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Sperlonga is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and can be found on the Riviera di Ulisse in the region of Lazio. It is situated on a small rocky promontory overlooking the clear and here often calm Mediterranean sea and is a great destination for most types of people. Sperlonga is one of a few whitewashed villages in Italy which gives it a special ambiance with its little narrow alleyways and stunning vantage points. Many foreigners have probably never heard of Sperlonga before but interesting enough, a lot of famous people both national and international have their summer residences here. If you happen to spend some time in Rome, I would highly suggest you visit this charming and romantic town on the coast. Read on to find out the best things to do in Sperlonga.

5 best things to do in Sperlonga

1. Spend some time on the beach

If you like beach time, Sperlonga is for you! Actually, Sperlonga has one of the best beaches near Rome as the sand is fine and the water is very clear and clean. The water is most often calm and is therefore perfect for sunbathing and sea paddling. There are beaches on both sides of the promontory of Sperlonga and you will find that most of the beach is occupied by hotels or beach clubs. Maybe this is the time to splurge a little on a nice beach day? If you want to get away a bit cheaper there are also free access sections, you might just have to walk a little bit further.

2. Admire Torre Truglia

Torre Truglia is a watchtower that has been destroyed and resurrected several times over the centuries and has since 1870 been used by public administration and as a small museum. The tower was a part of the Lazio coastal sighting system and they used to make fire signals to communicate with other neighboring towers if foreign ships were closing in. You can reach the watchtower from the historic center and it is worth a short visit. If you are interested in learning more about the history you can also enter the museum inside.

3. Visit Emperor Tiberius’s Villa in the Grotta di Tiberio

Emperor Tiberius is mostly known for his villa on the island of Capri but in 1957 another one of his villas was found, during a road construction, in a grotto just outside of Sperlonga. The villa and surroundings were quite spectacular with a swimming pool, beautiful fountains, a fish pond and several statues celebrating the deeds of Odysseus. The villa was a residential holiday destination in Roman times and was used as a venue for modest banquets and relief from the summer heat. You can visit it with the entrance to the Museum of the Villa of Tiberius.

4. Indulge in seafood 

Being situated so close to the sea, there is no doubt you will find incredible seafood in this little village. Sperlonga is also situated between Rome and Florence which both are big food capitals so the locals certainly know how to make good food. Despite that, Sperlonga is known for having many non-pretentious and authentic restaurants, especially in the old town. There are also many restaurants situated on the seashore with stunning views over the ocean.

To see which seafood dishes you should order at the restaurants, read my Lazio Food Guide.

5. Walk the beach promenade

Sperlonga has a beautiful little promenade that you should walk down in the evening while eating gelato and looking out onto the ocean. There’s no traffic around so it’s magic! Enjoy the breeze of the fresh salty air, the stunning sea view and the calmness of the ocean.

How to get to Sperlonga?

By public transport

Sperlonga is well connected to Rome and is therefore a great weekend trip destination from Rome. You will take the train to Fendi-Sperlonga which is a train station a bit from the city center. From there you can take the local bus or a taxi of course. The journey will take around 2,5 hours. 

By car

Visiting Sperlonga by car gives you more flexibility and is what I recommend you to do. You can go whenever it fits you and you can also stop by places on the way there if you’d like. The drive will take about 2 hours and you can park both under and on top of the promontory. Be aware that many Italians commute on this road so you won’t be alone driving there. Find your rental car with the search below!

Where to stay in Sperlonga?

Budget:

Dolce Vita Sperlonga – This apartment is very fresh, modern, and fully equipped. It’s located only a 4 minute walk from the beach but is still close to the center of town. A great budget option for your next trip to Sperlonga.

Sperlonga Sul Mare – Another newly renovated apartment with everything you could ask for in the same area. It is close to supermarkets, the beach, restaurants, and the town center. The host is super friendly!

Midrange:

Case Vacanze Ganimede – This big apartment, with a private balcony, is the perfect place to relax for a few days in Sperlonga. Located 3 minutes from the beach and close to everything you need.

Sperlonga Paradise Central Loft – This little loft is a true gem, with old architecture and vibe. Located on a hill in the old town, you have great views in all directions. Only 3 minutes walking to the beach!

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Are you getting excited to go to Sperlonga? It is a beautiful, quaint little town so you really should. If you are interested in spending some more time in the region check out these posts below:
The Ultimate 2-Week Lazio Road Trip
Top 10 Things To Do In Lazio
Best Things To Do In Viterbo
Top 7 Things To Do In Gaeta
7 Things To Do In Castelli Romani
The 10 Most Beautiful Villages In Lazio

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