Discover Ponza: Coast, Trails and Island History

Ponza between Coast, Trails and History

When you consider Ponza as a travel destination, you encounter sandy coastline, coves, rock towers and crystal-clear sea. At 280 metres above sea level, Monte Guardia is the highest point on Ponza. The municipality of Ponza and the island of Zannone belong to the area of the Parco Nazionale del Circeo. For your choice between coastal landscapes, high-altitude trails and nature, Ponza therefore offers a variety of highlights.

Trails through Landscape and Local Culture

The Punta Fieno trail features aphorisms selected by the Ponzese poet Antonio De Luca. At Punta Fieno, there are centuries-old terraces planted with Biancolella vines. The route to Monte Guardia is a mule track through vineyards and Mediterranean maquis, leading above the Faro della Guardia. The Punta Incenso route leads to Montagnella.

Roman Traces and Historic Places

The Chiaia di Luna tunnel is one of four Roman tunnels on Ponza. The Grotte di Pilato are associated with a large Roman villa and an adjoining temple in the Punta Madonna area. The Grotte di Ponzio Pilato are the remains of an ancient Roman structure. The route to Frontone leads to the Museo Etnografico and a Bourbon fort overlooking the bay.

Monasteries, Personalities and Political History

At the beginning of June 537, San Silverio came to Ponza and found accommodation in the Benedictine monastery dedicated to Saint Mary. Near the Zannone trail are the remains of a Benedictine monastery built in 504. Sandro Pertini, the future president, arrived in Ponza on 10 September 1935. The first exiles were housed in the Bourbon prison.

Zannone, Frontone and Practical Information

The Zannone trail runs from Caletta del Varo to the lighthouse. Zannone can be reached by boat from Ponza; fishermen and cooperatives depart from Porto di Ponza for the crossing. In summer, there are also sea connections to Ponza from Anzio, Terracina, Naples and Circeo. A boat tour to the caves leads to the Grotte di Ponzio Pilato. The combined tour of the Cisterne Romane della Dragonara e del Corridoio takes about one hour and covers around 600 metres as well as approximately 50 metres of elevation gain.

Plan Your Ponza Trip around Your Interests

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation in Ponza, you can organise your trip around your priorities: coast and coves, trails on Monte Guardia, cultural traces or the boat trip to Zannone. The combination of mule tracks, caves, monastic history and sea connections appeals to visitors who plan their stay around a range of interests.

Other Places

Campo di Carne, Aprilia, Borgo Bainsizza, Cisterna Di Latina, Latina, Castellonorato, Borgo Piave, Sonnino

To the higher-level travel overview: Latina.