The best places to visit during a weekend or a sailing holiday in the Pontine Islands

A long weekend would be enough to savour the taste of these islands, and yet you will immediately want to return for an entire sailing holiday: the largest is Ponza, connected by a submerged isthmus to Zannone, then there are the islands of Ventotene, Palmarola, Santo Stefano and finally the tiny, jagged island of Gavi. In every corner you can admire the thousand colours of the sea, the rocks and the vegetation. Setting sail to discover this Tyrrhenian paradise is a unique experience of history, nature and vitality.

Ponza sailing

With its 8 square kilometres, Ponza is the largest island in the Pontine Islands and is, without doubt, the best starting point for a sailing holiday in the Pontine Islands. From the boat you can reach Chia di Luna, one of the most beautiful spots, with the possibility of visiting Circe's caves. In addition to the beautiful beaches, picturesque coves and small port, there is a small village with romantic alleyways and quaint craft shops just waiting to amaze you with their fresh and unusual simplicity.

For dive enthusiasts, the seabed of this island offers an unparalleled spectacle, such as the religious remains of ships sunk in the war, or the strip of submerged land that links Ponza to the island of Zannone, which has been part of the Circeo National Park since 1979. The restaurants in the characteristic fishing village of Ponza are famous for serving traditional dishes based on freshly caught fish.

At Palmarola you must not miss a visit to Cala Brigantina, so called because in the eighteenth century it offered shelter to pirate boats. Here you can visit the grottos of Punta Mezzogiorno and cool off in its emerald waters.
This island is one of those places that can enchant you with its enchanting landscapes above and below sea level. Grab a mask and snorkel and dive into the coves of Cala del Francese and Punta Tramontana, where you can admire the spectacle of the 'Cathedrals'.

Ventotene and Santo Stefano by sailboat

You won't need much time to discover Ventotene and Santo Stefano. In fact, they are two small islands built around the ancient and wonderful Roman port. Ventotene will amaze you with the beauty of its bays, such as Cala dell'Acqua, Cala di Feola and the Faraglioni di Lucia Rosa, where a swim in the pools carved out of the tuff is a must. Santo Stefano, on the other hand, is completely wild and uninhabited, where you can visit the Bourbonic prison, the old jail built by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon and in use until 1965.