Seaside town Gaeta, & Sperlonga Italy
A Perfect Seaside
Tucked along Italy’s lesser-known stretch of coastline between Rome and Naples, Gaeta and Sperlonga are two seaside towns that capture the quiet beauty and authentic charm of the Mediterranean. We spent two nights in Gaeta and made a day trip to Sperlonga — just enough time to sink into the slow rhythm of coastal life, wander ancient streets, and savour some of the best seafood we’ve ever had. Though close in distance, the two towns offer distinct personalities: Gaeta, with its lively harbour, golden beaches, and deep culinary roots; and Sperlonga, a cliffside maze of whitewashed houses that feels more like a postcard from Apulia than Lazio. Together, they form a perfect pairing for a short escape — sun, sea, and simplicity wrapped in Italian style.
You can even make a 2 day trip from Rome if you want to add a beach holiday to your itinerary
Just a couple of hours south of Rome, Gaeta and Sperlonga make for the perfect seaside getaway when you’re craving a change of scenery. Easy to reach by train or car, these towns offer a refreshing contrast to the bustle of the capital — where days are spent swimming in clear blue water, exploring cobbled lanes, and lingering over long, seafood-filled dinners by the sea. Whether you visit for a weekend or linger a little longer, this stretch of coast is an idyllic escape that feels a world away from city life.
This beach was so beautiful with its white sand
The walk along the seafront promenade
Escape Two Days in Gaeta, Italy
Nestled halfway between Rome and Naples, Gaeta is a hidden gem on Italy’s Tyrrhenian coast — a small seaside town with big charm. Spending two nights here felt just right, offering enough time to explore its winding medieval streets, relax on the beach, and indulge in the town’s vibrant food culture.
Gaeta’s culinary scene is a delightful reflection of its seaside setting and southern Italian roots. Every meal feels touched by the sea — from the freshest catches of the day to delicate crudos and seafood pastas. The highlight of my stay was, without question, the red prawn tartare — the best I’ve ever tasted — sweet, silky, and impossibly fresh. Dining here is a slow, sensory experience: long lunches by the harbor, local wines flowing freely, and the unmistakable taste of the Mediterranean in every bite. We stayed in the old town (in an air b&b called Caieta Housing), right among the restaurants — a lively yet laid-back base that made evening strolls a joy. Some of my favourite restaurants included : Attimi Ristorante - where we had more prawn tartare, a twist on vitello tonnato and all kinds of delicious things. Also loved Antica Pizzeria Ciro (next to the navy base), dont let the front facade fool you, it opens up to the sea on the other side. Here we had the most delicious seafood pasta, prawn tartare and a better pizza than in Napoli itself. We also wanted to eat at restaurant A casa Mia, but it was fully booked the 2 days.
In autumn, Gaeta feels especially magical. The beaches are peaceful, the summer crowds gone, and the water still warm enough for a swim. The golden light of the season sets off the pastel facades and fishing boats perfectly, and an afternoon spent on Serapo Beach feels almost private.
Just a short drive away lies Sperlonga, another coastal beauty that looks like it was plucked straight from Apulia. Its whitewashed buildings spill down toward the sea, creating a maze of sun-drenched alleys and bougainvillea-covered balconies.
Between Gaeta’s unspoiled charm, incredible seafood, and easy proximity to Sperlonga, this stretch of coastline is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a quieter, authentic taste of Italy — where life still moves at the rhythm of the tides.
Things to See and Do in Gaeta
Though small in size, Gaeta offers a wonderful mix of history, sea views, and laid-back charm — perfect for a two-day visit.
1. Wander Gaeta Vecchia (the Old Town)
Lose yourself in the winding alleys of Gaeta Vecchia, the town’s historic quarter. Here, pastel-colored houses lean toward one another, and hidden courtyards open up to glimpses of the sea. Stop for a coffee in Piazza Caboto, where locals gather in the morning sun, or browse the little shops selling ceramics and olive products.
2. Visit the Cathedral of St. Erasmus
Gaeta’s Duomo di Sant’Erasmo is a beautiful reminder of the town’s long maritime past. Its Romanesque bell tower — built using ancient columns — and the glittering mosaics inside make it one of the most striking sights in town.
3. Explore the Aragonese-Angevine Castle
The castle dominates the skyline and offers spectacular views over the Gulf of Gaeta. It once served as a military fortress, and even from its outer walls, the panorama of sea and terracotta rooftops is worth the climb.
4. Swim and Sunbathe at Serapo Beach
Spiaggia di Serapo is Gaeta’s main beach — golden, soft, and backed by gentle green hills. In autumn, it’s peaceful and relaxed, the water still warm enough for swimming and the summer crowds long gone.
5. Hike Monte Orlando and Visit the Grotta del Turco
For a bit of nature and breathtaking views, hike up Monte Orlando, the headland that juts into the sea. Along the way, stop at the Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata, a small chapel built between the cliffs, and peer down into the Grotta del Turco, a dramatic sea cave filled with turquoise water.
6. Eat Like a Local
Gaeta is known for its olives (olive di Gaeta) and tiella, a savory pie stuffed with seafood or vegetables. But above all, it’s the seafood that shines here — always simple, fresh, and unforgettable. The great thing about this little town, is that it is filled with restaurants, all the food was amazing, especially the raw prawns in tartare or carpaccio form.
Beach in Gaeta
A Day Trip to Sperlonga just 20 minutes away
Just a 20-minute drive north, Sperlonga makes for a perfect day trip from Gaeta — or even an afternoon escape. Perched on a rocky promontory, this whitewashed village feels more like a town in Apulia than Lazio, with narrow cobblestone streets winding between bright white buildings draped in bougainvillea.
We stayed in the old town, right among the restaurants and cafés, where the air smells of grilled fish and lemon. The town slopes down toward two long stretches of golden beach, and from the top, the views of the Tyrrhenian coast are stunning. Don’t miss wandering at sunset, when the walls turn golden and the sea glows below.
Sperlonga’s relaxed elegance pairs beautifully with Gaeta’s more lived-in, authentic charm — together, they capture the best of coastal Italy: great food, warm hospitality, and the endless allure of the Mediterranean.
View of the Sperlonga Beach from the old town