Perched atop a headland between Naples and Rome, Sperlonga is a labyrinthine seaside town home to an ancient Roman sea grotto and historic towers. It’s also a short drive from the volcano-shrouded ruins of Pompeii.

Things to do

Stroll through the postcard-perfect streets of Sperlonga, whose whitewashed houses draped in bougainvillea line narrow lanes and staircases. Head north to mingle with the locals at Sperlonga’s lively beach resort or escape south to a stunning stretch of sand.

Visit Villa Di Tiberio, an ancient imperial residence that terraces down to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Explore the crumbling foundations, fish ponds and grotto cave, then visit the museum where decorative objects, furnishings and ancient artefacts detail the villa’s history through to the late-Ancient age.

The Tyrrhenian Sea coast is dotted with towers built to defend the local settlements against attack, with the towers of Sperlonga dating back to the 16th century. Admire the Torre del Nibbio and the rebuilt Torre di Capovento to the south of Sperlonga, then take in the coastal views from the Torre Truglia, which stands atop a rocky promontory at the tip of the town.

Make a day trip south to the city of Naples, which is watched over by the active volcano of Mount Vesuvius that destroyed the Roman town of Pompeii. Marvel at the fresco-filled Duomo di San Gennaro and wander through the opulent Royal Palace of Naples before feasting on delicious Italian pizza.

Getting around

Sperlonga is around two hours’ drive from Rome Fiumicino International Airport and 1.5 hours from Naples International Airport. It’s connected to both cities by regular trains, while the centre of Sperlonga is compact enough to explore on foot.