Ponza

Travel Guide

Ponza
Ponza
Ponza
Ponza
Ponza

Delve through time as you scurry along the tunnels, caves and coves of this picturesque island, once a place of exile.

The crescent moon-shaped island of Ponza is a little-known delight off Italy’s western coast. Explore its several villages separated by mountains and vineyards and surrounded by pleasant beaches overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its charm springs from the Roman-made nooks and crannies in the cliffs. Sunbathe on the shores and dive in crystal clear water.

Arrive at Porto di Ponza, the harbor on the southeastern part of the island. It greets you with light pink, blue, white and orange hues of jumbled buildings. Peruse the many restaurants and bars facing the sea in the liveliest part of the island.

Among the island’s most famous spots are the Grotte di Pilato Caves, an intricate network of tunnels and pools of water in sea coves. The Romans built the caves, near the present-day port, possibly with the aim of farming moray eels. Rent a boat to reach the impressive structure near the present-day port and admire the remains of the Roman villa and fortifications.

See the Blue Grottoes, which were crafted by the Pre-Roman Etruscans. Visit the Serpents Grotto and the Roman Gallery, connecting the port to other parts of the island.

Historically, the island is known as a place of exile, where Romans banished royalty. Many centuries later, the country’s fascist regime exiled political prisoners. Eventually, the dictator Mussolini was sent here.

The islet is the largest of the Pontine Islands archipelago in west Italy. It lies 21 miles (33 kilometers) off Cape Circeo on Italy’s western coast. Ports serving the island include Naples, Terracina, Formia and Anzio. If you are flying into Rome, you can drive or take a train to the ports.

In this area, July and August are the hottest and driest months, although the mild and pleasant winters are ideal for long walks along the coast. The superb climate and picturesque views in Ponza can make exile seem like a dream.

Hotel Torre dei Borboni

Hotel Torre dei Borboni

3 out of 5
Salita Madonna, Ponza, LT
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Ponza. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Ponza Harbor and Grotte di Pilato Caves are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (77 reviews)
"Incredible position, great views, friendly staff, delicious breakfast"

Reviewed on 2025/7/20

Hotel Torre dei Borboni
Hotel Villaggio dei Pescatori

Hotel Villaggio dei Pescatori

3 out of 5
Via Cala Feola - Località Le Forna, (Piscine Naturali), Ponza, LT
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ponza. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Ponza Harbor and Cala Feola Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (46 reviews)
"Area was peaceful at night. Marco & Alberto were incredibly helpful and kind. Giorgio the driver…ebullient & friendly."

Reviewed on 2022/9/6

Hotel Villaggio dei Pescatori
Hotel Ortensia

Hotel Ortensia

3 out of 5
Via Piscine Naturali, Le Forna, Ponza, LT
The price is NT$4,352 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
NT$4,352
NT$4,787 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Ponza. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Ponza Harbor and Natural Pools are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (55 reviews)
"Last minute booking right next to a natural beach. Front desk was awesome to us, extremely helpful both at check in and later in the day. Very very good restaurant right next door. Wish I stayed longer!!!"

Reviewed on 2024/8/20

Hotel Ortensia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
hu Roma Camping In Town

hu Roma Camping In Town

Via Aurelia, 831, Rome, RM
Book a stay at this family-friendly campground in Rome. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,211 reviews)
"Swimming pool is excellent and open until 20:00. Good accomodations and transport link to airport"

Reviewed on 2025/8/2

hu Roma Camping In Town
Fabulous Village

Fabulous Village

Via Di Malafede 225, Rome, RM
Book a stay at this family-friendly campground in Rome. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,496 reviews)
"Good for kids, astro pitch x 3 swimming pool x 3, on site shop"

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

Fabulous Village
Aparthotel Adagio Rome Vatican

Aparthotel Adagio Rome Vatican

4 out of 5
Via Damiano Chiesa, 8, Rome, RM
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Rome. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (482 reviews)
"Nice pool, decent breakfast, very big rooms and decent kitchens with big fridge freezer, oven, hob, microwave, kettle. Towel and linen changes could be with being more regular than once a week"

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

Aparthotel Adagio Rome Vatican
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit