Riviera di Ulisse - review of resorts and practical advice. Magnificent resort Riviera di Ulisse Riviera di Ulisse beaches
Helpful information for tourists about the Riviera di Ulisse in Italy - geographical position, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
Riviera di Ulisse, also known as Riviera Odyssey, stretches along the coast Tyrrhenian Sea between Rome and Naples. It has almost 100 km of sandy beaches, a favorable climate, rich historical and cultural heritage. The picturesque Riviera got its name from the legendary Odysseus, who, they say, stopped in these places during his voyage and spent several years here.
There are several small resorts along the Riviera di Ulisse coast. Terracina, main city Riviera, was founded back in 600 BC, and until the 19th century it was considered a kind of summer residence of the Popes. The city has preserved architectural monuments of different eras and styles - from the Temple of Jupiter of the 4th century BC. and the Neapolitan Gate, erected by order of Emperor Trajan, to the Cathedral with ancient mosaics and the Roman Theater.
Sperlonga is interesting, in the vicinity of which you can explore grottoes and caves. The most famous of the caves is the Grotto of Tiberius, in which the emperor set up his residence - they say that the cave was once decorated with 5 thousand Greek statues. Today, some of the statues are kept in the local museum.
Sabaudia is a young resort. The town was built in 1934, and is notable for the architecture of the fascist regime. On main square city, Piazza del Comune, rises a 46-meter tower, at the base of which lies the first stone of the city. Near Sabaudia there is a fresh lake Paola, which creates a certain microclimate here. On one side it is limited by the Circeo National Park, and on the other it is connected to the sea through a port built by the Romans.
The fortified city of Gaeta is definitely worth a visit, with its medieval baroque cathedrals and churches and one of the most important shrines in Italy - Montagna Spaccata (Broken Mountain). At the top of this mountain stands the chapel of San Filippo Neri. Gaeta is also home to the Planco Mausoleum, Castel Lombardo, Cicero's tomb and other attractions.
Finally, you can inspect a small resort town ok San Felice Circeo, located at the foot of the mountain of the same name. About 2 thousand years ago, the mountain was an island on which Odysseus lived for several years with the beautiful sorceress Circe. Local attractions include the Goat Cave, the Blue Grotto, the Cave of the Hanged Man, and the Cave of Bats. And in the historical center of the city you can see the towers of Dei Templari and the Palazzo del Barone.
The swimming season on the Riviera di Ulisse lasts from May to October, favored by the mild climate. The beaches are perfectly suited for vacationers - in 1998, the entire coast received the prestigious EU Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the water and, in fact, the beaches. 50 km from Terracina there is the Haway Park water park with a variety of water slides for adults and children, waterfalls, hot tubs, a huge swimming pool, beach volleyball courts and tennis courts. And the area around San Felice Circeo is famous for its popular discos. Also along the entire coast you can find various centers for horse riding, diving, and yacht clubs. For example, in Terracina there is a diving club “Pianetamare”, which organizes underwater excursions to the Pontine Islands.
The reserve extends to southern border Lazio, representing an alternation of capes, rocks, caves, reefs, full of life. In addition to traditional Mediterranean vegetation, there are rare species and endemics.
Monte Orlando
The territory of the Monte Orlando Nature Reserve, part of the Riviera di Ulisse Regional Park, is an azure sea between picturesque beach Serapo and Montaña Spaccata (Italian: “Broken Mountain”) and a rock falling into the sea from a height of 30 m.
Legend has it that the mountain split apart at the time of Christ's crucifixion, which coincided with a strong earthquake. This created the Grotta del Turca cave, a popular destination today tourist excursions. You can get inside from land, along steps carved into the rock, or by sailing to it from the sea by boat.
Visit the church of Santuario della Montagna Spaccata, which rises on the slopes of Monte Orlando directly opposite the marine reserve. Other attractions include the ancient Roman mausoleum of Munazio Planco and military fortifications from the Bourbon era.
The sea here has the status of a nature reserve, its depth in some places exceeds 40 m. Thanks to the completely clean water, even those marine inhabitants live here who cannot tolerate even minor water pollution.
Here you can admire seahorses, spiny lobsters, octopuses and starfish, while large groupers, dentex, and red fish swim past them, not at all afraid of getting hooked: fishing of any kind is prohibited here. In September, young tuna migrate past the shore, which is a beautiful sight.
The best way to get to know all the local sea life, if you are not a diver, is to take a glass-bottom boat tour.
Gianola e Monte di Scauri
In the very south of Lazio is regional park Gianola e Monte di Scauri. This is the tongue of land that separates Monti Aurunci from the Gulf of Gaeta, one of the oases wildlife in this highly developed area. The territory of the reserve is covered with hills, the height of which does not exceed 40 m, and the most high point terrain - Monte di Scauri, 123 m. The climate is mild, Mediterranean, pleasant at any time of the year. It is especially good here in the spring, when juniper, myrtle, heather, gladioli and other flowers bloom, covering the rocks with a bright pattern right up to the water’s edge.
In addition to the magnificent views from the lush trails, the park boasts picturesque Roman monuments, as the area has been attracting people with its beauty for 2,000 years. The sea here is also reserved. You can explore the depths, or just swim in clear water for your own pleasure.
Natural monument “Villa Tiberio and Costa Torre Sapovento – Punta Cetarola (Sperlonga).
The reserve occupies 116 hectares, of which 33 are on the sea and water oases World Fund wildlife. The flora is typical Mediterranean; the fauna is represented by many species of birds, including cormorants, gulls, and peregrine falcons. For visitors, the administration organizes thematic lectures and master classes, routes, observation decks to watch the sea.
Villa Tiberio was once a very impressive building, occupying 300 meters of shore along the front part and having its own port and fish pools (the emperor was very fond of fresh fish of certain types). The best materials of the time were used to build the villa; it was richly decorated with mosaics, decorative elements and statues. To better understand the features of its architecture, it is worth taking a look at the archaeological museum located next to the villa.
Official website of Lazio nature reserves www.parchilazio.it/rivieradulisse
Beaches
The part of the coast, named after the protagonist of Homer's Odyssey, whom the ancient Romans called Ulysses, stretches approximately 100 km from the mouth of the Astura River in the west to the Garigliano River in the east. Sandy beaches alternate with rocky shores that drop vertically into the sea. Coastline cut by bays, bays, picturesque grottoes. Tourists are attracted scenic views and completely clean water, since the sea here in many places has the status of a nature reserve.
Coastal towns specialize in resort tourism; many of them have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag (awarded by best beaches Italy). We list the main ones: Latina (Focheverde, Capoportere and Rio Martino), Sabaudia, San Felice Circeo, Terracina, Fondi (Lido di Fondi), Sperlonga, Gaeta, Formia, Minturno (Scauri and Marina di Minturno), as well as the islands. Lovers beach holiday They will find all the necessary infrastructure, including water sports and animation, but here, of course, those who want to enjoy unity with pristine nature will especially like it.
Sabaudia- an atypical resort town with simple standard architecture, built in 1934 according to Mussolini's plan. The main attraction of the resort is the snow-white dunes located between the sea and Lake Paola. This is a traditional holiday destination for the Italian elite. Walking along the streets of the city, you can meet famous actors, fashion designers, and politicians. There are many high-end private villas here.
San Felice Circeo - small resort at the foot of Mount Circeo with historical center, where, in addition to architectural monuments (Baron's Palace, towers dei Templari), bars, restaurants, boutiques and nightclubs are concentrated. On summer season This beautiful, green town was chosen by the Italian elite. San Felice is also famous for its majestic cliffs, cool deep caves and panoramic views allowing you to admire the Pontine Islands, to which ferries and boats go from the port of San Felice.
Terracina- the main city of the Riviera di Ulisse. Here you can not only have a great rest, but also improve your health: the healing air of this resort is second only to Acapulco in terms of iodine content. In addition, this is the place with the least annual rainfall in Italy. Terracina can be proud of its magnificent nature and unique landscapes, as well as unique monuments of the ancient era. This ancient city The Etruscans founded it 150 years before Rome. It was here that the famous Appian Way between Rome and Capua was laid, the Roman amphitheater was preserved, and in the Cathedral, for the first time in history, a Pope was elected outside the Vatican. Here until the 19th century. was the summer residence of the Vatican.
Sperlonga - resort town with a special charm, which got its name thanks to the natural depressions and rugged coastline . In the past, it was often subjected to daring attacks by pirates, which affected its architectural appearance. You will be enchanted by the “White City”, which stands out for its narrow streets, panoramic platforms and watchtowers. There is the world's smallest square, Concordia (“Concord”), with a roof painted like a starry sky. Another attraction of the resort is the legendary cave “Grotto of Tiberius”, in which the Roman emperor equipped a summer residence, decorating it with 5,000 Greek statues.
Gaeta- a fortified city known for its wide sandy beaches, picturesque surroundings and ancient history. According to the work of the Roman poet Virgil, the ship of Aeneas, the son of Anchises and Aphrodite, who fled from Troy, landed here. During the journey, his beloved, the priestess Caeta, died and was buried on this earth. The pride of the city is the magnificent Cathedral in the Gothic style, built at the behest of Ferdinand of Bourbon, and an ancient military fort protecting the entrance to the bay. On Mount Orlando there is one of the holy places of Christians - the Broken Mountain (Montagna Spaccata) with a chapel at the entrance to which Saint Francesco Neri lived. According to the Gospel, when Christ was crucified, the mountains in different parts the lights split. This is how Mount Orlando split (the edges of the split are absolutely identical). Descending into the rift, you can see the imprint human hand and learn the legend about its origin.
Formia - the oldest resort town, located three kilometers from Gaeta, in a beautiful bay. This wonderful place is famous for its attractions, in particular the residence of the Neapolitan kings, on the territory of which the Grande Albergo Miramare hotel is now located. It was in his villa in Formia that Cicero hid from the wrath of Mark Antony, and here he was killed, as evidenced by the Tomba Cicerone - a monument to the great orator and politician.
Lido di Fondi- a quiet, calm resort 10 km from Terracina, an area of private residences on the seashore. There is also a private airfield where excursion flights on a 2-seater plane take off over the coast of the Riviera di Ulisse.
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Lush vegetation, picturesque landscapes and wide beaches made of pleasant fine sand, which characterizes the Italian coast at its best Riviera di Ponente which belongs to the region. The most famous resorts in this region are the cities of San Remo, Bordighera, San Bartolomeo and Spotorno. As a continuation Cote d'Azur France, the Riviera di Ponente is distinguished by an abundance of greenery, bright flowers and grape plantations that grow on the slopes of low hills.
At the end of the nineteenth century, this coast was appreciated by representatives of the Russian aristocracy, who came to the shores of the Riviera with entire families. The region's infrastructure is set up in such a way that both people with average incomes and influential politicians, glamorous stars and simply wealthy tourists can relax here. A large selection of hotels, individual cottages, villas on the seashore, as well as entertainment venues, restaurants and sports complexes, helps to attract millions of guests from all over the world, with different levels of income and range of interests, to the local resorts.
One of the most vibrant cities on the Riviera di Ponente coast is the legendary Sanremo. At one time, this resort was a favorite vacation spot for the wife of All-Russian Emperor Nicholas II, Alexandra Feodorovna. As a sign of respect for the members of the royal family and all Russian people who regularly arrive on the shores of San Remo, in 1913 the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was illuminated here, symbolizing a piece of Russian Orthodoxy on Italian soil. In the middle of the last century, this city repeatedly acted as the main location in musical French and Italian films. Palm alleys and shady parks are an indispensable attribute of the city, thanks to which you can walk around the streets and squares of Sanremo for hours without fear of sunstroke even in the hottest weather. The resort has gained worldwide fame not only because the Italian song festival is held here every year. Reputable tennis tournaments and boxing fights also regularly attract crowds of admirers, not to mention the famous sailing regatta and rowing competitions. Very often, influential and rich people on the planet like to spend time in San Remo. On the coast Mediterranean Sea, on the territory of the city and in its region, luxurious villas and mansions have been built, which are rarely empty, especially in the summer.
About 50 kilometers from San Remo there is another famous resort Riviera di Ponente, Alassio. The main tourist “attraction” of the city is the famous “Muretto” wall, on which they left their prints, subsequently walled up in concrete, such famous people past and present like Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill, Sophia Loren. Just over twenty-nine years ago, this wall became a place of “pilgrimage” for most Italian football fans, who came here to see the handprints of the football players of the national team that won the world championship in 1982. One of the most striking historical attractions of the city is the Via Julia Augusta, built back in the 13th century AD. It is a four-kilometer narrow stretch of land running along the coast, which is a symbol of the memory of bygone eras. Here and there along the trail you can still see the ruins of Roman buildings and ancient burial grounds dating back to the 1st century AD. Modern tourist area characterized by magnificent sandy beaches, comfortable hotels and excellent conditions for activities aquatic species sports.
On the very border of Italy with France, in the province, is the city Bordighera. It is also one of the most visited resorts in the Riviera di Ponente region. It is located between such colorful beach centers Western Europe like Monte Carlo and San Remo. The historical part of the city occupies an impressive territory on Cape San Ampelio, and the modern areas are located on the very seashore, representing traditional buildings made of glass and concrete, combined with numerous hotels, restaurants and entertainment centers. The main distinguishing feature of Bordighera is the abundance of flowers, dense deciduous trees and orange groves. Geographical location city, allows you to easily get to both Cote d'Azur France, and to most Italian cities in this region.
The most international resort of the Riviera di Ponente coast is Spotorno. This small town there are only 4000 local population and is considered great place holiday for those looking for privacy and comfort. Quiet, well-groomed beaches harmoniously combine with low-rise houses and ancient architectural monuments, which are presented in abundance on the local shores. In addition to a significant number of Italians, thousands of tourists from France, Germany, Belgium, Holland and other European countries come here every year. The resort is especially popular among families with small children, who will find a lot of entertainment for every taste.
The climatic conditions on the Riviera di Ponente coast are not much different from other resorts in Italy. In summer it is quite hot here, from +22 to +34, and winters are warm, without much precipitation. You can almost relax in the region all year round, with the exception of winter, when the weather is quite unstable, and November and March. These months characterize the transition from summer to winter and vice versa. The tourist infrastructure of the coast is ideal, the beaches are well equipped, and the weather is amazingly stable.