Gaeta Italy Travel Guide: Beaches, Historic Old Town & Where to Eat
Discover Gaeta, Italy’s best-kept coastal secret. Explore Blue Flag beaches, medieval castles, local beach clubs, and incredible local dining.
8/29/20263 min read
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you stumble upon a coastal Italian town that feels untouched by mainstream tourism. Tucked between Rome and Naples along the Gulf of Gaeta, Gaeta is that exact kind of place. Split between a medieval citadel and a sun-drenched stretch of coastline, it offers the ultimate Italian seaside escape. If you are looking for crystal-clear waters, historic winding streets, and some of the best seafood and pizza of your life without fighting through tourist crowds, Gaeta deserves a permanent spot at the top of your travel radar.
HOW TO GET THERE
Getting to Gaeta is straightforward, though it requires a brief multi-step journey since the town itself doesn't have a direct passenger rail.
By train: Take the Trenitalia regional or Intercity train from Rome Termini or Naples Centrale to the Formia-Gaeta station (roughly a 45-to-70 minute ride).
From the Station: Because there are virtually no standard street taxis waiting around town, you will only be able to grab a taxi from the train station to your hotel or rental by arranging in advance.
However: during the peak months, there is a trenino that has 4 stops, going from the beach side of town to the medieval side.
THE TWO SIDES OF GAETA
Gaeta is essentially split into two distinct, vibrant worlds: the beach side and the medieval side.
The medieval center is bursting with history, magnificent castles, ancient winding streets, and bustling shops lining the waterfront alongside great bars and restaurants. Meanwhile, the beach side centers around daily seaside relaxation.
SUN, SAND, AND BEACH CLUBS
The heartbeat of the coastline is Serapo Beach, a pristine stretch proudly holding blue flag status for its exceptionally clean water and environmental standards.
Lining the shore are roughly a dozen private beach clubs sitting right next to each other, all hovering around the same price point. The real differentiator between them is the specific section of the bay and water they occupy, which surprisingly changes the swimming experience quite a bit.
Booking Ahead: If you have your sights set on local favorites like Viareggio ( praised by locals for having the absolute cleanest water), be aware that they book out months in advance, messages sent in July will likely find August completely full.
Luna Rossa: Costing 45 euros for two beach chairs and an umbrella, this club offers a very nice, straightforward beach day experience.
Miramare: Also priced at 45 euros for chairs and an umbrella, Miramare packs in extra amenities, including a massive on-site restaurant serving incredible food.
While the daytime beach scene buzzes with energy, things quiet down significantly by the water at night. For a stellar evening meal right by the shore, head over to the bustling restaurant at Serene.
WHERE TO EAT
One of the best parts of Gaeta is the pricing, which is remarkably reasonable. Even though local taxi drivers note that prices get slightly inflated during the peak month of August, the cost-to-quality ratio remains unmatched.
Casa Mia: A direct recommendation from many locals and it will not disappoint. It was a masterclass in Italian dining.
Pizzeria Ciro: Open since 1923, this historic spot was packed and buzzing with energy.
Selene: Easily home to some of the best pizzas paired with stellar wine.
La Cucina di Popola: An incredible venue boasting a gorgeous terrace draped in romantic lighting. It was voted #2 for the best on the coast by a prominent local food critic.
Il Molo: Save room for dessert here, because it might be the best gelato of your life.
Gaeta manages to strike that elusive balance between a rich, culture-filled historic getaway and a laid-back beach holiday. Whether you are spending your mornings soaking up the sun on the Blue Flag shores of Serapo Beach, wandering through centuries-old castle walls in the medieval quarter, or sitting down to a candlelit dinner that costs a fraction of what you would pay in Rome or Florence, this coastal haven is entirely worth the detour. Pack your favourite swimwear, bring your appetite, and let Gaeta show you the slower, sweeter side of the Italian coast.
Arrivederci!
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