation and always offers you new perspectives of the deep blue sea. Especially in the late afternoon hours, this green oasis above the city unfolds its full magic. From the natural vantage points along the cliffs, you can enjoy some of the most spectacular sunsets on the entire coast.

Hiking between Gaeta and Sperlonga: the green heart of the coast

The extensive Parco Regionale Riviera di Ulisse stretches along the picturesque coast of southern Italy and connects several historic municipalities. This impressive area not only encompasses Gaeta, but also includes the wild coastal strips of Sperlonga, Formia and Minturno. The huge area owes its illustrious name to Nature reserve the legend of the ancient seafarer Odysseus, who is said to have sailed right along here. In this region, you will experience a varied mixture of rugged cliffs, fine sandy beaches and densely overgrown, fragrant pine forests.

A well-developed network of natural hiking trails takes you deep into the untouched Mediterranean maquis of this diverse stretch of coast. On your tours, you will always enjoy completely new views of the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea and the offshore Pontine Islands. For ambitious hikers and enthusiastic Nature observer this area is ideal as rare bird species and native plants can thrive here completely undisturbed. Make sure you pack a pair of binoculars to study the rich wildlife in the hidden bays and dense forests at your leisure.

In addition to pure nature, the park also offers you a fascinating insight into the Roman history of the Lazio region. Hidden among the lush vegetation, you will repeatedly come across massive remains of ancient buildings that bear witness to millennia gone by. A wonderful example of this is the historic Villa des Mamurra in the Gianola section of the park, which shows you the luxurious lifestyle of Roman antiquity. This seamless combination of centuries-old cultural heritage and wild coastal landscape makes your excursion absolutely unique.

A day in this coastal park offers you the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities and completely immerse yourself in nature. As the various park zones differ greatly from one another geographically, it is best to plan in advance whether you would prefer to explore ruins or hike steep cliffs. Don't forget to bring enough water and sturdy shoes for your Coastal adventure as some of the stony paths can be quite challenging. Equipped in this way, you can immerse yourself safely and relaxed in one of the most exciting landscapes that the Italian west coast has to offer.

How did you get to Gaeta?

Gaeta does not have its own train station - the nearest one is in neighboring Formia. It's just a short hop from there. From Rome Termini you can travel by regional train or Intercity to Formia-Gaeta in around an hour, tickets are available from around 8,40 €. From Naples you need 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the train.

From Formia station, the COTRAL-bus (the regional intercity bus) to Gaeta in around 20-25 minutes, with the terminus at Piazza della Libertà or Piazzale Caboto. Tickets cost just a few euros and should be purchased before boarding. By car, the journey from Rome takes around 2 hours (via the Pontina/SS148 via Latina and Terracina) and from Naples approx. 1 hour 40 minutes (via the Domiziana). If you are coming from the A1, exit at Cassino and take the expressway towards Formia.

Locally, the old town is small enough to explore completely on foot. Do you still need a car? Then plan for parking: public parking spaces cost around 2 € per hour or 15 € per day, and the historic old town is ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato - restricted traffic zone). So leave the car outside. Those arriving by boat will find a fully equipped marina at the well-known Base Nautica Flavio Gioia.

Where is the best place to stay in Gaeta?

Gaeta's hotel landscape is manageable and clearly divided: The large hotels with pools and private beaches are located on the coast outside the center, while the more charming addresses are tucked away in the old town. There are some functional buildings right on the first row of beaches - the nicer rooms are often a little further away. The following six hotels cover every price range, from the rock lodge to the old town B&B.

1. Grand Hotel Le Rocce - on the Via Flacca coastal road, around 5 km from the center, directly above the sea. 4 stars, rating 9.2/10 (excellent), price level €€€€. Built into the rock, with a private beach, panoramic pool and terrace restaurant - the most stylish house in the area for a few quiet days by the water.
2. Villa Irlanda Grand Hotel - on the Lungomare Caboto, a few steps from the beach. 4 stars, rating 8.8/10, price level €€€. A historic villa complex in a 60,000 m² Mediterranean park with two pools and roof terrace - green tranquillity close to the beach and town center.
3. Hotel Mirasole International - Via Firenze, 150 m from Serapo beach and a five-minute walk from the old town. 4 stars, rating 8.4/10, price level €€. Large garden with pool, own restaurant and 134 rooms - the reliable, family-friendly choice in the best walking location.
4. Palazzo Nari - in Via dell'Annunziata in the middle of the medieval old town. Boutique B&B, consistently top ratings, price level €€. A former monastery with cloister where breakfast is served, plus its own restaurant just around the corner - character instead of functional building.
5. Hotel Residence Gajeta - on the Lungomare in the center, restored old town house with roof terrace. Residence with apartments and own restaurant, rated „very good“, price level €€. The self-catering option for families who want to stay centrally and don't want to be tied to the hotel breakfast.
6. Nomad B&B - Close to the beach and only a few minutes from the center. Small B&B, consistently very good guest reviews, price level € (under € 80 per night). Lovingly furnished with vintage pieces, personally prepared breakfast - the affordable choice with heart.

Want to compare the location of the hotels directly or see more options? Here is an interactive map with live availability and price comparison:

Where is the best place to eat in Gaeta?

Gaeta's cuisine revolves almost entirely around the sea - and around a dish that can only be found here: the tiella (a filled, double pastry pie, classically with octopus or with endive and olives). Served with the olive di Gaeta (small, dark, brine-ripened olives with a DOP seal) and lots of pasta with seafood. These three addresses cover everything from street food to fine dining.

1. Pizzeria del Porto (Via Bausan 40) - Price level €. The institution for tiella: a tiny store at the harbor where you order at the counter and eat outside on the wall. The tiella al polpo (with octopus) is available from around 5-8 € per piece, and pizza al taglio. Classic, honest, always a queue - just right for a quick, inexpensive lunch.
2. Tredici (Piazza Conca 15) - Price level €€. Modern fish and seafood cuisine in the old town, with a focus on fresh catches and fine preparation. Primi and fish dishes usually range between 14 and 22 €. A good mid-range choice if you want a sophisticated but uncomplicated meal - better make a reservation at the weekend.
3. Aura Restaurant (Via Duomo, old town) - price level €€€. Contemporary cuisine not far from the cathedral, with tasting menus (Hormiae and Cajeta) and à la carte. Specialties such as the panzanella di mare with tuna or linguine with mussels demonstrate a claim without star prices. The first address in the city for a special dinner - reservations strongly recommended.

Street art in Gaeta: the open-air museum „Memorie Urbane”

What sets Gaeta apart from other coastal towns can be seen in the streets of the city: on house walls, school walls and electricity boxes. Since 2011, the „Memorie Urbane” festival has been transforming the city into one of Italy's largest open-air galleries. Over the years, international artists such as Alice Pasquini, the duo Sten & Lex, Borondo and the Norwegian Strok have left dozens of large-format works here, which are embedded in a network of more than 240 interventions throughout the region.

The great thing about it is that you don't need to pay an entrance fee or have a plan. If you stroll through the alleyways around Via Indipendenza and the harbor, you will almost inevitably come across the murals - sometimes it's a floating figure on a school wall, sometimes a huge stencil face on a sports field tower. If you prefer a more systematic approach, you can find maps of the most important works online or book a guided street art tour. Plan an extra hour for this, preferably in the late afternoon when the light is softer.

Seven bays, infinite blue: beach guide for Gaeta

The coastal town Gaeta on the picturesque Riviera di Ulisse will surprise you with seven completely different dream beaches. The spacious main beach Serapo with its fine, light-colored sand nestles right at the foot of Monte Orlando and offers a shallow, family-friendly entrance into the sea. Along the lively promenade, you'll find a perfect mix of serviced lidos and a few free stretches for your towel.

In the well-equipped Stabilimenti you can rent sun loungers and parasols for a relaxing day on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The prices for two sun loungers plus parasol vary depending on the season and beach row, but expect to pay an average of 20 to 40 euros per day. If you prefer to lie on the free sections, you should definitely come early in the morning in high summer to secure the coveted front row right by the water.

For a wilder nature experience, head a little further out to the spectacular Spiaggia dell'Arenauta, which is often referred to by the locals as the „Spiaggia dei 300 gradini“. The name says it all, as you can only reach this bay, which is framed by steep cliffs, by descending around 300 steps. However, the effort is worth it for the crystal-clear water and the feeling of having discovered a hidden paradise in southern Lazio.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for sporting action on the water, the Spiaggia di Sant'Agostino the perfect stretch of coast for you. This longest beach in the municipality regularly catches good winds and decent waves, making it an absolute hotspot for surfers and kitesurfers. In the evening, the backdrop beneath the massive rock faces transforms into a fantastic place to end the day with a cool drink.

From Sperlonga to Ponza: excursion destinations around Gaeta

Gaeta is your ideal starting point for exploring the legendary Riviera di Ulisse in southern Lazio. Only around 25 minutes away by car, the picturesque Sperlonga on a rocky promontory directly above the Tyrrhenian Sea. The gleaming whitewashed old town is officially one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and invites you to take a relaxing stroll. An absolute highlight is the ancient villa of the Roman Emperor Tiberius, including the impressive archaeological grotto.

If you are drawn to the open sea, you can take an unforgettable trip to the Pontine Islands to. Ferries and speedboats run from the nearby port of Formia to the idyllic islets of Ponza and Ventotene all year round. Pastel-colored fishing villages, untouched nature and crystal-clear water that invites you to go snorkeling await you there. This long day trip is particularly worthwhile on days with calm seas and bright sunshine.

If you are interested in history, the historic province of Latina in the immediate vicinity offers fascinating testimonies to the past. In the directly adjacent neighboring town of Formia you will not only visit fascinating Roman ruins, but also the impressive tomb of the ancient orator Cicero. If you drive a little further into the mountainous hinterland, you will reach the charming little town of Itri. A lavishly restored castle towers above this medieval town, giving you a fantastic view over the southern Italian coastline.

With your own rental car, you naturally have maximum flexibility on these tours along the rugged coast. However, you can also easily reach the surrounding villages with the regional intercity buses, which depart regularly from the center of Gaeta. As the town itself is not directly connected to the rail network, the Formia-Gaeta train station your most important hub for slightly longer distances. This means you can easily discover the most important sights of this magical coastal strip on your own, even without your own car.

Magic lights and summer festivals: event guide for Gaeta

The calendar of events in this coastal town on the Gulf of Gaeta has a decisive influence on the mood and booking situation on site. An absolute highlight in Lazio is the traditional Festa di Sant'Erasmo, which takes place in honor of the city's patron saint around the 2nd of June. On these days, you can look forward to a festive procession, rousing live concerts and spectacular fireworks directly over the sea. If you want to experience this authentic piece of southern Italian culture up close, you should book your accommodation early.

At the height of summer, the international Gaeta Jazz Festival music lovers from home and abroad to the picturesque Riviera di Ulisse. The warm July evenings provide the perfect backdrop for relaxed rhythms against the backdrop of the historic harbor promenade. A little later, the impressive Grandi Vele regatta brings together historic sailing ships that sail majestically between the mainland and the island of Ventotene. These summer events transform the otherwise tranquil town into a supra-regional meeting place for culture and water sports fans.

However, the region's secret star unfolds in the cooler months of the year, when the nights gradually get longer again. From the beginning of November until well into January, the world-famous Favole di Luce the entire old town is transformed into a magical, walkable light trail. Over two dozen sparkling light installations then light up for free, while additional shows take place from early evening on weekends and public holidays. This turns a winter vacation in this part of Italy into a completely unexpected, illuminated experience.

When planning your trip, you should be aware that the central axis around the Piazza della Libertà is closed to traffic on major event days. During these popular periods and especially around the midsummer holiday Ferragosto Hotel prices rise noticeably in mid-August and parking spaces become scarce. If you are looking for absolute peace and relaxation on your vacation, it is best to avoid these big festival weekends. This way, you can enjoy the maritime charm of the coast and the quiet historic streets at your own pace.

When is the best time to visit Gaeta?

The absolute best time for your trip to the picturesque Riviera of Ulysses are the months from mid-May to June and the mild month of September. With pleasantly warm air temperatures of between 24 and 28 degrees, you can take a relaxing stroll through the streets or swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea at a wonderful 25 degrees. During this perfect transitional period, you won't be sharing the extensive beaches and historic old town with half the region.

In midsummer and especially in August, the tranquil coastal town in southern Lazio turns into a lively vacation magnet for local families. At the latest around the national holiday Ferragosto On August 15, the local infrastructure reaches its limits, which is why it gets very crowded and noticeably more expensive everywhere. However, if you are traveling during these hot weeks, you should definitely book your accommodation and the coveted sun loungers on the beach well in advance.

But the winter months on the Gulf of Gaeta also have their very own, tranquil charm with mostly mild Mediterranean weather. Although classic sunbathing is not possible in winter, the famous light installations of the Favole di Luce for a surprisingly lively and magical atmosphere in the center. This cool time of year is ideal for visiting the historic churches or walking undisturbed along the nature trails of Monte Orlando.

When planning your trip in the winter months, however, you should bear in mind that tourism in the rest of southern Italy is noticeably reduced. Many paid Stabilimenti and some beach bars located directly by the sea close their doors completely outside the main season for a well-deserved winter break. In addition, the frequency of local bus connections is noticeably thinned out, which is why it is best to plan your own rental car for flexible excursions to the neighboring coastal towns.

What else you should know about Gaeta!

So that your stay doesn't fail due to avoidable little things, here are the honest tips that are missing in most glossy texts.

1. Avoid August and Ferragosto: In the first two weeks of August, Gaeta is overcrowded, the beaches are full and prices are at their peak. If you can, travel in June or September.
2. Check beach restaurants critically: Many of the restaurants directly on the promenade are averagely rated and sometimes use frozen fish (often marked with an asterisk on the menu). Read the small print or go to the old town.
3. Do not drive into the old town: The centro storico is a ZTL zone. Park at Piazzale Caboto or at the Ferrovia (around €2/hour, €15/day) and continue on foot - otherwise you could be fined and get into trouble with aggressive parking lot attendants.
4. Grotta del Turco is exhausting: Around 300 damp, steep steps lead down - not for people with limited mobility. Check the current opening times in advance, as access was temporarily closed.
5. Public transportation is limited: The COTRAL buses run less frequently on Sundays and out of season. If you need to catch the last bus to Formia, you should check the timetable in advance.

Insider tip or tourist trap? Why Gaeta belongs on your bucket list

Gaeta is the perfect destination for you if you want to experience authentic southern Italy away from the gigantic, international tourist crowds. This multi-faceted town on the picturesque Gulf of Gaeta combines a compact, medieval old town with spectacular natural wonders such as the deep Montagna Spaccata crevasse. As you stroll through the winding alleyways, you will also discover a real open-air museum full of modern street art, which forms an exciting contrast to the ancient history. In culinary terms, you will be rewarded with the famous tiella, a hearty pastry filled with seafood or vegetables that you won't find anywhere else in this form.

A big plus point for your travel planning is the good connection to the Italian capital Rome, even if a small detail is important here. As the coastal city does not have its own rail connection, you can take the express train to the neighboring station in just over an hour Formia-Gaeta. From there, a local bus or a short cab will take you directly to the palm-fringed promenade to your accommodation. This makes it easy to combine a relaxing vacation by the sea with an exciting city trip to Rome or Naples.

However, you should adjust your expectations slightly if you are looking for the sophisticated luxury flair of polished postcard motifs such as Capri or Positano. This down-to-earth coastal town in the southern Lazio does not have endless, uninterrupted pedestrian zones and is literally overrun by Italian families in August. In this hot midsummer month, the quality of service in some beach bars suffers from the crowds, while you are rather inflexible for spontaneous excursions into the surrounding area without your own car.

For an intensive short trip of three to four days off the beaten track, this place remains one of the most rewarding addresses in the region. The ideal travel time for your undisturbed vacation happiness on the glittering Tyrrhenian Sea are the months in late spring or mild September. Then you have the fine sandy beaches almost to yourself and can enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere to the full. You can experience the true Italian soul without the stressful hustle and bustle of the high season.

💡Secret tip from the Italy.news Travel editorial team

If you leave the classic tourist paths by the water, the historic fishermen's quarter reveals itself to you. Borgo di Elena the unvarnished soul of this fascinating port city. Along the narrow, car-free Via dell'Indipendenza, the laundry dries picturesquely on the lines above your head in the warm wind of the Latina province. Here you will hardly come across traditional souvenir stores, but rather loudly haggling housewives and small family-run traders selling their fresh goods directly from the open first floor windows.

The very best, tiny bakeries in the whole of southern Italy are hidden in these winding alleyways far from the fashionable beach promenades. We recommend a freshly baked slice here for a few euros Tiella pizza on your hand. When you take a hearty bite and taste the hearty filling made from freshly caught octopus or local olives, you will feel the pure culinary identity of this stretch of coast. Take this authentic piece of local street food with you and find a quiet spot for a little break.

For the perfect end to your little stroll, walk over to the old harbor wall by the glittering Gulf of Gaeta. When the low sun bathes the colorful facades of the fishermen's houses in a warm gold in the late afternoon, you have found the ultimate photo motif. Right here, where the small wooden boats bob in the calm water and the crowds of tourists seem far away, you are guaranteed to fall in love with authentic Italy.

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