Sailing Guide Ponza
Chartering a yacht in Ponza is one of the hidden gems in Italy. Not as well known as Solerno or Sorrento, you will avoid larger tourist crowds and simply enjoy your sailing vacation. It’s a picturesque little island with colourful houses and scenic cliffs greeting you upon arrival by sea. Not far from the Neapolitan coast, you can combine the best of Italy - a stunning island and the mainland. Renting a boat is the best way to make the most of your vacation in Ponza. You will be able to navigate around the island on your own terms and discover as much as you want.
Things to do and see when sailing in Ponza
Sailing around Ponza is definitely a great experience to discover this part of the Mediterranean. However, Ponza has much more to offer than blue waters and beaches.
Activities in Ponza
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Discover the beautiful town of Ponza and explore the historical centre. Like many Italian cities, you will find many beautiful churches filled with stunning art and gold.
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Explore historical Ponza by visiting Chiesa dei Santi Silverio e Domitilla and Il Semaforo
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Piscine Naturali, as the name suggests, is a natural swimming pool that you can enjoy if you are prepared to climb a lot of stairs.
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Grotte di Pilato is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. Caves carved into the cliffs, surrounded by turquoise waters make this one of your highlights of your trip to Ponza
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The Natural Arch is one of Capri’s most stunning natural masterpieces, which you can visit when sailing from Ponza to Capri
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Punta di Capo Bianco is an incredible formation of white rocks that looks like the edge of an iceberg in the North Atlantic on the edge of Ponza
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Visit Forte Papa not just for the history, but also for a stunning view of the sea.
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The Botanical Garden is not just worth a visit to learn more about the local flora and fauna, but also for the stunning view. And the best thing about it? It won’t cost you a penny to enter!
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La Cisterna Romana della Dragonara is amazing proof of Roman architecture. Even to this day it helps provide the island of Ponza with water.
Beaches in Ponza
Similarly to Sicily and Sardinia, Ponza has one of the most stunning beaches to offer. Frontone Beach, which is surrounded by incredible rock formations and Chiaia di Luna beach, which is characterized by similar features, are just two of many wonderful beaches in Ponza.
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Cala Felci feels like a little piece of paradise. It is not your typical beach, but the rocks give the water an extra special colour.
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Cala Gaetano is not as popular with tourists as other beaches in Ponza. The steps you need to take to head down to the beach might be responsible. However, those who do make it down, will be rewarded with turquoise water, rocky coves and stunning views of the Mediterranean.
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Cala Del Porto: Located on Pamarola island, which is often described as Ponza’s most beautiful island, attracts tourists especially during sunset. Seeing the sun go down behind the unique rock formations is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss when vacationing in Ponza.
Restaurants in Ponza
Casual dining in Ponza:
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La Baguetteria del Porto: If you are craving seafood or traditional Italian supplí, this is the place to get it. Looking a little bit like a fancy cafeteria, you can savour the seas delicious flavours here.
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Silvio Pizza-Bar Nuovo: Pizza is your go-to comfort food? Savour a delicious Neapolitan style pizza in this cute little restaurant.
Beach restaurants in Ponza:
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Il Rifugio dei Naviganti - Ristorante di Pesce a Ponza is a cute little restaurant located right next to the sea. Fresh lobsters are an alltime customer favourite here.
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Ristorante Chiaia di Luna, taking its name from the stunning beach that is located right next door, is a wonderful place to enjoy the sunset together with a delicious meal. Sit on the beautiful terrace for the best views and enjoy a glass of local wine together with a delicious meal.
Fine dining in Ponza:
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Acqua Pazza is one of Ponza’s exquisite Michelin star restaurants. Sit on one its many terraces to enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean while tasting some of their highly recommended raw fish dishes. It is also the perfect place to enjoy a fancy drink before dinner.
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Eea is another fine dining restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food and stunning views of the Mediterranean. The elegantly presented Tortellini are as mouth watering as they look.
Bars and Clubs in Ponza
The island of Ponza has a serene atmosphere consisting of remote beaches, stunning natural wonders and elegant restaurants, but there is also room for parties on the island.
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Winspeare Ponza is a cozy bar located at the harbour of Ponza where you can enjoy a delicious cocktail and live music.
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Aperitivo al Melograno! is a three story establishment with a different vibe on each floor. The lowest floor is a lovely little restaurant, the following floor offers lounge-like vibes while the top floor is a bar with a pool. Coming to this place definitely means that you can choose whatever you feel in the mood for and change after a few hours if you want to experience something different.
Explore historical Ponza
Il Semaforo del Monte Guardia is one of Ponza’s most stunning historical buildings. Located on the highest point of the island, you will not just explore a historical landmark which was built in the 1800s around a watchtower that is dating back to the 1600 or 1700 hundreds, but will be rewarded with a 360 degree view that will leave you stunned.
Although people have been living on the island since Neolithic times, the Volsci built the island’s main centres. Other tribes conquered the island later on - including the Romans. Some ancient Roman baths, villas and aqueducts have been discovered on Ponza.
Discover mystical Ponza
Myths and legends are certainly not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Ponza, but even this small Italian island offers some legends that people have passed down from generation to generation. Locals believe in the power of the gray-yellow rock that you can find on Cala Felce beach. Mix it with water, put it on your skin and let it dry. Your body will feel silky smooth.
If you have read the Odyssey, you might remember a fictionalised version of Ponza, where Circe seduces Odysseus.
Sailing conditions in Ponza
As with other places in the Mediterranean, Ponza is blessed with sunny weather most days of the year. Unlike the islands of Capri and Ischia, Ponza is not overcrowded by tourists, making it the perfect secret sailing destination in the Mediterranean. Although it is still relatively quiet during the summer months, you might find it difficult to find a spot for mooring in the ports in July and August as spaces are scarce.
Sailing conditions in Ponza are ideal with winds mainly coming from North West, although light breezes come more from South-Eastern winds when the weather is not rough.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Ponza?
Renting a boat in beautiful Ponza doesn’t have to be expensive. On average it costs 58 EUR per person per day to rent a sailboat in Italy and 70 EUR per person per day to rent a speedboat. If you are looking at renting a more luxurious boat, like a motorboat, it will cost around 155 EUR per person per day. Renting a catamaran in Italy costs you on average around 139 EUR per person per day. Cheaper options are a gulet, which costs 50 EUR per day per person on average in Italy or a RIB, which will be priced at around 40 EUR per person per day. You see that it really doesn’t have to cost a fortune to go on a sailing adventure. Grab your friends and create unforgettable memories on a sailing holiday in Ponza.
What type of boat is best for sailing in Ponza?
What type of boat you are looking at renting in Ponza highly depends on what kind of sailing holiday you would like to experience in this part of Italy. Located close to Rome and next to the Mediterranean, it has a similar climate as other parts of Southern Europe, making it the perfect destination for a sailing holiday. Dry summers and mild winters are dominating, although there can be quite a few rainy days during the winter months. Renting a sailing boat in Ponza means that you are looking for an adventure, renting a catamaran means that you want to explore the hidden bays and beaches.
Rent a catamaran in Ponza
Pros of renting a catamaran in Ponza
Catamarans are the perfect water vessels when sailing in shallow waters, meaning that they are your perfect companion when it comes to discovering hidden beaches and bays in Ponza. If you would choose another type of boat, you might not be able to anchor as close to the shore as possible.
Cons of renting a catamaran in Ponza
One of the disadvantages of renting a Catamaran in Ponza is the size. As the summer months of July and August can get a little busy on the island, you might find it difficult to either find a spot for mooring or to find a spot that fits the size of your boat.
Rent a catamaran in Ponza
Rent a sailboat in Ponza
Pros of renting a sailboat in Ponza
Sailing around Ponza can be a great adventure that you will cherish forever. Unlike renting a catamaran, which is a more luxury option when it comes to boat holidays, a sailboat is a water vessel that you rent for the experience. Sailing around Ponza means that you get to see the most stunning scenery while also enjoying the actual sailing experience.
Cons of renting a sailboat in Ponza
If you want to explore the hidden beaches, bays and coves that Ponza has to offer, renting a sailboat might not be the best option. The keel makes it not an ideal vessel to drive in shallow waters. Also, you will not be able to go and explore the beautiful hidden coves that Ponza is most famous for.
As you are highly dependent on the wind when you are sailing on a sailboat, you might get stuck in the middle of the Mediterranean when the wind decides to take a break in the middle of your trip. During the rougher months of the winter it will be less of an issue than during the calmer summer months. Nevertheless, Ponza has great sailing conditions all year round.
Rent a sailboat in Ponza
Rent a motorboat in Ponza
Pros of renting a motorboat in Ponza
Renting a motorboat in Ponza means that you can get around the island very fast and very easily. It is the perfect vehicle to discover the island’s hidden beaches and coves. Depending on the size of the motorboat, you can even find one that resembles a hotel room with all the amenities you could ask for.
Cons of renting a motorboat in Ponza
If you’re on a relatively tight budget, a motorboat might not be the ideal boat for you to rent in Ponza. The speed comes at a price and can increase your holiday bill significantly before you know it.
Rent a motorboat in Ponza
Charter a luxury yacht in Ponza
Chartering a luxury yacht in Ponza is a great option if you want to spend your vacation in such a stunning location, but still enjoy the comforts of a hotel room. Spacious rooms and a deck where you can move and stretch yourself are luxurious you can enjoy here.
What kind of boat license do you need when renting a boat in Ponza?
Renting a boat in Ponza or Italy in general comes with some instructions and guidelines. You need to have a boat licence in order to rent a boat in Ponza and Italy in general. If you are a resident of one of the EU’s member states, your boat licence will automatically be recognized in Italy. If you are from outside of the EU, you should get an International Certificate of Competency or short ICC which is also recognised by the UN. However, this is not everything. You will need to present a CV outlining all of your previous nautical experiences.
Sailing routes in Ponza
Due to the central location of Ponza, it is the perfect spot to start your sailing adventure in the Mediterranean and explore other surrounding islands. Start your vacation in Ponza to discover hidden beaches like Cala Felci and Cala Gaetano before sailing to Palmarola island, the most beautiful of the Pontine islands. We recommend you to come and see the sunset here.
If you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can always sail further South, stopping in Ventotene, a sparsely populated island South of Ponza that is also part of the Pontine islands. Stop to discover some ancient ruins, like the Resti di Villa Giulia or just to take in the stunning views from Punta Dellarco. Spend one or two days here to get into the relaxed atmosphere of the island before heading further south to the island of Ischia. A popular tourist destination, the island has many historical sites to offer. Visit Castello Aragonese, high up on the cliffs of Ischia, and Chiesa di Santa Maria al Monte, a lovely church that is also located high up on the island. It is impressive to see that so much history is still visible to this day. Before heading back to Ponza, sail to the island of Capri to do some shopping in the little boutiques that are located next to the port and sell lots of beautiful local goods.