Island of Ponza

Island of Ponza

The beauties and secrets of the island of the Moon

Latinamipiace Tips!
Visit the Grotte of Pilato

Best Season
Summer


Type of attraction
Natural

Typical product
Fish soups

The island of Ponza is certainly one of the most known of the Pontine islands in the Italian Province of Latina, just 2 hours from Rome. Its coves, crystal clear water and its half-moon shape have made it famous throughout the Mediterranean. Moreover the presence of archaeological sites dating back to Roman times make it an alternative destination not only for beach lovers. The island is divided into three main locations: Ponza (Porto area), Campo Inglese and Le Forna. Ponza can be reached from the ports of Formia and Terracina, all year round and in summer also from Anzio and San Felice Circeo.

But let's see the main attractions together, what to see and what to do.

Island of Ponza map

Here you can find the map and discover where is the Ponza Island, detailed with all the main natural attractions. If you click on the image you can download it and print it o saved into your mobile phone.

Ponza Island what to do

Boat trip

isole-pontine-Ponza-gita-barca-latinamipiace

Between coves, stacks, beaches and turquoise waters, the island of Ponza is certainly an island that must be visited with a small and comfortable boat. Whether it's an organized, private or rented tour, it's definitely an experience you won't regret.

Walk in the Port

isola-di-Ponza-porto-latinamipiaceThe small port of the island of Ponza built by the Bourbons between 1768-1779 to facilitate the settlement of the new inhabitants and to better govern the island. With a semicircular shape, the Port is made up of external and ground moorings. Do not miss the walk in the small town between restaurants and typical Mediterranean houses.

Ponza Island what to see

Chiaia di Luna

Cala-di-Luna-isole-pontine-Ponza-latinamipiaceAlso known as Cala di Luna, it is one of the most famous beaches of the island of Ponza reachable by a tunnel dug out of the Augustan tuff, and which it's connected to the Port. Surrounded by a huge tuff wall that gives it the typical white color, the crystal clear sea and the caves make it a natural wonder. At the moment it is not possible to access it, due to the risk of landslides.

Discover here the 10 most beautiful beaches in the province of Latina, natural wonders not to be missed.

Cala Cecata

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza_cala-cecataIt is located in Le Forna in the area of La Piana and is one of the most beautiful coves of the island of Ponza. Reachable on foot through a path and a stairway overlooking the sea, in the vicinity there is certainly a place to visit Cala Cavone, a small inlet that can be reached by a staircase made up of 100 steps.

Cala Feola and Natural Pools

Cala-Feola-e-piscine-Naturali-isola-di-Ponza-latinamipiaceAlso this Cala is located in the locality of Le Forna protected by Capo Bosco and the Montagna della Corte with clear and crystalline sea where you can dive in peace. There is a beach, equipped with refreshment facilities and can be reached by several footpaths. Make this unique set the numerous of Truffle Houses homes of the first settlers of the island carved in the tuff and still perfectly preserved. Do not miss a swim in the suggestive caves of the Natural Pools.

Punta papa

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza_punta-papaIn this part of the island of Ponza there is one of the main attractions for all diving enthusiasts, this is where the "Landing Ship Tank" is located, a ship used in the Second World War to transport troops and heavy vehicles, sunk in February 1943. For those who do not prefer diving in this area there is a fort, ideal for seeing a beautiful sunset.

Cala dell'acqua (the cove of water)

Cala-dell-acqua-isola-di-Ponza-latinamipiaceThis cove is located near Punta Papa, a driveway to the sea makes it easily accessible. Little curiosity the cove is called "of water" because there are water pockets that filter fresh water from the rock.

Beach of the Frontone

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza_spiaggia-del-frontoneIt is the most visited beach because the nearest to the port, it can be reached in two different ways by land by bus at the entrance of Via Frontone and from there take the path that will take you directly to the beach. Otherwise it can be reached by sea with a taxi-boat. The beach is clear and sandy and there is also a beach club with various services.

Punta Bianca / Capo bianco

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza_punta-bianca-capo-biancoIt is a beautiful stretch of rocky coast that has numerous caves and inlets accessible mainly by sea and can be visited exclusively by boat or canoe. Small curiosity in this place the director Federico Fellini turned some scenes of the film Satyricon.

Cala del Core

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza_cala-del-cuoreSo called because of the shape of a heart assumed by a rock following a magmatic intrusion. Beyond the cove you can also visit the cave of the Core or also called Grotta dello Smeraldo. Definitely a must-see for romantics.

Cala del Core

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza_cala-del-cuoreSo called because of the shape of a heart assumed by a rock following a magmatic intrusion. Beyond the cove you can also visit the cave of the Core or also called Grotta dello Smeraldo. Definitely a must-see for romantics.

Bagno vecchio

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza-spiaggia-bagno-vecchioPebble and gravel beach, famous for the presence of an archaeological site, where the remains of a Roman necropolis are kept. In the Bourbon age it was also used as a "penal bath", that is to exile the prisoners used for the extraction of building stones.

Cala Felci

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza_cala-felceThe beach is rocky and sandy, the water is particularly transparent thanks to the white rock present and takes its name from the fern (felci) plants that are present in the area.

Natural arch

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza-arco-naturaleAlso known as "Calzoni del prete" or "Spaccapurpo" is an arch-shaped stack and is accessible with small and medium-sized boats.

The caves of Pilato

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza_grotte-di-pilato

The caves of Pilato, are certainly one of the must-see attractions located just after the port and under the Ponza cemetery, they are an archaeological complex dating back to Roman times. The caves were minutely dug and were almost certainly used for the breeding of Murene, a fish considered sacred by the Romans.

Punta e faraglioni della Madonna

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza-punta-e-faraglioni-della-madonnaLocated on the eastern coast of the island of Ponza, a short distance from the town and reachable on foot, the complex includes the tip of the Madonna and the stacks, both named after a small chapel of the "Madonna della Salvazione" carved into the rock. An ideal place both for diving and for simple snorckeling.

Faraglioni di Lucia Rosa

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza_faraglioni-di-Lucia-RosaThese stacks take their name from an event that happened in Ponza in the 1800s, when a girl named Lucia Rosa threw herself from the top of the wall onto the rocks below, because he was prevented from marrying a peasant. Off the coast of Lucia Rosa, near the "Secca dei Mattoni",  in 1985 was found a Roman wreck containing Roman amphorae.

Cala Fonte

Cala-Fonte-ingresso-isola-di-Ponza-latinamipiaceEasily reachable for the construction of a comfortable road, it makes it a destination for many visitors who remain in love with it, due to the contrast between the crystalline sea and the colors of the rock and the breathtaking view of the Island of Palmarola. It is formed by a crescent-shaped rock that was pierced by fishermen to create puddles for lobsters. La Caletta is equipped with a restaurant nearby and bar service, sunbeds and umbrellas.

Cala Inferno

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza_cala-infernoReachable only by sea, it owes its name to the infernal effort of those who excavated the 350 steps that go down to the sea and also because for centuries goods have been loaded and unloaded; It consists of white rock walls and was created by means of volcanic activity, once used by the Romans as a water deposit. Furthermore, this cove is of particular interest to scuba diving enthusiasts, in fact you can meet the wreck of the merchant ship, Maria Costanza sunk in 1978.

Cala Gaetano

Cala-Gaetano-isola-di-Ponza-latinamipiaceIt is located almost at the end of the island and has very clear emerald green waters. Rich bottoms populated by various species of fish, which make it a must for all diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. To reach the cove you have to go down a staircase that is 300 steps long.

Turtle Rock

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza-scoglio-tartarugaNamed after its curious shape and located in the area of Piazza Chiesa, it is characterized by a pebble beach. It is not recommended to get there by land as the path is quite difficult.

Santa Maria

latinamipiace_isole-pontine-ponza_santa-mariaSanta Maria is the small fraction of the island, 15 minutes away from the harbor. It was an ancient Roman port, called "Circe". Currently it is a favorite destination for the stay and convenient for sea excursions to the nearby beach of Frontone and for sightseeing tours around the island.

Ponza Island what to eat

isole-pontine-ventotene_cosa-mangiare-zuppa-di-pesce

Ponzese cuisine rich in fish and legume dishes is certainly one of the things not to be missed, be it in the city center or in some restaurant inside the island is a "must" of the island. Among the typical dishes we find:

  • Fish soups
  • Ponzese rabbit
  • Stuffed squid
  • The "cianfotta ponzese" (mix of vegetables like aubergines, potatoes, peppers,)

Ponza Island how to get there

To get to the island of Ponza you need to take a ferry from the ports of Formia and Terracina throughout the year and in the summer periods also from Anzio and San Felice Circeo. Here you can find the main companies and ferries to and from Ponza:

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