Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Isole Pontine
This group of small volcanic islands off the southern Lazio coast serves as an Italian
Hamptons. Between mid-June and the end of August,
Ponza
and
Ventotene
- the only two
inhabited islands - are packed with holiday-makers and Roman weekenders who descend
in droves to eat shellfish at little terrace restaurants, swim in emerald coves and take boat
trips round the craggy coast. Outside of these months the islands are much quieter, and, al-
though expensive, a joy to explore.
Action centres on Ponza town, a colourful cascade of pastel-coloured houses that rings
the hillside above the harbour. Here you'll find the usual array of souvenir shops, cafes
and restaurants, as well as a small sandy beach.
Operating out of Ponza,
Cooperativa Barcaioli
( 0771 80 99 29;
www.barcaioliponza.it
; Sotto
il Tunnel di S Antonio)
is one of several outfits offering boat trips around the island (€25 in-
cluding lunch) and shuttles to the beach at Frontone. Alternatively, the local bus company
Autolinee Ponza
(
0771 8 04 47)
runs hourly panoramic tours of the island (€2.40).
Sleeping & Eating
Many of the locals rent out individual rooms to tourists; you'll find them touting at the
port. Otherwise, the small
tourist office
(
0771 8 00 31;
www.prolocodiponza.it
;
Via Molo Musco;
10am-noon Wed & Sat)
can help out.
Villa Ersilia
( 0771 8 00 97;
www.villaersilia.it
;
Via Scotti 2; per person €35-100; )
Housed in a mustard-
yellow villa a short but steep walk up from the harbour (follow the signs), this friendly
place has simple sunny rooms and lovely views out to sea.
RENTAL ROOMS
€
Tutti Noi
( 0771 82 00 44; Via Dante 5; meals €30; Mon-Sun Jun-Aug, closed Sun dinner Sep-May)
This
welcoming trattoria opposite Ponza's beach is one of many seafood restaurants in town.
The fish is as fresh as the morning catch and the pasta seafood dishes are excellent.
SEAFOOD
€€
Getting There & Around
Ponza and Ventotene are accessible from Anzio, Terracina, Naples and Formia. Some ser-
vices run year-round, including daily ferries from Terracina, but most are seasonal, operat-
