Even though Rome is Lazio’s top-notch tourist magnet it is not the only thing worth visiting in the region. In fact, just a little south of the capital there’s an amazing seaside area called “Litorale Pontino”, encompassing both beaches overlooking the Thyrrenian sea, charming villages and nature of the Circeo National Park.
This amazing place is also the stage of our tasty actor: the exquisite Itrana olive, named after a village located on a leg of land dominated by Monte Orlando. Cultivated in the Pontine plain hills and caressed by the warm sea breeze it is characterized by his unusual rose-coloured hue, the soft consistency and the intense flavour. These unique features make this delicacy the most suitable olive for cooking.
Now, starting from Gaeta, let’s take a tour through 4 of the most charming village of the Pontine seaside!

  1. Gaeta

Gaeta’s main attractions are its castle, placed in the city’s medieval quarter, and the delicious “tiella”, a typical dish consisting of a dough pocket sandwich stuffed with escarole, Itrana olives and seafood such as octopus. According to folklore, in fact, this delicacy came to life as something that fishermen’s wives would prepare for their husbands as it would last for all the days they would be spending out to sea. Isn’t that sweet and practical?

  1. Sperlonga

Sperlonga, a charming Medieval village with long stretches of sandy beaches and a wonderful city centre overlooking the sea, is house to one of the most historically intriguing places in the area: Tiberius’s grotto. As attested from the 2000 years old artefacts it hosted, this cavity on the water was built by the Roman emperor Tiberius on a strategical location giving a magnificent view of the coast and Ponza Island.

  1. Terracina

Terracina’s old town is host to the intriguing Piazza del Municipio, in which its medieval cathedral features a wide staircase that leads to an amazingly decorated loggia. The city is dominated by the Roman Temple of Jupiter Anxur, placed at the apex of a 1402m high Mountain. This 2000 years old building, accessible through a scenic road, offers a suggestive view of the sea, Mount Circeo and the city below.

  1. San Felice Circeo

San Felice Circeo, the last location on our tour, encompasses both modern and medieval buildings and it is a renowned tourist resort. Near the village, there’s also an extremely intriguing beach which is separated from the nearby lake by a strip of sand and dunes covered by Mediterranean maquis.