FOREWORD
I was in the Navy Reserves in 2001 and after 9/11 I was recalled to Gaeta, Italy. I have never been to a country that was so beautiful, historic, friendly ... and oh yes had such amazing FOOD!!!
One day as I was walking from my boarding house up the hill to where I was stationed, a young man began jogging beside me. As he began speaking in flawless English (even though he was Italian), I found out that this was Nicola. We became fast friends. He showed me his hometown of Gaeta which included walking up Montagna Spaccata (Split Mountain) where locals say that the mountain was split into three the moment Christ died. We went to the Grotto of the Turk deep in the mountain and it still gives me chills thinking of it today.
But certainly one of the best things about Gaeta is the beaches - they are so beautiful. I daily walked the beaches and I've never been as healthy as everyone who walks every where. It was heart-warming to see young couples playing with their children in the park as the older couples would hold hands while walking. Gaeta is a very special place where you walk everywhere and never think of crime.
From the beautiful churches, some of which were built in 915, to walking on the beaches, to just walking around looking at the beautiful Italian people just living life, I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to live and experience Gaeta.
I will never forget Nicola and his generosity in giving his time and interpreting abilities to making my stay in Gaeta the best ever. If you are ever in Gaeta, find Nicola - for he will make your visit to Italy a lifetime memory.
Follow Nicola's advice and you will fall in love with Gaeta, as I did. Before you leave, you will already be planning your return to Gaeta.
Enjoy your holiday!
LINDA WILLOUGHBY
INTRODUCTION
Benvenuto!
Thank you for selecting my guidebook – a resource I believe will help you to plan a fun-filled, memorable visit to my dolce Gaeta.
With delicious food, unmistakable culture, incredible landscape, fascinating history, beautiful weather and stunning beaches, Gaeta is the ultimate travel destination.
Gaeta is truly a city of many wonders. Tourists who visit Gaeta have a variety of activities from which to choose. Walking the city will give the visitor the best opportunity to take advantage of all the sights. A full spectrum of the historic and the modern Italy blend seamlessly together in Gaeta. Ancient Roman ruins, revered religious sites, fabulous scenery, shopping, dining, and cultural events are plentiful. There are many ways to explore and enjoy all the amenities of this lovely seaside town. Taxi service is also available.
I look forward to seeing you walking around this wonderful haven and I am confident you will love Gaeta as much as I do.
NICOLA TARALLO
VISITORS’ MEMORIES
Gaeta was special because it was really the first scene in my mind of Italy. When we landed at Rome airport we were utterly exhausted and I couldn't stay awake once we got in the car to ride to Gaeta, but when I woke up and we were rounding one of those beautiful curves around the ocean and I saw the sun setting, I was amazed at what beauty my eyes beheld. The sun was brilliantly reflecting off the water and the scene was like something from a movie or a postcard.
Lisa , Florida, USA
I arrived in '93 and instantly fell in love with the city, the country and its people. The beach, the restaurants, the churches, the bars - everything was enticing. My wife is from there. Gaeta is so gorgeous that I want to retire there. I was on the Belknap and the La Salle and I was up on Monte Orlando from 1998 to 2001. My wife and I will return to Gaeta someday - when I turn 60. I look forward to buying an apartment in the district San Erasmo and going boating and going to the beach on a regular basis.
Marc, California, USA
I wanted to go to Italy to have all the best of Italy; old villages with cozy restaurants and local delis, but also with sea and beaches— so I found Gaeta. The old town was picturesque, with inviting mountains to walk and a sea view. It was so easy to come from Rome airport. I can recommend Gaeta for everybody who wants an easygoing, peaceful life among local people while still having the choice to enjoy the beach. See you in Italy! It's the best!
Tanja, Finland
I recently had the wonderful pleasure of staying in Gaeta. This small town has almost everything you could possibly want—the beach, the mountains, and old charm combined with new convenience. It was the perfect hub to travel all around Italy. Gaeta was easily reached in a small amount of travel time from many exciting destinations. I had the joy of walking along the small bustling streets
