"We want to visit the Amalfi Coast for many reasons, including spending a few days on a white sandy beach - preferably somewhere with whitewashed houses that cascade down to a fishing village", clients requested recently. There are some pretty beaches on the Amalfi Coast and nearby, but it wouldn't be my first recommendation for what they described. Instead I suggested: definitely visit the Amalfi Coast. But for the beaches, go spend a couple days on the island of Ponza. (And they did.)
Getting There
From Rome, take the train to Anzio or Formia, which are just over an hour ride away (to the south, ie in the direction of Naples) as long as you don't get the slow train. Then take the 1-hour hydrofoil (www.vetor.it) or the 2-3 hour boat (www.caremar.it). Boats also leave directly from Naples in July and August.
Getting Around
Even though it's where the boats come in, staying near the harbor is convenient because you can do a lot on foot. Don't rent a car, or you'll spend your time stuck in traffic. If you're a very confident scooter or motorbike driver, the perfect way to get around the island is by motorbike/vespa/scooter, but I highly recommend not trying to learn to drive one on Ponza. You can also take taxis, water taxis, or the bus - which is somewhat old and dilapidated, but will get you around the island.
Beach-hopping
Many of Ponza's beaches are reached only by water taxi, so grab one in the harbor and either set a time to have them pick you up, or call when you're ready. Beaches worth visiting include (click on words to see images) Frontone, Cala Felice, Lucia Rosa grotto, Tirreno beach, Cala Feola beach (on the other end of island), the natural pools, Piana bianca. If you've got more than about 2 days, consider a day trip to the nearby island of Palmarola (pictured in the misty photo with Ponza at the top of this post).
Food
Other than beach-hopping and participating in the Italian dolce far niente on Ponza, I'd recommend a meal at Il Tramonto ("sunset"), which has the best views on the island.
Photo of Ponza and Palmarola islands by Nicola Since 1972, photo of Ponza by Seba Sofariu, sunset photo by Marite 2007, aerial photo by Hengist Decius
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Love the photos beach hopping and enjoying a nice meal Il Tramonto sound nice!
Posted by: Bluegreen Kirk | March 28, 2011 at 06:08 AM
Hey,
Thanks! Great post you have written on "The island of Ponza". Really I can say that your post is very informative, I'll come across your blog again when you will update it with new.
Thanks,
James
http://www.villavacations.com/
Posted by: James | June 17, 2011 at 06:07 AM
What a beautiful terrain! It's nice that they have preserved the natural beauty of it. It's so thrilling to discover every bit of the place. Beach hopping sounds fun too!
Posted by: Donna Parsley | August 05, 2011 at 11:24 AM