All About Ponza
The largest island in the Pontine archipelago is called Ponza and it is a tiny gem hiding in the Tyrrhenian Sea between Rome and Naples. Although secluded, settlements on the island go back to the New Stone Age, along with several remnants from Roman times dotted around its landscape. Left uninhabited for a long time after the fall of the Roman Empire, King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon re-started residency in Ponza in the 18th century. The following decades saw much turmoil as the island came under British rule until it finally became a part of Italy in the mid-19th century.
Interestingly, there are two theories regarding the name of the crescent-shaped island. Some believe it is anointed after the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. While others credit the title to the Latin word pontia (meaning ‘land of bridges’) because of the many natural rock arches around the coastline.
Home to roughly 3500 locals, Ponza these days is a playground for the rich and the famous. With its beaches, high-end shopping, and rustic appeal, the isle is a favorite among Italian holiday goers, especially from nearby Rome and Naples. A preferred film location, Ponza’s towering white and yellow tuff cliffs, laidback atmosphere, and crystal-clear waters make it an attractive choice for a fun-filled vacation.
Routes and Ferries to Ponza
Ferries and hydrofoils from different parts of Italy help make the island an easy-to-reach destination. You can book ferry tickets to Ponza using Ferryscanner. Boats from Terracina arrive throughout the year with up to 11 sailings per week during summer. Tickets for the roughly one hour and 15-minute journey start at €25 one way. Ferries from Naples to Ponza take close to three hours, whereas those from Ventotene cover the distance in under one hour. Tourists wishing to travel from Rome must first reach the port of Anzio and then take the one-hour and 40-minute ferry to Ponza.
Although the last leg of the journey requires travelers to purchase ferry tickets to Ponza, those arriving from far will find Rome and Naples airports as suitable landing options. However, booking a chartered helicopter flight from Urbe or Ciampino airports in Rome is one alternative to taking the boat.
Port of Ponza
The building of the harbor in Ponza dates back to the 1730s when the recolonization of the island started under Bourbon rule. Today, it is the island’s primary entry and departure point as everyone with ferry tickets to Ponza disembarks here. Located in a protected inlet on the eastern coastline, the port is relatively small yet easily facilitates multiple ferries and hydrofoils daily. Private boats can moor around the harbor after the last ferry of the day sails away but must leave before 8:00 the following morning.
The port area is bustling and has several restaurants, hotels, bars, and ice cream shops. Most evenings, locals and tourists come to the port’s promenade for a meal by the waterfront and an after-dinner saunter. Furthermore, the harbor is a hotbed of most tourist excursions, with several boat rentals and organized tours available in the area.
Best Beaches in Ponza
Ponza has a 40km long, rugged coastline that impresses visitors with its collection of breathtaking sandy and pebble beaches, rocky coves, and hidden caves. Accessible in some cases on foot, most of these shorelines are best explored by renting a boat or taking a beach and grotto-hopping tour.
Spiaggia di Frontone
Frontone is among the most famous beaches in Ponza, known for its live DJ stations and buzzing atmosphere. Reachable by taking a €7 round-trip water taxi from the port, Frontone has an on-site restaurant, paid showers, free toilets, as well as sunbed and umbrella rentals starting at €40. In addition to its stunning cliffside location, the pebbled strand also grants entry into transparent waters, perfect for a refreshing swim. Do keep in mind that the seabed drops suddenly, and while ideal for snorkeling, one much keep a watch on children entering the sea.
Spiaggia S. Antonia
One of the most convenient beaches in Ponza, S. Antonia, is a tiny sandy spot you’ll notice as soon as you disembark from the ferry. The beach is clean with shallow water but stays busy because many boats moor nearby. There aren’t any sunbed rentals here. However, you can bring a towel and lie down for as long as you want.
Spiaggia di Lucia Rosa
On the west coast, Lucia Rosa Beach is a secluded spot accessible only by boat. The seabed here is part rocky and sandy, with clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There are instances when local authorities close the area if there are any chances of falling rocks. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the turquoise green sea adjoining the land. A popular beach in Ponza, there aren’t any facilities on the ground. However, gelato boats anchor nearby, providing refreshments to visitors.
Cala Feola
Located deep inside a sheltered bay, Cala Feola is one of the best beaches in Ponza and is also the island’s only proper sandy strip. Situated on the west shoreline of Le Forna, the beach offers several amenities, such as a bar, restaurant, toilets, kayaking, and loungers for rent. The shallow calm waters of the bay further make the strand family-friendly. Unfortunately, during high season, the beach can face heavy boat traffic. Use the boat service from the port to reach Cala Feola or get there by road. However, the parking is about 300 meters away, and you’ll have to go down over 200 steps to reach the sand.
La Caletta
La Caletta is a natural cliffside beach in Le Forna primarily consisting of flat rocks. Access to the beach is both by boat and land. Even though slightly unconventional, La Caletta attracts plenty of visitors during the summer. The on-site bar and restaurant serve refreshments and rent out sunbeds and umbrellas for €20. This fee includes a canoe rental for a specific amount of time. Although entry into the water is not child-friendly, the beach is an excellent spot to snorkel.
Neighborhoods of Ponza
The island of Ponza consists primarily of three neighborhoods. Each one boasts of an individual character that is wildly diverse in ambiance and showcases a different side of the island.
Ponza Harbor
There is no escaping the port as that is where you’ll arrive with ferry tickets to Ponza in hand. Consequently, you’ll find most of the best hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars in this province. A busy neighborhood, the port is also the closest to enjoying Ponza’s modest yet romantic and entertaining nightlife.
Santa Maria
Santa Maria is a small village adjoining the port. Its own harbor is home to several fishing boats and is also a great place to rent dinghies at a cheaper rate. Relatively less crowded than the port, Santa Maria has its fair share of restaurants and accommodations. The beach here is much-favored by locals and is ideal for a relaxing day under the sun.
Le Forna
Le Forna covers most of the island’s northern section. About 6km from the port, one can easily reach the neighborhood by bus or car. Laidback and typically devoid of tourist action, Le Forna showcases the island’s traditional side. Here, you’ll find pocket-friendly hotels, traditional tavernas, and the perfect opportunity to mingle with the residents.
Places to Visit in Ponza
For a small island in the middle of nowhere, Ponza is quite an adventurous destination. Besides offering an array of water sports, such as diving, Ponza encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty and discover some of its hidden treasures.
Spiaggia di Chiaia di Luna
Ponza’s world-renowned Half Moon Beach is a natural marvel featuring a thin strip of land bordering 300-feet high tuff cliffs. Once the most popular place to visit in Ponza, it’s been closed for a few years due to instances of falling rocks. Nevertheless, one can anchor further away from the beach and enjoy its scenic beauty while swimming in the refreshing blue-green waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. In the evening, most tourists assemble at the viewing platform on top of the cliff to witness astounding sunsets and birds-eye views of the beach.
Botanical Garden of Ponza
Perched on top of Bourbon Belvedere Hill, the Botanical Garden of Ponza is a private villa plot covering a 15,000 sqm area. Built in the 1980s to catalog and preserve the island’s diverse flora and fauna, it now houses over 70 plant species, particularly orchids. A micro-ecosystem, the garden is also a paradise for bird watchers. Entry into the park is free, although you must ask the owner’s permission before wandering around. On rare occasions, the owner also gives guided tours.
Antiche Cantine Migliaccio
The remotely located Antiche Cantine Migliaccio is a true hidden gem that every culinary enthusiast must visit during their stay in Ponza. The winery in Cape Fieno is reachable by boat or a 40-minute hike. Using vines from Ischia, the winegrowers practice terraced farming to make four varieties of wines, often under harsh conditions. Although they’re producing about 10,000 bottles every year, very few actually leave the island. This fact makes the wine from Ponza an exclusive and rare find.
Caves of Pilate
Grotte di Pilato is a series of five caves made during Roman times by digging into the volcanic rock that forms Ponza’s coastline. Back then, the caves were used for breeding fish consumed by the residents. Situated near the port, one can now take special tours to see the caverns. When choosing a trip, opt for one in the smaller boat. While the larger vessels offer cheaper tickets, only the smaller ones can go inside the grottoes.
Island of Palmarola
The uninhabited Palmarola is the second-largest island in the archipelago. About 10km from Ponza, regular day tours costing around €25 from the port take enthusiastic travelers to swim around and witness Palmarola’s many nooks and caves. The beach on the island is one of its main highlights, offering an exceptional opportunity to snorkel in its transparent waters. A single restaurant on the beach occasionally rents out rooms for an overnight stay during the summers.
Transportation Around Ponza
Ponza is relatively straightforward to travel around, and one does not need to bring a car to the island. Upon arriving with ferry tickets to Ponza, you can cover most areas near the harbor and Santa Maria on foot. Scooter rentals work best if you know how to ride the vehicle beforehand and plan to stay in Ponza for a few days. Taxis are ideal for point-to-point transfers, although they are slightly expensive. For instance, a trip to Le Forna from the port will cost you upwards of €15. At the same time, the local bus service is more affordable, albeit slower, and can get crowded during the summer.
The most favorable and fun transport option in Ponza is a boat. You do not require a license to hire one. The 4–5-seater traditional wooden boat, known as a gozzo, rents for a minimum of €50 plus gas. The dinghies can accommodate more people and cost a minimum of €120 plus gas to rent. For an added €50 -€70, you can hire a skipper for your boat. Renting a boat is possible around the island from different fishing ports. Moreover, prices tend to be cheaper in Santa Maria and Le Forna. The summer season is when boats are most in demand, and booking one in advance is advisable to avoid disappointment.
Water taxis are perfect for visiting specific beaches if you do not plan to spend the entire day on a boat discovering the island. Otherwise, one can take an organized boat tour that covers a few locations to swim and sunbathe around Ponza.
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