The 9 things to do in Sperlonga

Looking for a beach destination and a charming village between Rome and Naples? Make a stop to visit Sperlonga!

Come on. Rome and Naples , visiting Sperlonga is an excellent idea. This small fishing village is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. This label attests to the charm of this medieval village, perched on a rocky grove facing the sea, and surrounded by the Aurunces Mountains. Tiberère had already chosen this place at the time to stay there and it is now a resort popular in the region.

Sperlonga is attractive with its whitewashed houses, the maze of its narrow alleys and its historical vestiges. To this is added the relaxing side on its sandy beaches. It is a true dive in the sweetness of living of vintage Italy, the dolce vita , with sometimes the impression of being in a Greek village. Go to the discovery of this small town which is one of the most beautiful in Italy.

Here are our must-see and to-do to visit Sperlonga!

1. The historic centre

Visiting Sperlonga is first of all exploring its historic centre. Let yourself be guided by the maze of the streets and gravel steps that cross between the whitewashed houses to the lime. You can stroll by admiring this typical architecture of the coast, relaxing at a coffee or restaurant terrace, or by shopping in the shops.

Don’t hesitate to climb to the viewpoint, at the top of the village. From there you will admire the view of the sea, the village below and the surrounding mountains. The village was in the 11th century surrounded by walls and there are two old gates of the city, the Porta Marina and the Porta Portella/Carrese which carry the coat of arms of the Caetani family.

You can also see the churches, as well as the Palazzo Sabella, which was a temporary residence of the Clement XII antipape in the 14th century. At the foot of the city, Piazza Fontana will also allow you to admire the sea.

2. The villa and the cave of Tibere

No way to visit Sperlonga without going to see the villa in Tiberius! The famous Emperor Tiberius (Roman emperor from 14 to 37) visited the places and lived there. The house, built at the beginning of the century, disappeared. There are only dizziness, partly eroded by the sea but allowing to imagine the residence at that time. Its particularity is to be adjoined to a cave, and it was at the time called “Spelunca” (the old cave/the Latin cave), which gave the name Sperlonga.

Inside the cave was a dining room where he organized banquets in the summer. There were also impressive statues on the home theme of Ulysses, Scylla and Polyphème. It is important to visit the archaeological museum next to it.

3. National Archaeological Museum

And at the national archaeological museum, you can admire impressive statues that decorated the cave. Among these magnificent sculptures are home-grown works, including the Scylla marine monster that devours men from Ulysses and Ulysses blinding the cyclope Polyphème.

The museum is not very large but well constituted, exposing pottery, frescoes, busts and other statues, which allows to imagine the importance of the place at that time.

4. Truglia Tower

At the beginning of the 16th century, the city had a defensive system composed of walls and four towers. Among them, the Capovento tower was 3 km south of the village (always visible) and the other three were in the village. The central tower and the Nibbio tower have melted in the buildings, surrounded by other buildings, and the central tower, via Giosa, there are only remains.

The most beautiful is Torre Truglia, the city's emblematic. It is impossible to visit Sperlonga without going to see this tower, at the foot of the village, facing the sea. Built in 1532 on the remains of an ancient Roman tower, it was several times destroyed and rebuilt. It offers a nice view of the village, the port and the bay. You can climb to the top where sometimes, inside, temporary exhibitions take place.

5. Church of Santa Maria

During your visit, you could also visit ancient religious monuments, linked to the history of the city and the daily lives of the inhabitants. The church of Santa Maria in the historic heart is the oldest religious building in the city. It dates from the very beginning of the 12th century, about around the year 1100, built in a rural Roman style.

It has long been closed for work and now hosts cultural events. Archives attest to the importance of this church in the 12th century, as one of the most important places of worship in the region. The small Cappella San Rocco of the 15th century also deserves a look.

6. The port

To enjoy the sea air and the landscape, nothing like a ride in the harbour. It is not very large but is part of the daily life of the inhabitants. Also, we sometimes see moored yachts.

Located below the village, it offers a nice view of the Truglia Tower, the village, as well as the surrounding mountains. An evening walk from the port, along the coastline towards the residence of Tibère may be as pleasant. And if you want to make excursions at sea, the port will be your rendezvous point.

7. A boat ride

In the courtyard of your trip to Sperlonga, you will also have the opportunity to rent by boat to escape the time of an afternoon, or even a whole day. With or without a boat permit, you can sail or let yourself be carried by a skipper, to discover the charms of this medieval city from the sea.

In addition, boat rental in Sperlonga can allow you to go by the sea to conquer the surrounding cities of Fiumicino and Ostie. A real happiness!

8. The beaches

Are you wondering what to do in Sperlonga? Enjoy its beaches that have made the fame of this small seaside town near Rome. There are sandy beaches with a loss of sight. Some are public and free and others are equipped with pay sun loungers and parasols.

Among those close to the historic centre are the spiaggia Libera and spiaggia della Sorgente . More to the West spiaggia di Sperlonga and lido Conghiglie I like it a lot. Close to the cave of Tiberius, for example, you can relax on the beach dell’Angolo or on Bazzano Beach , and a little further Bambole or Sant’Agostino .

9. Outdoor activities

Nothing like outdoor activities to enjoy a region. These are mainly nautical activities. At the start of the port of Sperlonga, you can go on a small group trip aboard a boat. The routes offered are usually in the direction of Gaeta and the cave of Tibère, along the coast, in the Regional Park of the Riviera of Ulysses.

Some excursions include the blue cave or allow to accumulate three caves. They also offer travellers to dive with mask and tubas. As far as diving is concerned, it is also possible to discover the seabeds. And always at the departure of the port of Sperlonga, pneumatic boats, without permits, are for rent.

How to get to Sperlonga?

Several choices are possible to go to Sperlonga.

Aircraft

It is easy to reach Sperlonga by plane taking a flight to Rome or Naples . These two airports are easily reachable from many destinations in France and via direct flights. From there you can rent a car to reach your destination (115 km from Rome and 140 km from Naples). To find the most suitable flight for your needs, do not hesitate to use a flight comparison like Ulysses .

Train

To visit Sperlonga, the train is a good option as it is possible to connect the city:

• Departure from Rome (1h15 route) or Naples (about 1h30) by taking the Rome/Naples line;
• You will then descend to the Fondi-Sperlonga train station which is 12 km from Sperlonga;
• From there there is a bus service, where you will take that of the Fondi/Spelonga line.

Car

It’s pretty easy to come to Sperlonga by car via the bus A1/E45 Rome-Naples.

• If you come from the South, you'll just have to go out exit « Cassino » then take the direction of the village of Formia and Sperlonga;
• For those who arrive from the North, « Frosinone » exit will be more adapted by taking the direction of Sperlonga via Terracina.

Where to sleep in Sperlonga?

There are several solutions to accommodate you according to your budget and your needs.

You can choose a hotel, a lodging Airbnb or a campsite. With regard to neighborhoods, the Historic Centre and seafront are very popular, especially in the summer season. But they are perfect to make the most of the city and the landscape. To find the best accommodation, don’t hesitate to book in advance! Use a Compare hotels you will find the best value for money, while respecting other more personal criteria.

You're ready to visit Sperlonga!