Free walking tours in Gaeta and what to see

Must-sees

Gaeta stands on a promontory in southern Lazio, between Rome and Naples, on the stretch of coast known as the Riviera di Ulisse. Its medieval quarter, Sant'Erasmo, climbs from the sea towards the Angevin-Aragonese castle, with alleys, stairways and churches. The cathedral stands out for its Romanesque bell tower decorated with ceramics, and nearby is the church of San Francesco, at the top of the old town.

The most striking sights are on Monte Orlando, a nature park overlooking the town. Here stands the Roman mausoleum of Lucius Munatius Plancus and, on the seaward side, the Montagna Spaccata: three fissures splitting the rock down to the water, next to the sanctuary of the Santissima Trinità, founded by Benedictine monks. A stairway runs down the central fissure, past the rock known as the Turk's Hand and the chapel of the Crucifix. Don't leave without trying tiella, the local pie, and Gaeta olives.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Gaeta. The most common option is a boat trip: routes around the peninsula and Monte Orlando, outings along the Riviera di Ulisse and trips along the coast to Sperlonga. From the sea you get a good view of the fissures of the Montagna Spaccata and of coves and caves that cannot be reached by land. In summer it is worth booking.

How long to spend

A full day is enough for the medieval quarter and the Montagna Spaccata: the old town and cathedral in the morning, and Monte Orlando and the sanctuary in the afternoon. Add a boat trip and an afternoon on Serapo beach and you need two days. With three you can visit Sperlonga or Terracina, less than an hour away by car.

Where to stay

The most practical place to stay is between the seafront and the medieval quarter, where there are small hotels, apartments and guesthouses, all within walking distance. If you are coming mainly for the beach, the Serapo area has hotels facing the sea. In summer and at weekends occupancy is high, so book ahead. Neighbouring Formia, with a railway station, has more choice.