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A Sunday Stroll in Gaeta

Rachel Decorte
Jul 23, 2016
2 min read

After sleeping in a little too late for optimal productivity last week, my hubby and I had planned to get up early to make a trip to the fish markets in Formia, while sneaking in a quick breakie in the dreamy coastal town of Gaeta (just a 40min drive from St Oliva). Since we “missed the boat” with the fish market idea, we still needed to pick up supplies for our surf and turf BBQ we had planned that evening…Remembering it’s never a good idea to go food shopping on an empty stomach, cornetti (croissants) by the seaside was a must when it came to planning our Sunday out… Well mine anyway ;)

Nestled between the beautiful coastal town of Sperlonga and the famous Port of Formia, Gaeta is known for its iconic medieval castle, perch above the coastland. Overlooking the beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea, the town of Gaeta has just the right amount of history, culture, stunning turquoise-water beaches, charming restaurants and trendy bars to make this local destination a must when traveling to the coast of Latina. Also known as Ulysses Riviera.

(Image by Gabriela Insuratelu) Famous Aragonese Castle

Gaeta's history dates back to Imperial Rome where nearby sites include the first-century BC mausoleum of general Lucius Munatius Plancus. Its charming old town is mostly drawn from the medieval era, where you will find a warren of narrow streets and alleyways leading you up above the town, while the massive 13th-century castle (now turned into an Italian Navy Base) makes for some incredible photo opportunities of the coastline. The 12th-century Cathedral of Assunta e Sant'Erasmo is also a must see, seen featured in the opening photo.

The valley of which Saint Oliva is nestled in is just over those mountains

Walking along the esplanade, local hobby fisherman try their luck while tiny fish patiently awaited the scraps.

My new favourite breakfast spot…. Casa Incanto Café & Bar ~ Eclectic styled bar with vintage furnishing, Instagram-worth tiled floors and mouth-watering pastries. Caught a DJ deck in the corner which makes me very curious to see how this places rolls around aperitivo hour! Aperol Spritz anyone?