Sperlonga Fish Soup Festival

A festival that smells of the sea

Every summer, on the third weekend of August, the historic center of Sperlonga turns into a giant dining table set by the sea. The Sperlonga Fish Soup Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the season on the Riviera di Ulisse: an event that celebrates the iconic dish of local cuisine, the Sperlonga-style fish soup, served at large communal tables nestled within the white alleys of the village. The atmosphere is that of an authentic coastal town feast: the aroma of freshly cooked fish, local white wine, music, and the bustle of visitors filling the squares overlooking the Tyrrhenian.

Sperlonga-style fish soup

Sperlonga's fish soup is a classic 'cucina di recupero' (leftover-style) recipe, born from the simple culinary traditions of what was for centuries a small fishing village. It is prepared with so-called 'poor' fish—rich in flavor—such as scorpionfish, weever, and tub gurnard, combined with local mussels and clams, baby squid, calamari, and prawns or scampi. The result is a deep, fragrant dish to be savored slowly, accompanied by slices of toasted bread that soak up every drop of the broth. During the festival, the soup is prepared in large quantities and served steaming hot, following the maritime philosophy that nothing from the catch should go to waste.

Sperlonga, the white village of the Riviera di Ulisse

The event is set in one of Italy's most beautiful villages: Sperlonga, a town in the province of Latina, in southern Lazio, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the sea. The historic center, a labyrinth of alleys, staircases, and Mediterranean-style white houses, culminates at the Torre Truglia, an ancient watchtower used to guard against Saracen raids. Just a few kilometers away lie the Grotto of Tiberius and the National Archaeological Museum, which house the famous sculptural groups from the Roman emperor's villa. Attending the festival means immersing yourself in over two thousand years of history, between the myth of Ulysses and the maritime traditions of lower Lazio.

Communal tables in the historic center

The festival's format is all about pure conviviality: long tables set up in the squares and along the alleys of the village, where residents and tourists sit side-by-side over steaming plates. The locals recommend pairing the soup with a glass of local white wine—considered the perfect match—and then taking a stroll to the viewpoints overlooking the Levante and Ponente beaches.

A summer of festivals and celebrations

The Fish Soup Festival is part of the busy summer calendar promoted by the Municipality of Sperlonga and local associations in the Lazio Region: in July, the Octopus and Tiella Festival (the savory pie stuffed with seafood that is a local symbol), followed by the Ferragosto fireworks on the sea, and at the end of August, the Sperlonga Jazz & Blues festival. A mosaic of events that makes this coastal town one of the most vibrant destinations on the Lazio coast in summer.

Visitor tips

The second half of August is peak season in Sperlonga: it is advisable to book accommodation well in advance and arrive at the festival early in the evening to avoid queues at the serving stands. The historic center is pedestrian-only: cars must be left in the parking lots at the foot of the village.