Pontine Islands: Roman remains, diving and nature

From the base of Salerno, you can sail to the six islands that make up the Archipelago Pontino, among the most fascinating treasures that the Tyrrhenian Sea offers to those who sail it. Rising off the Gulf of Gaeta in northern Lazio, Santo Stefano, Ventotene, Ponza, Palmarola, Zannone and Gavi are all of volcanic origin and make up an archipelago named after the main island, Ponza. A must-visit without forgetting to discover its minor sisters as well.

Ventotene

Heading north and past the tiny island of Santo Stefano, which is circular in shape and just 500 m in diameter, we get to Ventotene. It is a very small island, long in shape and only 1.9 square kilometres in size, but rich in attractions, both historical and scenic. A land of exile for the daughters, granddaughters and repudiated wives of Roman emperors, Ventotene still preserves remnants of that remote era, first and foremost the Roman Port, one of the best-preserved ancient sites. Also worth seeing are those in the archaeological area of Villa Giulia, built on the promontory of Punta Eolo at the end of the 1st century BC by the Emperor Augustus, and the Roman cisterns. The Castle, built in the 18th century and now housing the Town Hall and the Archaeological Museum, dates back to the Bourbon era. After the plunge into the past, it will also be nice to immerse oneself in the life of this small town and, of course, in the crystal-clear waters that lap its 3 kilometres of coastline. Between coves and hidden bays, sandy, pebble and rocky beaches, there is a destination for everyone, from families to couples and divers who have just re-emerged from a dive in the beautiful Marine Protected Area.

Ponza

The next stop can only be Ponza, the largest and most important island of the Archipelago Pontino. A treasure chest of natural beauty concentrated in just 7.5 square kilometres, this wild and worldly location attracts lovers of the sea and nature as much as lovers of history and entertainment. Announced by the colourful houses against the backdrop of the Bourbon Port, the town owes its current appearance to King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon and offers a historical centre made up of uphill alleys, narrow streets and stairways full of wonderful views. Here, the church of San Silverio and Santa Domitilla is worth a visit, with its imposing dome and, inside, precious frescoes, mosaics, canvases and the statue of San Silverio, the patron saint of the island celebrated on 20 June.

Those who want to enjoy a bit of shopping or an aperitif can walk along Corso Pisacane, the heart of the centre overlooking the port, where they can also taste local delicacies. To explore history, you can book a visit to the Roman Cistern of Dragonara or explore the Case Grotta, typical island houses carved into the rock and used as dwellings since prehistoric times. Returning to the sea, many of the island's most beautiful beaches can only be reached by sea or, in any case, through impassable paths. And if the wonderful Chiaia di Luna can only be admired from a distance, because it is inaccessible even to boats, you can visit magical places such as the Bagno Vecchio or Parata beaches, among the most characteristic on the island, the white cliffs of Capo Bianco, on the western side, the Faraglioni di Lucia Rosa, the Arco Naturale, a magnificent rock formation along the coast, the Grotte di Pilato and a series of other sea caves that, along with many enchanting coves, can be explored by sea.

Palmarola

Of the other three smaller islands that make up the Archipelago Ponziano, namely Zannone, Gavi and Palmarola, it would be a pity not to make a stop at least at the latter. Considered a kind of paradise on earth for its unspoilt nature and incredibly transparent waters, Palmarola is characterised by indented cliffs, rocky coastlines and hidden caves. About five miles west of Ponza, it has no permanent residents and offers its visitors a priceless escape from the world. Those who reach it want to visit its sea caves, extraordinarily beautiful rock formations such as the Bue Marino or the Cannone. A favourite destination for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts as much as for those who wish to relax on the beaches, this small island has a rugged and wild appearance that makes it the most exotic island in the archipelago. Highlights include the Faraglioni di Mezzogiorno, an archipelago of rocky islets located in the south of the island, the so-called Cathedral, a stretch of cliff carved out of a series of narrow and high basalt caves, Le Galere, black-on-ochre spotted rocks of obsidian, and the Chapel of San Silverio. Reachable through a long staircase carved into the rock, it is located at the top of the sea stack where the house of San Silverio, patron saint of Ponza, is said to have stood.