May 27, 2025, 9:06 am | Read time: 6 minutes
The small island of Ponza remains a true hidden gem. It’s still relatively unknown abroad, but Italians love it as a summer vacation destination. And for good reason. Ponza offers the complete package for an island getaway—without the crowds! Even Heidi Klum has sunbathed here. TRAVELBOOK introduces Ponza, the hidden gem, and shares the best travel tips for a vacation on the island.
Perhaps the island’s obscurity is due to the fact that it’s not so easy to reach Ponza. The small island is just seven kilometers long and 2.3 kilometers wide. As part of the Pontine Islands, it lies in the Tyrrhenian Sea, about 50 kilometers from Terracina and 110 kilometers from Naples. It takes two and a half hours by ferry from Terracina and three hours by speedboat from Naples. It’s a breeze for people from Naples, who sometimes visit for a weekend. It becomes cozier in the off-season when it’s still pleasantly warm and almost only locals are on the island. On-site, it’s hard to imagine that political prisoners were regularly exiled to Ponza in the past—how could staying on Ponza be a punishment?
Overview
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Dream Island with Cliffs and Beautiful Bays
In Italy, Ponza enjoys a reputation as one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. A trip there quickly reveals why. The hilly landscape ends in wild cliffs, and the island’s highest point is Monte Guardia. There are also secluded bays, grottos, and beautiful beaches, often only accessible by boat. Large hotel complexes are nowhere to be found here, as there simply isn’t room for them on the tiny island. Fortunately, because they would surely destroy Ponza’s charm.
Our tip: Every vacation on Ponza should include a tour around the island. It’s a chance to marvel at all the bays and grottos. Organized tours start daily, circling the island in just a few hours. Alternatively, you can rent your own boat here.
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The Most Beautiful Beaches on Ponza
The most famous beach is in the crescent-shaped bay “Chiaia di Luna,” which translates to “Moonlight Bay.” A beautiful heart-shaped cove, “Cala del Core,” is also worth visiting. Although “Cala del Core” doesn’t have a sandy beach, only rocks, the scenery is almost too beautiful to be true. The island’s rocks form a natural, small harbor basin.
Our tip: Spiaggia di Frontone is only accessible on foot or by boat. Boats regularly depart from the island’s harbor to the small bay. However, keep in mind that the sun doesn’t shine there after a certain time of day.
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Historic Grottos on Ponza
There are several grottos on Ponza, including the Grotte di Pilato, which were known in ancient times and primarily used for fish farming. They were also likely used for religious purposes, as evidenced by the statues of gods and other decorations that still hint at this type of use. It’s recommended to visit the grottos early in the day.
Our tip: The Grotte Azzurre offers a special light effect. You can visit it with small boats and see the effects at certain times of the day. There are also sandy beaches nearby.
Shipwreck and Love Drama
Particularly charming is the “Piscine Naturali” in the “Baia di Cala Feola.” The name describes a natural rock pool, which is almost too beautiful to be true. The island’s rocks form a natural, small harbor basin.
Our tip: Ponza is the perfect place for those who love diving or have always wanted to try it. A shipwreck, for example, is an excellent diving destination!
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Diving and Snorkeling
The sea around Ponza is so clear and rich in colorful fish that snorkeling and diving are a must. There are also several wrecks to discover–and, of course, encounters with all the small underwater creatures.
Our tip: The “Cala dell’Acqua” is a recommended diving spot. At about 20-30 meters deep lies the wreck of an English ship. You can spend long days on the beach and in the water here. As a crowning finale, you can enjoy the most beautiful sunsets on top.
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Fish Dining in the Island Capital
About 3,300 people live on Ponza, most of them in the island’s capital of the same name. The town is home to small restaurants, a picturesque harbor, and, of course, stunning sea views. The restaurants are a must-try, especially for their fresh seafood. And since we’re in Italy, you can enjoy it with a glass of wine.
Our tip: Try the Spiaggia di Frontone, which is only accessible by foot or boat. Boats regularly depart from the island’s harbor to the small bay. However, note that the sun no longer shines here after 5 p.m.
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“Perhaps the island’s obscurity is also due to the fact that it’s not so easy to reach Ponza. The small island is just seven kilometers long and 2.3 kilometers wide. As part of the Pontine Islands, it lies in the Tyrrhenian Sea, about 50 kilometers from Terracina and 110 kilometers from Naples. It takes two and a half hours by ferry from Terracina and three hours by speedboat from Naples. It’s a breeze for people from Naples, who sometimes visit for a weekend. It becomes cozier in the off-season when it’s still pleasantly warm and almost only locals are on the island. On-site, it’s hard to imagine that political prisoners were once regularly banished to Ponza–how could staying on Ponza be a punishment?”