Located along the splendid Lazio coast, Circeo is one of Italy’s most important nature reserves. Here, travelers can lose themselves along the most famous panoramic trails, enjoy relaxation in the picturesque small coves of the area, or visit the splendid historic villages nearby.

If you’re planning to spend a few days in Lazio and are looking for an experience different from the usual, then you’re in the right place. Throughout this guide, you’ll receive plenty of tips and suggestions about what to see in Circeo and we’ll explain how to best enjoy your time in this magnificent territory.

Circeo National Park

The Circeo National Park is one of Italy’s protected areas famous especially for its extraordinary biodiversity. This natural paradise is characterized by a variety of ecosystems unmatched in other parts of Italy. Along the coast, the coastal dune dominates, a long strip of fine sand that rises from the beach towards high grassy dunes. This gives way, towards Monte Circeo, to the Mediterranean scrubland.

It’s an environment inhabited by wild boars, hares, and foxes, as well as a myriad of different bird species, both resident and migratory. We find birds of prey like the Peregrine Falcon, herons, woodpeckers, and passerines, as well as mallards that nest in the area, and cormorants that choose this place to spend the winter each year.

Further inland, the lowland forest reigns supreme. In the Circeo Park, we find the largest lowland forest in Italy. Holm oaks, oaks, cork oaks, and ash trees are the most common species, creating an almost magical environment. Here, the undisputed king is the fallow deer, which the luckiest visitors might spot moving through the dense vegetation. Some natural marshes remain, the last ones saved from the land reclamation that affected the entire coastal area in the last century.

Among the park’s main attractions are wonderful hiking trails, suitable for various difficulty levels, which lead to breathtaking viewpoints, including the famous Circe Peak, from which you can admire a spectacular view of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Lazio hinterland; but also lakes like Fogliano or Paola, archaeological finds, and splendid historic villages.

In the following lines, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of all the attractions awaiting you inside the park, so you’ll be able to explore every single wonder of this area completely independently.

Natural and Archaeological Attractions of Circeo Park

Let’s begin our guide by dedicating space to the park’s most important attractions: the natural ones.

Monte Circeo

The Circeo promontory. Photo by Sagnon21

This is one of the park’s most emblematic natural wonders, an imposing limestone relief that rises 541 meters above the Pontine Plain. This promontory is a symbol steeped in history and myth. According to legend, this is where Ulysses and his crew fell under the enchantment of the Sorceress Circe, whose figure still seems to emerge in the mountain’s silhouette. Its beauty manifests in a variety of natural environments: the “cold quarter” slope hosts a luxuriant thermophilic forest, while the “warm quarter”, exposed to the south, is characterized by Mediterranean vegetation that resists salt, drought, and high temperatures. The mountain also offers a network of trails and panoramic points that allow exploration of an extraordinary landscape. The most well-known and frequented trails include:

  • Promontory Trail (Trail No. 1 – Warm Quarter)
  • Cerasella Trail
  • Circe Peak Trail
  • Lestra Cocuzza Trail
  • Paola Lake Trail
  • San Felice Hermitage Trail
  • Coastal Dune Trail

Grotta delle Capre (Goats’ Cave)

Goat Cave. Photo by Egnoka

The Goats’ Cave is one of the main natural attractions of Circeo National Park, located on the southern slope of the promontory, in the area known as “Warm Quarter”. Its name derives from the tradition that, in the past, shepherds used its spaciousness to take refuge with their flocks, finding shelter in its cavities. The cave is one of the most visited in the area, second only to the famous Guattari Cave. This site is easily accessible both by sea and via a land trail, making it a perfect destination for nature and adventure lovers.

Grotta dell’Impiso (Hanged Cave)

The Grotta dell’Impiso takes its name from the local dialect, where “Impiso” means “hanged”, referring to a particular anthropomorphic stalactite that decorates the central vault of the cavity. From a distance, this concretion resembles the figure of a hanged human, a detail that adds an eerie and fascinating atmosphere to the site. The cave, however, is not easily accessible and is not included in traditional tourist itineraries. Although primarily reachable by sea, some adventurers attempt a swim from the nearby Goats’ Cave, not without risks related to tide level variations that can make the endeavor dangerous.

Guattari Cave

The Guattari cave, located on the Circeo promontory, is an archaeological site of great importance, known primarily for the discovery in 1939 of an almost intact Neanderthal skull. This extraordinary specimen, along with numerous prehistoric animal bones, was discovered inside a cavity that, due to a landslide about 53,000 years ago, remained sealed, exceptionally preserving the site. Today, the cave is accessible only a few times a year through tours organized by the Cultural Heritage Superintendence.

Lago di Fogliano (Fogliano Lake)

Lake Fogliano. Photo by DellaGherardesca

The Fogliano Lake is one of the most enchanting natural oases in the Latina province, situated in the heart of Circeo National Park. This place offers numerous exploration opportunities, with trails winding through woods, marshes, and wetlands, ideal for hiking or cycling enthusiasts. The lake preserves the remains of an ancient fishing village and Villa Caetani, an elegant residence that once served as a hunting lodge and now represents a significant architectural landmark.

Lago di Paola (Paola Lake)

The Paola Lake, also known as Sabaudia Lake, is part of a coastal lake system that constitutes a Wetland of International Interest. The landscape revealed to visitors is truly unique: from the lake’s calm waters, a breathtaking view extends to the sea, the dune rich with Mediterranean vegetation, and the long golden beach that once inspired the famous writer Alberto Moravia.

This area is also an important resource for local fauna, with numerous bird species finding refuge along its shores. The lake’s history is equally fascinating, and nearby, Roman-era historical artifacts are still visible, such as the Lucullo Pools and the Sorresca Sanctuary, which can be visited through guided walking or boat tours.

Lago di Caprolace (Caprolace Lake)

Located in the municipality of Sabaudia, Caprolace Lake is an unspoiled corner of nature, ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. Here, you can observe pink flamingos, cormorants, white herons, and many other migratory species. Less known compared to the more famous Paola Lake, this lake preserves a wild and intact charm. Access is only possible on foot, making it even more exclusive and far from conventional tourist routes.

Villa di Domiziano (Domitian Villa)

The Villa di Domiziano, situated on the suggestive peninsula overlooking Paola Lake, constitutes one of the most fascinating testimonies of the magnificence of Roman imperial architecture. This residential complex, of extraordinary historical and archaeological value, arose over a previous coastal villa from the late Republican era, incorporating its foundations and transforming them into a sumptuous and refined residence.

Immersed in a naturally beautiful context, the villa offers a unique opportunity to dive into the atmosphere of ancient Roman splendor while enjoying a summer relaxation break. The lake panorama invites one to dream of the luxurious otium of Roman nobles, transporting us back in time.

Tempio di Giove Anxur (Anxur Jupiter Temple)

Perched on the summit of Monte Sant’Angelo, the Anxur Jupiter Temple offers a spectacular view of Circeo and the Pontine Islands. This fascinating architectural complex, whose origins date back to the 4th century BC, was born as a sanctuary dedicated to the oracular cult of ancient Anxur, a Volscian center that later became a Roman colony. According to tradition, the temple was consecrated to “beardless” Jupiter and hosted a much-frequented oracle. Even today, the suggestive atmosphere of the place, enriched by enigmatic symbols like the Triple Girdle, continues to emanate an aura of sacredness and eternal mystery, making the Temple an unmissable destination for lovers of history and timeless beauty.

The Most Beautiful Beaches of Circeo

Torre Paola beach. Photo by Maurizio Delladio

Circeo is an unmissable destination for sea lovers. Let’s discover together the most fascinating bathing locations to visit during your stay.

Spiaggia del Prigioniero (Prisoner’s Beach)

Located along the Circeo promontory, the Prisoner’s Beach is exclusively accessible by sea. This small cove is dominated by a unique cave that continuously fills with debris brought by storm surges. Despite being a very suggestive place, it’s important to be cautious as the area has a high risk of landslides.

Spiaggia la Rinascente (Rinascente Beach)

Rinascente Beach resembles a natural swimming pool. Located just a few steps from the Goats’ Cave road, it is reached by descending a staircase and is the ideal place for both diving enthusiasts and sunbathers, offering a beautiful flat area to relax. During summer weekends, this beach is quite crowded, but the water’s clarity and the location’s beauty more than make up for the crowds.

Spiaggia le Batterie (Batteries Beach)

This beach, located along Batterie Road, stands out for its white pebbles, two suggestive natural coves, and a convenient concrete platform ideal for sunbathing. The blue and crystal-clear waters invite long swims, while in summer it is traditional for local residents to build picturesque wooden huts, offering a shaded shelter and a touch of authenticity to the place.

Spiaggia del Porto (Port Beach)

Adjacent to the tourist port of San Felice Circeo, this beach is a small jewel nestled between Monte Circeo and Torre Fico. The emerald green waters and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal destination, especially for snorkeling enthusiasts.

Spiaggia di Torre Paola (Torre Paola Beach)

Located in the municipality of Sabaudia, a few kilometers from San Felice Circeo, Torre Paola Beach is a perfect example of a wild and rustic environment. The coastal dunes, which separate the sea from Paola Lake, create a unique and unspoiled landscape.

Villages Near Circeo Park

The Circeo area is not just untouched nature and breathtaking landscapes: it’s also a territory rich in fascinating villages, each with its unique history and character. Among the must-see places are San Felice Circeo, Sabaudia, and Terracina.

San Felice Circeo

Panorama from San Felice Circeo. Photo by Lorenzo Maranci

San Felice Circeo is a charming village situated on a promontory, about 100 meters above sea level. This fascinating place has a rich history of dominations, ranging from Romans to Templars, becoming a papal stronghold over time. The historic center, with its characteristic white Mediterranean-style houses and narrow, picturesque streets, preserves the charm of the past. Among the points of interest, the Templars’ Tower, erected in the 13th century, and the Baronial Palace, now the municipal seat, testify to the long and varied history of this fascinating village.

Sabaudia

Park in the city of Sabaudia. Photo by Lorenzo Maranci

This is a municipality in the Latina province founded in the 1930s, as part of a land reclamation project. Today, the village is known for its rationalist architecture and privileged position between the sea and mountains. Its beaches, including Sabaudia Beach, are considered among the most beautiful in Italy, thanks to their fine sand and crystal-clear waters. The town center offers a lively atmosphere, with numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes, making Sabaudia an ideal destination for a pleasant and relaxing stop.

Terracina

The city of Terracina. Photo by Luca Pennacchio

Terracina is a historic coastal city facing the Tyrrhenian Sea, boasting a historic center rich in monuments, including the Medieval Cathedral of San Cesareo and the ancient Roman walls. During summer, its beaches are very popular, attracting tourists from all over Italy. Terracina is also famous for its local cuisine, with typical dishes of the Mediterranean tradition, making the city a perfect destination for those who love gastronomy and the sea.

What to See in Circeo: Final Tips

Throughout the national park of Circeo, it is possible to participate in visits and itineraries discovering the incredible archaeological sites that constitute a bridge to the past reaching back to the Roman Empire. Most of these are still in full excavation and research phases, but many are visitable and perfectly preserved.

If, after reading this guide, you have decided to include Circeo among things to do in Lazio, it is important to choose accommodation that allows you to easily reach all the main destinations in the area.

The ideal accommodation should also be suitable for a family vacation, offering privacy, comfort, and all the necessary services for a pleasant stay. To meet these requirements, you can opt for a villa with a pool. Anita Villas offers a selection of villas in Lazio perfect for your needs. Discover availability and book your stay for an unforgettable vacation.

 


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.