A beach fit for an Emperor: Sperlonga
Looking for a Mediterranean summer resort with history? How about 2000 years of history?
Ancient Roman Emperor Tiberius, who reigned from 14-37 AD, used to enjoy spending summers in this beautiful seaside retreat on the Tyrrhenian Sea and, millennia later, modern-day Romans still escape the city’s sweltering summers by relaxing on the beach of beautiful Sperlonga, one of my favorite beaches near Rome.
Sperlonga lies south of Italy’s capital, half-way between Rome and Naples. It is about a 1 ½ hour drive from Rome or an easy train ride from Rome’s Termini station to Fondi, with a short, connecting bus to Sperlonga.
Sperlonga’s old town is perched up high, with beautiful views down to the wide town beach and turquoise waters below. Sperlonga, known as the “WhiteTown”, is a charming collection of whitewashed homes and narrow, winding, labarynth-like streets simply begging to be explored.
Stop on the charming piazza for a cappuccino or a gelato and watch the world go by. Then head down the ramp or the steps to the beautiful beach below to while away a relaxing afternoon swimming and lounging on the beach, while enjoying the dramatic views up to the town.
With its wide beach and gentle waves, Sperlonga is also the perfect destination for families with young children – mine are constantly begging me to return.
Head back up to the town in the evening and dine under the stars at one of the many restaurants in the old town: mussels in white wine sauce, calamari, spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) or grilled fish accompanied by a chilled white wine will wrap up the perfect day.
Enjoy your beach holiday fit for an Emperor!
Sounds lovely! Much nicer than my nearest beach which is beneath Venice (read Marghera). I’m not keen on the beaches up in the north I’m sorry – I’ll wait and go south this summer!
Well, can’t shed too many tears for you being close to Venezia. BUT your list of things to do in Rome is growing longer by the week. : ) If not Rome, hope I’ll be seeing you in Matera.
Very interesting… 🙂
Ideas for the next time you pass through Rome…: )
What a paradise…
It definitely is. Always think this would be a wonderful place to write…
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