What if I told you that Italians were spending their holidays in a beach town relatively unknown to North Americans? And that it’s filled unspoiled white-washed houses reminiscent of a Greek island, just two hours away from Rome?
Enter Sperlonga, a coastal town that sits halfway between Naples and Rome. A town that was famous in the fifties and sixties among Italian movie stars who were filming nearby at Cinecittà, it now acts as a local haven for Italians – especially Romans – many who own properties here. I’ll just let you scroll down and admire Sperlonga’s Old Town!
You’ll need to climb a few steps to get to the white village as it’s located on top of a hill. Once you arrive, you’ll feel as if time has stopped. Lose yourself by strolling its narrow, winding streets and admire the stark white houses and arches that overlook the sea.
Cat lovers – there are so many kitties in Sperlonga! Being a cat lady myself, I came home with a camera full of feline pics. Here are my favourites:
Along with its historic centre, Sperlonga has a large stretch of beaches that span the Tyrrhenian Sea (like the Adriatic, the beaches here are sandy and the water sparkling and transparent).
The beaches are split into two portions: The main one is lined with hotels and travels all the way to Terracina, while the other is near the Grotta di Tiberio. I opt for the latter, as it’s calmer, and settle on one of the few public beaches.
Like Rome, Sperlonga’s ancient past includes plenty ruins and archeological wonders (along with a museum).
After a day of climbing steps and basking in the sun, dinner time is on the agenda. But first, aperitivo!
Having just completed their first summer, MarVino wine bar is the newest hotspot in Sperlonga. With a small location in the historic centre, their terrace spills onto the steps of La Chiesa Madre S. Maria de Speloncae church, which spikes the curiosity of virtually each passer-by. Perfect for aperitivo hour, I enjoy a Spritz (I know, I had a cocktail at a wine bar) and order their well-executed aperitivo platter made with local cold cuts and cheeses. The servers are still getting used to the pace and popularity that the wine bar experienced in its first season, but I’m sure they’ll get the hang of it soon!
For dinner, walk past the mob of restaurants that line the boardwalk and climb up to the old city to dine at Ristorante Gli Archi. With a stunning outdoor terrace right in the middle of the calm, white town, this restaurant boasts fresh fare (especially when it comes to the local seafood) and outstanding service.
After sampling a selection of delicious antipasti, I order the risotto alla pescatora as my main. Even though I find the texture to be more of a seafood rice dish, as it lacks the creamy texture of a risotto, I’ll then consider it the best seafood rice dish I’ve had in Italy so far!
End your meal with a gelato from Gelateria Dolce Gelato. There’s usually a line that forms here after dinner – which is always a good sign!
Sperlonga is just the escape I need before heading to Rome for a few busy days. And like the locals, I’ll most likely be back!
Have you visited Sperlonga before? Let me know in the comments below!
Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing! Sperlonga is definately going on my bucket list!
It’s stunning! Thanks for stopping by and do let me know if you end up going 🙂
Such a beautiful place! Loved all the photos! I’d never heard of Sperlonga before reading this article but now it’s definitely on my list 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Cheers!
Aisha, Island Girl In-Transit
Glad to hear that 😀
Looks like such an amazing place to visit! This location will be added to my bucket list for sure 🙂 Your pictures are really pretty!
It definitely is!! Thank you 🙂
That town is serious Italian coast goals! How have I not been there yet? I must add it to my Italy list 💖
YES!! haha 🙂
How stunning! Wow! Italy has been on my bucket list for a loooong time, and Sperlonga is now top of the list 🙂 Beautiful pictures!
Thanks! Hope you visit Italy soon 🙂
This place is so stunning!! Adding it to my travel list!
Jenna from http://www.visionsofvogue.com
Glad to hear 🙂
Wow this sounds like a gorgeous place to visit! Love the photos too 🙂 If I’m ever in the area I’ll be sure to make my way there!
Thanks! You definitely should make a pit stop 🙂
Sperlonga looks like a gorgeous place to visit! I love the architecture. I had never heard of it before – but definitely adding it to the Italy list. What beautiful photos!
It’s stunning! Glad to hear it made it onto your list 🙂
Great post, and you took amazing photos. Well done! 🙂
Thank you 😀
This town is BEAUTIFUL! I love the way you break down your post; easy to understand and really left me wanting to read more plus your pictures are amazing. I am actually bookmarking your page! Also in love with your blog layout <3
Thanks, Katrina! That’s so kind of you! Discovering your awesome blog as we speak 🙂
This place looks like heaven! Your photos are amazing!
Thank you 🙂
Gorgeous! We’re planning a trip to Italy and Sperlonga is now on my list. Love the cats!
Nice! Let me know if you end up there!!! Have a good trip 🙂
Wow, never have I been there, but now I’m dying to go! What a gorgeous place.
It’s definitely something 🙂
Stunning pictures!!! Italy is definitely on my bucket list, and now I know I have to add Sperlonga to the trip. It looks absolutely divine. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much, Karyl! Glad it made it onto your list 🙂
Something about all the blue details you captured made my heart happy! What beautiful shots! – Amy @ http://thegiftedgabber.com
Thanks for the lovely comment, Amy! 🙂
Gorgeous photos – thank you so much for sharing! I feel like I’ve been on a holiday, just reading and viewing the beautiful sights!
(We’re traveling North America in our RV right now, so Europe is a few years away on our bucket list.)
Thank you, haha! Happy travels 🙂
Headed to the southern coast in May. I’m making Sperlonga my first stop on the way to Sicilia.
Nice – it’s definitely worth it! Let me know if you need additional tips (Sperlonga is one of my favourite places in Italy) 🙂