Free walking tours in Sperlonga and what to see

Must-sees

Sperlonga is a village of white houses perched on a rocky spur above the southern coast of Lazio, between Terracina and Gaeta. The old town is a maze of stairways, arches and small squares with views over the two beaches on either side of the promontory. Below, by the sea, stands the Torre Truglia, an old coastal watchtower.

The big sight is the villa of the emperor Tiberius, south of the village, with the natural grotto where banquets were held by the water. Marble sculpture groups with scenes from the Odyssey were found there, such as the blinding of Polyphemus and the ship attacked by Scylla, and they are now displayed in the National Archaeological Museum next to the site. The rest of the day goes on the beach and strolling through the village, especially at sunset.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free tours in Sperlonga. The usual format is a boat trip along the Riviera di Ulisse, with outings that reach the Montagna Spaccata and Monte Orlando in Gaeta and let you see the coves and caves of the coast from the water. The museum and the villa of Tiberius are visited on your own.

How long to spend

Four or five hours are enough for the village, the museum and the villa of Tiberius. If you want beach time and a boat trip, allow a full day or two. With more time, Gaeta and Terracina, with its temple of Jupiter Anxur on the mountain, are less than half an hour away by car.

Where to stay

For atmosphere, stay in or just below the old town, where there are small hotels, guesthouses and apartments. It is a village of steps, so travel light. To be by the sea, Ponente beach has hotels and apartments right by the water. In summer demand is very high and it is worth booking early.