Things to do in Sperlonga

Things to do in  Sperlonga

Still waters run deep

Set along the Tyrrhenian coast halfway between Rome and Naples, the ancient resort town of Sperlonga has been a top seaside destination for millennia. City dwellers gather here to soak up the Mediterranean rays at one of the many beach clubs along the waterfront, breaking up their basking with a visit to the local archaeological ruins and museum or with a minicruise along the coastline to admire the coastal cliffs in the Riviera di Ulisse Regional Park and swim and snorkel in the crystalline waters of the Blue Grotto.

All about Sperlonga

When to visit

June, July, and September are the best times to visit Sperlonga, especially if you’re looking to take a dip in the sea. In August, all of Italy decamps to the beach, so you’ll be fighting crowds for a spot on the sand—or a reservation in one of the town’s hip restaurants. Don’t discount Sperlonga in the offseason, either. Even when it’s too cold to swim, you can still enjoy a wander through the white-painted borgo, or hilltop village.

Getting around

Sperlonga is an easy 2-hour drive from Rome. While there’s no train station, it’s reachable by public transportation if you take a train to Fondi then continue the rest of the way by taxi. Sperlonga is divided between the labyrinthine old town—filled with winding alleys and located on a hill overlooking the sea—and its beaches, past which you’ll find the new town. Walking between them is a cinch, just be prepared for a lot of steps.

Traveler tips

The name Sperlonga comes from the Latin speluncae, meaning grottoes. Multiple sea caves dot the coast here. The most famous is the Villa of Tiberius, once a coastal mansion of the Roman emperor, and located right in Sperlonga (about a 30-minute walk from the old town). Not only can you explore the ruins of the once-impressive home, but for a small fee you can see sculptures excavated from the site—along with vases, masks, and more—in the Sperlonga Archaeology Museum.

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People Also Ask

Is Sperlonga worth visiting?

Yes. With its white-painted borgo, or hilltop hamlet, and sandy beaches, Sperlonga is one of Lazio’s most popular beach destinations. Whether you’re looking to dine and shop in its hip boutiques, grab a spritz in a bar right on the coast, or simply lounge on the beach, Sperlonga has you covered.

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What is Sperlonga known for?

To many Italians, Sperlonga is best known for its packed and pristine beaches. But its standout historical attraction is the Villa of Tiberius, believed to be the one-time summer residence of the 1st-century emperor. You’ll find a coastal grotto and ancient sculptures on display in the adjoining museum, Museo Archeologico Nazionale.

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How do I get from Rome to Sperlonga?

Sperlonga is most easily reached by car. If you have your own private transportation, the drive usually takes under 2 hours depending on traffic. Otherwise, you can take a regional train to nearby Fondi, and then hop a bus or a private taxi from there to get to Sperlonga’s borgo or beaches.

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Is Sperlonga on the Amalfi Coast?

No. Sperlonga is about halfway between Naples and Rome, while the Amalfi Coast is south of Naples. Sperlonga lies on the section of the Mediterranean nicknamed Riveria di Ulisse, or Ulysses’ Coast, due to the region’s connection to Greek mythology—it’s where Odysseus is believed to have landed in Homer’s ancient epic.

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What is there to do in Sperlonga?

Sperlonga is divided into two main parts: the borgo, which is the historic city center that overlooks the water from its position on a hill, and the beaches down below. You also won’t want to miss La Torre Truglia, a 16th-century tower that sits on a rocky promontory and is one of the city’s main landmarks.

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What islands are located near Sperlonga?

Just 35 miles (57 kilometers) from Sperlona across the Mediterranean is the island of Ponza, part of the Pontine Islands. It’s a popular summer retreat for Italians that can be reached by ferry from Anzio, Terracina, or Formia. Plan on the ride taking about 90 minutes, depending on where you embark.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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