Ponza, the perfect island for a September mini-vacation

POnza is shrouded in the legend of the sorceress Circe. It was on the island chosen as home after the murder of her husband that the men turned into animals and the women into mermaids. A spell that was supposed to attract sailors: as we know from Homer’s Odyssey, even the cunning Ulysses was trapped.

From the mythological plot “remains” an elongated and motley form, Folko Kilichi was renamed “Pontinesia” in the 70s. in honor of the beauty of Polynesia and Ponza, born from volcanic eruptions.

September is the perfect month to explore Ponza.

September is the perfect month for a little vacation in Ponza or for a happy ending to a holiday. Everything is perfect on the island of Lazio: the climate, the colors, the sea, the food.

The temperature ranges from 19 to 24 degrees, the climate is pleasant, but not sultry. The best conditions for relaxation after the August sun.

Colors of Ponza

From Lazio you take the ferry from Formia, Terracina or Circeo, and in about an hour and a half you arrive at the old port of Bourbon (a helipad accessible to tourists is being worked out for the future) in a cheerful chaos of suitcases, tourists, taxis and cars.

Arrival is like a postcard: the houses are located next to each other, forming an amphitheater. at Pisacane Pier in an explosion of Mediterranean colors between pink, blue, yellow and blue.

They fall from the walls of terraces and gardens cascades of bright geraniums, white daisies, roses, gerberas, violets and succulents. A treat for the eyes, while the center is a series of lanes, narrow streets and stairs leading up the Corso Pisacane shopping street.

Everything goes back to its roots

King Charles of Bourbon forcibly settled it in the middle of the eighteenth century with families from Ischia and Torre del Greco.

Before the Bourbons saw the island Osci, Volsci, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Saracens and Benedictines.

The island becomes infamous due to the fact that was a Nazi prison.

Ponza will be open from the sea

Ponza is an uneven collection of bays and coves. which starts from Punta Insenso and ends at the sharp peaks of Punta Guardia, the highest point of the entire Ponziano archipelago (including Ponza, Palmarola, Gavi and Zannone, Ventotene and the island of San Stefano).

So the first thing to do is go by sea to take a “tour of the rocks” as they say in Ponza.

Ideally rent a boat, a wooden fishing boat or rely on local companies such as Ponzesi boatmen’s cooperative.

Or a boat with Odyssey Diving Andrea Musella.

There are so many stages you can choose from.

From the port you can go explore Caves of Pilate a complex of caves excavated during the Roman Empire.

Don’t miss the scenery Stacks of Madonna. Among the small bays and rocky walls you will reach the rocks Ants and Faraglioni from Calzone Muto.

Cala Feola and Punta Papa they are ideal for stopping and anchoring.

Desire in Arco Naturale

The natural arch is one of the beauties of the island.. About 30 meters high and 7 meters wide, it is a natural limestone rock arch located in front ofSchiavone beach.

Tradition says that when you cross it, you need to make a wish.

From Cala del Core and Frontone we return to the port.

Cruise around the world around Palmarola, a place where Fendi breathes well in summer – with a stop at his La Marina restaurant, favored by Queen Bee or Beyoncé.

More island visits

Among the visits “sushi” certainly deserves an excerpt The Roman Cistern della Dragonara, a hydraulic masterpiece created by the ancient Romans.

You book tickets at Pro Loco in Ponza. Completely reconstructed, it is a real underground archaeological treasure, where performances are still held today.

Near the beach of Cala Frontone isThe Ponza Ethnographic Museum is located inside the cave.

Where to eat in Ponza

Restaurant La Marina in Cala Feola
Even Leonardo DiCaprio likes to stop at this restaurant located on the coast.

Food is served in large portions. The fennel-based pesto (Pesto di Finocchietto) is delicious.

Spaghetti with crab, saturated with the taste and aroma of the sea.

Tavern
“Oresteia” Oreste Romagnolo “is” a fish restaurant in Ponza. It overlooks the main street.

A celebrity favorite (and therefore always best booked), it’s also famous for its wines, such as those from Casale del Giglio.

Appetizers include octopus salad*** on crushed potatoes in mint sauce, fish balls with tomatoes and lemon zest. To die for spaghetti with peeled clams and capers, toasted bread and tagliatelle with swordfish caviar.

Crazy water restaurant
The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star and offers views of the entire island. It offers different terraces on different levels and an area dedicated to aperitifs.

The kitchen, run by Gino Pesce and Patricia Ronca, showcases Ponza’s products and her catch with a pinch of imagination and great taste.

Raw foods are highly recommended. Must try: Amber jack carpaccio, beetroot and yogurt, Grilled cuttlefish, artichokes, minced meat and mint, Spaghetti with spider crab and swordfish steak, soy sauce, with carrots.

Shrimp and caper restaurant at Hotel Piccolo Luisa

The Gamberi e Capperi restaurant has recently opened on the terrace of the Hotel Piccolo Luisa.
It was during the meeting of the Musco family, owner of the Hotel Piccolo 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. As you immerse yourself in the coolness of the terrace, you can enjoy a simple aperitif with freshly caught lobster.

Where to stay in Ponza

Close to the port and the historic center of Ponza, you can stay at Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla. The rooms are decorated in Mediterranean colors and are located at one of the most famous addresses on the island.

Info: Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla

The Bellavista Hotel also deserves attention. It is practically located overlooking the sea and also offers a restaurant with a panoramic terrace.

Info: Hotel Bellavista

Finally, Chiaia di Luna overlooks the beach of the same name. (which, unfortunately, cannot be visited due to rockfalls). This is a 4-star hotel with a salt water swimming pool overlooking all of Ponza and a panoramic terrace where you can enjoy aperitifs at sunset.

Info: Hotel Chiaia di Luna

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