Gaeta: A Coastal Town with Ancient Roots

Gaeta is a coastal town in central Italy, located roughly halfway between Rome and Naples. It sits on a small peninsula that stretches into the Tyrrhenian Sea, with hills on one side and beaches on the other. The town has been inhabited since Roman times and was once an important naval port, often mentioned in classical texts and maps.

Over the centuries, Gaeta was fortified, besieged, and rebuilt more than once. Its strategic position made it a target for armies but also a resting place for traders, pilgrims, and rulers. Today, it is part of the Lazio region. It remains off the radar for most tourists despite offering some of the best coastal scenery in the area.

From Sea Cliffs to Fortresses

Gaeta’s most famous natural site is Montagna Spaccata, a dramatic cliff split into three narrow crevices that drop down to the sea. A small chapel clings to the rock and overlooks the Grotta del Turco, a dark sea cave that once served as a pirate hideout. These natural formations are open to visitors and well worth the walk up the hill.

Higher above the town stands the Angevin-Aragonese Castle, once occupied by rulers from the Middle Ages to the time of Napoleon. From its walls, you get a full view of the town, harbor, and coastline. Inside Gaeta’s historic center, you’ll also find the Cathedral of Saint Erasmus, Romanesque churches, and old stone lanes that still follow medieval layouts.

The coastline itself is dotted with sandy beaches and pine-covered promontories. In summer, locals head to Serapo Beach, just minutes from the town center. Gaeta is also famous for its black olives, a staple of local cuisine that can be found in markets and dishes throughout the region.

A Town that Still Feels Local

Gaeta is not a polished resort. It is a working town situated in a beautiful location. Fishermen still bring in their catch each morning. Laundry still hangs across narrow streets. Locals still sit outside small cafés discussing the news of the day.

Some small ship cruises stop here, but Gaeta has never relied on tourism. That is what makes it special. It offers something honest, with long views, deep history, and a pace of life that has changed little in decades. For travelers seeking the Italy that Italians still visit, Gaeta is a quiet yet confident choice.