Sperlonga

When Enzo announced on Sunday that we were off to the seaside to a place called Sperlonga, I have to admit to saying "WHERE?!"  Sperlonga is not the prettiest sounding word that you would associate with sun, sand and sea, until now. 

The ancient town of Sperlonga sits 55 meters above sea level and it's well worth the climb from the beach up the steps that wind through its narrow alleys.  There are tiny streets left and right and it's easy to get lost. 

The best rule of thumb is to look for the street names set in stone on the corner walls.  However, getting lost in the cobbled streets of Sperlonga isn't so bad.  As you make your way ever up ward you'll discover a charming collection of shops, churches, restaurants, cafés, gelaterias and perhaps surprisingly, some rather exclusive looking hotels.

It is possible to rent appartments and villas in Sperlonga.  Take this one available from VRBO.com for example:

But this is not the end of what Sperlonga town has to offer.  Aside from a photo opportunity at every turn, there is the most wonder piazza at the very top where you can choose from a selection of restaurants, and when we arrived there, there were market venders selling fresh fruit and vegetables.  Enzo bought a bag of grapes and figs and we ate them over-looking the beach on the north side of the cliff.

We made our way down on to the southern beach which stretches all the way to Terracina.  On this sunny August afternoon the beach was packed with people of all ages and Enzo explained that the beach line is divided into private and public areas.  You can tell the difference by examining the parasols providing much needed shade.  Where they are all the same the beach is private and often part of a bar/restaurant or hotel.  These beaches are frequented throughout the summer and winter months because there are so many things to do.  Dotted here and there are parks for the children, gelaterias and bars.  Something for the whole family.

For those of you interested in the history of the, Roman Empire, a visit to the Grotto of Tiberius is absolutely essential.

Once you have worked up an appetite, Sperlonga has many restaurant choices where you will be served some of the best seafood dishes found anywhere along the coast. 

All Sea Antipasto

Fusilli al Mare (fruits of the sea)

Grilled Langoustine

Sperlonga is easiy reached from Rome by train to the station in Fondi which is 10 minutes away by bus or taxi and probably the reason many foreign students and back-packer make their way there.  Sperlonga is undoubtably surprising and has made its way onto our list of places to take our visitors.

For more photos of Sperlonga and other areas of Italy, joins us at

Facebook and Twitter