of the true Italian. I had my fair share of outstanding fresh fish and awesome fresh pasta. We spent time on the beach as well as walking in the hills and experiencing the wonderful, breath-taking views of the grotto. I would say it is a must on the list of places to visit when in Italy. I can't wait to see it again.
Tiffany, Oklahoma, USA
Gaeta is a hidden treasure. You would rarely just stumble upon it since it is a little off the beaten path. It is just an hour from Naples, but you probably won't find it in the tour books. The locals know that it is a wonderful place to get away from the bustle and noise of the big cities (Tourists love to know where the locals go). It is such a beautiful city with the mountains on one side and the beach on the other. There are spectacular views from every direction. The beautiful beach will make you think you are in paradise. It attracts all kinds of people so you don't have to be self -conscious about how you look in your swimsuit. The people are happy and friendly. You can watch the fishermen sail up in the afternoon and take their fresh "catch" to the market. You can see some amazing fish. There are restaurants and traditional Italian food, but you can also get a slice of watermelon from a local street vendor and sit on the curb in the sun while it drips down your chin. Wednesday brings an exciting market to town with travelling merchants selling everything from clothes to make up. The story about the crack in the rock originating at the death of Christ is fascinating. Seeing the city from the water is also a treat on the small boats that round the big rock and sail to the beach.
Cindy, Texas USA
Gaeta is a resort town located along the Aegean Sea. It is a reminder of the sweet life of Italy and attracts Italians as well as tourists world-wide. Old Gaeta takes you back in time to historic brick roads and 13th century churches. In the present day, Gaeta boasts of the best restaurants in Southern Italy and is full of modern day boutiques. In the summer the small city is frequented by the most expensive yachts in the world and the beaches are crowded by Italians from all over the region.
Joseph, Oregon, USA
I have very fond memories of Gaeta. The city is steeped in history, tradition and beauty. For anyone who desires a nice mix of old and contemporary Italy, Gaeta is certainly a place that can satisfy any visitor. The people of Gaeta are it's greatest asset where will one find the kindness and compassion that make Gaeta a true joy to visit. A stroll down Via della Indipendenza at night with its shops, open-air market and townsfolk is truly an experience that will add to one's enjoyment. Any journey to Gaeta is not complete without a visit to Montagna Spaccata where one can see a perfect marriage of land and sea, history and faith. The view of Serapo Beach is breathtaking and the mountains surrounding the city look down on the city and the bay with awe, splendor and admiration as if to say "this is our home and you are welcome to stay as long as you like". Gaeta is truly a remarkable destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty and history fused with the architectural majesty of the Italian culture and its people. There are many places in Italy which tourists will flock to but none as perfectly wonderful as Gaeta.
Mark, South Carolina, USA
GETTING HERE
BY TRAIN
If you arrive at Rome Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) and Ciampino Airports and want to get to Gaeta by train you have to get to the Termini (train) Station.
From Rome Fiumicino Airport, follow the signs to Stazione FS / Railway Station. Buy the ticket for Termini, and be sure to validate it by slipping it into the yellow machine. Take the train Leonardo Express to central Rome 's Termini station. A Leonardo Express train leaves every half hour. The one way train ticket's current price is 14.00 euros. It takes approximately 30 minutes. You can also check the train schedule on http://www.trenitalia.com
From Ciampino Airport, the easiest way is to ride the shuttle bus to Rome Termini for 5.00 euros. It takes approximately 40 minutes to arrive at Termini train Station.
Another option from Ciampino Airport is to ride the bus to Metro (line A) station at Anagnina, and then catch the subway (metropolitana). In approximately 30 minutes you will arrive at the Termini Stop.
When you arrive at the Rome Termini train station, buy the ticket from Rome Termini to Formia, and take the train to Napoli via Formia. Usually the train runs every hour. Get off at Formia and catch the bus to Gaeta. It runs every 20 minutes on weekdays, but every hour during the weekend and holidays (festivities). A taxi will take approximately 10 minutes to get to Gaeta.
If your flight lands in Naples at Capodichino Airport, take the bus to the Central Station in Piazza Garibaldi. From here catch the train, which depart every hour to Rome via Formia.
Warning: Make sure you stamp the train ticket EACH TIME you get a new ticket, putting it into the yellow machine, before you get on the train. If you do not validate your ticket you might receive a penalty.
BY CAR
From Rome Fiumicino Airport, enter the G.R.A. “Gran Raccordo Anulare” (Rome's ring road) and take exit number 26 (Pontina). Continue on SS 148 Pontina until you have passed the city of Terracina, and then take SR 213 Flacca to Gaeta. Alternatively, take Highway A1 toward Napoli, exiting at Cassino and following the sign Formia – Gaeta.
From Ciampino Airport, get the SS 7 Via Appia Nuova direction north and enter the G.R.A and from there follow the same directions as given in the paragraph above from the Rome Fiumicino Airport. Or, you can take the SS 7 Via Appia Nuova direction south for a few miles, and then get the SS 207 Via Nettunense until Aprilia. From here continue on the SS 148 Pontina until you passed Terracina, and then take SR 213 Flacca to Gaeta.
From Capodichino Naples Airport, take A 56 Via Tangenziale, and then road SS Domiziana direction Mondragone and SS 7 Via Appia for Formia. Alternatively, take Highway A1 toward Roma, exiting at Cassino and following the sign Formia – Gaeta.
From anywhere in Italy you can locate HighwayA1 (Autostrada del Sole) leaving the highway at the Cassino exit and paying the toll. Follow the signs for Formia - Gaeta.
MILEAGE FROM GAETA
| Cassino | 50 km | 31 miles |
| Caserta | 85 km | 53 miles |
| Napoli | 95 km | 59 miles |
| Pompei | 125km | 78 miles |
| Roma | 145 km | 90 miles |
| Sorrento | 150 km | 93 miles |
| Amalfi | 170 km | 106 miles |
| Perugia | 320 km | 199 miles |
| Bari | 335 km | 208 miles |
