Things to do in
Ponza

Ponza

Our most recommended things to do in Ponza

Ponza: Palmarola & Ponza Island Cruise with Swimming & Lunch

Ponza: Palmarola & Ponza Island Cruise with Swimming & Lunch

This route, with a less detailed itinerary than scheduled services that take place around a single island, is the ideal solution for tourists who want to have a panoramic view of the two islands. Starting from Molo Musco, we first go along the south-eastern side of Ponza, with a visit to the Pilate Caves, up to Capo Bianco. From here we head towards the island of Palmarola. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. The circumnavigation around Palmarola begins from the south of the island. A stop on the beach, called "O' Francese" beach, is planned. Once the Palmarola circumnavigation is over, the tour around Ponza continues. Continuing towards the enchanting bay of Lucia Rosa, with its suggestive Faraglioni, Cala Feola, with its Natural Pools, Cala dell'Acqua, Cala Fonte, Cala Felci, Cala Gaetano, Spaccapolpi, Cala Inferno, Cala del Core, Cala Frontone. Once the itinerary around Ponza is completed, we return to the Bourbon Port.

From Rome: Ponza Island Day Trip with Boat Excursion

From Rome: Ponza Island Day Trip with Boat Excursion

Escape the heat of central Rome, and discover the crystal clear waters, breathtaking views, and relaxing ambiance of Ponza, a tiny Mediterranean island paradise just a few hours from the city. After checking in at the meeting point, board a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for a quick transfer to the departure port. Here, catch the fast ferry direct to Ponza Island (ferry cost 60 euro not included and must be paid on the day). Upon arrival, board the boat you'll call home for the day. You'll be greeted aboard by the captain. Then, set off on an itinerary defined by the day’s wind and sea conditions. Whatever the route, you’ll enjoy stops at some of the island's most beautiful grottoes and swimming spots. Famous for its crystal clear waters and stunning cliffs, Ponza is also full of legends that your captain will tell you about as you sail. Visit the grotto of Circe, the sorceress of Homer's “The Odyssey,” who turned Odysseus' men into animals.  Learn the heartbreaking true story of Lucia Rosa, whose name now lives on in one of Ponza's most beautiful swimming areas. When it's time for lunch, the crew will serve a simple but tasty "mariner's style" pasta lunch, prepared in the boat's kitchen. Lunch will be served on deck, with wine and beverages.  After, grab your beach towel and laze on deck as you enjoy the sea breeze. There is plenty to do on board and in the water. Your tour leader will be on hand to cater to your needs. At the end of the day, trade in your sea legs, and enjoy some time to shop on Ponza Island. Explore the typical alleys around the port area, or grab a glass of wine before your ferry departure back to the mainland. Here, a vehicle will be waiting to whisk you back to Rome.

Palmarola Island Boat Tour with Pasta and Wine

Palmarola Island Boat Tour with Pasta and Wine

Explore, Palmarola which was defined by Folco Quillici as the most beautiful island in the world, from the water on this boat tour from Ponza. There will be bathroom stops along the way as well as a meal of pasta that is served with water, wine, and coffee. Once you reach Punta Vardella you can admire the Scoglio Suvace, Cala Brigantina, the Southern Faraglioni, and an enchanting cave. Next cruise to the Faraglione Pallante, the Grottelle, the Scoglio dell'Elefante, the Faraglione di S. Silverio, the Faraglioni, and the Galere caves, beach. Here you can stop. After the stop on the beach it is possible to observe with wonder the triumphal wall called "the Cathedral." And finally, the Spermaturo rock, the Vricci beach, the Grotta del Bue Marino, and the Forcina and the Gradelle. Return to your meeting point at the end of the tour with unforgettable memories.

Ponza Island 5-Hour Boat Tour

Ponza Island 5-Hour Boat Tour

Meet an English-speaking Ponza guide for the day in the main port of Ponza for a 10:30 AM start before boarding your boat excursion for the day. This Ponza Island boat excursion circumnavigates all 42 beautiful miles of coastline, weather and sea conditions permitting. You'll come across stunning volcanic rock formations, sea caves, blue grottos, hidden coves, and rocky beaches. Along the way, your Ponza guide will share fascinating stories about the long history of the island, including evidence of neanderthals inhabiting the area. The Roman's left their mark here as well, leaving ruins of villas, aqueducts and even a series of decorated sea grottos where they farmed fish. The boat excursion will stop at 4 to 5 locations around the island where you can swim and snorkel directly off the boat for 25-30 minutes. Be sure to bring your own snorkeling equipment. At lunchtime, your boat captain will prepare a fresh, hot pasta lunch which will be served with water, wine and espresso. At 4:00 PM the boat excursion will come to an end, returning to the starting point, the main port of Ponza.

Ponza Island: Day Trip from Anzio with 5 Hour Boat Excursion

Ponza Island: Day Trip from Anzio with 5 Hour Boat Excursion

Meet your English speaking tour leader at the port of Anzio and embark on the fast-ferry leaving for the island of Ponza. A short 1.5 hour sea journey later, disembark in paradise. At the main port of Ponza, enjoy a short amount of free time before boarding a smaller boat excursion. Learn about this gorgeous Volcanic island's fascinating history from your Ponza-expert, English-speaking tour leader. Circumnavigate all 40 beautiful miles of Ponza's coastline on this 5 hour boat trip, stopping at the best grottoes, coves and rocky beaches where you can swim and snorkel to your heart's content.  You will be served lunch on-board in the afternoon, consisting of pasta, wine, water and coffee, all prepared by the captain himself. After the boat excursion ends, return to Ponza's main port where you will have an hour of free time to explore, take a walk or enjoy a cold beverage or gelato. The ferry returning to the mainland departs at 5:30PM.

Palmarola: Boat tour with lunch on board

Palmarola: Boat tour with lunch on board

Set sail to discover Palmarola on a full-day boat tour from Ponza, the largest of the islands off the Gulf of Gaeta. Sailing along Ponza from the Grotte di Pilato to the Faro della Guardia, you will then sail towards Palmarola to discover its rocky and jagged coast, framed by shining turquoise waters. The hours will fly by between dives in the sea, delicious breaks, and toasts on board in the company of a friendly skipper and your excursion companions. It will be an opportunity to make new friends and relax blissfully.

Ponza: Bath and aperitif at sunset

Ponza: Bath and aperitif at sunset

This tour lasts 3 hours. The meeting point is at the port of Ponza, from the Musco pier; we will sail towards the Bay of Chiaia di Luna to admire the island in a different light than usual and toast the sunset. Along the Pilate caves we will arrive at the stacks of Punta Madonna, Calzone Muto and the Guardia lighthouse. We will stop for a swim in the bay of Chiaia di Luna, the crew on board will be ready to delight you with drinks and appetizers for an aperitif. The boat will become a real floating disco. When the sun is about to set we will set sail towards it.

Tour of the island of Zannone lasting 6 hours

Tour of the island of Zannone lasting 6 hours

The island of Zannone has been part of the Circeo National Park since 1979 and is monitored by state forest rangers. Its rocks are largely of morphological and sedimentary origin. Zannone offers nature and walking lovers the possibility of a route inside the park, where the remains of the Cistercian convent are located. Visiting the forest, you may come across some specimens of mouflon that live on the island. After the internal walk, the itinerary continues with a visit to the island by sea. After approximately 50 minutes of sailing from the port of Ponza, you arrive on the island. From here the walk begins (optional, unguided). Zannone preserves a plant cover of botanical interest. The holm oak grove, one of which is very ancient, seems like the setting of a magical fairy tale. In Cavone del Lauro two imposing centuries-old oaks dominate. Following the road traced by the Benedictine monks, you arrive at the Custodial House, where the Marquis Casati also stayed, and which currently houses the forestry staff. Near the building, there are the ruins of a medieval monastery called the Santo Spirito. The effort required for the short climb is amply rewarded by the wonderful views that open up to the view. From Mount Pellegrino, 194 m high, whose toponym derives from the peregrine falcon that lives permanently on the island, it is possible to admire the southern and northern sides of the island. The more adventurous can visit the Peschiera Romana, located in Varo, carved into the rock and reachable via an internal staircase. A small colony of mouflons has lived on the island for about a century. After the free excursion, the route around the coast begins which allows you to visit Cala delle Grottelle, the Scoglio del Monaco, the Punta di Levante, the Punta del Lauro, the small Calcara beach, dominated by the dolomite and limestone cliffs, and the Grotta del Mariuolo with the homonymous Scogli

Ponza: Sunset boat tour with aperitif and swim at Chiaia di Luna

Ponza: Sunset boat tour with aperitif and swim at Chiaia di Luna

Come by boat with us to admire the sunset from Chiaia di Luna Bay. Departing at 6 p.m. from the port of Ponza (Molo Musco) and then heading to Chiaia di Luna, once anchored there is a chance to swim, enjoy our aperitif with cocktails prepared on board and dance to the music accompanied by our deejay. Included in the ticket price is the first cocktail and appetizers, with the possibility of additional cocktails by paying €5 on board. You will return to the port of Ponza at 21:00 (approximately). The tour will depart with a minimum of 20 people. The tour is subject to change in case of adverse weather conditions.

Ponza: Boat Excursion on Board "Zannone 1954"

Ponza: Boat Excursion on Board "Zannone 1954"

With various stops and opportunities for swimming (4/5 bathrooms), you'll experience the beauty of the Pontine Islands like never before. Your knowledgeable owner, who also serves as guide and skipper, will ensure a memorable journey. Enjoy an aperitif with prosecco on board as you soak in the breathtaking views. "Zannone 1954" is a traditional "Ponzese felucca," a wooden boat with a rich history spanning 70 years. Originally used for lobster and coral fishing in Sardinia, the Pontine Islands, and the Tuscan Archipelago, it was built in 1954 by master shipwright Gennaro Aprea in Terracina. Restored in 2018 with fine woods according to tradition, the boat boasts historical charm and authenticity. With a length of approximately 10 meters and a 40 hp Nanni engine, it is approved for up to 11 passengers.

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What people are saying about Ponza

Overall rating

4.7
(82 reviews)

We loved it and recommend the tour. The guide was super attentive and gave us a lot of information about the island, and the island is wonderful. It's a 4-hour boat ride that takes you past the main points, with 4 stops to get in the water, including a cave. Lunch is served on the boat, which is pasta with red sauce and tuna, white wine or water (the food is ok). It's worth it!

It was unreal!! Mara just did it amazing with the tour, if you are thinking that the schedule is tight, believe me, you have more than enough time to swim, drink wine, eat delicious pasta, get a nice tan and learn about the island. We loved all the boat crew, they will take you to the best places to swim in those blue crystal waters.

The English was a little hard to understand here and there, but in general, it was great. The spots are beautiful and fishes were pretty :D

It was an absolutely wonderful trip and our kind guide Mara was outstanding as well as the boat crew. Their hospitality was superb!

The tour was fantastic, guide was such a nice person and overall an absolutely brilliant experience.