Mountain Lifestyle: Getting around in Gaeta

Waking up to palm trees outside your window and the deepest blue skies above can only mean that there is a good lay lying ahead of you.

Our first port of call after breakfast on the balcony, was a swim in the sea. As it's only a few minutes walk from where we are staying, it would have seemed remiss to not have taken advantage of this option. The day was starting so quiet and still, that neither of us fancied getting in the car and rushing off anywhere to go climbing. It was feeling like a day of rest and local explorations on foot were going to be the popular choice.

Some good natterings were had, laid out in the sun between dips in the warm (er than Wales) water.

We are staying in one of the apartments in the background. The beach was pretty much empty, apart from the odd walker pacing along the shore break. Behind the beach are rows of cafes and beach clubs, which are all closed and boarded up for the season. We saw a photo on one of them and the entire beach was covered with deck chairs and umbrellas. I mean the entire beach - you basically could not see any sand! What a different scene that must be! We were very happy to be here off season!

We walked the length of the beach and into the town to see what else there is here. Apart from a big football pitch and a swimming pool, everything seemed to be shut up for the winter season. There was one cafe open with a friendly owner, so we sat and watched the world go by over a cuppachino and several sweet cakes and pastries.

Instead of climbing, we agreed on having a car free day, which meant we had time for a second and then third swim in the sea!

Our last swim was just before the sun set and the whole beach was glowing in the evening light. A strong wind picked up and we both felt a little nippy for the first time since arriving here.