The old town
A maze of white houses, stairways and arches above the sea, listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy. The centre is car-free: park below and walk up. At sunset the little squares and terraces fill up for aperitivo.
Riviera di Ulisse · Lazio, Italy
Sperlonga, the white village by the sea
Whitewashed lanes on a headland, two long sandy beaches and a sea that has won the Blue Flag many times. Halfway between Rome and Naples, Sperlonga is one of the best-loved summer escapes in Lazio. Here's what to see, where to swim, where to stay and what to eat.
125 kmfrom Rome
2main beaches
Blue Flagawarded many times
Things to do in Sperlonga
The village takes half a day on foot. The rest of your time belongs to the sea.
Torre Truglia
The coastal watchtower at the tip of the headland, built to spot pirates. From here you see both Levante and Ponente beaches at once: it's Sperlonga's most photographed view.
Tiberius' Grotto and Archaeological Museum
At the foot of the headland, along the Via Flacca, lie the remains of Emperor Tiberius' villa and the huge natural cave he used as a dining room. The museum next door displays the sculptures found inside, including the blinding of Polyphemus.
Coastal lakes
Behind Ponente beach are Lago Lungo and Lago San Puoto, quiet lagoons among dunes and reeds. Ideal for a walk or a bike ride away from the crowds.
Sperlonga's beaches
Pale sand and gently sloping water: great with children. In summer, equipped beach clubs alternate with free public stretches.
Levante beach
South of the headland, towards Gaeta, right below the old town. Handy if you stay in the village, with beach clubs, seafront restaurants and clear water all the way to Tiberius' Grotto.
Ponente beach
The long strand towards Terracina, wider and often less crowded. Plenty of beach clubs, long free stretches and easier parking.
Coves along the Via Flacca
Heading towards Gaeta, the coast road runs through tunnels past small sandy and rocky coves. Reach them on foot from roadside parking; bring water and water shoes.
Boat trips and day tours
Sperlonga is a great base for exploring the Riviera di Ulisse and the islands.
Ponza by boat
The most famous of the Pontine Islands: sea caves, stacks and turquoise water. Seasonal departures from nearby ports such as Terracina and Formia.
See trips →Gaeta and the Split Mountain
A boat trip along Gaeta's coast, with the Montagna Spaccata, Serapo beach and coves you can only reach from the sea.
See trips →Mount Circeo
Circeo National Park from the water: caves, sheer cliffs and the legend of the sorceress Circe.
See trips →Day trip to Naples
Naples is about two hours away by road: old town, pizza and seafront in a single day.
See trips →Where to stay in Sperlonga
July and August book up fast, so reserve well ahead.
Old town
For the village on your doorstep: rooms and B&Bs among the lanes, sea views and Levante beach a few minutes' walk away. Expect stairs with your luggage.
See places to stayLevante beach
Hotels and apartments between the sea and the headland: beach in the morning, village in the evening, no car needed.
See places to stayPonente beach
The easiest choice for families and longer stays: apartments and residences near the sea, more space and easier parking.
See places to stayAlong the Via Flacca
Villas and holiday homes between Sperlonga and Gaeta, quieter and with open views. You'll need a car.
See places to stay
What to eat
Seafood cooking with produce from the Fondi plain and the Gaeta coast.
Spaghetti with clams and seafood
The signature dish of seafront restaurants, along with raw seafood and the catch of the day.
Frittura di paranza
Small fried fish, eaten on the beach or from a paper cone while you stroll the village.
Tiella di Gaeta
A local savoury pie filled with octopus, anchovies or greens, sold by the slice in bakeries.
Buffalo mozzarella
From the nearby Fondi plain, very fresh and perfect for a light lunch.
Moscato di Terracina
The area's aromatic white wine, dry or sweet, ideal at aperitivo time.
Gelato and granita
After dinner, walk up to the village for gelato in the square.
Sperlonga by night
When the sun goes down the village lights up and the moon shines on the sea.
Getting there and when to go
- By car from Rome
- About 125 km, usually 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours via the Pontina road and Terracina. In summer, leave early in the morning.
- By train
- Regional trains from Rome Termini or Naples to Fondi-Sperlonga station, then a bus to the village (about 20 minutes).
- Parking
- The old town is pedestrian-only. In summer, parking near the beaches is paid and fills up early.
- When to go
- June and September are best: warm sea and fewer people. July and August are lively but crowded. In spring and autumn the village is quiet, but some beach clubs are closed.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sperlonga?
Sperlonga is in the province of Latina, in southern Lazio, on the Riviera di Ulisse between Terracina and Gaeta, about 125 km from Rome.
What is the best beach in Sperlonga?
Levante beach is the most scenic, right below the village. Ponente beach is wider and less crowded, ideal for families.
How do I get to Sperlonga without a car?
Take a regional train to Fondi-Sperlonga station, then the bus to the village, which takes about 20 minutes.
How many days do you need in Sperlonga?
One day covers the village and the beach. With three or four days you can add Tiberius' Grotto, Gaeta and a boat trip to Ponza.