Spiaggia dei 300 Gradini, Gaeta: The Staircase Beach Also Called Arenauta

Italy | Lazio | Riviera di Ulisse | Gaeta | Via Flacca

One beach on the coast between Gaeta and Sperlonga goes by three names. Local guides call it the Spiaggia dei 300 Gradini, after the staircase that leads down to it, and the same beach is also known as Arenauta and as the beach of the Scissure. The directory entry places it on the northern coast of Gaeta, between Torre Scissura and Monte a Mare. A family guide adds that the slope behind it is covered with holm oaks and junipers, and that the sea changes colour toward the open water.

One Beach, Several Names: 300 Gradini, Arenauta and Scissure

The names matter when you search for it, because lidos and hotels on this stretch use them differently. A beach directory calls the Arenauta beach “the beach of 300 steps” because reaching it means going down a steep staircase of about 300 steps, and a lido on the same road advertises itself under the Arenauta name. Hotels on Via Flacca near km 23.9 also use the Arenauta name.

The directory calls it the wildest beach on the Gaeta coast, an equipped free beach where lounger and umbrella rental is possible from one of the lidos. That combination is the beach’s character: wild in setting, with services if you want them.

The Staircase Down From Via Flacca at Km 23.9

The beach is reached from the Via Flacca, the road that links Gaeta with Terracina, at about km 23.9, and Sperlonga is nine kilometres away along the same road. Access is by a long panoramic staircase, and a family guide advises treating the descent and the climb back as part of the day, especially with children and beach bags. One lido describes its own access as tuff paths and wooden stairs through holm oaks, maritime pines and mastic trees. Guests of hotels in the area may have a private route, which is why the directory says that the staircase is the only way when you are not staying nearby. The nearest railway station is Formia–Gaeta, and I could not confirm the bus stop or the shuttle service described in the source, so plan to drive or take a taxi. Parking on Via Flacca fills quickly in high season, according to guides to neighbouring beaches.

Golden Sand Between Torre Scissura and Monte a Mare

Reviewers describe a tongue of fine golden sand with clear water, bordered by a rocky wall mixed with woodland. The source’s phrase “volcanic cliffs” in its title is contradicted by its own text and by guides, which describe limestone and woodland, so I have not used it.

One travel listing says that part of the beach is popular with naturists and is known as the “last beach.” That is an informal description and not an official designation, so visitors with children should be aware of it.

Lidos in the West, Free Sand in the East

According to that listing, the western half of the beach has bathing establishments and the rest is free. The directory confirms that sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented, and one lido lists a bar. I could not verify the source’s claims of Wi-Fi, a picnic area, lifeguards, hot showers, SUP and kayak access, or a mozzarella menu, so ask the lido.

For families, the stairs are the main barrier, and strollers cannot be used. Older children and confident walkers will manage them. I could not find a rule on dogs, and the staircase is a long trip for a dog in summer heat. Italy has no national ban on dogs at beaches, and a private lido sets its own rules, so ask before paying.

Between Ariana and Sant’Agostino

The beach lies between the Ariana and Sant’Agostino beaches, and both are within reach along the same road. For the long, Blue Flag beach on one side, see Spiaggia di Sant’Agostino, and for the main urban beach of Gaeta, Spiaggia di Serapo Lido Miramare.

Count the steps on the way down, and keep some energy for the climb back.