In the Odyssey it was the Island of the Maga Circe, come and discover what this splendid pearl has to offer today, immersed in the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Gaeta
Whether it's for a weekend or for a shorter or longer stay, here are some ideas for a trip to Ponza.
Where is Ponza
The island, immersed in the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Gaeta, is part, together with Palmarola, Zannone, Gavi, Ventotene and Santo Stefano, of thePontine Archipelago.
In the Odyssey it was theisland of the sorceress Circe, today it is a tourist destination and has a lot to offer to travelers and not.
How to reach the island
It is possible to arrive on the island of Ponza only by sea from the ports of the following cities: Anzio, Formia, Naples, San Felice Circeo and Terracina (average navigation time 2 hours).
To reach the ports of the Lazio Region from Rome Fiumicino International Airport, you need to get on the train that reaches the Roma Termini Railway Station from where all trains to / from Anzio, Terracina, Formia and San Felice Circeo depart.
From Rome Ciampino International Airport, the connection to / from Rome Termini Railway Station is carried out by scheduled buses.
To reach the Port of Naples from Naples Capodichino International Airport you can use the Shuttle Service that connects the airport with the Central Station of Piazza Garibaldi.
How to move in Ponza
Once on the island it is necessary to have a means of transport whatever it is (car, scooter, bicycle), or use a taxi or bus (usually one every 30 minutes).
The island has 41 km of coastline, so don't think that it is possible to go around it entirely on foot; also because some really beautiful views are at its ends.
Watch out though!
In Ponza, the circulation of non-resident cars is prohibited in the summer months, so if the car has been boarded on the ferry, it is advisable to keep it in the parking areas specially created near the port.
The best way to enjoy your island vacation is rent a small boat or rafts, contacting the agencies located on the quay of the port.
I only spent a day and a half on the island and deprived myself of all these comforts, but next time I will not fail to use them.
5 things to do in Ponza
1. The Roman port and the inhabited center
As soon as you disembark you cannot fail to notice and then stroll through the Roman port.
Well cared for and characteristic, among its niches you can see diving centers or numerous local activities (bars, restaurants and shops).
Sneaking through the narrow streets and steep stairways that characterize the colorful town of Ponza, you will find yourself in heart of the island.
The beauty of all these houses are the bright colors (light blue, white, pink, yellow), and their square and sometimes rounded shapes.
All very beautiful and well-kept.
Between the houses, you can sometimes also see beautiful views of the sea or the island.
2. The Chiaia di Luna beach
500 meters of beach of very clear sand, bathed by a blue and transparent water, like few I have ever seen in my life, characterize what is one of the icons of the island of Ponza.
The name Chiaia di Luna derives from the characteristic curve (crescent-shaped) of the beach.
Access is allowed by passing through a Roman tunnel that crosses the mountain from side to side for a length of 168 meters and a width between 2 and 4 meters.
3. Tip of Incense
Punta and Plain of Incense, north end of Ponza, offer full views over the entire island. From Punta d'Incenso a path winds its way up to the plain and overlooking the islet of Gavi.
4. Cala Feola
Personally, I've only seen it from the alyo, but I felt like taking a dip just by looking.
Cala Feola is a 'natural inlet accessible by land, 5/6 Km away from the port of Ponza. The beach is the only one in the whole island to be entirely sandy, moreover, the cove includes the complex of natural pools originating from the intense volcanic activity of the island.
5. A walking itinerary
I propose what I wanted to do and on which I had documented, but which for reasons of time I have not been able to practice.
The itinerary is the one that leads to Punta della Guardia, south of Ponza.
High up, on the tip of the promontory, is the namesake Lighthouse of the Guard.
The site can be reached both by land and by sea with private boats or shuttle services from the port of Ponza which is 2.1 miles away.
It goes without saying that this will be one of the reasons why I will return to Ponza.
How low cost is Ponza
In the low season it really is, but like any self-respecting summer resort, things change with the arrival of summer.
The most expensive area of all is certainly that of the port (a fry and a spaghetti € 40 I see it a bit pricey), however you can find something low-cost (especially far from the port).
For sleeping, the price ranges are wide, turn on the 40 € per night on average and the accommodations range from holiday homes to hotels.
The accommodations are distributed throughout the island, with particular density in the docking area. Maybe check your points of interest and choose according to which ones to stay.
I stayed ten minutes walk from the center, but there are beautiful places far away too.
Ponza is definitely a place I will return to for a stay longer, maybe to enjoy the sea life more and bathe in these beautiful blue waters.
Have you ever been there? Do you have any place to suggest me? Write it down in the comments.
