<< Molto bene >> - Gaeta - TravBuddy

Gaeta, Italy is located on the west coast about 90 minutes south of Roma. Most of the year, it is a sleepy coastal village of less than 50,000 people ( if one believes the last census ), but in the Summer months, it becomes a throbbing packed-to-the-rafters holiday hotspot.
The beaches become very crowded and less than clean. I loved Gaeta, except for the Summer months, but the towns' people need the income, so it is a necessary evil. Before and after the tourist season, Serapo Beach is lovely, quiet and reasonably clean. Nearby is Split Mountain which is said to have been the hideaway for coastal pirates who would sail out, plunder a ship and return to the safety of The Split. Closer to the south is Formia, a small town ( with the closet train depot ) and it's said to be the resting place of Cicero. North of Gaeta is Sperlonga, another small coastal town settled by the ancient Greeks. This is evident by the architecture and the " look " of Sperlonga. It's a lovely spot for an evening glass of wine or espresso. Between Gaeta and Sperlonga, down very steep stairs is located the areas' finest nude
beach, with it's own caffe and panini bar. Many people choose to go, simply because it is isolated, very clean and the atmosphere is easy going. In fact, many people camp right on the beach and do so without
any hassle or fear. The US Navy has ship and a small duty station in Gaeta, so you will run into any number of Americans. The local food is
very good. Nostromo's is a terrific restaurant, with al fresco dining when weather permits. The selection, the portions, the quality and the prices are all terrific. Gaeta, while a little off the beaten track, is a wonderful stopover.