Two hours by boat from Rome and Naples, Ponza is a tiny piece of land about 8 km long by 2 wide.
A rare pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea which is part of the Pontine Islands archipelago and which offers its visitors a trip to the heart of the Italian dolce vita of the 1960s, between Vespas, minitaxis, pastel facades and small shacks built on the side of cliff.
Not to mention its spectacular mineral decor: translucent natural pools, vertiginous cliffs and breathtaking panoramas.
The Ponzians also produce their own local - delicious -
fieno wine.
A paradise, we tell you.
Five reasons to linger.
To discover
Trips to Italy: tailor-made tours, hotels and stays from our partners
SEE THE DOSSIER - Italy:
Le Figaro
travel guide
Its vertiginous caves and cliffs
The cliffs of Ponza offer a breathtaking panorama.
ERIC MARTIN / Le Figaro Magazine
This is one of the first things that will jump out at you when you arrive in Porto di Ponza, a small port located in the southeastern part of the island: it is built on the side of a cliff.
And you haven't seen anything yet!
When you sink into the heights, you will also discover Mount Pagliaro, Mount Guardia or the Maria Rosa Cliffs.
Three marvels that jump into the water and offer a breathtaking panorama.
Among the island's other famous landforms, don't miss the Pilato caves, a network of artificial tunnels built by the Romans in the 1st century BC, or the bay of Chiaia di Luna, "moonlight" in French.
A fine sand beach surrounded by high cliffs overhanging the sea and making you dizzy.
Its lively and gourmet city center
The pink, yellow, blue, green and white facades of Ponza.
ERIC MARTIN / Le Figaro Magazine
On the city side, we slalom between scooters, taxis, vacationers and the few residents who stay on the island all year round.
We linger on the pink, yellow, blue, green and white facades that dress the picturesque alleys of the almost 10 km² of the island.
We stroll in the many jewelry, souvenir and decoration shops, in the typical grocery stores, the fruit and vegetable stands but also in the cafes,
pasticceria
,
gelateria
and other candy sellers.
We taste the fried fish "pesci fritti" when we walk along the port.
We devour a pizza or traditional pasta at the restaurant L'Aragosta for lunch and we dine at the Acqua Pazza, Michelin starred which forces itself to cook only local products and where we will taste excellent dishes of raw fish.
Read alsoTravel to Italy and Covid-19: vaccination pass, FFP2 mask ... What changes in May
Its breathtaking sunsets
A restaurant in Cala Fonte.
ERIC MARTIN / Le Figaro Magazine
It is impossible to stop in Ponza without taking a few moments to admire its breathtaking sunsets.
Romantic version, from the bay of Chiaia di Luna or at Cala Fonte.
Surrounded by high ocher and white cliffs, you will admire the spectacle with your feet in crystal clear water.
Partygoers will opt for the terrace of the Tripoli café, cocktail in hand, hallucinating view of the port and guaranteed atmosphere.
The others will take refuge in the Casa di Assunta, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The food is excellent and the view breathtaking.
Its hiking trails
Because it's not just the boat in life, Ponza can also be explored on foot... or by bike!
Adobe Stock / WineDonuts
For those who don't have the sea legs and who prefer to visit the beautiful Ponza on foot, rather than going around it by boat - which many tour operators offer - it's simple: you essentially travel on a one and the same road of nine kilometers which crosses the island in the direction of the length.
It is therefore impossible to lose track.
As for the steep little streets that go up, up and often end in stairs, they mostly turn into hiking trails where you can walk alongside pines, cacti and vines.
The best walkers will go to Punta del Fieno, where they will discover the “Antiche Cantine Migliaccio”, a local winery unanimously recommended by all Ponzians.
Read alsoWhere to go on vacation with your dog this summer?
“Italy is the most dog-friendly country”
Its crystal clear water
Ponza is full of coves, tunnels and sea canyons to explore.
Adobe Stock / milarix
Finally, for those who wish to get in the water, visit the wild coves of Ponza, discover its seabed and its archaeological remains, there will be plenty to choose from.
Vitaliano will personally guide you through various tunnels and sea canyons so that you can explore every inch of the sea. All punctuated with anecdotes telling you about the history of the island and its mythological legends.
Did you know for example that Ponza would have inspired Circe, the magician in the Odyssey?
Practical notebook
GO
Ponza is two and a half hours by ferry from the port of Formia-Gaeta.
Count around 20 € per person.
ASK ABOUT
ponzaviaggi.it/
OR SLEEP
Villa Laetitia (from €149 per night) or Hotel Torre dei Borboni (from €80 per night).
GOOD TABLE
A Casa di Assunta, Snc, Via Panoramica, 04027 Ponza LT, Italy.
Such.
: +39 0771 820086.
