Porto di Sperlonga

A feature of inland seas such as the Mediterranean is the creation of basin ports in which a natural backdrop expanded with artificial works is often exploited to create a tourist landing. To this category belongs the port of Sperlonga, an excellent mooring in Lazio.

As far back as 1954, the creation of the first sheltered landing place for fishing boats in Sperlonga was initiated thanks to an initial grant from the then Ministry of Public Works, provided to accommodate the needs of local fishermen and boaters.

Over the years, the tourist and recreational function has become prevalent, thanks to the quality of the marine waters, the beauty of the coastline that includes the Ulysses Riviera Regional Park, and the proximity of the Pontine Islands, which can be reached within 30 nautical miles.

Construction of the new dock took 22 years. The port study had begun in the 1990s; the first application for a state concession for the expansion was submitted in 2001, but following findings by the Court of Auditors, the contract slipped for years until construction was finally opened in November 2008, based on a design by a young Sperlongan architect.

The new port was completed in 2013 by doubling berths and modernizing facilities, but always turning attention to environmental sustainability. Thanks to the special care employed in the design and construction, the harbor is well embedded in a beautiful landscape.

Two hydraulic connections between the basins and the supply of water from nearby springs ensure effective recirculation of water in the two basins so that thewater is clear. The management of the networks and services based on these criteria made it possible to build a facility for collecting bilge water conveyed to a chemical purifier, as well as a facility for receiving and disposing of rainwater.

Floating docks and piers, paved with wooden planks, are equipped with facilities for the distribution of electricity, drinking water, and washing water to serve the stationary boats. Sewage from the boats’ chemical toilets can be discharged at a specific collection point near the fuel station. Pay-as-you-go utilities can be activated by prepaid card.

Some sections of the docks are reserved for professional fishermen, boats of the Coast Guard’s sea search and rescue service, and the mooring of boats in transit.

Boats are accommodated in absolutely safe conditions, and thelanding is equipped with all onshore services: administrative offices, reception, guardhouse, restrooms with showers, and laundry facilities.

A reserved parking area is available for boaters. The landing site hosts a diving club that organizes diving courses and excursions.

The Municipality of Sperlonga has entrusted Torre Truglia, a watchtower built in the 16th century, to the company that built and manages Sperlonga’s ports to promote cultural events and environmental education workshops. Next to it, beach life comes alive: from kitesurfing championships to a beach rugby challenge, to horseback riding at dawn or after sunset.Between the landing and the archaeological area of the Grotta di Tiberio lies the Angolo beach, considered one of the most beautiful in Lazio by Legambiente and the Italian Touring Club.

The Port of Sperlonga Society promotes environmental education events and workshops, as required by the EEC Directive for blue flag recognition for ports.

To limit car traffic, a shuttle service using an electric vehicle is in operation to allow users to travel from the new parking area at the entrance to Sperlonga to the inside of the landing. Reservation services are also being finalized.

The landfall consists of a breakwater that extends 200 m in a NW – SE direction and an under-billow pier. A central arm creates two docks with a total of 13,000 sq m accessed through a 13-m wide and 90-m long channel. Within the old part of the dock remains the colorful local fishing boats, with a space reserved for them.