Located off the coast of Italy in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Pontine Islands offer a relaxed seaside escape for those who wish to leave the bustle of the mainland behind them. Easily reached by ferry, the islands are perfect for travelers who wish to have a more secluded oceanside experience or hope for a day trip away from nearby cities in the Lazio and Campania regions. Whether a local or a traveler, these islands offer a welcome retreat.

Comprised of six small islands, this archipelago manages to pack a wide variety of activities into a small footprint. The area – inhabited by the Etruscans and Romans for centuries before the Italians – provides ample ruins, archeological sites, ancient tombs, and historic architecture. The oceanside location provides endless opportunities for water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, grotto exploration, and beach lounging.

The stunning environment paired with an authentic Italian culture provides travelers with a unique opportunity to enjoy coastal Italy while still being off the beaten path.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Held annually on the Pontine Island of Ventotene in September is a ten-day long celebration dedicated to Saint Candida – the island’s Patron Saint. The festival is an exciting event for what is normally a quiet and laid-back area. The event includes dozens of hot air balloons that are hand-painted and then launched from the island.

On the largest island of Ponza, there is the celebration of San Silverio – the Patron Saint of the island – which includes three full days of fun events and exciting entertainment. The event takes place on the island itself as well as on the water that surrounds it.

The locals of Ponza also celebrate the Sagra del pesce azzurro each year on August 16. The festival celebrates a local fish as well as Ponza’s fishing and agricultural traditions as a whole. During the festival, large pans of fish are prepared for passerby to try.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

The natural wonder of the outdoors is the main attraction of the Pontine Islands. When traveling to any of the islands, expect to spend plenty of time outdoors, taking in the views of the sea, and enjoying the outdoor activities for which the archipelago is known for.

Some say that the best way to experience the Pontine Islands is to sail around them. Travelers can book time with local boats and circumnavigate the islands or travel between them. Explore some of the islands’ famous coves, cliffs, and grottoes such as the Pilatus Caves or Madonna Cliffs near Ponza.

One of the most popular draws to the islands, however, are its spectacular beaches, which have beckoned everyone from Italian locals to massive celebrities to royalty. In Ponza, one of the best beaches is Chiaia di Luna, known for its soft sand and rocky bluffs.

Another is Lucia Rosa, a hotspot for lovers to watch the sunset together. There is also Fèola Cove, known for its shallow water pools, Cala Rossano, located not far from the ancient Roman harbor, and Frontone Beach, a bustling locale that is popular with people looking for an evening drink and to mingle.

In the Pontine Isles, the fun does not stop at the shore. Some of the most incredible activities to enjoy are on the water or in the water. The islands are known for boating, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The marine landscapes the archipelago offers are truly unparalleled, featuring intricate sea beds, coral reefs, sunken ships, ancient underwater relics and one-of-a-kind grottoes.

After enjoying time at the beach and in the water, travelers can visit local restaurants or bars to wind down with great food and drinks.

On Ventotene, the lesser traveled of Pontine’s two inhabited islands, visitors can admire the unique local architecture, dine al fresco, and walk through the charming fishing villages. A unique, quiet place, Ventotene is completely car-free, so exploring the island by foot is the only way to experience it. However, with the mild climate and gorgeous sea views, visitors to the island do not mind walking.

For a wilder nature experience, travelers can take a boat to the island of Zannone – an uninhabited island that occupies a portion of the Circeo National Park. It is also home to a Cistercian monastery whose ruins date back centuries.

Other outdoor activities on the islands include birdwatching, walking through towns, and exploring the countryside of Ponza to see fresh fruit trees, abundant vegetables, and fields of beautiful flowers.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

While on the island of Ventotene, travelers can visit the Museo Storico Archeologico (archaeological museum), located in the basement of the island’s town hall. In the museum are a collection of ancient artifacts from Roman times and historic shipwrecks.

SHOPPING

The best place to enjoy shopping in the Pontine Islands is on the biggest and most popular island of Ponza. On the island there are a variety of artisan workshops at which travelers can purchase handmade, local goods. In addition, there is the main drag of the island called Piazza Carlo Pisacane which features high end boutiques.

FAMILY & KIDS

In addition to spending time at the beaches, families with kids may enjoy a stop at the Ethnographic Museum in Ponza to learn more about the local culture and history. The museum outlines what daily life was once like in the area and a number of historic artifacts are on display including tools and letters.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

The island of Palmarola, though one of the Pontine Isles’ lesser traveled islands, was called the most beautiful island in the Mediterranean by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. It features stunning views and unique homes which are dug into rock. It also has a restaurant right on the beach that is open during the summer months.

On Ventotene, travelers can enjoy the unique, charming architecture of the island’s pastel-colored homes as well as the Neapolitan-influenced buildings such as the castle, town hall, and Church of Saint Candida.

On the island of Santo Stefano, a one-of-a-kind site and the island’s main draw is the ancient prison. A relic of the island’s dark history, this prison once held people such as Gaetano Bresci, the assassin of King Umberto I, as well as political prisoners of the fascist regime, such as Sandro Pertini, Giorgio Amendola, and Altiero Spinelli.

With centuries of history as a settlement for both the Etruscans and Romans, the islands of Ventotene and Ponza both have several archaeological sites worth exploring, such as Roman villas and aqueducts.