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Ponza and surroundings

Ponza is part of the Ponziano archipelago, made up of 6 different islands: Ponza, Zannone, Gavi, Palmarola, Santo Stefano, Ventotene.
We are about 50 km from the coast of southern Lazio, in the Gulf of Gaeta.
To get to Ponza you can start from Formia, Anzio or Terracina but also from Pozzuoli, Ischia and Naples.
These Tyrrhenian islands have volcanic origin and are a popular tourist destination for those who love the sea above all.
Visiting Ponza, however, means alternating sea and beaches with caves and wild coves, not to forget the historic center and a walk in the hinterland. Especially the latter allows you to appreciate the flora and fauna of this island. Ponza is very suitable for those who love hiking and trekking, you can climb Monte Guardia (280 meters of altitude), visit the remains of the Necropolis of Bagno Vecchio and the Church of the Madonna della Civita and enjoy the view of course.

Other Pontine Islands

We recommend that you include one or two days in the program of your holiday in Ponza to visit the other Pontine Islands. You are spoiled for choice. We give you some useful information to choose which ones to include in your holiday itinerary.

Ventotene and Santo Stefano: they are part of a nature reserve and protected marine area and are much loved by those who do scuba diving and snorkeling for the seabed. The beaches are rocky, dark precisely because of volcanic origin.

Palmarola: also a natural reserve, almost completely uninhabited, it maintains its pristine aspect and holds the title of one of the most beautiful islands ever. The island is a compendium of rocks from the majestic volcanic formations in the north to the faraglioni and the shallows to the south. Typical cave houses carved into the rock and the Faraglione di San Silverio.

Zannone: a completely uninhabited protected area, it can possibly be visited with the help of a guide but you cannot stay overnight. It is administered by the Circeo park. The coasts, beaches, coves, and the immediately deep surrounding sea (but also from free diving) can be freely visited.

Other Pontine Islands Hotel Mari

Historic center

Ponza Island has an area of 8 square km and is best known for its sea, beaches and caves.
However, the historic center is also worth a visit and a walk. The alleys of the town are full of craft shops and tourist places to spend pleasant evenings.
The small village is almost an amphitheater of barrel-roofed houses and pastel-colored facades overlooking the harbor. You cannot miss a visit to the church of San Silverio and Santa Domitilla, celebrated in June with numerous events dedicated to them.

Historic center Hotel Mari

Caves

The Caves of Pilate are certainly the best known ones. This system of caves was made by the Romans, who dug the tuff to raise moray eels. In fact, them are also known as Murenaio di Ponza. Them are close to the port.
The Cave of Ulysses can be visited by boat or swimming and is located near the caves of Pilate. The opening at the top is very particular to admire the play of light and the colors of the water.
The intertwining of caves, even underwater, in Capo Bianco, is suggestive
The diving near the Scoglio della Botte is also interesting, where there are two caves ideal for those who love diving.

Caves Hotel Mari

Beaches

Ponza is characterized by jagged coasts and numerous beaches and coves.
Among the best known are certainly:

  • Frontone, the most equipped beach on the island, connected to the port until sunset by numerous small ferries
  • Cala Fèola, suitable for those traveling with children because it has services and can be reached on foot
  • Chiaia di Luna with its majestic cliff (opening soon)
  • Faraglioni di Lucia Rosa, for its wild sunsets, reachable only by boat
  • The Core pebble beach accessible only by boat
  • Cala Gaetano, which can be reached after a descent of 300 steps, not difficult but worthy
  • Cala Fèlece in the far north of the island, a beach of pebbles with mysterious colors
Beaches Hotel Mari