Ponza Between Coast, Trails and History

Ponza offers several distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: coastal scenery, trails through vineyards and maquis, and Roman and more recent history. The following places and routes provide concrete points of reference—from Ponza’s highest point to Zannone, which can be reached by boat from Ponza.

Coastal Scenery and Trails on Ponza

Ponza’s landscape includes sandy shores, coves, rocky towers and crystal-clear sea. Monte Guardia is a fixed topographic landmark: at 280 meters above sea level, it is Ponza’s highest point. The route there follows a mule track through vineyards and Mediterranean maquis, passing above Faro della Guardia. Both the summit and the scenery along the trail characterize this part of Ponza.

The Punta Fieno trail also has a cultural touch: it features aphorisms selected by the Ponzese poet Antonio De Luca. Punta Fieno is also home to centuries-old terraces planted with Biancolella vines. This place name therefore brings together literary touches along the trail and old wine-growing terraces.

Other routes lead to different destinations. The route to Frontone leads to the Museo Etnografico and a Bourbon fort overlooking the bay. The Punta Incenso route leads to Montagnella. The destinations along the routes offer distinct points of interest: vineyards and maquis along the Monte Guardia trail, a museum and a fort at Frontone, and Montagnella at Punta Incenso.

Roman Landmarks and History

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. A boat tour to the caves takes you to the Grotte di Ponzio Pilato; availability may depend on the season. Check tour dates in advance.

The historical connections span from the arrival of San Silverio to events in the 20th century. San Silverio arrived on Ponza in early June 537 and found shelter in a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Saint Mary. Sandro Pertini, who later became president, arrived in Ponza on September 10, 1935. The first exiles were housed in the Bourbon prison.

The combined tour of the Cisterne Romane della Dragonara e del Corridoio offers another practical point of reference. It lasts about an hour and covers around 600 meters, with an elevation gain of 50 meters. If you plan to take this tour, check the latest visitor information in advance.

Zannone and Travel by Sea

The Parco Nazionale del Circeo includes the municipality of Ponza and the island of Zannone. Zannone can be reached by boat from Ponza; fishermen and cooperatives depart from Porto di Ponza for the crossing. On Zannone, the trail runs from Caletta del Varo to the lighthouse. The remains of a Benedictine monastery built in 504 lie near the trail. The trail ends at the lighthouse, while the monastery ruins are close to the route.

In summer, sea connections to Ponza are also available from Anzio, Terracina, Naples and Circeo. Since these connections are seasonal, plan your journey using the schedules for your travel dates. This lets you consider the crossing to Ponza and the boat trip to Zannone as separate parts of your plans, without assuming that both services share the same departure point or schedule.

Discover more destinations: Le Ferriere, Maenza, Borgo Piave, Vendicio, Borgo Faiti, Sermoneta, San Donato, Foce Verde.

For the broader travel overview: Latina.