Ponza

Ponza is one of the largest islands located at a distance of 33 kms towards the South of Cape Circeo along the Tyrrhenian Sea. This archipelago of islands across the Latina province has an area of 7.5 sq. km with around 3500 inhabitants residing on this large island of Ponza. Due to the greater number of tourists visiting here every year, this place is more populated during the holiday season.

The island was inhabited since the Neolithic era from the Roman period and it is named after the Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate. It lies exactly along the West coast of Italy and almost half way between Rome and Naples with a connectivity to the mainland through boat and ferry services. During the summer season, this place is more crowded with visitors, who come here to enjoy their vacation. Ponza is known for its pristine beaches, scenic beauty and also the blue grottos found on this island. There are many archeological sites and findings here dating back to the Egyptians, Phoenician and Canaanites of the ancient times.

Getting to Ponza

You can either take a hydrofoil from Naples or Anzio to reach Ponza or opt for ferry services from Anzio, Formia,  Terracina for Ponza.

Places to See Around Ponza

There are not many tourist attractions around Ponza but the main charm and appeal of this island lies in its natural beauty and lovely landscape. You can take boat trips here to visit different places for exploring the scenic beauty of this island and catch a glimpse of the natural reserve of Zannone. Grotte di Pilato comprises of three caves, which was used by the Romans in the olden times for digging fishpools to search for their supper. There are plenty of mule tacks, ancient ruins along with shipwrecks to discover on this island. You can also catch a glimpse of the remains of the old Roman port along Santa Maria.

Giardino Botanico Ponziano

This is a private botanical garden located across the Villa Madonna collina Belvedere founded during the 1980's that offers a wide collection of plant species. You can also visit the Cave of Ulysses of the blood just close to the botanical garden along with the Cave of Sorceress Circe.

Porto di Ponza

The main center of this island is the Porto di Ponza which is lined by a natural harbor and the shoe shaped port here is the home to the fishing communities living here since many years. There are plenty of visitors who come to this place to catch a glimpse of the natural scenic beauty of this lovely spot. You can come across lot of winding streets and squares here with plenty of nice cafes, restaurants and shops in this place.

Le Forna

Here you can enjoy the peace and calm atmosphere of the countryside and it is also one of the main settlements of the Ponza island. You can hire boat and ferry services here to discover some of the places across the region and enjoy a trip to the other inlets. It is great place for divers to enjoy a great diving experience in Ponza with the presence of crystal clear waters here.

Chiaia di Luna

Chiaia di Luna is one of the popular beaches of Ponza where a crescent of sand can be seen under the tall cliffs. As you reach the end of the island towards Le Forna, you can come across beautiful natural pools suitable for enjoying a nice bath amidst the warm sunshine. Ponzo is also famous for its blue grottos, which is believed to be the creation of the Etruscans.

Living and Accommodation

Generally, Ponza has lot of tourists and Roman visitors who come here to spend their holidays and it is less expensive option as compared to the neighboring Capri Island. Many rich and famous people come here to enjoy some moments of privacy and bliss found on this island. The best option for those who are budget travelers is to opt for a room in Ponza and lot of good choices can be found across Le Forna.

If you want to enjoy a comfortable stay with all the good amenities, then it is recommended to choose some good hotels, if you are on a short visit. Usually, you will find the prices to be quite high during July-August and at the time of Easter as lot of people come on a holiday in this season. There are also plenty of Bed and Breakfast hotels located in some of the best locations here, which offer all the possible amenities with a scenic view overlooking the harbor. You can come across plenty of 3 star and 4 star hotels here in Ponza and choose the one which best suits your budget and individual preferences.

Eating Out in Ponza

There are plenty of good restaurants in Ponza that serve some delicious and mouth-watering cuisines ranging from simple food to the tasty seafood of this region. You can choose from the main course or the traditional recipes prepared here using shrimp, squids served along with the pastas. Most of the cuisine found here is influenced from the Roman and Naples and are well prepared using the locally available fresh ingredients with lots of flavor. You can also taste some of the delicious fish based dishes in most of the restaurants here. Spaghetti Impepati is made using mussels including risotto made from tuna are some of the popular dishes of this region.

Visiting Ponza can be a great experience with lots of fascinating views of the harbor and the vast coastline of this region. The lovely pristine beaches, harbor and the main settlement of the villages and the ports in Mediterranean style provide the best glimpse of this island of Ponza. With lot of staying options available here ranging from hotels to apartments offering good hospitality to the guests, Ponza can be a good choice to consider for spending a great vacation and enjoying some relaxing moments with your family.