A characteristic of inland seas such as the Mediterranean is the creation of harbor basins, which often make use of a natural shelter that has been expanded with artificial structures to create a marina. The port of Sperlonga, an excellent mooring spot in Lazio, falls into this category.

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.

It took 22 years to build the new harbor basin. The harbor feasibility study began 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 was delayed for years until November 2008, when construction finally began based on a design by a young architect from Sperlonga.

The new marina was completed in 2013, doubling the number of berths and modernizing the facilities, all while maintaining a focus on environmental sustainability. Thanks to the special care taken during its design and construction, the marina blends seamlessly into a landscape of great beauty.

Two hydraulic connections between the basins and the inflow of water from nearby springs ensure effective water recirculation within the two basins, thereby keepingthe water clear. The management of the networks and services based on these criteria has made it possible to build a system for collecting bilge water and conveying it to a chemical treatment plant, as well as a system for receiving and disposing of stormwater.

Floating piers and docks, paved with wooden planks, are equipped with systems for the distribution of electricity, drinking water, and wash water to serve moored boats. Waste from the boats’ chemical toilets can be discharged at a designated collection point near the fuel pump. Paid services can be accessed using a 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 marina is home to a diving club that organizes diving courses and excursions.

The Municipality of Sperlonga has entrusted Torre Truglia, a 16th-century watchtower, to the company that built and operates the port of Sperlonga, with the aim of promoting cultural events and environmental education workshops. Next to it, beach life comes alive: from kitesurfing championships to beach rugby tournaments, to horseback rides at dawn or after sunset.Between the harbor and the archaeological site of the Grotta di Tiberio lies Angolo Beach, considered one of the most beautiful in Lazio by Legambiente and the Italian Touring Club.

The Port of Sperlonga promotes environmental education events and workshops, as required by the EEC Directive for the Blue Flag certification of ports.

To reduce car traffic, a shuttle service is in operation using an electric vehicle to transport passengers from the new parking area at the entrance to Sperlonga to the harbor. Reservations services are also being improved.

The harbor consists of a breakwater extending 200 m in a NW–SE direction and an inner pier. A central jetty creates two basins with a combined area of 13,000 square meters, accessed via a channel 13 meters wide and 90 meters long. Inside the old part of the dock, colorful local fishing boats remain, with a space reserved just for them.