Making the most of Ponza
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
This is a tender port. The tender dock of Ponza is located in the city center.
Printable map to take along.
Ponza is a port on an island of the same name and is the largest of the Italian Pontine Islands located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is well known that many celebrities take their vacations on this island – indeed Jacques and Philippe Cousteau have filmed several documentaries in the area.
Ponza is a popular location for filmmakers. Perhaps the most famous was Federico Fellini who filmed Satyricon in 1969.
Points of interest include Ponza's Botanical Garden, Cape White (a National natural monument), Lookout Hill with a building on top used for flag signalling, two caves from Homer's the Odyssey, and a natural arch that resembles a pair of giant pants. There are also some superb beaches to be enjoyed, and the Le Forna area, where the friendliness of the inhabitants can be truly appreciated, makes for a very enjoyable visit.
Many archaeological ruins are scattered all over the island, the most famous being the Blue Grottos created by the Etruscans, and the Roman Gallery which is a tunnel that connects the town of Ponza with the large sandy beach, Chia di Luna, on its west side. In addition there is a fascinating mixture of Etruscan, Roman, Egyptian, Canaanite and Greek ruins to be explored.
Food and shopping
Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy local cuisine at the restaurants, and browse through boutique shops selling local products.
Money
euro
Staying connected
Language: italian
Opening Hours and
Opening Hours and Holidays: Most shops and businesses in Italy open from Monday to Saturday from around 8am until 1pm, and from about 4pm until 7pm, though many shops close on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings, and in the south the day can begin and end an hour later. In the north some businesses work to a 9am-5pm day to facilitate international dealings. Traditionally, everything except bars and restaurants closes on Sunday, though most towns have a pasticceria open in the mornings, while in large cities and tourist areas, Sunday opening is becoming more common.