Solo travel from Rome: How to Spend 48 hours in Gaeta
One of the many perks of studying in Rome is the ability to travel around Italy while having a home base in the country. The public transport in Italy is extensive and there will always be a train or bus to bring you towards your destination. As the travel enthusiast that I am, I decided to reward myself with a budget-friendly trip after finishing my last exam of the year. Gaeta had been on my radar for a while, and since it’s only an hour and a half from Rome by train, it seemed like the perfect spot to celebrate my well-earned freedom. In this post, I’ll explain how to get to Gaeta from Rome in the most budget-friendly way and provide a detailed guide on what to see during your short stay.
Gaeta
Hidden between Rome and Naples, Gaeta is a charming coastal town, perfect for solo travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Gaeta often flies under the radar when visiting this region, but this destination offers a perfect combination of historical allure and natural beauty. Gaeta’s history stretches back over two thousand years, which can be seen in the landmarks of the old town. Castello Angioino-Aragonese is a perfect example of this, a beautiful castle which helps contribute to the feeling that you’re transported back to ancient times.
Travel from Rome to Gaeta
Getting train tickets from Rome to Gaeta is not difficult. Gaeta itself does not have a train station, so keep in mind the station you will arrive at is that of Formia-Gaeta. Formia is a small town very close to Gaeta and from there you can take the bus. You can grab the train at Roma Termini and a train ticket costs you eight euros and forty cents for the regional train. I can recommend using the Trenitalia app where you can easily buy your tickets beforehand. Your tickets will be send to you via email and will also be visible in the app. If you don’t have access to the app you can always buy tickets at the many ticket machines at Termini station. The train to Formia-Gaeta leaves every hour, which gives you flexible options when traveling. Make sure to grab a window seat as towards the end you will have a beautiful view of the sea.
Once you arrive at Formia, it’s time to take the bus to Gaeta. The company that drives from Formia to Gaeta is Cotral, and again you can easily buy bus tickets in their app. Keep in mind that if you don’t have an Italian bank, you can only pay with credit card in the app. A ticket costs one euro and ten cents one way. After buying your ticket you need to activate the ticket in the app by scanning the QR code located in front of the bus. Can you not buy your ticket in the app? On every Cotral bus, you can purchase a ticket from the driver with cash. Please note that this ticket will cost you seven euros for one way, instead of the one euro and ten cents. From this difference in money you could buy some very good gelato.
The Harbour of Formia
How to spend 48 hours in Gaeta
What initially caught my attention when looking up Gaeta was the possibility of both relaxing on the beach and exploring the natural landscape. As an active vacationer I always need to have the option of exploring when I am done with laying on the beach. If you want to be ‘busy’ during your vacation, you can cram the following three activities in one day, but I would not recommend it. It would be better to take your time to really soak in the beauty that is Gaeta, and of course take your well-deserved rest.
Visiting the Via dell’Indipendenza
Blessed with an Airbnb located in this street, I have spent a lot of time on the Via dell’Indipendenza on different times of the day. Located in the heart of Gaeta, it is easily accessible from all the parts of town. The street is a central hub for both locals and visitors and has a different atmosphere based on the hour. Especially in the evening it is very vibrant with all its shops, boutiques, cafes and eateries. They have stores catering to tourist but also high quality boutiques with bohemian style clothes and accessories such as La Prana. It can be very busy in the narrow street, so if that is not for you it will be best to avoid the street in the evening hours. In the morning you will find more room to enjoy the historical setting and maybe visit the market. Bakeries will be just open and the street will smell like fresh pastries. My favourite bakery is Scalesse Pastry Store. One of their charming aspects is the ability to peek directly into the heart of the bakery. The shop is designed with a distinctive feature: the register and ordering area are set up as a window directly inside the bakery itself.
My favourite restaurant in Gaeta isn’t located on Via dell’Indipendenza but is just a five-minute walk away. Comeilmare is a seafood restaurant where you can eat fresh seafood, just brought in through the harbour. Located on the Lungomare Giovanni Caboto it is a situated directly in the harbour which adds immensely to your Gaeta experience. They have a charming ordering system where you place your order and pay immediately at the counter. When your order is freshly made and ready, your name will be called though a microphone and you can pick up your tray at the front. This style of service makes it an accessible and welcoming place for solo travellers. I can recommend ordering a couple little things so you can try all the flavours of the sea. Their Polpette Di Orata Fritta are worth traveling for!
Relaxing on the Spiaggia di Serapo
Since Gaeta is not very big, you can easily walk to the beach from every part of town. If you are used to the beaches in Ostia the sea at Gaeta will be a welcome sight. When you think of a quintessential Italian beach, Serapo Beach is likely what comes to mind. This golden stretch of sand is the main beach in Gaeta and offers everything you need for a perfect day by the sea. The fine, golden sand is inviting, and the clear, azure waters are perfect for a refreshing swim. If you want to relax under a sun umbrella in a comfortable way, almost every beachside café rents outs lounge beds and umbrellas. A lifeguard explained to me that the beach is organised in patches, where in between two private beach areas there is a public beach. On these public beaches you are free to throw down your beach towel or bring your own umbrella to create some shade. It can be sometimes a bit scary to leave your belongings on the beach while going for a swim, but there are many lifeguards around on Serapo beach which makes it very safe to leave your personal items unguarded while you are playing mermaids in the sea.
The Ultimate Hiking Route in Gaeta
One of my favourite things of all time is discovering a hiking route that can make you feel like you are completely alone in the world. This route provides a perfect blend of solitude and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the sea and Gaeta. I can highly recommend following this route exactly and not walking the other way around, as this will result in a climb twice as long and, in my opinion, a way less rewarding hike. Depending on the time of year you're in Gaeta, it’s wise to start this hike in the morning to avoid the heat. That way, you’ll have the afternoon to relax with your feet in the sand
You will start this hike in Gaeta Medievale and follow the path to the tip of the peninsula. This peninsula, which forms a natural hook shape, is surrounded on three sides by the Tyrrhenian Sea and is one of the things that make Gaeta so unique. Once you followed the road towards the end you can follow the Via Pio IX upwards till you reach the highest point of the town. To visit your first, and my favourite, viewpoint of the sea you turn left to the Salita Chiaromonte. This viewpoint basically looks like an abandoned parking spot, or a murder scene, depending on the time of day. Don’t be discouraged by this as once you peeked over the railing you will never want to leave. The location of the viewpoint on the peninsula makes you see nothing but sea resulting in a beautiful feeling of freedom. Feel free to stay here as long as you like while watching the seagulls and fishing boats pass by.
Once you emerge from the viewpoint you can follow the Via Pio IX again till it continues in the Via Aragonese. Halfway through the Via Aragonese you will engage another viewpoint, this time looking out over cathédrale de Gaeta and the rest of the old town. Following the road further upwards the Via Aragonese will change in the Via Angioina once you pass the most ancient fort in Gaeta, Castello Angioino. The castle is open to visitors but only in the summer months. Make sure to check their website if you want to experience the castle from the inside.
If you passed the castle the beautiful panoramic viewpoint of Belvedere Angioino will come into sight. Belvedere means ‘beautiful view’ or ‘viewpoint’ in Italian, so if you encounter a sign with this on it it’s always worth it to walk in its direction. At the Belvedere Angioino you will have a sight of the cliffs of Gaeta with the azure blue ocean coming in under you. From here you follow the Via de Lieto till you enter the official nature park of Gaeta. You will find more signs with maps here, explaining where you are and the different routes you can take once you reach the top of the hill.
This is where the fun will start! From the entrance of the nature park you will follow the twisty path up the hill and into the nature park. You will experience more of a forest feel the more you hike up the hill, even tho it can feel like a mountain at this point. Make sure you don’t miss the Punto panoramico sul Castello once you have almost reached the top. The panoramic viewpoint is nothing more than a bare spot hidden in the vegetation on the side of the cliff. It’s very easy to overlook—so much so that I actually missed it myself the first time I was there.
The view from the Punto panoramico sul Castello
At the top of the hill, you’ll be surrounded by forest, with various routes leading to different landmarks. For example you can visit the Mausoleo L. Munazio Planco or the Faro di Monte Orlando. There will be maps around where you can track where you are and decide where you want to walk next. If you have seen everything you wanted to see at the top of the hill it is time to go down again, as there are more things to discover downhill. The way down will be twice as long and more difficult in terms of road quality, so at this point you will be happy you listened to me and did not walk the other way around. Descending, you’ll encounter more stunning views of the sea and Serapo Beach. Save some impressions for one of my favourite landmarks of Gaeta, waiting for you at the bottom of the hill. Grotta del Turco, a sea cave, is very famous and for a good reason. The cave’s name, "Grotta del Turco," is steeped in local legend. According to folklore, the name refers to a Turkish pirate who is said to have used the cave as a hideout. In earlier times you could descend all the way down to the cave but for safety reasons eighty percent of the stairs are closed down. You can still descend to a lookout platform and enjoy the stunning experience of the cave. If you have time, it is worth it to visit during different times of the day, since the light reflects differently every time. The entrance of the cave is marked with a sign and is therefore very easy to find.
After visiting the Grotta del Turco my fabulous hiking route has come to an end. You can take as much time as you want on this hike, depending on how long you want to daydream at the viewpoints or take breaks. It will be good to note that on the top of the hill there are some benches to sit on if you want to eat or drink something. Past Grotta del Turco you will exit the nature park and on your right you will find Ristorante Bar La Garitta. I cannot speak on their food since I have not tried it, but their homemade, cold smoothies are a delicious treat after completing this hike.
Conclusion: Your Perfect 48-Hour Solo Adventure in Gaeta
Gaeta is a hidden gem that offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers and international students looking for a break. Whether you're wandering through the historic streets of Via dell’Indipendenza, relaxing on the golden sands of Spiaggia di Serapo, or exploring the breathtaking views along the hiking routes, Gaeta promises an unforgettable 48-hour escape from the hustle that is Rome.
The ease of travel from Rome to Gaeta, coupled with the town’s unique charm and scenic beauty, makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Italy beyond the usual tourist spots. So, if you're studying in Rome or simply visiting, don’t miss the opportunity to discover this coastal treasure. Pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, hold on to your forks and get ready for an adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
