Riviera di Ulisse, the Italian coast suspended between natural beauty and ancient myths

Along the Lazio coast, in the province of Latina, lies a stretch of coastline brimming with ancient legends, historical relics, and breathtaking views: the Riviera of Ulysses . A name that evokes the adventures of the Greek hero who, according to tradition, landed here during his voyage to Ithaca, enchanted by the sorceress Circe and the wild beauty of these postcard-perfect places.

Today, this stretch of coast is one of Lazio 's most fascinating treasures, boasting Blue Flag beaches, hilltop villages, archaeological sites, and natural parks that make every visit a journey between myth and reality.

Where is it located?

The Riviera di Ulisse is today a Regional Park that extends in the far south of the Lazio region, almost on the border with Campania, in the province of Latina .

Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, it includes the stretch of coast from the Latina Lido to Minturno . Along the way are splendid protected areas waiting to be discovered: Sabaudia, San Felice Circeo, Terracina, Fondi, Sperlonga, Gaeta , and Formia (with its beautiful Pontine Islands).

In particular, the Riviera di Ulisse Regional Park includes the protected areas of the Monte Orlando Regional Urban Park (in Gaeta), the Gianola and Monte di Scauri Regional Park (in Formia and Minturno) and the Promontory of the Villa of Tiberius and Torre Capovento – Punta Cetarola (in Sperlonga).

The Riviera di Ulisse is easily reached from Rome and Naples, by car or train to Formia. From there, bus connections depart to various coastal towns. The best time to visit? This Riviera is a paradise from spring to autumn , when you can alternate days on the beach with excursions to the nature parks.

What to see on the Riviera di Ulisse

The landscapes that unfold along the Riviera di Ulisse are a mix of fine sandy beaches, rocky promontories with evocative caves, Mediterranean scrub, uniquely charming villages, and historical traces among the archaeological sites and ancient towers that dot the coastline.

From the north, enchanting along this coast is San Felice Circeo , a Blue Flag awarded town, one of Italy's most charming seaside villages, where it is said that Ulysses landed, seduced by the sorceress Circe. From the mountain of the same name on which it is perched, it offers extraordinary views of the coast , with its beautiful beaches also ideal for water sports.

Terracina also enchants the view along the Riviera di Ulisse, with its two souls: the modern one between the Appian Way and the sea, and the ancient one up high. With its golden beaches with shallow waters, recognized by the Italian Touring Club and Legambiente, and the important relics of the past contained in the Temple of Jupiter Anxur , it is a must-see, especially if you plan to take excursions to the islands of Ponza and Ventotene, to which it is well connected.

Along this stretch of coast, Sperlonga also stands out, also a Blue Flag beach, where you can still see the remains of an ancient villa built in the 1st century AD by Emperor Tiberius (part of the National Archaeological Museum in the town center). This area also features the Grotta di Tiberio , a picturesque natural pool. With its crystal-clear waters and white sand, Sperlonga is an excellent location for relaxing days on the beaches divided between the Riviera di Levante and the Riviera di Ponente, with the Truglia Tower at its center.

Another of the most evocative locations on the Riviera di Ulisse is undoubtedly Gaeta , with its beaches of fine, light-colored sand alternating with cliffs overlooking the sea. Here, next to the beautiful Serapo beach , lies Monte Orlando with the famous and evocative Montagna Spaccala and the Grotta del Turco , which finally reopened in 2025. Dominating the promontory is the sanctuary of the Madonna Spaccata.

Finally, in Formia , you can travel between wonderful beaches (such as Vindicio, Sant'Agostino and the Baia dei Sassolini) and the vibrant town that preserves precious traces of the Roman past, such as the foundations of Cicero's villa and his mausoleum on the Appian Way.