“Show and Tell”: Ponza

Last week, Gillian McGuire was in Ponza and I’m excited to hear all about her adventures there. She was invited by Slow Living Vacations on the second part of a trip that kicked off in Paciano, Umbria. I’ll let Gillian take it from here.

6 Favorite Photos of Ponza

The island of Ponza is the largest of the Pontine islands that are located in the Tyrrenhian sea.

This beautiful place only a ferry ride away from southern Lazio coast, is full of myth and history. Once settled led by the Etruscans and home to the siren Circe, pirate invasions in the middle ages caused a mass desertion of the island. Today Ponza is a destination for those in the know who love wild beauty, sun and great cuisine.

1. The only way to reach Ponza is by boat. The crossing takes about 2 and half hours. We left from Formia and passed the town of Gaeta and the majestic Monte Circeo on our journey. When you first catch a glimpse of Ponza it is in a multitude of blues, which makes arriving at the port a wonderful surprise as you are greeted with an explosion of color.

The shopfronts and houses are all painted in pastel yellows and pinks, the many boats in the harbor are decorated with multicolored banners, the deep turquoise of the water and the bright green of the hills behind look more like a painting than a town.

2. The island of Ponza is one of great bounty. The soil is said to be so fertile that just about anything will grow with very little coaxing. The market stalls in the port were overflowing with summer fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, sweet peppers and the biggest basil plants I have ever seen.

3. The intense heat of summer had not yet begun when we were visiting so the island was lush and green and filled with flowers. This passion flower vine with it’s other worldly purple flowers sparked a lively debate with the group over whether such an extraordinary looking plant was even real!

4.  Climb up the stairs and follow the signs from Cala Frontone beach to the delightful Museo. This lovingly curated collection of objects in a few small rooms detail life on Ponza from the early 1800’s.

5. The best way to explore Ponza is by boat. Secluded coves and beaches that are not accessible from land are just the beginning of what you can explore. We spent a day with Ponza Diving Center. Their conscientious team showed us the wonders that live below the crystal clear water.

6. Sunset in Ponza is something not to be missed. It was made extra special with a flute of cold prosecco as we watched the colors change from blazing orange to soft pinks as the sun sunk behind the island of Palmarola from the terrace of Il Tramonto restaurant.

Have you been to Ponza? Share your experience with us in the comments below.