Between Rome and Naples lies a coastal stretch that remains surprisingly under the radar despite its long history, scenic beaches, and deep ties to classical mythology. Known as the Ulysses Riviera, the area runs for about 46.5 miles from Monte Circeo to Gaeta and takes its name from Odysseus, the hero of The Odyssey. According to the report, the region has drawn Romans for generations, with summer traditions reaching back to the era of Tiberius.
One of the most striking stops is Sperlonga, where the ruins of Villa of Tiberius overlook the sea. Nearby, an archaeological museum houses a large statue of Polyphemus, the cyclops from The Odyssey, alongside other figures connected to the epic. The villa’s grotto, carved into the mountainside, was discovered in 1957 during work on the Via Flacca, the road linking towns along this coast. The area’s mythic associations extend further to Monte Circeo and Ponza, both linked in local lore to Circe’s island, Aeaea.
The coastline also has a distinctly lived-in summer atmosphere. In Ponza, the report describes rocky bathing spots, clear turquoise water, family-run restaurants, and pastel-colored buildings around the harbor. In Gaeta, beach clubs line soft sand below the Via Flacca, while the medieval quarter features narrow lanes, laundry hanging from balconies, and small devotional shrines. Local specialties such as tiella and Gaeta olives add to the appeal, and nearby Formia and Gaeta have long been favored holiday places for a range of notable figures over the decades.
For travelers looking beyond Italy’s best-known seaside names, this corner of the country offers a mix of ancient stories, archaeological sites, and relaxed coastal life that feels both timeless and quietly familiar.
Source: cntraveler.com