Sperlonga, a coastal town in Italy's Lazio region, has been named Europe's number one coastal destination in the Condé Nast Traveller's Readers' Choice Awards, with an overall score of 96.67.
The town, located about halfway between Rome and Naples, is praised for its clear blue water, two miles of sandy beach, and stunning mountain views. It is home to fewer than 4,000 full-time residents, offering a quieter alternative to Italy's more famous beaches along the Amalfi Coast.
Beach features and recognition
The beach is Blue Flag certified, indicating high standards in water quality, sustainability, and environmental management. Travellers describe it as 'unforgettable', praising its 'crystal clear' water, 'soft golden' sand, and a vibe that is 'clean, family-friendly and not as chaotic as other Italian beaches'.
Beach clubs, including Salette Beach Club, Lido Raggio Di Sole, and Lido Lago Marea Sperlonga, offer sunbeds and umbrellas for a fee, though they can be expensive.
Local attractions and dining
Beyond the beach, Sperlonga offers Roman ruins, a walking path to the National Archaeological Museum of Sperlonga, and cobbled streets often compared to Greek fishing villages. The town has been termed the 'baby' of both Italy and Greece.
Local guide Yashoda Nepali says the beach has 'stunning views' of the town and makes a nice day trip for international tourists staying in Rome. Top-rated restaurants include Vistamare Formia and Il Porticciolo for fish, and Ristorante Pizzeria Al Vignale, Tropical Ristorante Tipico Pizzeria, and Celestina Pizzeria for pizza.
Getting there
The best option is to fly into Naples International Airport, about two hours by car. Flights are available with Ryanair, departing the UK on December 5 and returning on December 12, for £43. The flight time is two hours and 40 minutes.
Alternatively, travellers can fly to Rome and drive just over two hours, or take a train from Roma Termini to Formia-Gaeta and transfer to the F4933 bus.
