Photo by N icol a. The Riviera di Ulisse is a wonderful coastal stretch with postcard-worthy beaches and landscapes . We are located in Lazio, in the province of Latina, between rocky promontories, large parks, hidden coves and equipped beaches. Among these natural beauties there are also villages rich in history and traditions, all to be discovered!
Here are all our tips on what to see in the Riviera di Ulisse !
The most beautiful towns and villages
1 – Sperlonga
Sperlonga is part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italyand it’s a real show. Also awarded with the Blue Flag for its beaches, it is a perfect seaside resort to visit in summer, but also enjoyable out of season!
The visit of the village can only start from its marvelous medieval-style historic center , characterized by buildings with white facades, narrow and characteristic streets and long stairways that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. Do not miss a visit to the Grotta di Tiberio, the largest sea cave in the area , connected to the Archaeological Museum. And, after the many visits, it is impossible not to spend a few hours in the sun, relaxing on the large and well-equipped beaches!
2 – Formia
Photo by Luigi Versaggi. Formia representsthe southernmost point of the Riviera di Ulisse . It is located in a wonderful bay on the Gulf of Gaeta.
Its historic center holds wonderful monuments that make it a fascinating location not only in summer! One of the main attractions is certainly the Tomb of Cicero, a monumental mausoleum dating back to the imperial age about 24 m high. In the city there is also the Cisternone, built in the 1st century BC and today the second largest cistern in Italy ! Finally, a mention cannot be made of the beautiful beaches, such as the Vindicio beach .
3 – Gaeta
Photo of trolvag. Gaeta is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages on the Riviera di Ulisse. It is located in a truly enviable position, on a small peninsula between Sperlonga and Formia, surrounded by the sea on three sides.
Gaeta is also known as the “city of 100 churches” , given the large presence of religious buildings in its small territory! The visit certainly starts from the pedestrian historic center called Gaeta Vecchia. Here you can visit the Santissima Annunziata Sanctuary and enjoy a walk along the seafront. But one of the main attractions is certainly the Split Mountain , a place rich in history and mysteries, a truly unique spectacle of nature! Make sure you give it the right amount of time.
4 – San Felice al Circeo
Photo of brunobarbato. San Felice al Circeo representsthe northernmost point of the Riviera di Ulisse . It is just 34 km from Latina and, if you come from Rome or in any case from the north, it represents the first stop on an itinerary along the coast.
This location is truly a place suitable for everyone : if on the one hand there are great beaches and crystal clear sea, on the other it is bordered by Monte Circeo, a mountainous promontory full of hiking trails and breathtaking views! The most fascinating point is certainly the Circe peak, from which you can admire the whole coast! The coast, on the other hand, is full of wonderful caves , ideal to visit by taking part in a boat excursion! Finally, the historic center is characterized by small alleys and squares, where the Tower of the Templars stands out.
5 – Terracina
Photo by Erika.vecchietti. Continuing along the coast, about 15 km from San Felice Circeo, is the town of Terracina, one of the most famous seaside resorts on the coast ! Perfect to visit in summer, however, it lends itself to visits all year round, thanks to the great architectural and historical heritage concentrated above all in the historic center.
And every self-respecting itinerary starts from the center of Terracina, which develops on two levels : a lower part of Roman origin and an even older upper part. Among the main attractions we find the Cathedral of Terracina, or Co-Cathedral of San Cesareo, built between the 5th and 6th centuries. A visit to the Temple of Jupiter Anxur is also not to be missed, an incredible Roman temple built on Mount Sant’Angelos, just outside the historic center of the city! And between one visit and another, we advise you to enjoy the beauty of its beaches, both equipped and free.
6 – Sabaudia
Photo by Sparrer77. Sabaudia, located near San Felice al Circeo, is one of the five cities built in the Fascist period , following the reclamation of the Agro Pontino. Its architecture and layout still maintains the characteristics of classic fascist rationalism today!
This is a very interesting place to visit! It is separated from the sea by the wonderful Sabaudia Lake and surrounded by the Circeo National Park. The historic center is very contained, can be visited on foot in a short time, and houses the Emilio Greco – Sabaudia Museum, the Sea and Coast Museum and Piazza Santa Barbara. The Sanctuary “Madonna della Sorresca”, located on the shores of the lake, is definitely worth a visit! Finally, to reach the beach, just cross the Ponte Giovanni XXIII.
7 – Itri
Photo by Ra Boe / Wikipedia. And after all these seaside resorts, it’s time to discover some of the inland villages of the Riviera di Ulisse. One of the most beautiful and certainly Itri, located on a hill at the foot of the Aurunci Mountains. It is certainly one of the most interesting villages in the province of Latina, located almost halfway between Rome and Naples.
The historic center is typically medieval, but its origins date back to prehistoric times, and the great protagonist and his castle , on the top of the Sant’Angelo hill. The historic center, on the other hand, will take you back in time and is full of wonderful churches : you will find the Convent of San Francesco with the Church of San Francesco and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, the oldest sacred building in the location!
8 – Campodimele
Photo by Ra Boe / Wikipedia. Campodimele is part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy . It is located at about 647 m, in the valley between the Ausoni Mountains and the Aurunci Mountains, therefore in a truly spectacular setting! It can be easily reached from Itri following the SR82.
The origins of Campodimele are linked to the Latin city of Apiola, but some testimonies report its presence already in the Lombard period. Its true beauty lies in the historic center , thanks to the many viewpoints that offer a splendid view of the mountains and all the surroundings! If you have enough time, it is definitely worth a stop, half a day is enough!
9 – Fondi
Photo of trolvag. Fondi is a truly unmissable stop, in fact it presents one of the richest and most interesting historical centers in the province ! Also located inland, it can be easily reached from Itri following the SS7.
The historic center preserves important artistic and historical testimonies. It is called La Giudea, due to the presence of the Jewish community that has lived here for centuries, and has activities for all interests! If you love mystery, you certainly cannot miss a stop at the Casa degli Spiriti, while if you want to learn more about the history of the city we recommend a visit to the Museum of the Jewish Middle Ages Fondi and the Caetani Castle.
10 – Lenola
Photo by Gobbler. Finally, we present the village of Lenola, a small hilly village surrounded by nature and located in a spectacular position between the Ausoni Mountains, Ciociaria and the plain of Fondi.
Not much is known about the origin of Lenola, once called Enola. According to some studies it may have been founded by the Enotri, a people of navigators who arrived in the 15th century. Here we advise you to admire the charming old town and above all the Basilica Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Colle !
What to see and what to do: hidden places and attractions
1 – Sanctuary of the Trinita
In Gaeta, 11th century church located on the slope of Mount Orlando, reachable by walking up some steps framed by rocky walls.
2 – Grotta del Turco
In Gaeta, reachable along a steep staircase and located near the Sanctuary of the Trinita, in the Grotta del Turco on a wall you can see the imprint of a hand in the rock.
3 – Montagna Spaccata
In Gaeta, an incredible rocky promontory literally divided into several parts, inside which you can find several stairs carved into the rock and where it is possible to follow different itineraries to discover its beauties.
4 – Grotta di Tiberio
In Sperlonga, a very suggestive cave accessible only by accessing the excavations and the archaeological museum. Nearby are also the remains of Villa Tiberio.
5 – Sanctuary of Maria Santissima della Civita
On the top of Mount Fusco at over 600 meters above sea level, it is one of the oldest monasteries in Italy and is linked to the cult of the Holy Virgin.
6 – San Puoto Lake
Near Sperlonga, a place where, according to legend, it hosts the remains of an ancient city, perhaps of Amyclaes described by Virgil and Cicero.
7 – Ambrifi
At 640 m high between the villages of Lenola and Pastena, it is a real ghost town. Today only the remains of the ancient buildings remain and, according to the excavations, the city probably has Roman origins.
8 – San Magno Monastery
Halfway between Monte San Biagio and Fondi, located along the path on the Via Francigena del Sud. A place of peace and tranquility, today managed by the Libera association.
9 – Natural Park of the Aurunci Mountains
Park extended between the provinces of Latina and Frosinone, it is a mountainous group of the Lazio Anti-Apennines. It hosts several hiking trails and the hermitage of San Michele Arcangelo.
10 – Circeo National Park National
park established in 1934 and located around Lake Fogliano, with a visitor center, archaeological sites, hiking trails and numerous activities.
What to see in a weekend: recommended itinerary
Photo by N icol a. The first day we leave from San Felice Circeo , the northernmost point of the Riviera. Enjoy a walk in the historic center and then move to Terracina at lunchtime, following the SP87 (16 km, 20 min). After lunch, enjoy a walk in the center, visit the Temple of Jupiter Anxur (€ 7.00) and enjoy a few hours on its wonderful beaches. In the late afternoon, move to Speralonga, following the SR213 (18 km, 20 min). Spend the evening here, enjoying a stroll along the seafront.
Start the second day by visiting Speralonga . We recommend the National Archaeological Museum (€ 5.00), which also includes the Grotta di Tiberio. After lunch, get back in your car, follow the Provincial Road Itri-Sperlonga and reach Itri (16 km, 20 min), one of the most beautiful villages in the area! Enjoy a walk in the historic center and visit the Itri Castle (€ 3.00). For dinner, reach Gaeta, on the coast, following the SS7 (12 km, 20 min).
Start the last day in Gaeta . Do not miss the visit to the Montagna Spaccata (free offer), one of the natural beauties of the area! Here there are also the Sanctuary of the Trinita and the Grotta del Turco. After having lunch in the historic center, drive along the panoramic road on the coast and reach Formia (7 km, 15 min). Enjoy the last afternoon in this locality, a visit to Cicero’s Tomb is not to be missed, and then enjoy the last hours on the beach!
How much does a weekend in the Riviera di Ulisse
cost? Photo by Archaengel64. The Riviera di Ulisse is a wonderful place, which deserves to be discovered calmly. As for expenses, the cost of accommodation and services tends to rise in the summer, high season moment! If you want to find an excellent compromise between good price and good temperatures, opt for months like May and October. July and August are the most expensive, hottest and most crowded!
The best way to get around is definitely renting a car ! The best solution would be to arrive with your own, but if you arrive by plane or train in Naples or Rome you can rent it directly from the companies’ counters. Getting around by public transport is more difficult and, above all, you won’t be able to move freely.
Finally, costs of lunches and dinnersthey are similar to those of any other tourist area. You will also find a really wide choice: from luxury restaurants with splendid sea views to small family-run restaurants that prepare traditional dishes, to small street food stands, especially on warm summer evenings.
- Costs for eating : about € 50.00 per day per person (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Costs for museums and attractions : about € 15.00 per person following the itinerary we suggest
- Transport : about € 50.00 per person (indicates costs for public transport, any taxis and transfers to and from the airport) for the weekend
- Hotels, accommodation and b & b : from € 45.00 per room – see the offers
- Leisure : from € 30.00 per person per day (including snacks, coffee, aperitifs, drinks, …)
- Total cost of a weekend : from € 290.00 per person (flights and / or transfers excluded)
Where is
La Riviera di Ulisse and a wonderful coastal stretch of about 100 km in the province of Latina, which includes wonderful beaches, promontories and characteristic villages. This area is bounded to the north by the locality of San Felice Circeo and to the south by the area of ​​Formia.
Before leaving: useful tips
- How to get there: 170 km from Rome, reachable by car via A1 / E45 (2 h 20 min). 70 km from Latina, reachable by car via the SS7 (1 h 20 min). 100 km from Naples, reachable by car via via Domitiana / SS7qtr (1 h 50 min)
- Where to sleep: Sperlonga (from € 45.00 per night), Gaeta (€ 60.00 per night) and Formia (€ 58.00 per room) are the main towns of the Riviera. Here you can find an excellent offer of accommodation of different types and budgets
- How to get around : by car, to have greater autonomy and not depend on the timetables of public transport and to be able to reach even the most isolated villages or the most hidden beaches
- When to go : to also enjoy the sea from May to September. April and October are excellent months to mainly enjoy visiting the villages. Generally, there is not a period that is completely discouraged
