Sperlonga is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Italy and abroad, located along the Riviera di Ulisse, the southern stretch of the Lazio coastline that includes the entire Gulf of Gaeta.
One of its most charming features is the historic center, with its cliffside houses, white alleyways, and Mediterranean-style staircases, offering breathtaking views of the sea.
Nightlife in Sperlonga unfolds in the small square’s bars, while during the day it enchants visitors with its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Thanks to these characteristics, it has been awarded the Blue Flag for 16 consecutive years by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education).
Terracina is located about 100 km from Rome and 120 km from Naples, with a seaside promenade of approximately 6 km.
Nearby lies San Felice Circeo, a territory rich in archaeological remains linked to the legend of Ulysses and the sorceress Circe. The Circeo National Park is a natural and cultural landmark of great value, encompassing several towns and seaside resorts worth visiting, such as Sabaudia and Latina.
Gaeta is one of the main summer tourist destinations. The town is located just a few minutes from Formia and is linked to the myths of the Argonauts and Aeneas. Small yet modern, it is characterized by beautiful bays, coves, and sandy beaches.
Nightlife, markets, and the seaside promenade blend with churches and monuments such as the Cathedral of Sant’Erasmo, the Temple of San Francesco, and the Montagna Spaccata, a natural split in the rock accessible via a long staircase overlooking the sea, offering a truly breathtaking panoramic view.
According to legend, Formia was a stop along Ulysses’ journey. While there is no historical certainty, it is known that Formia was an important holiday destination for Roman patricians. For this reason, the area is rich in remains of ancient Roman constructions, including villas, an amphitheatre, and the Tomb of Cicero.
Among the main tourist attractions are the National Archaeological Museum and the Tomb of Cicero, as well as several notable churches, including San Luca, Madonna del Carmine, Santa Teresa, Santi Giovanni Battista e Lorenzo, and Sant’Erasmo.
A short distance away lie the Pontine Islands, including the smallest, Ventotene, which can be reached from both Formia and the nearby island of Ponza. A small paradise surrounded by the sea, it is a popular destination for diving enthusiasts. The main dive sites in Ventotene include Punta Pascone, Secca dell’Archetto, Punta dell’Arco, and the wreck of the Santa Lucia.
Other must-see destinations in the Pontine Islands include the island of Santo Stefano, Ponza, and the smaller islands of Palmarola, Gravi, and Zannone. This area is especially loved by tourists from Lazio and Campania for its beaches, such as Chiaia di Luna and Le Felci, Frontone, Lucia Rosa beach with its natural pools, Cala Feola beach, and the stunning landscapes of Cala Fonte.
From Rome
Drive along Via Pontina towards Terracina and continue on Via Flacca in the direction of Sperlonga.
Alternatively, take the Autostrada del Sole (A1) Rome–Naples, exit at Frosinone, then follow the signs for Terracina and onward to Sperlonga.
From Naples
Take the ring road (Tangenziale) in the direction of Mondragone, following the signs for Formia, Gaeta, and finally Sperlonga.
Alternatively, take the Autostrada del Sole (A1) up to Capua, then follow the signs for Formia, Gaeta, and Sperlonga.
On the Rome–Naples railway line (and vice versa), the stop is Fondi–Sperlonga. From there, you will need to continue by local public transport or taxi to reach Sperlonga.
The distance between Fondi–Sperlonga railway station and the town is only about 11 km.
