Ponza and the Pontine Islands have been well known for being a delightful retreat from the ordinary hustle and bustle of city life since the times of the Roman Empire. For several centuries, The Ponza Island, off the west coast of Italy, was the main banishment point for politicians too powerful to eliminate through traditional means, but too dangerous to keep around the Imperial Senate.
It is now filled with small homes, beautiful beaches, and tourist attractions designed to delight visitors, both Italian and from abroad. Here are some things to look forward to when you visit these islands.
The Ponza Island
The Ponza Island is the largest island of the Pontine archipelago and the one most frequented by tourists. The largest community on the island has the same name, Ponza, and is the source of much of the social and economic vibrancy for the region as a whole.
[Not a valid template]The Ponza Island survives on tourism and commercial fishing. With restrictions imposed due to European Union regulation on commercial fishing, the populace is turning to expanding the tourist industry to make up the shortfall. This translates to more amenities at better prices.
With a rich history, Ponza Island of the Pontine Islands is sure to delight any history buff looking for an opportunity to take a step back in time without having to bump shoulders with a thousand tourists on the streets of Rome.
The Pontine Islands – Eco-Tourism
With large chunks of these islands off the west coast of Italy unsuitable for permanent settlements, nature preserves have sprung up enabling the average person the opportunity to see the natural ecosystem untouched by the hands of man.
Zannone Island is one of the most well-known and visited nature preserves in the region. For those looking to experience the past, the remains of a monastery dating back to the early 13th century is located there.
[Not a valid template]The Grottos of The Ponza Island are world renowned, thanks to the beauty in the crafting and the age. Numerous grottos date back to the Roman Empire, providing access from the ancient town to numerous points along the island. A walk along one of the many winding roads will bring you to numerous delightful sites, everything ranging from modern day restaurants to harbors created in the time of Caesar.
The second largest and most westerly island of the Pontine archipelago, Palmarola, is primarily a nature reserve with natural grottos and bays. Its landscape is dominated by an extremely rocky coast.
[Not a valid template]Boating off the West Coast of Italy
With no bridges or tunnels connecting the Pontine Islands to the mainland, all major transportation occurs through boats. The residents of these islands live for the water, a fact obvious through the large variety of marinas and ships scattered along the shoreline.
You can rent a boat from one of the many commercial marinas and spend countless hours enjoying the sites of the delightful Tyrrhenian Sea off the west coast of Italy. There are numerous marinas carved out in the days of the Roman Empire, giving you the opportunity to journey back in time and imagine what it must have been like to be a ship-goer in those historic times.
From The Ponza Island, you can reach nearly any point on the western side of Italy, allowing you to create a multi-day odyssey that you will remember for years to come.
The Pontine Islands – Swimming
One of the main attractions of these tranquil islands is the ability to walk down to the beach and go for a swim. With numerous public beaches available, and a warm ocean freely available, there is no excuse to not relax and enjoy a day in the Pontine water.
Bring a snorkel, and enjoy the world below the waves! The waters surrounding the Ponza Island are home to numerous artifacts and oddities, guaranteed to leave you breathless as you contemplate the history of the region and the people that call it home. Make sure to bring enough sunblock to last the excursion!