Sperlonga is a seaside village 1 hour south of Rome whose picturesque buildings make are immediately recognisable, having been featured in countless TV shows, music videos and movies. The place is a perfect getaway for both locals and travellers wanting to enjoy the atmosphere of a Greek fishermen town… away from Greece (the architecture is that similar!).

A onetime summer residence of none other than emperor Tiberius, Sperlonga is known as a thriving holiday destination in the summer months, so much so that its otherwise cheap estate prices can soar to Sardinia-like prices from May onwards. That said, the place is equally beautiful past the hotter part of the year, with an off-season charme that can be enchanting to some visitors.

If you fall in that category and are intrigued by the place, know that most restaurants and hotels could be closed during the winter, as they mostly work with tourists for about six months every year. Still, there is plenty to see and enjoy, even outside the village.

What’s in the area

A quick drive away, you can also visit Gaeta, an overlooked gem that was once one of Italy’s maritime republic, a safe haven for a fleeing Pope Pius IX during the short-lived Roman Republic and the possible birthplace of John Cabot. Further south is Formia, which houses the tomb of Cicero. Sperlonga itself has a tiny, fascinating archaeological museum. Away from the coast, Ninfa is the home to one of Italy’s most famous landscape gardens.

Sperlonga is easily reachable from Rome, with trains departing from Roma Termini. The closest train station to the village is Fondi, roughly one hour south by regional train. Once in Fondi, a café right inside the train station will be able to sell you tickets for a bus operated by a private company called Piazzoli. The website for the company itself is updated twice a year with their timetables, while times for trains to Fondi from Roma Termini can be easily perused at Trenitalia’s official website.

If the idea of taking public transportation overwhelms you, you can drop us a line and we will be able to arrange a daytrip by car or van with one of our partners at a very competitive price!