Sperlonga is one of the most beautiful municipalities in the southern Pontine area, it is no coincidence that it is in the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy, it is located on the border between Itri and Fondi, also very close to Gaeta; the inhabited center is located on a spur of Monte di San Magno in the final part of the Aurunci Mountains overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Gaeta.
A bit of history
Sperlonga has a very ancient origin, legends even say that it was built on an ancient city founded by the Spartans, it is certainly known that in Roman times it was a popular holiday destination, the main testimony of which is the sumptuous villa of the emperor Tiberius whose ruins still today they can be visited. In later times it was mainly a fishing village continually plundered by pirates and corsairs, which is why it was fortified by walls and watchtowers. It was part of the Kingdom of Naples and the Two Sicilies as a district of Gaeta, over the centuries it was destroyed and rebuilt several times between the 17th and 19th centuries, taking on its current shape thanks to the construction of churches and stately buildings. Tourism blossomed especially after the opening, at the end of the 1950s, of the Via Flacca which connects Terracina to Gaeta passing along the coast.
What to see in Sperlonga
In addition to the natural beauty of beaches and clean sea, Sperlonga offers visitors and tourists a splendid village perched on the mountain. Of great beauty are not only the winding alleys, the small squares that hide breathtaking views of the sea, mountains, delightful little corners decorated with ceramics and plants, walks full of shade and benches, but also valuable churches and chapels such as the Church of Santa Maria di Sperlonga or of the Madonna Assunta into heaven and the chapel of San Rocco. Also worth visiting are the towers, some now incorporated into buildings erected subsequently such as the Torre del Nibbio and the Central Tower, better known as Torre Maggiore and others of great beauty such as the imposing Torre Truglia, and the Capovento tower three km from the center historical. Absolutely worth a visit is the villa of Tiberius with the splendid cave decorated with groups of statues depicting the exploits of Ulysses and the Archaeological Museum which houses the many finds found during the excavations to bring to light the remains of the villa and all its buildings.
The most beautiful beaches
The coast included in the municipality of Sperlonga is full of public and private beaches fully equipped for all the needs of tourists, some are more crowded, others quieter but from a landscape point of view all enchanting due to the golden sand, the clear sea and the walls of the mountains that plunge sheer into the sea creating bends, caves and coves. Certainly the most suggestive beach is Spiaggia della Sorgente, also known as Spiaggia della Fontana, where a spring of pure and frozen water emerges right on the beach which collects in a large basin. Then there are the Canzatora and Salette beaches; moving to the side closest to Gaeta you will then find the beaches of Angolo, delle Bambole, Bazzano and many others, all particularly beautiful and with clear waters and shallow waters.
What to do in Sperlonga
The characteristics of the town allow tourists to satisfy their every desire: for those who love relaxation you can bask in the sun on the beach, or read in the shade on benches while admiring splendid landscapes. You can go for walks and bike rides, romantic dinners and sumptuous lunches in the historic centre. In certain periods of the year it is also possible to visit the Torre Truglia in summer, often home to events, meetings and art exhibitions. Also of great interest are the guided tours of the Archaeological Park and the Museum of the Cave and Villa of Tiberius. Sperlonga also offers a lot to sports lovers: for climbing enthusiasts there are various routes to follow in every season; there is plenty of choice even for those who practice water sports: beaches and establishments are well equipped for various types of disciplines.
