Seven beaches, just one day: which one to choose? That is the real question for anyone arriving in Gaeta, and the answer changes depending on whether you have children, a kayak, little desire to walk, or no desire for crowds. This guide places the 7 beaches of Gaeta side by side — Serapo, Fontania, Quaranta Remi, Ariana, Arenauta, San Vito, and Sant’Agostino — so you can find yours in just a minute. For each beach, there is also a complete guide, with parking details, free public sections, and genuine tips.
The 7 beaches compared
| Beach | Overview | Free beach | Parking | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serapo | Town beach, 1.5 km of fine sand, gently sloping seabed | Yes, alternating with beach clubs | Paid, fills up early; free shuttle in summer | Families, those without a car |
| Fontania | Small bay with the remains of a Roman villa | Limited | Few spots nearby | Snorkeling, history |
| Quaranta Remi | Cove between cliffs, accessible by sea | Entirely free | None | Kayaking and SUP, peace and quiet |
| Ariana | Bay sheltered by headlands, pale sand | Limited | Private beach club lots, along the Flacca | Relaxation, calm waters |
| Arenauta (300 scalini) | Wild, accessible on foot via a flight of steps | Spacious | Private options only | Nature, privacy |
| San Vito | Calm bay in a residential area, well-kept amenities | Limited | Private facility parking, few blue lines (paid spaces) | Families, comfort |
| Sant’Agostino | The longest, over 2 km, exposed to winds | Spacious | Piana di Sant’Agostino | Windsurfing and kitesurfing, walks |
Which one to choose, in thirty seconds
- With children → Serapo (shallow waters, amenities everywhere) or San Vito (calm bay, easy access).
- Hassle-free free beach → Arenauta: the easiest spot to set up on your own.
- Without a car → Serapo: reachable on foot from the city center, and in summer there is a free shuttle.
- Adventure and quiet → Quaranta Remi, by kayak or SUP on calm morning waters.
- History and snorkeling → Fontania, with the Roman villa right at the water’s surface.
- Wind and sports → Sant’Agostino: windsurfing, kitesurfing, and rock-climbing cliffs.
- A sheltered bay to relax → Ariana.
Below you will find a brief overview of each; we recommend opening the complete guide for the beach that catches your eye, where you will find parking info, free beach areas, FAQs, and tips on when to visit.
1. Spiaggia di Serapo: the town beach
Spiaggia di Serapo is the main beach in Gaeta: 1.5 km of fine sand just steps from the historic center, between the Monte Orlando promontory and via Marina di Serapo. It is the favorite choice for those seeking convenience and amenities close at hand — and it is the only beach you can reach on foot from the center.
Its defining feature is the gently sloping seabed, which deepens gradually and makes it safe for children and less experienced swimmers. Along the promenade, equipped beach clubs alternate with sections of free beach; from the shore, you can spot the “Nave di Serapo”, the ship-shaped rock that serves as an icon of the bay. All the details — parking, shuttles, when to go — are in the Serapo guide.
2. Spiaggia di Fontania: where history meets the sea
Just past the headland of Serapo lies the small and charming spiaggia di Fontania: a secluded bay home to the remains of a 1st-century BC Roman maritime villa — the perfect spot for those wishing to combine snorkeling and archaeology in the same swim.
The cove is sheltered by cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation, with crystal-clear waters and seabeds around the Roman ruins teeming with marine life. Its tucked-away position makes it intimate and peaceful: the Fontania guide explains how to get there and where to park.
3. Spiaggia dei Quaranta Remi: an untouched hideaway
Spiaggia dei Quaranta Remi is the most mysterious and wild of the seven. Its name comes from local tradition: forty strokes of the oar was the distance that separated it from inhabited areas. It is a small cove nestled between soaring limestone cliffs, where silence reigns.
It is reached mainly by sea — by kayak, SUP, or on a boat tour — and this is precisely what has preserved it from mass tourism: turquoise water, no amenities, and a landscape that remains unchanged. Before heading out, read the Quaranta Remi guide to see what to bring along.
4. Spiaggia dell’Ariana: the golden bay
Spiaggia dell’Ariana is a sandy bay nestled between two headlands that shelter it from the wind: almost always calm, transparent waters, fine pale sand, and vegetation reaching down almost to the water’s edge.
Smaller than Serapo but much more secluded, it pairs beach club amenities with the atmosphere of an intimate bay: the perfect compromise between comfort and nature. Opening hours, beach clubs, and access points are in the Ariana guide.
5. Spiaggia dell’Arenauta (300 Scalini): wild beauty
Spiaggia dell’Arenauta is the wildest beach in Gaeta, and for many the most beautiful: it is universally known as the beach of the 300 steps (300 scalini), after the long staircase that provides the only way down. The demanding walk has kept it protected: fine sand, cliffs cloaked in Mediterranean scrub, and a well-earned reputation as one of the most scenic beaches in Lazio.
Here, the free beach is not just a leftover patch: there are spacious areas where you can set up independently. Historically a haven for those seeking privacy, parts of it have also become a benchmark for naturist tourism. Find out what to bring and how to plan your visit in the Arenauta guide.
6. Spiaggia di San Vito: comfort and residential relaxation
Just after Arenauta, in a quiet residential area, spiaggia di San Vito is a small bay with calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for proper swimming and for anyone traveling with family.
The area is well maintained, with high-quality beach clubs and facilities: sun loungers, dining options, and amenities just steps from your umbrella, without flights of stairs or trails. Free public areas are limited — for free beaches, neighboring Arenauta is a better option. All the details are in the San Vito guide.
7. Spiaggia di Sant’Agostino: endless space and wind
Rounding out the selection is spiaggia di Sant’Agostino, the longest beach in Gaeta: over 2 kilometers of golden sand beneath the rock faces of Monte Moneta, offering a feeling of wide-open space unmatched by any other beach in the area.
It is exposed to coastal winds — making it the top choice for windsurfing and kitesurfing — while the surrounding cliffs are an internationally renowned destination for sport climbing. Beach clubs and expansive free sections coexist without overcrowding: it is also perfect simply for a long walk along the shoreline. Parking and access details can be found in the Sant’Agostino guide.
And the eighth one hardly anyone mentions
Between Ariana and Arenauta, below via Flacca, lies a cove that rarely makes the lists: spiaggia delle Scissure — pale sand, shallow transparent waters, a watchtower on the headland, and no facilities. If you already know the main seven, this is a detour well worth the trip.
Where to park when heading to the beach
Parking is the key topic when planning a beach day in Gaeta: the most convenient beaches (Serapo, Sant’Agostino) have blue lines and private parking lots that fill up early, while Ariana and Arenauta have very few public options. The recommendation is simple: arrive early, especially on weekends. You can find all options, rates, and ZTL (restricted traffic zone) rules in the Gaeta parking guide — and during summer, there is a free beach shuttle.
Looking for a discounted umbrella? Ask Enea for offers
Many beach clubs in Gaeta publish flash offers on the portal: umbrellas and loungers at discounted prices, often for the last available spots of the day. Simply ask Enea “what offers are available today?” and, if active, you will see them highlighted and can download the free voucher. We explain how it works in our guide to Flash Offers in Gaeta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most beautiful beach in Gaeta?
It depends on what you are looking for: for many, it is Arenauta, wild and dramatic; for families, it is Serapo; for history, Fontania; and for peace and quiet, Quaranta Remi. The table at the top of this guide compares all seven at a glance.
Which is the largest beach in Gaeta?
The largest beach is Sant’Agostino, stretching for over 2 kilometers. It is known for its wide expanses of golden sand and is highly popular among windsurfers due to its exposure to coastal winds.
How do you reach Spiaggia dell'Arenauta?
Spiaggia dell’Arenauta, also known as the beach of the 300 steps (300 scalini), is reached via a long staircase descending along the cliffside. This access route preserves the wild, natural atmosphere of the bay.
Which beach in Gaeta has Roman ruins?
Spiaggia di Fontania is famous for housing the remains of an ancient Roman maritime villa. It is a small sandy bay ideal for snorkeling among submerged archaeological structures.
Which beach is most convenient for families?
Spiaggia di Serapo is the most suitable choice for families. As the main town beach, it offers numerous beach clubs, a shallow sandy seabed, and a waterfront promenade packed with amenities.
Can you reach Spiaggia dei Quaranta Remi on foot?
Access to Spiaggia dei Quaranta Remi is primarily by sea. It is a small, unspoiled cove, ideal for those seeking silence and turquoise waters far from the crowds.
