Serapo Beach in Gaeta: fine sand, Blue Flag status, and a disappearing dune
At the beginning of the 20th century, Serapo was a vast coastal dune. In 1911, a glassworks opened nearby: tons of sand were turned into bottles, and the dune disappeared. This story remains etched in the local memory of Gaeta’s citizens. Today, what remains is Serapo Beach: 1.5 km of golden shoreline, reaching up to 70 metres in width at its widest points. Sheltered to the south by Monte Orlando, it has received Blue Flag certification numerous times.
The beach
The water is crystal clear all year round; the promontory of Monte Orlando shields it from currents, and ensures a slowly shelving (or gently sloping) seabed. At sunset, the sand shifts in hue from golden to pinkish; during summer evenings, many beach clubs offer music and entertainment.
The Ship of Serapo
A short distance from the shore, an elongated rock emerges, its silhouette resembling the hull of a ship viewed from the side. Known as the Ship of Serapo, it is a hub of marine biodiversity, with rich seabeds ideal for freediving (apnea) and snorkelling. It can be reached by swimming from the shore or on foot from the nearby Fontania Beach.
