Sperlonga

Sperlonga is a comune in the Lazio region of central Italy, in the province of Latina, located on the Tyrrhenian coast between Gaeta and Formia. The town occupies a promontory, with a hilltop historic center of whitewashed houses overlooking the sea and a modern seaside area with sandy beaches. The old town is characterized by narrow streets and a landscape shaped by centuries of settlement, from medieval times onward, with remains of fortifications and religious buildings.

Nearby is the Grotto di Tiberio, the site of an ancient Roman seaside villa attributed to Emperor Tiberius. In the grotto and its surroundings, a notable collection of sculptures was recovered in the 20th century, including groups depicting episodes from Greek myths and the Iliad. The works are among the most important examples of Roman sculpture and are housed in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli and in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Sperlonga.

Today Sperlonga is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, clear waters, and scenic coastline as well as its archaeological and historic sites. The local economy relies on tourism, along with agriculture and small crafts; seafood is a staple of local cuisine.

Accessibility is primarily by road, with nearest rail connections through Formia or Gaeta, linking Sperlonga to broader regional networks. The town hosts local festivals and markets, particularly in the summer, drawing visitors from across the region.