Europe’s best beach is an ‘unforgettable’ gem — with flights from £43

A beach two hours from Rome has been named best in Europe (Picture: Getty Images) With clear blue water, two miles of sandy beach, and stunning mountain views, Sperlonga has been named Europe’s number one coastal destination. Far removed from some of Italy’s most famous beaches, many of them along the Amalfi Coast, this one is quieter, not to mention calm and shallow — perfect for a dip. Hidden away in the Lazio region, about halfway between Rome and Naples, Sperlonga took the top spot in the Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards, with an overall score of 96.67. Honourable mentions went to the Blue Lagoon in Malta, Patara Beach in Turkey, Praia da Falésia in Portugal, and Falassarna Beach in Greece. But back to Sperlonga. Blue Flag certified (Picture: Getty Images) It’s home to fewer than 4,000 full-time residents, making it a great place for peace and solitude. The beach is Blue Flag certified, meaning its water quality, sustainability, and environmental management practices are among the best in the world. As well as all that, Sperlonga has beach clubs where you can pay for a sunbed and umbrella. Popular spots include the Salette Beach Club, Lido Raggio Di Sole, and Lido Lago Marea Sperlonga, though a warning: they can be expensive. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Travellers describe the beach as ‘unforgettable’, praising its ‘crystal clear’ water, ‘soft golden’ sand and a vibe that’s ‘clean, family-friendly and not as chaotic as other Italian beaches’. @joujoutravels ad This hidden gem is just 1.5 hours from Rome, and I can’t believe how many people miss it. Sperlonga stole my heart with its whitewashed streets, blue waters, and postcard-perfect views. The charming coastal town reminded me of Greece. If you’re visiting Rome, this makes the perfect visit on the first or last day of your trip. Instead of dragging your luggage around the city or waiting between hotel check-ins, store your bags with @Bounce and make the most of your time exploring. With hundreds of luggage storage locations across Rome and around the world, Bounce makes it easy to travel lighter and see more. Use code JOUJOUBOUNCE for 10% off with the link in the comments below. — #RomeDayTrip #SperlongaItaly #HiddenGemsItaly #VisitItaly #ItalyTravel Rome day trip, Sperlonga Italy, hidden gems near Rome, day trips from Rome, Italy hidden gems, beaches near Rome, whitewashed villages Italy, luggage storage Rome, Bounce luggage storage ♬ original sound – Jackie Rezk | Hidden Gems 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. Sperlonga’s whitewashed walls and quaint, cobbled streets are often compared to Greek fishing villages. So much so, it’s been lovingly termed the ‘baby’ of both Italy and Greece. Where to eat near Sperlonga Lounging on the beach isn’t the only thing to do here. The town is home to Roman ruins, a gorgeous walking path connecting the centre with the National Archaeological Museum of Sperlonga, and plenty of alleyways to explore. The Lazio region is home to some of Italy’s most famous dishes, including carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, gnocchi alla romana, and porchetta di Ariccia. In short, this is a great place to eat. The medieval coastal watchtower ‘Torre Truglia’ in Sperlonga (Picture: Getty Images) Because of its perch on the coast, Sperlonga’s restaurants are big on fish. Top-rated spots include Vistamare Formia and Il Porticciolo. For pizza, Ristorante Pizzeria Al Vignale, Tropical Ristorante Tipico Pizzeria, and Celestina Pizzeria come highly recommended. How to get to Sperlonga The best option is to fly into Naples International Airport, which is around two hours by car. At the moment, 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, enough to get stuck into a good book or start a new series. If you’d rather spend a few days in Rome beforehand, flying there is also an option. It’s just over two hours by car. Alternatively, take the train from Roma Termini, the main station, through to Formia-Gaeta, and then transfer to the F4933 bus. Europe's best beaches, according to Condé Nast Traveller's Readers' Choice Awards Sperlonga, Italy Blue Lagoon, Malta Patara Beach, Turkey Praia da Falésia, Portugal Falassarna Beach, Greece Playa de la Caleta, Spain Zlatni Rat, Croatia Playa de Ses Illetes, Spain Porto Katsiki, Greece Fig Tree Bay, Cyprus Kathisma Beach, Greece Plaka Beach, Greece Voidokilia Beach, Greece Agios Ioannis Beach, Greece Balos Lagoon, Greece Praia de Benagil, Portugal Banyuls-sur-Mer, France Playa de la Barceloneta, Spain La Baule-Escoublac, France Elafonissi Beach, Greece. Do you have a story you’d like to share? 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