Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by AMANDA CASTILLO
A Solo Female Travel Guide to Visiting Ponza Island
This is literally where Italians vacation and run from tourists during the high season! From the cute multicolored homes, gorgeous coastline, and cliff sides, this Island is a somewhat still hidden gem and so spectacular. Ponza is also known for having the Amalfi Coast and Capri vibes but without the hordes of tourists and steep prices, making this an ideal summer getaway. It is the perfect place for a solo female traveler to soak up the sun.
With small-town vibes and a raw and rustic atmosphere, it is safe to say the Island is run by locals. The population is just under 4,000, keeping it a quiet, well-preserved piece of heaven and making affordable luxury possible. Locals would probably be furious that I am giving out the inside scoop on it. However, truth be told, the Island will most likely explode soon as a hotspot destination with recent visits from celebrities like Beyoncé & Rhianna. But do not expect 5-star resorts and red carpets to be rolled out in Ponza; it’s way more low-key than that. It has a homey charm and huge modern hotels, and improvements are not permitted on the Island (so I was told).
Located in the Lazio Region of Italy are the lesser-known Pontine Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea, with Ponza Island, or Isole di Ponza, being the largest and most charming of them all. The Tyrrhenian Sea is known as the arm of the Mediterranean Sea between the western coast of Italy and the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily.
Accommodations
The self-proclaimed 3-star hotel that I stayed at, Hotel Ortensia, was giving somewhat of Motel vibes. I did, however, have an ocean view and terrace to lay out with breakfast included. It wasn’t a fail by any means. My hotel was also in a great location, within walking distance to one of the cutest restaurants in Le Forne with a view of the ocean and just a 5-minute walk to the natural pools, which was my favorite part of Ponza. I felt so fortunate each morning to wake up to such a beautiful view and pinched myself to ensure I wasn’t dreaming.
When traveling solo like I was to Rome, it is easy to add a bonus adventure. Ponza can be a day trip, but it is so remarkable you’ll want to stay at least one night. I stayed for two nights, which was great, but I could have stayed one more day. I indulged in the affordable luxury vibe that this beautiful and traditional Island had to offer. I planned it in the perfect part of my trip, smack in the middle, and it was such a good call. I could roam around Rome and have fun there before heading over to Ponza for a couple days to relax. I then returned to Rome, now relaxed, refreshed, and ready to enjoy the Eternal City some more. I also added a day trip to Orvieto before returning to Los Angeles. It was one of my best trips yet!
The History of Ponza
At the height of the Roman Empire, the nobility had their vacation homes built on the Island to enjoy the pleasant temperatures and beaches. However, when the Roman Empire fell, the Island was abandoned until the 18th century. The Bourbon Dynasty then came to rule southern Italy, and many of the natives of Ponza moved to New York. They later returned to retire on the Island, which resulted in a considerable population of Brooklyn-accented Italians by the 40s. Since then, the English-speaking traditions have phased out and rarely are heard around the Island by locals.
When I had the opportunity to visit Ponza this summer, it was much different coming from the Roma, where English is found everywhere. I found myself using the translation app on my phone more often than not in Ponza. Especially when it came to ordering food. Those were the times when I just asked for the waiter’s recommendations and hoped for the best. Luckily, I am not a picky eater.
Another fact about Ponza I learned when I was there and found to be interesting is that the Island is so remote and disconnected from the rest of the world, they had no idea about World War II until Mussolini was briefly imprisoned on the Island. In fact, they had no idea who he even was until he arrived in 1943.
How to get there
I am going to be as specific as I can, explaining how to get to Ponza Island. I wish I had read more thoroughly about it prior and been better prepared. Unlike myself, I read only one blog that directed me to a port that didn’t open for the season for 2 more days from when I got there. Even more unlike me is not purchasing my ferry ticket in advance! I usually plan and pay for everything I can in advance to avoid this exact type of situation. Needless to say, this was an adventure of its own, but the way back to Rome was a breeze. You will only take the wrong train once, let me tell you. I was a pro at public transportation after that!
You won’t want to wear sandals for travel days but something as comfortable as possible. You can’t go wrong with a good pair of sneakers! I also suggest packing light if you’re just going for a couple of nights and then back to your original destination as I did. I opted to store the rest of my luggage where I would be staying next. Baggallini also makes the perfect backpack that was even created by flight attendants.
There are several ways and moving pieces to get to Ponza, but by NO means should keep you from visiting. When you have all the details, it really is easy. From the mainland, there are ferries and hydrofoils leaving from Terracina, Anzio, and Formia Ports, 2-3 times per day depending on the season. Check the season of the port and ferry times!!! The easiest way to get to Ponza is by taking the train from Rome to the Formia station and walking to the port from there to your ferry or hydrofoil. The port is only a 10-minute downhill walk from Formia station.
It is also a short drive, specifically from Rome and Naples, to one of the ports. Being close to both makes it an even sweeter-sounding destination in the hot Italian summer months.
Things to do
As island life will have it, the best things to do in Ponza are to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and sunbathe with a spritz. My favorite part about any beach is when lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. In Ponza, they are reasonably priced and available at almost all of the beaches.
Grab a panini (you will thank me later) and drinks from one of the local deli shops and spend the day basking in the Mediterranean sun. Oh the joy of traveling solo and being at your own mercy.
Boat Day
The best way to see the entire Island, though, is from the gorgeous crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Renting a boat for the day is so much fun and should be added to your itinerary to spice up your life while on this more relaxed and quieter Island. For the adventurer, you can rent small wooden boats for the day and go out on your own (gas not included). Guided group tours and fishing boats are also available to book, all reasonably priced. Everything on the Island is reasonable, restaurants included, because it is where the locals go for a holiday, and it is not a tourist-heavy location yet. Something to note about beach hopping on Ponza is that several of the most gorgeous beaches and coves on the Island are only reachable by boat. Still, while you’re out on the water, you can also explore the nearby islands, like Ventotene and Palmarola. All of the beaches in Ponza have stunning crystal blue waters but are mainly formed around rocks from Volcanic eruptions in the past. With that said, water shoes are a good idea to pack with you, and, of course, a quick dry towel.
Check out my posts on travel essentials!
Side note: I love that water shoes and a quick dry towel are so compact and can fit easily in luggage and a day bag. You can use the towel for so much, even a blanket for a picnic or to keep warm with. You never know.
Renting a Bike or Car
Another fun way to see the Island is by renting a bike…or a car. I recommend a bike. In Ponza, it is way less intimidating than driving in other parts of Italy. Getting around Ponza is very easy, even with the small winding roads. The local transportation around the Island is also straightforward to use and runs every 15 minutes until 2am. I used local transport for most of my time on the Island and loved it. Feeling like a local and confident now that I already had one transportation snafu, I felt totally victorious and accomplished each time I made it successfully back to my hotel! There is an option to buy a 24-hour bus pass for 5 euros or one way for 1 euro. Totally worth it, especially if you are not staying in the port. Conveniently my hotel had these passes available in the reception area.
Local Recommendations
I highly recommend asking your hotel concierge or even a local you come across at a restaurant or store for their recommendations on the Island. 
Especially when it comes to food. I rarely give restaurant recommendations because there is something special about not googling and planning everything. Being present with the locals and culture around you is something you will never regret when traveling. There are so many gems that only some people have written about or tried, and a local won’t steer you in the wrong direction. Many restaurants that are blogged about blow up not because they are necessarily that good but because people just write about the same ones over and over again.
Centro Storico
The port of Ponza, known as Centro Storico, is a lively place with many restaurants serving the freshest seafood, boutiques, and tourist shops selling locally made merchandise.
It is the perfect place to watch the sunset with an Aperol Spritz while people-watching. I always say that people-watching and taking it all in is the best way to experience the culture and lifestyle.
Chiaia di Luna
This used to be one of the most popular beaches on the Island; however, now only the cliffside and outlook can be enjoyed as the falling rocks started to become a safety hazard over the years. Watching the sunset on the cliffs or at Hotel Chiaia di Luna with a delicious aperitivo in hand is the perfect way to enter the night. If you are on a guided boat tour, you can see its unique crescent shape in the distance and jump off of the boat to partake in snorkeling here.
Cala Feola Beach
This beach is one of the only sandy beaches on Ponza Island and the largest. It attracts a younger crowd, especially when a DJ creates an open-air disco with plenty of free-flowing island vibes. Like other beaches on the Island, it is accessible by both foot and boat. However, you must climb 300+ stairs each way if you decide to walk. In addition to the beach club, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas here and make a day out of it.
Piscine Naturali Le Forna
The Piscine Naturali, or natural swimming pools, are so much fun and was my favorite part of visiting Ponza. It is truly perfect and reachable by both boat and foot and not far from Cala Feola Beach. There are water toys like paddle boarding, pedal boats, snorkeling, snack bars, and lounge chairs with umbrellas strategically placed on the rocks.
Since there is no sand, I recommend sandals or water shoes as the remnants of volcanic rock are very present here and can be uncomfortable after a while. In my opinion, a beach with no sand is everything!!! If you don’t feel like renting a lounge chair, bringing a quick dry towel is also a good idea to lay out on.
Spiaggia Di Frontone
For something a little more lively, and by little, I mean a little, Spiaggia is your place. Catch a ten-minute water taxi ride from the port to this fabulous beach. It is the most popular swimming location and can get the most crowded now that Chiaia di Luna is closed for being a safety hazard with falling rocks. 
If you’re on a boat excursion, it will likely stop here for free time and exploration. If you aren’t on a tour or want to explore independently, you can access the beach on foot but be prepared for a trek and stairs!
Finito
There is nothing negative I can say about Ponza. My journey getting there was less than desirable, but it truly felt like a vacation inside of my vacation. I would absolutely recommend it, and I would even visit again. As with most islands, the main highlights often include water activities, so visiting during summer and the high season is ideal. I was there in mid-June and got caught in the most beautiful summer storm. Having roamed around Rome for the 4 days prior, listening to the rain from my hotel restaurant with a glass of wine was lovely.
