Discovering Ponza

Reach the port of Anzio, Terracina, or Formia and board the ferry to Ponza.

Upon arrival at the port, head to the Ecoluxury Retreat Il Palazzetto di Ponza.

Overnight stay.

Today is dedicated to discovering Ponza from the sea.

The boat trip around the island of Ponza, departing from Molo Musco, allows you to discover a rugged coastline rich in bays, coves, sea stacks, and caves. The first stop is the Grottoes of Pontius Pilate or Murenaio Romano, a 1st-century AD facility attributed to Augustus, possibly used for breeding moray eels, which were sacred to the Romans. The site preserves tanks connected by tunnels, remains of statues, and columns. Local legends link the name to a young Roman exiled to Ponza, who later became governor of Palestine.

The tour continues with spectacular natural and mythological sights: the Arco dei Topazi, the Faraglioni della Madonna, the Grotta di Ulisse, and the Bagno Vecchio, the ancient dormitory of the Bourbon convicts.

Next come the Greek-Roman necropolises, the Scarrupata, the Faraglione della Guardia, and the famous Chiaia di Luna, a majestic tuff cliff that is home to the longest beach on the island. Then visit the Grotta della Maga Circe, Capo Bianco, the Grotta delle Streghe, and the romantic Baia di Lucia Rosa.

Among the most evocative stops are the Natural Pools, Cala Feola, the Turtle Rock, Cala dell'Acqua, and Forte Papa. Nearby is also the wreck of the American ship Liberty, which sank in 1944. On the east side, you can admire Cala Felci, Cala Gaetano, the Natural Arch, and Cala Inferno, where the wreck of the ship Maria Costanza lies. Along the way, you can see the remains of the Roman aqueduct and the Grotta del Core, characterized by a red heart-shaped stain. Finally, you pass by Frontone beach and the Grotte Azzurre (Blue Caves) and end your tour in Porto Borbonico.

Overnight stay in hotel.

Today you will discover Ponza from a unique perspective, accompanied by a local guide climbing up to Monte Guardia, the highest point on the island at 283 meters above sea level.

The route winds along an ancient mule track which, amid picturesque views and Mediterranean scents, will lead you to the southern tip of the island. Once you arrive, you will find yourself immersed in a place where time seems to have stood still. Here stand the remains of the ancient 19th-century “Semaforo,” a strategic lookout point used in the past to monitor maritime routes. Next to these ruins, you can see other military structures that tell stories of surveillance, communication, and defense. But the real reward will be before your eyes: from up here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the town of Ponza, the nearby islands of Palmarola and Zannone, and above all, the majestic sea stack that is home to the famous Faro della Guardia lighthouse, one of the most important and scenic in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The horizon opens up in all its grandeur, offering unforgettable emotions.

On the way back, you will stop at the island's charming historic cellars, where the prized Biancolella wine is still produced today. You will enter charming surroundings, surrounded by ancient stone walls and authentic aromas, and you will have the opportunity to taste wine that tells centuries of history and passion for the land.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today you will have free time to explore the island at your own pace: you can opt for further walks, reaching Punta Fieno or Punta Incenso, for example, or embark on an excursion to the other islands of the Pontine archipelago: Palmarola and Zannone.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Please arrive at the port of Ponza in time to board the return trip to the port of Anzio, Terracina, or Formia.