TerracinaLazio · Italy

All About Terracina

Bordering the Gulf of Gaeta, Terracina is a beautiful town between Rome and Naples that lies in the province of Latina in Lazio. Established as a settlement by the Etruscans and then the Volsci tribe, the area first saw significant development under the Romans. The city reached its pinnacle as an essential sojourn on Via Appia, one of the earliest roads connecting Rome with Brindisi. Today, visitors can walk among remnants of temples, baths, theaters, and buildings that date back to this time.

The city’s more recent history is far more tumultuous. Destroyed in 1534 by pirates, it remained uninhabited up until 1777. Sadly, it once again suffered much devastation during World War II but has since slowly transformed into one of the top destinations for a beachside vacation. Having a population of 45,000, Terracina exudes an authentic Italian vibe. While already a favorite holiday spot among residents from Rome and Naples, Terracina is now slowly starting to gain fame among international tourists.
 

Routes and Ferries to Terracina

One of the most popular routes from and to the city is the one connecting it to the Pontine archipelago. Tourists and locals can use Ferryscanner to buy return ferry tickets to Terracina for a day or weekend trip to Ponza. With 11 sailings a week, the ships, operated by Navigazione Libera del Golfo, take just over an hour to reach the island.

On land, one can travel to Terracina via bus, car, or train. Tourists arriving at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci airport should take the fast train to Rome Termini and then another train to Monte san Biagio. From here you can catch a bus to Terracina. Self-driving or a taxi takes roughly two hours from Naples and 1 hour 45 minutes from Rome to Terracina.
 

Port of Terracina

The main ferry port of Terracina has a central-to-the-city location and primarily stays busy during the tourist season. It does, however, have constant traffic of fishing boats and private yachts throughout the year. The marina at the port has 200 berths with mooring lines and stern-to-dock options.

Those arriving with ferry tickets to Terracina will find the port to have plenty of commercial activity nearby, from bars and restaurants to shops and car rentals. Services at the port include a ticket office, gas station, toilets, restaurant, and car parking. The latter is particularly essential as many travelers leave their vehicles when ferrying to Ponza.
 

Best Beaches in Terracina

Terracina boasts one of the best coastlines in southern Italy. Moreover, lesser tourist traffic, Blue flag accreditations, and a generally easygoing atmosphere make the beaches in Terracina the perfect escape for a sun-soaked vacation.

Spiaggia di Terracina

The primary beach in Terracina, this gorgeous white sandy strand offers a cornucopia of activities well beyond sunbathing. Dotted with lidos and a free area, the Blue Flag beach stays crowded in the summer, being preferred by all ages for its shallow access to the sea. Among the amenities available are loungers for rent, restaurants, toilets, and changing rooms. One can also partake in watersports such as jet skiing and wind or kite surfing. Moreover, lifeguards stay on duty at the beach all through summer.         

Lago Lungo

Among the unique beaches in Terracina, this thin strip of land passes between the sea and an artificial lake. The sand on both sides is soft and ideal for a lay around. Beachgoers planning on spending the entire day here will find the lidos and their services, such as sunbed and umbrella rentals and watersports, convenient. On the other hand, the free zone is lovely for a few hours of sunbathing. The area around this Blue Flag beach also comprises dunes, vineyards, and entry into clean and safe water. Furthermore, those with a penchant for birding should spend their time next to the lake, home to several permanent and migratory birds.

Spiaggia di Fiumetta

A real hidden gem that not even returning tourists know about is Fiumetta Beach. This tiny shoreline lies at a junction where a stream meets the sea. The river water is fresh and icy, in contrast to the sea. However, water shoes are advisable since there are several pebbles along the riverbed. The beach has a campsite nearby and ample parking.

Rive di Traiano

The perfect beach where you can wave to people arriving with ferry tickets to Terracina, Rive di Traiano is a shoreline close to the port. While a rising cliff on the side sets a picturesque scene, the beach’s blue water is the main attraction, luring sunseekers to swim, snorkel, or simply splash around. Most of this brown sand beach has lidos. As a result, you can enjoy conveniences like toilets, volleyball, restaurants, and rent sunbeds and parasols.

Spiaggia di San Felice Circeo

Having Blue Flag and Green Flag accreditation, San Felice Circeo is a sandy beach leading into the Tyrrhenian Sea’s most gorgeous blue-green waters. The seabed’s gentle slope adds to the beach’s charm, making it safe for families. Moreover, breakwaters along the coast help calm the water, which is ideal for carefree snorkeling. San Felice Circeo has both managed and free sections, but only a paid parking option.
 

Places to Visit in Terracina

Once you step away from the beaches, Terracina is a cultural marvel. Full of historical sights and promising a quaint ambiance, the city is also an excellent base to take day trips on land or out into the sea to scenic and equally picturesque locations.

Old Town

Steeped in antiquity, the Old Town of Terracina is its central hub featuring cafes, bars, live music, and a handful of historical sites. However, it is Centro Storico’s old-world charm, accentuated by its characteristically narrow cobblestone streets, that wins the hearts of first-time visitors. Among places to visit in Terracina, located in this charming neighborhood, are the 13th-century Venditti Castle and Cattedrale di San Cesareo, built in the early 6th century over the remains of a Roman temple. Furthermore, Piazza del Municipio is the Old Town’s main square, having a lively atmosphere and important monuments like the Roman Theatre and the Capitol.

Mount Circeo

A promontory rising to 541 meters, Mount Circeo is undoubtedly the best viewpoint in the entire region. The mountain’s name comes from Circe, the sorcerer from Homer’s Odyssey, who supposedly lived here. Included in the National Park of Circeo, it grants stunning panoramas of the city and the sea. The best way to visit Mount Circeo is to hike from the town of San Felice Circeo to the top and then onwards to Sabaudia. Overall, this moderate trail is 5km long and takes roughly five hours to complete.

Temple of Jupiter Anxur

Among unmissable places to visit in Terracina is the Temple of Jupiter Anxur. Although the site already had some construction, most of it saw development during the 1st century BC. During this time, defensive walls came up along with a more prominent temple, and the area became a military camp. Destroyed in the Middle Ages, it got a new lease on life as a monastery in the 13th century, only to be abandoned again in the 16th century. Nowadays, for €6 you can walk around the ancient ruins of the temple and, if you visit in the evening, witness a spectacular sunset. One can drive or hike up to the temple, situated on Mount St. Angelo.

‘Pio Capponi’ Civic Museum

With an entry ticket of €1.55, you can walk around the small yet culturally significant Civic Museum of Terracina. Located inside Frumentaria Tower, in the upper part of the town, the archaeological museum’s collection first began in 1894. Inside the tower, visitors can see various findings and sculptures from around the region, found on land as well as in the sea.

Ponza

Although a tiny dot in the vastness of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ponza is the largest of the Pontine islands. A beautiful weekend escape, the island is famous for its port, lined with multi-colored houses, and numerous hiking opportunities. However, one of the main things to do in Ponza is rent a local wooden boat and explore its jagged coastline. Here, you can swim in several caverns, lounge on beautiful beaches, and admire unique natural rock formations. Several ferries and hydrofoils sail between the island and Terracina throughout the week. Ferry tickets to Ponza are available through Ferryscanner.
 

Transportation Around Terracina

Along with its historic district, the town is easy to sightsee on foot or by bicycle. Moreover, you’ll find most of the main attractions within one kilometer after arriving at the port with ferry tickets to Terracina.

Tourists wanting to venture out and explore the neighboring cities can use the regular Cotral bus service. Tickets for the bus are available at tobacco shops and cafes. Taxis are ideal when short on time, or you can rent a car if planning on spending a few days in the region.