Formia : When the sea touches the mountains

Likewise to the nearby Gaeta, Formia enjoys an excellent climate because of the favorable geographic location close to the sea and protected from strong winds by mountains 1300 mt high right behind the town. In Formia the distance between the mountains and the sea is shorter then in any other place of Italy. Formia lies in the middle of a nice-looking Mediterranean landscape with the gulf and the town framed by sea, round hills and mountains.

    Formia and its mountains

These unique geographical aspects play an important role in creating the rare microclimate of the gulf offering the chance to enjoy the beneficial effects of the sea and of the mountains at the same time.

Formia’s location close to sea but also to the hills and mountains links the town to both sea and land, with a large regional park on the mountains behind, a green area that still preserves many species of animals and rare plants of Mediterranean vegetation. The nearness to beaches and mountains, also offer the chance for interesting excursions with walking and trekking in any month of the year.

The closeness to both marine and rural territories it’s mirrored in the town heritage, traditions and unique gastronomy with seafood and land ingredients and specialties. The ‘sagre’ are also a type of town celebrations or festivals focusing on food preparation and consumption; each town, village or suburb around has its yearly 'sagra' which celebrates its unique culinary speciality according to old culinary traditions; obviously there are ample free samples available for the joy of both locals and visitors.

The territory around Formia has several 'sagre' with real buffallo mozzarella, salsiccia (country sausages), and many others local specialties. The food in this area is highly recognized by connoisseurs for its freshness and authenticity. The local Mediterranean diet is famous for its healthful qualities and wholesome natural ingredients.

The original pizza (baked in stone ovens made with 100% buffalo mozzarella), fish, the freshest sea-food, pasta of all kinds and vegetables to die for are a must for travellers who have never been here. The local cuisine is based on good, simple home cooking among the best Italian regional cuisines which has created tasty dishes from humble and simple ingredients over the centuries.

As mentioned before, quality of life is not always measurable with mere statistics. Formia with its mild climate, location and transport options it is a great base for those who intend to explore the charming beauty of the rest of southern Lazio and the wonderful Pontine islands making it a pleasant and peaceful place to live and work.