L’Isola della Gaiola is one of the small islands in the Gulf of Naples located in the heart of Gaiola Underwater Park, a region of about 42 hectares which protects the gulf’s rare wildlife and its ancient Roman ruins.
The island consists of two stunning islets, easy to reach. While one of the islet has a solitary villa, the other is uninhabited and they are connected by a narrow bridge, which looks like a natural arch.
The island has been named after the cavities that dot the coast of Posillipo, originating from the Latin word cavea, “little cave”, and then through the dialect “Caviola”. Originally, the small island was known as Euplea, who helped a safe navigation, and was the site of a small temple dedicated to Venus, indeed the poet Virgil is said to have taught his students on the islands or in the remains of the Roman harbour, which are now sunken below the water.
There are also several other ruins from the time of the Romans. In fact, in the water, there are several Roman structures that are now home to some marine creatures.
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