With its multicolored harbor, crystalline sea and dramatic cliffs, Ponza island is one of the prettiest destinations in the Tyrrhenian Sea. And luckily for those of us in Rome, it’s reachable in just over three hours.
Ponza is part of the Pontine Islands, an archipelago that also includes Ventotene and Palmarola. The island shares some similarities with Capri, though it’s smaller and more rustic — making it a perfect weekend getaway from the capital.
Read on to discover the best beaches, bars and restaurants in Ponza. If you’re planning an overnight stay, see our guide to the best hotels in Ponza.
The Best Beaches In Ponza
Unlike Ischia or the beaches near Rome, Ponza doesn’t have long stretches of sand. The island is best explored by boat, though there are still a few picturesque coves and rocky beaches you can reach from land. The famous Chiaia di Luna, unfortunately, is not one of them. This striking crescent-shaped beach has been closed for years due to falling rocks, so it can only be admired from afar. Book a hotel stay at Hotel Chiaia di Luna or stop by for an aperitivo to enjoy the view.
Cala Feola
This sandy beach is my favorite on the island for its gorgeous position and its adorable little restaurant La Marina (more details below). You can rent loungers from a small stand as you head down to the beach. I walked down in flip-flops but you might want to bring comfortable shoes because it’s a hike up and down (100+ step stairs). The easiest way to reach it is by taxi (around €20 each way).
Piscine Naturali
This rocky cove has a serious Slim Aarons vibe. It’s located near Cala Feola but you need to drive between them to get here. You’ll be laying out on a rock but you have the option to rent sun chairs and there’s also a cute little restaurant for lunch.
Spiaggia del Frontone
This is the largest beach on Ponza and is easily accessible from the port—one ferry company provides transfers for €5 return (don’t lose your ticket for the way back). This beach has a younger crowd and you can rent loungers. You can bring lunch or if you’re brave, walk/climb across a rocky path to reach Da Enzo Al Frontone (mentioned below).
Hop On A Boat
You can’t visit Ponza without spending a day at sea. Many of the island’s most beautiful coves, sea caves and swimming spots are only accessible by boat. Several rental companies operate directly from the port, so you can easily arrange a tour upon arrival. During busy summer weekends it’s worth booking in advance. Private boat tours with a skipper are surprisingly affordable here compared to islands like Capri. Two skippers we recommend are Cocò Noleggio and Gite in Barca con Luca.
Discover The Best Hotels In Ponza
Planning an overnight stay? See our complete guide to the best hotels in Ponza, including boutique hotels, sea-view villas and guesthouses near the harbor.
Where To Eat & Drink In Ponza
Ponza’s cuisine is largely seafood-based and similar to what you’ll find in nearby Campania: spaghetti with clams, mussels, tuna and octopus are common on most menus. Prices are generally more reasonable than on islands like Capri, though dishes with weighted seafood — such as lobster pasta — can still reach €50 or more.
Vegetarian options are a bit more limited, but most restaurants will prepare dishes like gnocchi, parmigiana or simple vegetable plates on request.
Be sure to try Ponza’s local wines from Antiche Cantine Migliaccio (which also organizes wine tastings) or bottles from the nearby island of Ventotene.
Oresteria
Down at the port, Oresteria is a fun spot with creative dishes, tiny bright blue tables, high chairs, and a social crowd. It’s great for people-watching and fun for a date. They don’t take reservations so show up early if you want to snag one of the handfuls of outdoor tables. You’ll find dishes like fish balls with tomato sauce and lemon rind and tagliatelle with swordfish and fish roe. They’ve also recently opened up a second venue called Orerock set on Santa Maria Beach (10 min from the port).
La Marina in Cala Feola
This little beach bar restaurant was the highlight of my trip. Set above the crystal-clear turquoise sea in Cala Feola, La Marina is an adorable restaurant with wooden tables and tiled floors. The menu is varied and serves lots of delicious antipasti, primi, and secondi. Don’t miss the parmigiana di pale di fichi d’india. Instead of eggplant, this “parmigiana” is made with cactus paddles which are prolific on the island! This dish is similar to the classic, but a little more dense and sour? It’s beautiful and unique. Call ahead to book a table during the high season.
Da Enzo al Frontone
Located at Spiaggia del Frontone, Da Enzo al Frontone is a rustic beach-side restaurant that is one of Ponza’s hidden gems. You’ll have to climb over a rocky stretch of boulders to reach it but the trek is worth it for the relaxed atmosphere and vibe. It serves salads, tuna tartare, bruschetta, and light foods.
Acqua Pazza
Ponza is largely about a relaxed, casual island atmosphere, but if you’re looking for a more refined dining experience, Acqua Pazza is the island’s standout. The Michelin-starred restaurant sits dramatically above the sea in a terraced structure overlooking the harbor, with some of the most beautiful views on the island. The cuisine focuses on elegant seafood dishes built around the day’s catch, and a tasting menu available for €100 per person.
Il Melograno
A gourmet restaurant inside Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla, Il Melograno doesn’t have a view but the setting is well-curated and the food is considered the best on the island. If you want to celebrate a special occasion and care more about the food than the view, this might be your best bet. If you call ahead, they can also accommodate vegetarian and vegan requests.
Ristorante EEA
Ristorante EEA is another popular higher-end restaurant in Ponza. Set a couple of streets above the port, it has a lovely view of the water, white tablecloths, and attentive service. It’s nice for a special occasion or with parents, though the casual restaurants are more characteristic of Ponza. The wine list featuring bottles from minor Italian islands was my favorite part of the experience.
La Pazzaria
The best pizzeria on Ponza, Pizzeria Pazzaria is a cozy trattoria/pizzeria set further down along the water (10-15 min from the port) and has views overlooking the sea. The fritti are excellent and it’s totally unpretentious, with house wine and old-fashioned desserts.
Il Rifugio dei Naviganti
I liked Il Rifugio dei Naviganti so much, I came here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The setting is lovely, set above a sandy beach along the water, with booths and outdoor tables. It’s part kiosk, part restaurant, and the place transitions seamlessly from day to night. It’s run by a Neapolitan family, and the vibe is a little romantic but also warm and friendly.
Bar Tripoli
Bar Tripoli is the buzzing cafe & bar where everyone hangs out for aperitivo hour. You could say this is Ponza’s equivalent to Capri’s famous piazzetta where all the action happens during high season. Nearby, Pasticceria Gildo is another nice cafe with outdoor tables for people watching and relaxing (without a view).
Winspear
A casual watering hole down along the waterfront, Winspear is a nice place to lounge with a drink in hand during aperitivo or after dinner.
The Best Time To Visit Ponza
The best time to visit Ponza is between May and September, when boat tours operate regularly and the island’s restaurants and beach clubs are fully open. July and August are the busiest months, especially on weekends when visitors arrive from Rome. For a quieter atmosphere, late May, June and September are ideal.
How to Get to Ponza from Rome
The best way to reach Ponza is from Rome. You have to catch a Trenitalia train at Roma Termini to one of the following cities and then catch a ferry down at the port.
- How to reach Ponza from Anzio: take the fast ferry with Laziomar (1hr 40 min)
- How to reach Ponza from Formia: take the fast ferry with Laziomar (1hr 20 min) or ship ( 2h 30 min)
- How to reach Ponza from Terracina: take the fast ferry with Laziomar or NLG (1 h) or ship (2h 30 min). From Rome, you’ll need to switch trains to get to Terracina, so this option isn’t ideal unless you’re already close by.
The quickest and easiest way to reach Ponza is through Anzio, but if you risk getting seasick, the ship from Formia is ideal. There’s also an unexpectedly great restaurant down by the port in Formia (Zi Anna Mare) where you can have a delicious lunch while you wait to set sail. If you want to spend an extra night or two in Anzio, I’ve got some tips on bars & restaurants in my guide to The 10 Best Beaches Near Rome.
Ponza Travel Tips
- If you feel comfortable driving a scooter or car, you can rent these on the island (or bring your own vehicle over by ship from Formia) but the roads on the island are quite narrow. I think it’s easiest to move around on foot, by bus and take taxis when needed.
- Bring comfortable shoes! Ponza is very hilly and apart from the port, you’ll be climbing up many hills and walking up many stairs.
- A few people have asked me if this is a good island for children. If you stay right by the port and take boat tours around the island, I think it can work, but there aren’t long sandy beaches in Ponza—and it’s not stroller friendly.
