Sperlonga

The first time I ever heard about Sperlonga was from a student who was appalled that I had been living in Rome for (at the time) around three years but had never been there. I was instructed to tell Vito to take me there, as it was a unique place to visit and well worth seeing.  So I began to nag and as Vito will do anything for a quiet life, one day we drove south to spend the day at Sperlonga.  It takes about an hour to drive there from the south of Rome. The reason my student had been so keen for me to see Sperlonga, was that it was a Borgo, but one built entirely in white.  It literally sparkles in the sun.  I have never seen so many sprightly octogenarians in one place my life before either.  The old borgo of Sperlonga is VERY high up

and those who live there permanently (a lot of the houses are now holiday homes for folk who live elsewhere) have to go up and down a LOT!  The prices of these homes have rocketed in recent years and you’d have to have a lot of extra cash to be able to afford one now.

Below the borgo is the “new” town of Sperlonga, a popular seaside resort with lovely beaches and plenty of hotels. 

However it is packed out in the high season months (July and August) so if you ever think of going there you need to book well in advance.  You also need to be prepared to share the space with plenty of other people.  But if like us, you go there out of season, say April / May or June, then you will see the old Borgo in its sparkling glory, and blaze of colour from the flowers that grow everywhere. Like all Borghi that are lived in, this one is a true mix of old and new. Crumbling balconies barely supporting satellite T.V. dishes,

and the locals deep in conversation amidst the passing tourists.

The squares are full of bars and ice-cream places, and little shops selling beach dresses and swimwear as well as souvenir knick-knacks.

 Look through any side path or in any cranny and you will find white on white,

or a drop into the clear blue sea beneath

(glad I don’t have to paint the outside of this place!)

There is also the more modern square where the administrative buildings are set across a wide piazza,

and again plenty of bars to have a cooling drink.

On the level beneath the main central street

is a quiet walkway

where you can sit and relax in the sun,

or look down to watch the action in the little marina.

Since that first time we've returned to Sperlonga on many occasion, taking family and friends who visit us to see it.

All are agreed.  It's well worth the visit :)