The stretch of coast which from Gaeta leads to Anzio is not only one of the most beautiful in the whole of Italy. The Circeo is also a promontory which, from the sea, appears before the visitor just like an island. Above all, it is the National Park of the Circeo, the biodiversity of which makes it quite unique. The Park extends over some 8.500 hectares of woods, lakes, islands and coast: from Sabaudia to San Felice al Circeo, from Ponza to Zannone.
Our journey commences in Anzio, town positioned close to the border of the Circeo. This harbour town is a favourite destination for lovers of both the sea and archaeology. On the beach, the remains of a number of ancient edifices dating back to the Roman period can be found, such as the Villa of the Emperor Nero, man responsible for the construction of Anzio's port.
Anzio is, to this very day, an important commercial port. From here, hydrofoils depart for the Pontine islands, and in particular Ponza and Ventotene: the only two of the islands to be inhabited all year round. In the sea around Ponza there are the islets of Palmarola, Zannone and Gavi. Twenty miles separate Ponza from Ventotene and the smaller Santo Stefano. So as to best protect the great variety of species which inhabit its rocks, Zannone has been made part of the National Park of Circeo.
After Anzio comes Nettuno, the town named after Neptune, God of the Sea. As well as being a renowned bathing resort, Nettune is famous for its two castles: one located in the historic center, the other by the beach and connected to the main land by a long wharf. The Torre Astura was, in fact, initially a watch tower, progressively enlarged over time so as to become a veritable fortress.
Not far from here lies Sabaudia, Circeo's most fashionable resort, its beaches populated by any number of camera friendly Italian celebrities. In the vicinity of the town there are a total of four coastal lakes, the best known being that of Lake Paola, the salty waters of which attract hundreds of migratory birds to its shores each year.
We make our next stop at San Felice al Circeo. The town's two most important buildings, Palazzo Baronale and the Torre dei Templari, both face on to the main piazza. Not far from here there are two caves, the Grotta della Maga Circe, where the sorceress Circe held Ulysses captive for almost a year; and the Grotta Guacceri, where the remains of the Neanderthal man were discovered.
Continuing along the coast, we come to Terracina, with its beautiful Cathedral of San Cesario. This magnificent house of worship was built in the 12th century, on the site of an old roman temple, the steps of which were integrated in to the façade. Close by lies the Temple of Giove Anxur, constructed in the 1st century B.C and from where a breathtaking panorama can be admired.
The sea edge town of Sperlonga is only a few kilometers away. Wonderful views of the sea can be seen from every corner of the town's picturesque historic center. From Sperlonga, boats transport visitors to the legendary Grotta di Tiberio.
This itinerary draws to a close at Gaeta, where the Circeo ends and the gulf of Gaeta begins. The imposing castle of Gaeta still dominates the town, just as it did in centuries past. Not to be missed: a tour of the Romanesque cathedral dedicated to St Erasmus and a taste of the famous olives of Gaeta.
