The medieval Sant'Erasmo quarter
This is the real old Gaeta: stairways, arches and stone lanes squeezed between the castle and the sea, with old houses, small churches and sudden views of the gulf.
Riviera di Ulisse · Lazio, Italy
Gaeta's old town, a medieval village by the sea
Stone lanes, Romanesque churches and a castle overlooking the gulf. Gaeta's historic heart, the Sant'Erasmo quarter, sits on a headland between two seas, with Serapo beach on one side and the harbour on the other. Here's what to see, where to swim, where to stay and what to eat.
140 kmfrom Rome
20 kmfrom Sperlonga
Favole di Lucewinter light festival
Things to do in Gaeta
The old town is easy on foot. Wear good shoes for the Split Mountain and Monte Orlando.
The Split Mountain and Turk's Grotto
At the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity, a stairway leads down into a cleft in the rock that, according to tradition, opened when Christ died. On the wall you'll be shown the "Turk's Hand". Nearby, the Grotta del Turco opens straight onto the sea.
The Angevin-Aragonese castle
The fortress towers over the old town: two joined buildings, one Angevin and one Aragonese. It's one of Gaeta's symbols, visible from all around the gulf.
Cathedral and bell tower
The Cathedral of Saints Erasmus and Marcian has a Romanesque bell tower decorated with majolica tiles and interlaced arches, among the finest in Lazio.
Monte Orlando and the Mausoleum of Munatius Plancus
The headland is a regional park with green trails, island views and, at the top, the great round tomb of the Roman general Lucius Munatius Plancus, founder of Lyon.
Via Indipendenza
The long street of the old borgo, parallel to the sea, lined with shops, bakeries and bars. The place to try tiella and join the evening stroll.
Gaeta's beaches
Fine sand and clear water, among the best-loved on the Lazio coast. In summer, beach clubs alternate with free stretches.
Serapo beach
The town beach, long and sandy, below Monte Orlando with the Split Mountain behind it. Easy, well equipped and walkable from the centre.
Arenauta beach
Along the Via Flacca towards Sperlonga, reached by a footpath. Golden sand, crystal-clear water and a wilder feel.
Sant'Agostino and the Flacca coves
A wide, long strand plus smaller beaches between the coast road's tunnels, perfect if you want space and open sea.
Boat trips and excursions
From Gaeta and nearby ports you can reach the Pontine Islands and see the coast from the water.
Gaeta's coast by boat
A boat trip below the Split Mountain and Turk's Grotto, stopping at coves you can only reach from the sea.
See trips →Ponza by boat
Sea caves, rock stacks and turquoise water: the most famous Pontine island, with seasonal departures from local ports.
See trips →Ventotene
The small island with a Roman harbour carved into the tuff and a protected sea, ideal for a quiet day out.
See trips →Day trip to Naples
Naples is about an hour and a half away: old town, pizza and seafront in one day.
See trips →Where to stay in Gaeta
Book ahead in summer and during the December light festival.
Old town (Sant'Erasmo)
Sleep among the medieval lanes, close to the castle, cathedral and harbour. Unique atmosphere, but expect some steps.
See places to staySerapo
Best for the beach: hotels and apartments a few steps from the sand and the Monte Orlando trail.
See places to stayVia Indipendenza and the borgo
Central and lively, with shops, restaurants and the winter lights right outside.
See places to stayAlong the Via Flacca
Villas and holiday homes between Gaeta and Sperlonga, quiet and with sea views. You'll need a car.
See places to stay
What to eat
Gaeta has a food tradition all its own. Try at least these.
Tiella di Gaeta
The town's signature: a closed savoury pie filled with octopus, anchovies, escarole or vegetables, sold by the slice in the bakeries of Via Indipendenza.
Gaeta olives
Small, dark and full of flavour, famous all over Italy. Take some home or try them with an aperitivo.
Seafood from the gulf
Spaghetti with clams, mussels, fried fish and the catch of the day in the harbour restaurants.
Buffalo mozzarella
From the nearby Fondi plain, fresh and perfect for a light lunch after the beach.
Sweets and granita
A lemon granita or a traditional pastry at a café, looking out over the gulf.
Aperitivo by the harbour
In the evening the seafront fills up: a spritz with a view of the lit-up castle.
Gaeta in pictures
Glimpses of the old town, the harbour and the gulf.
Favole di Luce, Gaeta in winter
Every winter, usually from November to January, Gaeta lights up with the Favole di Luce art light festival: illuminated installations all over town, from the old borgo to the seafront. It's one of the most visited Christmas events in central Italy, and the time when old Gaeta is at its most magical. Weekends are busy, so go on a weekday if you can and book your stay early.
Getting there and when to go
- By car from Rome
- About 140 km, usually just over 2 hours via the Pontina road, Terracina and the Via Flacca, or by motorway exiting at Cassino or Frosinone. In summer, leave early.
- By train
- Trains on the Rome–Naples line to Formia-Gaeta station, then a bus to Gaeta in about 15-20 minutes.
- Parking
- The old town has narrow lanes: use the paid car parks near the harbour or at Serapo.
- When to go
- June to September for the sea, with June and September quieter. November to January for the Favole di Luce lights.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gaeta Vecchia?
It's Gaeta's medieval old town, the Sant'Erasmo quarter, gathered on the headland between the castle, the cathedral and the harbour.
What is the best beach in Gaeta?
Serapo is the most convenient and famous, below the Split Mountain. Arenauta is wilder and more scenic.
When are the Gaeta Christmas lights?
Favole di Luce runs every winter, usually from November to January. Exact dates change each year.
Can you visit Gaeta and Sperlonga together?
Yes, they're about 20 km apart along the Via Flacca, one of the most beautiful coast roads in Lazio. See our Sperlonga guide too.