PontineIslands: the Tyrrhenian islands set in a turquoise sea with breathtaking landscapes
Tiny and wild, rich in ancient history
The Ponziane or Pontine Islands archipelago is one of the most beautiful and evocative places on earth.
This group of islands of volcanic origin rises shyly in the center of the Tyrrhenian Sea, south of S. Felice Circeo, almost embraced by the Gulf of Gaeta
Nautical bases for the Pontine Islands
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Vedi tutti
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Ostia
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Marina di Nettuno
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Port of Formia
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Procida
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Castellammare di Stabia
PALMAROLA
It is the most spectacular and wildest of the islands, offering sparse on high sandy bottoms bathed by crystal clear waters teeming with life.
The bays here are all crowned by majestic and imposing cliffs overlooking the sea.
At the northern end of the island, a stop at Cala Tramontana is a must, where the rocks are shaped by time into titanic silhouettes called "The Cathedrals."
The island is uninhabited, except for a small refreshment point on the west side, accessible by tender from Cala del Porto and Cala S. Silverio, spectacular bays with shallower waters and crystal-clear waters.
Sailing further south between Cala Brigantina and Punta di Mezzogiorno, nature offers a rare artistic spectacle, a colossal sculpture expertly eroded by the sea, a wide tunnel accessible by tender at the bottom of which one unexpectedly finds oneself in the center of the Faraglione di Mezzogiorno gorge.
A final dip east of the island at the roadstead at Scoglio Forcina among smooth, white pebble beaches and sharp boulders overhanging the sea is a relaxing experience not to be missed before turning the bow on the island of Ponza.
PONZA
The town of Ponza is a truly striking sight that fans out like an amphitheater along the docks and colorful fishermen's houses.
Cala Chiaia di Luna is Ponza's most famous bay. The fjord, accessible only from the sea and encircled on each side by imposing pearl-white limestone cliffs, offers a privileged overlook from which to enjoy one of the most romantic sunsets in the Mediterranean while sipping a cool aperitif on board with the entire crew.
Proceeding northward, the coastline is full of ravines, tunnels and inlets that are very attractive to snorkelers, such as at the Maria Rosa stacks, magmatic rocks jutting out into the sea, teeming with flora and fauna.
At Cala Feola you will find a typical little restaurant practically on the water, which can be reached by tender through a small harbor of buoys and small boats.
On the eastern front of the island each cove is a treat for the eyes, a pristine and wild natural landscape rises from the water to the sky.
Here it is mandatory to cross Scoglio Evangelista, a mammoth rock drilled in the center, or relax at anchor at Frontone beach from which to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over Ventotene.
There is a very easy, family-friendly trek on the island, the Piana dell'Incenso trail. A walk that reaches the northern slope from which to enjoy a memorable panorama of Gavi and Zannone.
ZANNONE
This islet falls entirely within the Circeo Natural Park, so landing is prohibited.
Unconcerned about the ban, many curious onlookers defy the odds intrigued by the decadent splendor of the Marquis' villa, the protagonist of a well-known noir episode in 1970s Italian news.
VENTOTENE
The island of the Sirens who attempted to bewitch the Greek hero Odysseus.
After a leisurely sail of about 20miles, it is time for a well-deserved refreshing swim in one of the many bays to the east between Punta dell'Arco and Cala Parata Grande, before mooring in Porto Vecchio, a tiny Roman pier carved out of an inlet and characterized by the historic ruins and archaeological remains of a thriving economic and landing center of the Empire.
A few meters from the boat, it is possible to dine on the quay in one of the many small restaurants, or climb the well-known winding staircase that connects the small harbor with the piazzetta, the hub of the town, or the Belvedere over the lighthouse, from which there is a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Gaeta and the Flegree Islands.
The small streets are narrow and dotted with quaint little stores and places to sip a tasty drink.
For partygoers, there is a small disco under the stars where they can dance barefoot until dawn on the smooth rocks, perfectly polished by the sea.
