Ponza is the largest of the six Pontine Islands, a string of volcanic formations off the coast of Lazio, some 25 miles south of Cape Circeo in the Tyrrhenian Sea which is part of the Mediterranean
Every year, tens of millions of tourists descend on Italy to soak up the summer sun or winter snow and experience all that the country has to offer.
Whether it’s the arts, local culture, history, or more likely, the mouth-watering cuisine, Italy has something for everyone. However, with everyone vying for a piece of the action, some spots can get crowded, extremely crowded.
Popular destinations like Sicily and Sardinia, which are favourites among foreigners, including Brits, see a surge of millions during peak season – a truly overwhelming number.
But there’s one small settlement in the Italian Pontine Islands archipelago that offers all the allure of Italy without the hordes of tourists: the island of Ponza.
Ponza is the largest of the six Pontine Islands, a chain of volcanic formations off the coast of Lazio, about 25 miles south of Cape Circeo in the Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the Mediterranean.
Compared to other islands, it’s tiny: just seven kilometres long and barely two kilometres wide. But it boasts a rich history, having been inhabited from Neolithic times through the Roman period.
Local legend suggests that the island was named after the infamous Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea who tried Jesus of Nazareth for sedition against Roman rule. If those two sentences haven’t got you packing your bags for a week-long getaway, perhaps the next few will, reports the Express.
Ponza welcomes visitors with a vibrant burst of colour and lively activity. Vivid hues of pink, blue, and yellow adorn every building in sight, each one overlooking various market stalls offering an array of goods.
While popular destinations like Sicily and Sardinia attract millions of tourists during the summer, Ponza sees a modest 30,000 visitors each year.
The island has long been a favourite among the rich and famous, including Roman generals and affluent merchants. More recently, it has attracted celebrities such as Kirk Douglas and his son Michael, Burt Lancaster, Sophia Loren, and Princess Caroline of Monaco, not to mention Jacques Cousteau and his son Philippe.
There’s no shortage of accommodation options, with numerous hotels and B&Bs available, some of which have been hewn from the mountainside to provide a refreshing breeze during the summer heat, which can exceed 30C.
Given its location amidst azure waters, sea-based activities are a given on Ponza. Whether it’s surfing or paragliding, sunbathing or swimming, you can’t avoid the enticing blue waters here.
The expansive sea also means that many of Ponza’s more secluded spots, like its numerous beaches, can only be reached by boat.
Visitors often rave about Spiaggia di Frontone and Chiaia di Luna or Half Moon Beach, the latter of which is accessed via a 2,500 year old Roman gallery tunnel carved through the mountain.
Naturally, the cuisine here is heavily influenced by the sea. Ponza is a paradise for seafood enthusiasts, boasting numerous speciality restaurants, including the highly acclaimed Acqua Pazza, the island’s sole Michelin-starred establishment.
