Lucci Hotel Rome Blog

If you would like to visit Rome and its region during the  Indian Summer, now that is, my great proposal is to visit the Pontine Islands. These islands uniquely beautiful by their nature are situated not really far from Rome in the region of Lazio.

The Pontine Islands are an archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the west coast of Italy. The islands were  named after the largest island in the group, Ponza. The other islands in the archipelago are Ventotene, Palmarola, Zannone, Santo Stefano and Gavi.

The archipelago was created out  of volcanic activity and has actually  been inhabited for thousands of years. The history of the islands dates back to the prehistoric period and further on  in a series of episodes involving a  presence of the Greeks, the Romans, the Pharnesians, the Bourbons and the British. Even pirates and the Saracens attacked the islands quite a few times before it  being eventually added as part of the Unity of Italy in 1861. The islands have always been famous for their mild  climate and for the beauty of their all  surrounding sea and sea depths which can  range from 3 to 50 metres and a maximum depth measuring below 100 metres at a distance of over 3 miles from the coast. Here, divers will indeed be delighted thanks to a totally unspoilt environment.

Ponza Island

Ponza is the biggest island of the archipelago, is the most interesting island. It’s full of grottoes and small hidden beaches Here, divers will experience magical emotions in a totally unspoilt environment. Many VIP (Italian and not) comes to Ponza for the summer and not also so, during your stay in this island, meet an international VIP will be not a surprise. But Ponza is also renowned for the climate and nature: you can admire breathtaking views of the city from the Monte La Guardia, the highest point of the island , many tour are organized, many activities are offered to discover the Tyrrhenian sea and overall the island of Ponza.

Ventotene is smaller and more calm and has a very relaxing atmosphere. For most of its history it was a prison and there’s not a lot to see and do now. There are remains of a Roman villa – but they’re not exactly spectacular. The beaches are okay but the tranquility of the island is probably the main draw.

Zannone  is part of the Circeo National Park because of its beauty and the integrity of its environments. The island is uninhabited but supervised by the Forestry Service. There are no tourist facilities and camping or overnight stays are prohibited although no special permit is required to visit the island. It is mainly covered with a thick vegetation based on Mediterranean scrub, but there is also a small ilex-wood. On top of Monte Pellegrino there is a Forestry Service station with a small educational exhibition concerning the naturalistic aspects of the island. Beside the building you will also find the ruins of a Benedictine convent dating back to the XIII century. The complete tour following well-marked paths along the upper ridge of the island takes 40 minutes; don’t be surprised if you meet some wild sheep during your walk.

Not to miss is the cuisine of the archipelago delle Pontine, full of fresh fish and pasta…

How to get to the Pontine Islands ? departures by boat are from Latina, Formia, San Felice Circeo, Fondi, Gaeta, Sperlonga and Terracina and see here for major schedule information.

Since you will also likely stay in Rome, which is nearby, why not book your stay in our Lucci Hotel Rome?

Related blog :  Lazio and its unique seaside