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The sea, south of Rome

Since there are so many highlights to see in the southern part of the Lazio region, we've divided them into three blog pages. This blog page about the south of the Lazio region describes the beautiful coastline from Anzio to Terracina, Sperlonga, and Gaeta, with its nature parks and dune beaches. Another blog page about the south of the Lazio region focuses on the Castelli Romani area (also known as the Alban Hills). In this area, you can hike around the two bathing lakes, Lago di Albano and Lago di Nemi, and visit the picturesque towns of Nemi and Castel Gandolfo (former papal residence). A third blog page about the south of the Lazio region provides tourist information on Tivoli (Villa d'Este and Villa Adriana), Subiaco (two Benedictine monasteries), Anagni (city of the popes), and Palestrina (museum with the famous Nile mosaic). You will also find information about Ostia Antica (archaeological site) and Appia Antica (Roman road) here.

Content

The sea south of Rome

 

Anzio & Nettuno

Circeo & National Park

 

Terracina

 

Islands of Ponza & Ventotene

 

Sperlonga

 

Gaeta

1. The sea south of Rome

Numerous beautiful towns and stunning seaside resorts await you on the southern coast of Catium. Visit San Felice Circeo, Sabaudia, Terracina, Sperlonga, and Gaeta with their beautiful beaches. The culinary highlights of this area are fish and excellent crustaceans, masterfully prepared in the local cuisine.

2. Anzio & Nettuno

Anzio, a once famous town on the Lazio coast near Rome, is associated with the figure of Emperor Nero, who had his villa built over the sea. The property can be visited and extends to the lighthouse overlooking the beach. The town of Anzio boasts a picturesque fishing port and offers the opportunity for relaxing strolls. From Anzio, there are ferry connections to the Ponza Islands (Ponza Island and Ventotene). The town also boasts several beautiful sandy beaches, whose clean sand and wonderfully clear water invite you to swim. The water quality is guaranteed, as Anzio's beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag several times in recent years. Anzio. This seaside resort is located just 23 km from the Alban Hills / Castelli Romani and can be reached by car in about 30 minutes. The most beautiful beaches are located just north of Anzio. Drive to the Tor Caldara Nature Reserve, which can be visited on certain days. Just before the park, turn left onto the small Via dei Lilla. It's a dead-end street, and you can park your car there. From here, you can easily reach the beautiful public beaches by descending the steps to the bathing establishment. Just north of Anzio, directly on the sea, is the WWF Tor Caldara Nature Reserve, an oasis of peace, surrounded by greenery and located on the Lazio coast. Link: https://www.torcaldaraparco.it - Information about the Tor Caldara Park, also available in English. The remarkable Giardini della Landriana Gardens (approximately 10 hectares) are located on a large estate on the Lazio coast, north of Anzio. The distinctive feature of these gardens is their division into "stanze" areas, each distinguished from the others by a unique botanical feature. The Landriana Gardens are open to the public from April to November. Two large garden markets take place in April and October. Link: https://www.landriana.com - Information about Landriana Park. ​ Nettuno - A small town with a beautiful village center, perfect for strolling and dreaming, with its narrow alleys and charming restaurants. The port of Nettuno is nearby and also worth a stroll. Nettuno is just a few kilometers south of Anzio. Torre Astura is a medieval fortress on the Lazio coast, about 10 kilometers south of Nettuno. Thanks to its magnificent location, Torre Astura has become one of the most characteristic testimonies to the Roman coast's past. The Torre Astura tower was built in the 12th century to protect against the numerous Saracen raids. The entire fortress resembles a small fortified island, a true castle on the sea. The fortress is connected to the mainland by a low arched bridge made of travertine. It is not open to the public, but can be admired from the mainland. You can stroll through the beautiful pine forest near the castle and enjoy the long, wild beach, which is only open to the public in July and August, and possibly on other special days.

 

Restaurants:

 

Ristorante Bungalow

Slightly north of Anzio, directly on the sea, lies this fish restaurant where you can also eat pizza.

 

Address: Via Genova 2, Anzio

Phone: +39 06 88 79 72 72

 

Restaurant Zi Checco a Torvaianica

Good restaurant by the sea, near the town of Torvaianica, north of Anzio

Address: Lungomare delle Sirene 1, Pomezia

 

Phone: +39 06 915 71 57

 

Da Romolo al Porto

A good restaurant located by the harbor, where you can sit outside and enjoy a pleasant atmosphere. A typical family restaurant. Only fresh local fish is served.

Address: Via Porto Innocenziano 19, Anzio

 

Phone: +39 06 984 40 79

 

Ristorante Baia di Ponente

Good food in a pleasant atmosphere. Location: Directly on the beach, just outside the center and harbor of Anzio.

Address: Riviera Vittorio Mallozzi 50/52, Anzio

Phone: +39 06 983 14 31 ​

 

Satricvm - Satricum Food & Wine

Restaurant surrounded by greenery in a beautiful location. Excellent gourmet restaurant with the chef's creations. Location: Near Anzio.

Address: Strada Nettunense 1227, Le Ferriere, Latina

Phone: +39 349 192 31 53

3. Circeo & National Park

Mount Circeo is the heart of Circeo National Park. Among the most beautiful trekking trails in Circeo National Park are those leading to the summit of the Circeo Massif. This is the highest peak of Mount Circeo. Here are the remains of a temple dedicated to Venus, or rather Circe. From up here, the view over the surrounding area and the Pontine Islands is spectacular. The municipality of San Felice Circeo, like that of Sabaudia, is fully integrated into the territory of Circeo National Park. The historic center of San Felice Circeo lies halfway up Mount Circeo, overlooking the Gulf of Gaeta. San Felice Circeo is a medieval village with clubs, restaurants, and beautiful viewpoints, worthy of a stroll in the historic center both during the day and in the evening. On the outskirts of the village is a beautiful public garden with fantastic views of the Gulf of Gaeta and the Pontine Islands. The municipality of Sabaudia is fully integrated into the Circeo National Park. The town has a fascist foundation, and the historic center is an interesting visit for those interested in rationalist architecture. However, the most beautiful things to see in Sabaudia can be found around the town, in the Circeo National Park. Sabaudia has a wild beach, accessible via a path in the dunes. Bufalara Beach is one of the lesser-known and least-visited near Rome. It's also a beautiful walk in all seasons to discover the Pontine Plain, where time seems to have stood still. Torre Paola Beach is a long strip of coastal dunes that separates the lake from the sea. Witches' nails and crinoids grow along the dunes. The sea here is often rough and always greenish in color, due to the reflection of the mountain and the currents that ensure transparent water year-round. It is one of Sabaudia's most famous beaches. Ponte Rosso - At the "Darsena del Lago di Paola" (Darsena del Lago di Paola), there are two restaurants, both very nice and with verandas overlooking the lake. The town of Ponte Rosso also has a lovely garden for relaxing. Piscine della Verdesca - Not far from Lake Paola, in the middle of the woods of the Circeo National Park, there is an incredible place. The Verdesca Pools are a small area where a corner of the marsh is still intact. Trees emerge from the water, and the pools, reflecting the forest foliage, form a unique ecosystem. It is easy to find and is located very close to the Cerasella Nature Reserve, where there is a picnic area and several wildlife enclosures. Link: http://www.parcocirceo.it/Eindex.php - Information about the Circeo National Park area, also in English.

4. Terracina

Terracina is located near San Felice Circeo and is known as the city of myths and dreams due to its enviable geographical location. The old town, with its valuable medieval quarter and the beautiful Piazza del Municipio, is worth seeing. On the mountain above the sea, near Terracina, you can enjoy the beautiful view from the Temple of Jupiter Anxur and visit the excavations (entrance fee applies). Regular boats depart from Terracina to the nearby islands of Ponza and Ventotene.

Restaurants: ​

 

Essenza - Restaurant Located in Terracina, near the sea, with a view of the Temple of Giove Anxur - fish restaurant. Good Italian cuisine.

Address: Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour 38, Terracina

Phone: +39 0773 36 97 62

5. Islands of Ponza and Ventotene

Ponza and Ventotene are two beautiful islands just outside Rome. Ventotene - This island is one of the last remaining corners of paradise in the Mediterranean, also a marine park and state nature reserve, with beautiful scenery, mild air, and a colorful sea steeped in history. Ponza - This island was already popular with the Romans and the Bourbons for its clear waters. The best way to explore Ponza Island is by boat. You can circumnavigate the island and stop at the most beautiful swimming spots. You can also take a boat trip from Ponza to the nearby island of Palmarola, with its crystal-clear waters and a seabed teeming with fish. The Cattedrali, cliffs that drop steeply into the sea, are a real experience. The best way to explore Ponza Island is by small boat, stopping at the most beautiful bays for swimming and snorkeling. ​ The islands of Ponza and Ventonene can be reached by boat or speedboat from the ports of Anzio, San Felice Circeo, and Terracina, taking between one and two hours. You can make a day trip, but it's worth staying overnight on the island of Ponza, for example, to explore the island at your leisure.

 

6. Sperlonga

Sperlonga is an ancient town with characteristic white houses and narrow streets. From here, you can enjoy a striking panorama of the sea and the surrounding hills, which drop steeply to the sea. The Villa of Tiberius (Villa di Tiberio), located in the immediate vicinity of the town of Sperlonga, is a large Roman villa that belonged to the Roman Emperor Tiberius in the 1st century AD. The summer residence features a breathtaking grotto where his guests once dined. The sculptures that once adorned Tiberius's grotto can be viewed in the adjoining archaeological museum. The beaches of Sperlonga are among the most beautiful beaches in Lazio, rivaling those of the Circeo National Park and the Pontine Islands. The clear and beautiful waters here are a guarantee. Visit the beaches located just below the historic center and extending far south, as far as Gaeta and Formia.

Terracina - Mount Circeo in the background

Beaches near Anzio

Beach at the Torre Paola tower, near Circeo

Port of Terracina - With connections to the Pontine Islands

Terracina - View towards Circeo

Sperlonga , with beach

View from Circeo towards Sabaudia

View from Circeo to the Pontine Islands

Jupiter Anxur Temple, located above Terracina

Free beach near Anzio

Sperlonga

7. Gaeta

Gaeta boasts a medieval old town almost entirely surrounded by the sea. A maritime republic and the last stronghold of the Bourbons, Gaeta's medieval quarter and the Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata are worth seeing. From Monte Orlando near Gaeta, accessible on foot with a short hike, you can enjoy unparalleled sea views. In the distance, you can see the Pontine Islands, and further south, Ischia, Procida, and the Capo Miseno peninsula. Just like its name, Gaeta is a charming town that draws tourists to explore it better and return time and time again to this cozy settlement. The colors of the Mediterranean and the fresh sea breeze blend with the aromas of Neapolitan cuisine to create a unique atmosphere in this Italian town. Walking through Gaeta's narrow streets and admiring buildings in a variety of colors, it's easy to feel the spirit of the region. Today, Gaeta is home to an important landmark: the Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata on Monte Orlando. The name of the sanctuary means "divided mountain" in Italian. On part of this divided mountain, tourists will find an important landmark of the region, the Santuario della Santissima Trinità church, built in the 11th century. If you like nature, then visit Monte Orlando Park, which covers an area of ​​almost ninety hectares within the city. The park is located in a magnificent location near the Gulf of Gaeta. This is a large and beautiful green park. It is known for its unusual flora, including Mediterranean shrubs. The fauna of this Italian park is also worth mentioning. It is possible to see the wild hedgehog, the green and yellow whip snake, the peregrine falcon, the cormorant, and many other bird species. After exploring the city, you can relax and enjoy leisure activities at one of Gaeta's beaches. Serapo remains the most popular beach. It is very comfortable and pleasant to sunbathe here. Even tourists with children find this beach charming and convenient. The soft, white sand is warm and clean, and the water near the shore is shallow. ​ Beautiful thermal baths are located in the southern part of Lazio, on the border with the Naples region, accessible from the Alban Hills near Rome in about two hours. Terme di Suio These thermal baths are located south of Gaeta, near Formia. Link: https://www.hotelnuovasuio.it Other thermal baths near the "Terme di Suoi": Terme di Sant'Egidio Link: https://www.termesantegidio.it Terme Vescine Link: https://www.termevescine.it Terme Arcobaleno Link: https://www.piscinetermaliarcobaleno.it Directions to the thermal baths: From Gaeta, drive towards Minturno. About 10 km before reaching this town, turn left towards Castelforte. Continue along the Gargliano River. Eventually, you'll reach the thermal baths area.

Thermal baths of Suio, near Minturno

Montagna Spaccata , near Gaeta

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