The Best of Sperlonga

Sperlonga captured my heart more than three decades ago when we first started spending the month of June here each year. Some of Sperlonga's appeal is intangible, it occupies your senses in ways you can't even describe. Yet, so much of what there is to love in this amazing coastal hill town is easy to quantify. Here's a list of things that I adore about Sperlonga.

1. INCREDIBLE VIEWS 
Incredible views abound in Sperlonga, particularly the views from archways throughout the town are breathtaking!

2. SEAFOOD 
Seafood in Sperlonga is delicious; fresh and local.

3. AMYCLAE EXPERIENCE
This local boutique company, owned and operated by Irene, offers all kinds of delicious experiences in and around Sperlonga. Irene organizes a wonderful buffalo mozzarella tour with tasting; I loved this tour! Meet the buffaloes and purchase some freshly made buffalo mozzarella cheese.

Food and wine are fabulous in this area. Irene organizes wine tastings, cooking programs, and depending on the season either a visit to a local fish market or a fishing trip...including a dip in the sea.

Or you just might prefer a customized "Amyclae Experience" like this gentleman, Jim from Albany NY, who loved his private tour and language experience with Irene.
Check out Amyclae Experience on instagram.

4. CHIESA DI SANCTAE MARIAE
Up in the heart of the historic center is a 12th century church, now used mostly for cultural events. It's rarely opened but when it is the remaining frescoes dating back 800 years are a must see!

5. VENTOTENE
Ventotene is a little jewel of an island in Rome’s Lazio region, and a short boat trip excursion from Sperlonga. Wonderful local recipes, island-grown lentils and local wines.

6. Gorgeous SUNRISES AND SUNSETS are abundant in Sperlonga.

7. TIELLA
If you've never tried tiella, then you've missed one of southern Lazio's coastal delicacies. Tiella is a scrumptious filled pasta, originally from Gaeta, but available is Sperlonga at our favorite alimentare. Every day around 9:30 in the morning freshly baked tielle arrive from Gaeta. My favorite is tielle stuffed with seafood, but I also love eggplant tiella, onion tiella...just about any kind is wonderful!

8. AWARD-WINNING BEACHES
If you're looking for a fabulous beach not far from Rome then Sperlonga is ideal. The town takes great pride in the fact that each year it is awarded the "Bandiera Blu" attesting to the cleanliness of its coastal waters for swimmers. There is a "secca", or sand bar, along the beach which allows children to walk out quite far without reaching deep swimming water. It's also great for anyone who just wants to cool off without swimming.
The hill town of Sperlonga rises high above the sea, and divides the beach in two. To the right looking out to sea, the beach extends north about three miles before you reach an impassible point, allowing for fabulous walks. If you loop around Sperlonga heading south you'll find another stretch of beach, equally long, perfect for more walking. It extends as far as the Grotta di Tiberio, a cave named after Emperor Tiberius dating back 1,800 years to when he lived here in a sumptuous imperial villa and reveled in the beauty of the area.

9. EMPEROR TIBERIUS VILLA & SCULPTURES
What remains of the villa can still be visited, and just above the remains, within the National Archeological Museum, are spectacular sculptures from the ancient villa of Emperor Tiberius.

10. HOTEL AURORA
There's a charming old world feel to this family owned and operated hotel. Rooms have sea or mountain, or courtyard views, each one simple but elegant and immaculately cared for. There's a fabulous garden terrace for lunch or cocktails, or take your pick of indoor and outdoor terrace and balcony options to relax and enjoy the beauty of Sperlonga. We love the rooms, the garden and terraces, not to mention the food. Every moment is a pleasure here!

11. WHITEWASHED SPERLONGA
When you look up at the hill town of Sperlonga from the beach it's entirely white. As you wander through the narrow winding stairways the entire town is a blast of chalky white speckled with colorful geraniums and bougainvillea.