Bel Paese is full of beautiful places that make for a perfect romantic honeymoon in Italy. The Island of Ponza in the Tyrrhenian Sea is one of them.
Just over an hour ferry ride away from the mainland, Ponza is a popular summer destinations for Romans seeking an escape from the maddening crowds and the sizzling heat of the capital. Fewer foreigners venture to this spectacular part of the Lazio region. The island has been inhabited from Neolithic times, colonised by Etruscans, frequented by the rich and powerful during the Roman Empire and, according to some historians, is mentioned in the Homer’s Odyssey as the mythological island of Aeaea.
As it gets quite busy during peak summer months, the best way to enjoy Ponza’s beauty is to rent a boat and sail around the island in search of quiet corners. You can drop anchor at one of pretty bays, frolic in the crystal-clear water, explore the numerous ancient grottoes, such as Blue Grottoes, Grotta della Maga Circe and Grotte di Pilato.
There are many beaches on Ponza, some of them are reached only by water taxi. Spiaggia delle Felci, Chaia di Luna, Santa Maria beach, Cala Fonte, all of them are worth discovering. Piscine Naturali, natural saltwater pools formed during volcanic activity millions of years ago, are loved by many for their warm water and dramatic rocky surroundings. To watch romantic sunsets head to La Caletta, a spot on the coast that offers spectacular views that will make you remember your honeymoon in Italy forever.
From the coast or your boat you can see many natural wonders that will send your photo cameras clicking like crazy: Spaccapolpi, Faraglione della Guardia, Faraglioni della Madonna are majestic rocky stacks rising from the sea.
Ponza is choke-full of good restaurants offering excellent seafood. At the Frontone beach you will find Da Gerardo which is famous for its delicious island cuisine, breath-taking views across the bay and a lovely small museum that tells the story of the island. Another great place to gorge on mouth-watering local dishes is restaurant Aqua Pazza serving only wild-caught fish, home-made pasta and vegetables from local gardens.
Photos by: Fulvio Ghiringhello, Seba Sofariu, Giovanni Tancredi.
