Arenauta Beach (300 Scalini)

Arenauta Beach is the wildest beach in Gaeta, and for many the most beautiful: a bay of fine sand enclosed by high rock cliffs covered in Mediterranean scrub, considered among the most scenic beaches in all of Lazio. Everyone, however, knows it by another name: la spiaggia dei 300 scalini (“the beach of the 300 steps”), after the long flight of steps that is the only way to reach it.

At a glance

• Where: along via Flacca, on the stretch of coast between Scissure and San Vito
• Access: on foot only, via a long flight of steps
• Type: wide stretches of free beach, with some beach clubs
• Sand: very fine, backed by cliffs and Mediterranean scrub
• Amenities: essential, only where beach clubs are located
• Ideal for: those seeking nature and privacy, who don’t mind the climb back up

Where it is and how to get there

Arenauta is outside the town centre, along via Flacca heading towards Sperlonga. From the road, you can only go down on foot via the flight of steps that gives the beach its nickname: the descent is pleasant, the return much less so — keep this in mind when deciding what to bring, as everything carried down must also be brought back up.

The main drawback is parking: there are no public car parks or blue-line spaces nearby, and the only options are private. It is best to arrive early, or plan ahead as explained in the Gaeta parking guide.

The 300 steps

The staircase is not an obstacle: it is the reason why Arenauta has remained the way it is. The strenuous access has kept mass tourism away and allowed the bay to preserve a wild and untouched character that the town beaches lost long ago. Historically, it has been a haven for those seeking privacy and nature, and in some areas it has also become a point of reference for naturist tourism over time.

The result is an atmosphere of total freedom: fine sand, crystal-clear sea, cliffs at your back, and far less noise than elsewhere. Here, the free beach is not just a leftover strip between beach clubs: there are wide stretches where you can set up independently, making it one of the easiest beaches in Gaeta to do so.

What to bring

Treat it like a short hike: plenty of water, a hat, a beach umbrella if you choose the free beach, and comfortable shoes for the stairs. Amenities are only available where there are beach clubs, so it is best not to rely on what you are not sure to find — and whatever you take down, make sure to bring back up, rubbish included.

When to go

June and September are the best months: warm water, long daylight hours, and very few people. However, Arenauta handles the peak of August well too, precisely thanks to the steps: while Serapo fills up in the morning, you can almost always find space here. If you can, stay until the late afternoon: the climb back up is cooler and the evening light over the bay makes the effort well worth it.

Plan the rest of your visit

For information on stays and resort services on the Arenauta coast, see Aeneas’ Landing Resort. Ask the property about access and the conditions of the specific service you need. You can compare accommodation options in where to stay in Gaeta.

Nearby beaches

Along this same stretch of coast you will find the cove of Scissure towards Gaeta and, continuing towards Sperlonga, San Vito and Sant’Agostino. For the full picture, take a look at the guide to the seven beaches of Gaeta.