10+ Best Things to Do in Ponza, Italy (2024 Travel Guide)

Check out Ponza Island, Italy, with our travel guide. Find cool spots, amazing views, and unique experiences on this awesome Mediterranean island.

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Ponza Calling: Why This Italian Island Might Be Your Next Dream Destination

Visiting Ponza, Italy is certainly worth it if you want to get in touch with a truly authentic, somewhat rustic version of the Italian island experience. Ponza has got your back. It’s the largest of the Pontine Islands, which are located 70km (43 miles) from the Italian mainland. As an island, Ponza’s got great scenery and crisp, clear waters. It’s also not particularly crowded – relaxing for us city-dwellers.

You can check out local beaches such as Cala Feola and Spiaggia di Frontone, or opt to rent a boat to seek out hidden bays. History buffs will appreciate the Grotte di Pilato and other relics, like the remains of an ancient Roman settlement. Ideal for those who want to escape the bustling touristy atmosphere of other islands, Ponza is quieter, enabling you to truly soak in local culture and romantic sunsets.

And, of course, there’s fresh seafood. Relatively low-trafficked and charming, you could swim, snorkel, or just wander through the streets of Ponza, taking photos of the rainbow-hued buildings.

Where is Ponza, Italy?

Ponza is an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, just off the coast of Lazio, Italy. It's the biggest in the Pontine Archipelago, along with Palmarola, Zannone, and Gavi. Located about 33 kilometers south of Cape Circeo, Ponza belongs to the Province of Latina.

Ponza Italy Map

Small Island, Big Wonders

Ponza's the biggest island in the Pontine Archipelago off Italy's coast. It covers about 7.5 square kilometers. The island's around 8.9 kilometers long and 2.4 kilometers wide. About 3,360 people live there, but that number jumps in the summer.

Ponza's Price Tag

Ponza, Italy isn’t super pricey but costs more than the mainland. It's a popular, exclusive island. You can find cheap guest houses or splurge on fancy hotels. Renting a boat to see the coves runs about €90 to €150 a day. Food and local travel are pretty reasonable, with lots of spots serving fresh seafood. Ponza blends affordable and high-end options, so it works for different budgets and offers a unique island vibe.

What to Do in Ponza, Italy?

For a small island, Ponza, Italy, has a lot to offer. Frontone Beach is the place to go for a chilled-out weekend with friends. When you’re ready to pick up the pace, visit the Grotte di Pilato caves and take a boat tour to see Ponza’s sea cliffs. Snorkeling and diving are a must at Le Formiche. I walked through Ponza’s ancient city center with its cobbled streets and houses painted in colorful hues and ate local food at Rifugio dei Naviganti in Piazza Carlo Pisacane. I also took a day trip by boat to the tropical island of Palmarola, famous especially for its caves.

A Guide to the Best Things to Do in Ponza, Italy

Check out the following list of 10 top things to do in Ponza Island, a hidden gem with colorful houses, lively harbors, and amazing views.

1. Explore Ponza Island

Check out Ponza Island. It's the main attraction with charming, colorful houses and a lively harbor. You'll find shops and awesome seafood spots. Enjoy the view of Palmarola Island from Le Forna. The turquoise waters and cliffs are stunning.

2. Discover Grotte di Pilato

Visit Grotte di Pilato. These ancient Roman caves were used for fish farming. Accessible by boat, they offer a unique look into Ponza's history. A must-see for history buffs.

3. Relax at Cala Fonte

Head to Cala Fonte. This beach is known for its clear waters and great snorkeling. Rent a deck chair for comfort on the rocky shore.

4. Admire the Arco Naturale

Make sure to see Arco Naturale. This natural arch is best viewed from the sea. Smaller boats can sail through it. It's a top spot for boat tours.

5. Swim in the Piscine Naturali

Take a dip in the Piscine Naturali. These natural rock pools are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Enjoy the scenic surroundings.

6. Spend Time at Chiaia Di Luna

Visit Chiaia Di Luna. This beach is famous for its crescent shape and dramatic cliffs. Accessible through a Roman tunnel, it offers a unique beach experience.

7. Wander through Centro Storico di Ponza

Explore the historic center, known as Ponza Vecchia. It's a maze of narrow streets and colorful houses. You'll find craft shops, small stores, and restaurants with sea views. Check out the famous arched passageways and the Church of San Silverio.

8. Visit Frontone Beach

Go to Frontone Beach. Hike up to Ristorante da Gerardo, a family-run spot with stunning views and delicious local dishes. The 20-minute walk is worth it for the food and scenery.

9. Take a Boat Trip to Palmarola Island

Explore Palmarola Island by boat. This natural oasis has breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear waters. It's a protected area, only accessible by boat, making it a serene spot for nature lovers.

10. Enjoy Ponza’s Nightlife at Piazza Carlo Pisacane

Experience the nightlife at Piazza Carlo Pisacane. The main square in Ponza's historic center has bars and restaurants with local specialties. It's a lively place to end your day.

The Best Guided Tours in Ponza

From Rome: Ponza Island Day Trip with Boat Excursion

Start in Rome. Hop on a fast ferry to Ponza Island. Enjoy a boat tour with swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing. An English-speaking guide leads the way. Lunch is onboard, made by the captain.

Ponza Island 5-Hour Boat Tour

Join a five-hour boat tour around Ponza Island. Start at the main port. Cover 42 miles of coastline. There are multiple swim and snorkel stops. An English-speaking guide shares island history and features.

Ponza Island: Day Trip from Anzio with 5 Hour Boat Excursion

Start from Anzio for a five-hour boat tour around Ponza Island. Enjoy swim stops and lunch onboard. An English-speaking guide leads the tour. It's a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Isola di Palmarola: giro in barca di 6 ore e 1/2

Explore Palmarola on a six-and-a-half-hour boat tour. Swim at spots like Punta Vardella and Cala Brigantina. See impressive sea caves and rock formations. Enjoy stunning views and the island's natural beauty.

Palmarola: Tour in barca con pranzo a bordo

Spend a day exploring Palmarola with lunch onboard. Depart from Ponza and cruise along both islands' coastlines. Swim, enjoy good food, and relax with fellow travelers. The skipper ensures a fun atmosphere.

Ponza: Bath and Aperitif at Sunset

Enjoy a three-hour evening tour. Depart from Musco pier. Head to Chiaia di Luna Bay for a swim and sunset aperitif. The boat becomes a floating disco as the sun sets. It's an unforgettable evening experience.

How to get to Ponza, Italy

Getting to Ponza, Italy, is pretty straightforward. You’ll need to take a train, drive, or fly, then hop on a ferry or hydrofoil to the island. Here's how you can do it from various starting points:

Getting to Ponza from Rome

By Train and Ferry

Take a train from Roma Termini to Anzio, Formia, or Terracina. Anzio is about an hour away, Formia and Terracina take around 90 minutes. Walk or grab a taxi to the port. Ferries run regularly. Fast ferries from Anzio take about 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Formia and Terracina, it's 1 to 2.5 hours.

By Car and Ferry

Drive to the ports of Anzio, Formia, or Terracina. From Rome, use the A1 motorway. Exit at Frosinone for Terracina or Cassino for Formia. For Anzio, take Via Pontina SS148. Parking is available at these ports, but it's best to leave your car on the mainland due to limited traffic zones on Ponza in summer.

Getting to Ponza from Naples

By Train and Ferry

Take a train from Napoli Centrale to Formia-Gaeta, which takes about 1 hour. Then catch a ferry to Ponza. The ferry ride from Formia takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Direct ferries from Naples to Ponza run a few times a week and take about 3 hours.

By Car and Ferry

Drive from Naples via the A1 motorway, exit at Cassino, and head to the Formia port. Direct ferries from Naples to Ponza are less frequent but available.

Getting to Ponza from Other Locations

From Terracina

Terracina has regular ferry services to Ponza. You can get there by train or car from Rome or Naples. The trip from Rome takes about 90 minutes.

From San Felice Circeo

San Felice Circeo offers another ferry option to Ponza. Take a train from Rome’s Termini station to Priverno-Fossanova, then a bus or taxi to the port. The total journey includes a 60-minute train ride and a 37 km bus or taxi ride.

Travel Tips for Ponza

Ferry Options

Ferries and hydrofoils are the main ways to reach Ponza from the mainland. Companies like Laziomar, Navigazione Libera del Golfo, and SNAV operate these routes. Hydrofoils are faster but only carry passengers. Ferries can transport cars and luggage.

Best Times to Visit

Visit Ponza in late spring or early fall to avoid peak summer crowds. Limited traffic zones on the island in summer make exploring on foot or by boat a good idea.

Where to Stay in Ponza, Italy?

Ponza, Italy has all kinds of hotels to fit any budget or style. You'll have an awesome stay on this beautiful island.

Budget Hotels

Piccolo Hotel Luisa
Piccolo Hotel Luisa is just 200 meters from Chiaia di Luna beach. The rooms are big and have air conditioning. There's a sun terrace and free Wi-Fi. The staff is friendly, and the location is great. It's perfect for budget travelers.

Locanda Mari
Locanda Mari is near the harbor and close to the mainland departure point. The rooms are bright with air conditioning and satellite TV. The staff is helpful. It's a solid budget choice.

Family Hotels

Hotel Chiaia Di Luna
Hotel Chiaia Di Luna has huge terraces with amazing views of the port, Chiaia di Luna Bay, and Palmarola Island. It's family-friendly with comfy rooms and a big pool. The scenic location and friendly vibe make it ideal for families.

Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla
This hotel has two seawater pools, a restaurant, and a wellness center. It's great for families wanting to relax and have fun. It's close to Chiaia di Luna beach and has plenty of family-friendly amenities.

Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel Torre Dei Borboni
Hotel Torre Dei Borboni is in the old Borbonic Tower. It has Mediterranean-style rooms and suites. There's a breakfast terrace with sea views. It's a charming mid-range option.

Hotel Ortensia
Hotel Ortensia overlooks the natural pools of Ponza from a hilltop. The rooms have panoramic views and air conditioning. The peaceful location and friendly staff make it a visitor favorite.

Luxury Hotels

Domus Ɫ Ponza SeaView
Domus Ɫ Ponza SeaView offers fantastic views and luxurious accommodations. The service is personalized, and the rooms are beautifully decorated. The terrace has stunning sea views. It's perfect for a high-end stay.

Maridea - Les Suites Du Soleil
This luxury hotel has top-notch facilities and a prime location. The beds are super comfy, and the staff is helpful. The elegant ambiance and amenities make it a top pick for luxury in Ponza.

Where to Eat in Ponza, Italy?