Ponza is shrouded in the legend of the sorceress Circe. It was on the island, chosen as a home after killing her husband, that transformed men into animals and women into mermaids. A spell that was supposed to attract navigators: as we know from Homer’s Odyssey, even the cunning Ulysses ended up trapped.
Of the mythological story “remains” the elongated and variegated shape that Folco Quilici in the 70s renamed “Pontinesia” in honor of the beauty of Polynesia and Ponza, born from volcanic eruptions.
September is the ideal month to discover Ponza
September is the ideal month for a mini getaway to Ponza or for a happy last remnant of vacation. Everything is perfect on the Lazio island: the climate, the colours, the sea, the food.
Temperatures range from 19 to 24 degrees, the climate is pleasant but not sultry. The best conditions for a holiday after the August sun.
The colors of Ponza
From Lazio you leave by ferry from Formia, Terracina or Circeo, and after about an hour and a half you arrive in the old Bourbon port (for the future a heliport within reach of tourists is being studied) in a cheerful chaos of suitcases, tourists, taxis and cars.
The arrival is like a postcard with the houses close to each other arranged in an amphitheater on the Pisacane pier in an explosion of Mediterranean colors between pinks, blues, yellows and blues.
They fall from the walls of terraces and gardens cascades of brightly colored geraniums, white daisies, roses, gerberas, violets and succulents. A delight for the eye while the center is a succession of alleys, narrow streets and stairways as you go up the shopping street, Corso Pisacane.
Everything goes back to its origins
King Charles Bourbon forcefully repopulated it in the mid-eighteenth century by families from Ischia and Torre del Greco.
Before the Bourbons the island has seen the Osci, the Volsci, the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Saracens and the Benedictines.
The island becomes infamous for being was a confinement penitentiary during fascism.
Ponza to be discovered by sea
Ponza is a jagged set of inlets and coves which starts from Punta Incenso and breaks on the sharp peaks of Punta Guardia, the highest point of the entire Ponziano Archipelago (including Ponza, Palmarola, Gavi and Zannone, Ventotene and the islet of S. Stefano).
The first thing to do is therefore go by sea to make the “tour of the rock”, as they say in Ponza.
The ideal is to rent a boat, a wooden fishing boat or rely on local companies such as, for example, the Ponzesi Boatmen Cooperative.
Or the dinghy with Odyssey Diving by Andrea Musella.
There are so many stages that you can choose from
From the port you can embark to explore the Pilate caves, a complex of caves excavated in Roman times.
Don’t miss the scenery Stacks of the Madonna. Among small coves and rocky walls you reach, then the rocks of Ants and the Faraglioni of Calzone Muto.
Cala Feola and Punta Papa they are ideal for stopping and dropping anchor.
A wish at the Arco Naturale
The Natural Arch is one of the beauties of the island. About 30 meters high and 7 wide, it is a natural arch of limestone rock, in front of the sSchiavone beach.
Tradition has it that when you cross it, you have to make a wish.
From Cala del Core and Frontone we return to the port.
To circumnavigate Palmarola – where Fendi has the good summer breath – with a stop in his restaurant La Marina loved by Queen Bee, or by Beyoncé.
More visits to the island
A view in Ponza. Trekking excursions are also possible on the island.
Among the visits to the “land” it certainly deserves a passage the Roman Cisterna della Dragonara, the hydraulic masterpiece created by the ancient Romans.
You book at the Pro Loco of Ponza. Completely restructured, it is a true underground archaeological treasure where shows are also hosted today.
Near the beach of Cala Frontone there is theThe Ethnographic Museum of Ponza housed inside a cave.
Where to eat in Ponza
The La Marina restaurant in Cala Feola
La Marina restaurant in Cala Feola
Even Leonardo DiCaprio likes to stop at this restaurant perched on the coast.
The food comes in large portions. Fennel-based pesto (Pesto di Finocchietto) is tasty.
Spaghetti with crab rich in flavors and aromas of the sea.
The La Marina restaurant in Palmarola
The tavern
Oreste Romagnolo’s Oresteia “is” the fish restaurant in Ponza. It overlooks the main street.
Loved by celebs (and therefore it is always better to book) it is also famous for the wines it offers, such as those from Casale del Giglio.
Among the appetizers: Octopus salad*** on crushed potatoes in mint sauce, fish balls with tomato and lemon peel. “To die for” spaghetti with shelled clams with capers and toasted bread and tagliatelle with swordfish roe.
A proposal from the Acqua Pazza restaurant in Ponza
Crazy water restaurant
The restaurant boasts a Michelin star and overlooks the whole island. It offers various terraces on different levels with an area dedicated to aperitifs.
The kitchen led by Gino Pesce and Patrizia Ronca celebrates the products of Ponza and its catch with a pinch of imagination and lots of taste.
The raws are highly recommended. Must try: Amberjack carpaccio, beetroot and yoghurt, Grilled cuttlefish, artichokes, mince and mint, Spaghetti with spider crab and swordfish steak, soy sauce, with carrots.
Shrimp and Capers restaurant at Piccolo Hotel Luisa
The Gamberi e Capperi restaurant was recently opened on the terrace of the Piccolo Hotel Luisa.
It is from the meeting between the Musco family, owner of the Piccolo Hotel Luisa and Chef Luigi that the idea of creating an innovative space on the island of Ponza was born, both for the dishes offered and for the setting of the restaurant. Immersed in the coolness of the terrace you can enjoy a simple aperitif with freshly caught lobster.
The Acqua Pazza restaurant in Ponza
Where to sleep in Ponza
The Chiaia di Luna hotel in Ponza
Near the port and the historic center of Ponza, you can stay at Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla. The rooms have Mediterranean tones and one of the best-known addresses on the island.
Info: Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla
Also noteworthy is the Hotel Bellavista. It is practically located overlooking the sea and also offers a restaurant with a panoramic terrace.
Finally, the Chiaia di Luna overlooks the beach of the same name (which, unfortunately, cannot be visited due to rock falls). It is a 4-star hotel, with a saline water swimming pool overlooking all of Ponza and a panoramic terrace for aperitifs to be enjoyed at sunset.
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