Formia
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Latest page update: 19 June 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Formia
Formia offers a solid range of established hotels, reflecting its position as a lively coastal town on the Gulf of Gaeta and a key transport hub between Rome and Naples. The best-rated options combine convenient locations, comfort and strong guest feedback for service and facilities.
Grande Albergo Miramare is the standout choice, housed in an early 20th-century villa overlooking the sea, with elegant rooms, a pool and restaurant, consistently praised for its atmosphere and professionalism (€€€). Klaton Beach Hotel offers modern accommodation directly opposite the beach, featuring a restaurant and private parking, well reviewed for cleanliness, comfort and value (€€). For travellers seeking a central base near the port, Hotel Tirreno provides comfortable rooms, on-site dining and friendly service, appreciated for its convenient position and good hospitality (€€).
Grande Albergo Miramare is the standout choice, housed in an early 20th-century villa overlooking the sea, with elegant rooms, a pool and restaurant, consistently praised for its atmosphere and professionalism (€€€). Klaton Beach Hotel offers modern accommodation directly opposite the beach, featuring a restaurant and private parking, well reviewed for cleanliness, comfort and value (€€). For travellers seeking a central base near the port, Hotel Tirreno provides comfortable rooms, on-site dining and friendly service, appreciated for its convenient position and good hospitality (€€).
Where is
Where is Formia?
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Situated just a short distance west of the major resort of Gaeta, the port town of Formia is of a slightly more functional nature but does have some important facilities and sights.
Among those sights are the Torre di Mola, a 27 metre high fortified tower that now stands guard over a private marina. Closer to the main town centre, a second marina is overlooked by a park. |
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From the Villa Comunale Umberto Park you get great views across the marina and also out to sea where the town's main port is situated, providing ferry crossings to the island of Ponza. If you take the town side exit from the park, you enter the main shopping street Via Vitruvio which has some colourful buildings and also an Archaeological Museum. Behind the museum there's a pretty square: Piazza Marconi, which is dominated on one side by the Parrocchia Santa Teresa d'Avila church.
Comune di Formia
What People Ask About Formia
Is Formia worth visiting?
What can you do in Formia?
How do you get to Formia?
What is Formia known for?
When is the best time to visit Formia?
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Discover
Discover Formia
Formia lies on the Gulf of Gaeta in southern Lazio, positioned between the Aurunci Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea. It serves as an important coastal town within the province of Latina, combining a long history with modern seaside activity. The town’s layout follows the coastline, with its harbour, promenade, and beaches set against a backdrop of hills. Its location along the Via Appia has made it a crossroads between Rome and Naples since Roman times.
Archaeological remains such as the Cisternone Romano and the Tomb of Cicero highlight its ancient heritage, while the town centre features churches, narrow streets, and small piazzas. The port offers ferry connections to the Pontine Islands, including Ponza and Ventotene, making it a departure point for island travel. Inland, the Monti Aurunci Regional Park provides opportunities for hiking and panoramic views, while nearby Gaeta and Sperlonga complete the coastal landscape that defines Formia’s appeal.
Archaeological remains such as the Cisternone Romano and the Tomb of Cicero highlight its ancient heritage, while the town centre features churches, narrow streets, and small piazzas. The port offers ferry connections to the Pontine Islands, including Ponza and Ventotene, making it a departure point for island travel. Inland, the Monti Aurunci Regional Park provides opportunities for hiking and panoramic views, while nearby Gaeta and Sperlonga complete the coastal landscape that defines Formia’s appeal.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Formia
- Cisternone Romano is a vast underground Roman cistern built in the 1st century BC to collect and distribute water. Supported by towering columns and vaulted ceilings, it remains remarkably intact. Guided tours explain its construction and role in the ancient aqueduct system. It lies beneath the old town and is accessed from Via Abate Tosti.
- Tomb of Cicero stands along the ancient Appian Way and is traditionally identified as the burial site of the Roman orator. The monumental structure sits on a small hill beside a medieval tower. Though the attribution remains debated, the site is historically significant. It includes a landscaped area with views across the surrounding countryside.
- Villa Rubino and Archaeological Park of Gianola cover a coastal area with ruins of Roman villas and thermal baths. Trails lead past crumbling walls, cisterns and ancient fishponds overlooking the sea. The site forms part of the Regional Park of Gianola and Monte di Scauri. Information panels explain daily life in Roman Formiae.
- Walking and cycling paths stretch through the Gianola coastal park, offering sea views and shaded pine forests. Routes connect to beaches, picnic areas and panoramic cliffs. The terrain is mostly flat, with paths suitable for all ages. Access points are located just south of the town centre.
- Boat trips and water sports operate from Formia’s port, with excursions to nearby islands such as Ventotene and Ponza. Activities include kayaking, snorkelling and sailing, especially in summer. The harbour area also offers ferries and hydrofoils for day trips. Several local operators provide guided tours and equipment rental.
Tours and Activities
Formia Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Formia
- Ristorante Chinappi: Located near the seafront, Chinappi is a long-established restaurant known for its refined seafood cuisine. The menu includes dishes such as linguine with lobster, grilled fish, and delicate antipasti, served in an elegant dining room with sea views. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Trattoria La Tavernetta: Situated close to the old town, La Tavernetta offers traditional regional dishes in a cosy and welcoming setting. Specialities include gnocchi with seafood, local meat stews, and seasonal vegetable sides, with attentive service and generous portions. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Osteria Terra e Mare: Found near the port, this osteria serves a mix of seafood and inland specialities, blending Lazio’s culinary traditions with fresh, local ingredients. The relaxed setting and well-balanced menu make it a reliable choice for lunch or dinner. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Zi’ Anna Mare: Located close to Vindicio beach, this modern restaurant focuses on Mediterranean seafood with creative presentation. Menu highlights include octopus salad, clam pasta, and raw fish platters, ideal for a leisurely summer evening meal. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Pizzeria Lu Vesuvius: A casual and budget-friendly option in the town centre, Lu Vesuvius offers a wide variety of Neapolitan-style pizzas, along with a few traditional pasta dishes. It’s a lively and informal spot, popular with families and groups. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
Photo Gallery
Formia Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Formia
- Gaeta (approx. 10 km north of Formia): A historic seaside town, Gaeta is known for its beautiful beaches and significant landmarks, including the Monte Orlando and the Castello Angioino-Aragonese, a castle that offers stunning views over the Gulf of Gaeta. The town also features the Santuario della SS. Trinità, a peaceful place of worship, and is perfect for exploring its ancient streets or relaxing by the sea.
- Sperlonga (approx. 20 km south of Formia): A charming hilltop town with whitewashed houses, Sperlonga is famous for its beautiful beaches and its ancient Villa of Tiberius, which houses remarkable sculptures from Roman times. The town's narrow streets, quaint cafes, and panoramic coastal views make it a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and beach lovers.
- Itri (approx. 10 km inland from Formia): Nestled in the hills, Itri is a small town rich in history. Visitors can explore the Castello di Itri, a medieval castle offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. The town’s historic centre features narrow streets and local shops, making it a great place to experience traditional Italian life and architecture.
- Minturno (approx. 15 km north of Formia): A town with a rich ancient Roman history, Minturno is home to the well-preserved Minturno Archaeological Park, which includes the Roman Theatre and remnants of ancient temples. The town also has a beautiful coastline, offering visitors a mix of historical sites and relaxing beach days.
- Terracina (approx. 30 km north of Formia): A coastal town with a blend of history and beach resorts, Terracina is known for its Temple of Jupiter Anxur, located on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the sea. The town also boasts a charming historic centre with cafes and restaurants, and a wide sandy beach that’s perfect for a day of relaxation.
Lazio Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Lazio
1. Rome
2. Ponza
3. Villa d'Este (Tivoli)
4. Castelli Romani
5. Sperlonga
6. Ostia Antica
7. Cività di Bagnoregio
8. Lake Bracciano
9. Montecassino Abbey
10. Gaeta
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lazio
1. Rome
2. Ponza
3. Villa d'Este (Tivoli)
4. Castelli Romani
5. Sperlonga
6. Ostia Antica
7. Cività di Bagnoregio
8. Lake Bracciano
9. Montecassino Abbey
10. Gaeta
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lazio
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Formia
By Rail: Formia has its own train station, Formia-Gaeta, located on the Rome–Naples main line. It is served by Trenitalia regional, intercity, and high-speed services. Trains run frequently to Rome, Naples, and other cities across central and southern Italy. Journey times are approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to Rome and just under 1 hour to Naples. The station is centrally located and provides easy access to both the town and nearby Gaeta.
By Road: Formia is a coastal town in southern Lazio, situated along the Tyrrhenian Sea between Rome and Naples. It lies around 150 kilometres south-east of Rome and 90 kilometres north-west of Naples. The drive from Rome takes approximately 2 hours via the A1 motorway and SS7 Appia road. From Naples, the journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Public parking is available throughout the town, including near the seafront, railway station, and ferry port.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Formia is a coastal town in southern Lazio, situated along the Tyrrhenian Sea between Rome and Naples. It lies around 150 kilometres south-east of Rome and 90 kilometres north-west of Naples. The drive from Rome takes approximately 2 hours via the A1 motorway and SS7 Appia road. From Naples, the journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Public parking is available throughout the town, including near the seafront, railway station, and ferry port.
Nearest International Airports:
- Naples Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino): Located about 95 kilometres south of Formia, the drive takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Direct trains from Naples Centrale to Formia-Gaeta are available throughout the day.
- Rome Ciampino Airport (Aeroporto di Roma-Ciampino): Situated approximately 120 kilometres north-west, the journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes by car. Train travel via Roma Termini provides a convenient alternative.
- Rome Fiumicino Airport (Aeroporto di Roma-Fiumicino): Around 145 kilometres from Formia, the drive takes just over 2 hours. Trains from Fiumicino to Formia involve a change at Roma Termini.
Private Transfers
Formia Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and direct way to reach Formia or travel onwards to other destinations along the Lazio coast and beyond. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven directly to your destination by a professional driver, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey from start to finish.
From Formia, transfers can connect you with Rome Fiumicino Airport, Rome Ciampino Airport, and Naples International Airport. They are also convenient for reaching nearby towns such as Gaeta, Sperlonga, and Minturno, or for continuing towards the ferry ports serving the Pontine Islands.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Formia, transfers can connect you with Rome Fiumicino Airport, Rome Ciampino Airport, and Naples International Airport. They are also convenient for reaching nearby towns such as Gaeta, Sperlonga, and Minturno, or for continuing towards the ferry ports serving the Pontine Islands.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
