Small and wild, very rich in ancient and modern history characterized by Phoenician vestiges, Greek relics, Roman glory, put to sword and fire by the raids of Saracen piracy and restored to their ancient splendor by the Aragonese.
Historically places of confinement and imprisonment, but also of luxurious holidays.
According to many, and certainly according to us, the archipelago of the Ponziane or Pontine Islands is one of the most beautiful and evocative places on earth.
This group of islands of volcanic origin rises shyly in the center of the Tyrrhenian Sea, south of S. Felice Circeo, almost embraced by the Gulf of Gaeta.
PALMAROLA
Sailing from the north you come across Palmarola, the most spectacular and wild of the islands, the most generous with primitive and uncontaminated anchorages, offering exciting and relaxing anchorages on high sandy seabeds bathed by crystal clear waters teeming with life. Here the bays are all crowned by majestic and imposing rock walls overlooking the sea.
At the northern end of the island it is a must to stop for a refreshing dip in Cala Tramontana, where the rocks are shaped by time, according to a patient and devoted game, into titanic shapes called "The Cathedrals".
The island is uninhabited, except for a small refreshment point on the western side, accessible by tender from Cala del Porto and Cala S. Silverio, spectacular bays, with shallower seabed and very clear waters.
Sailing further south between Cala Brigantina and Punta di Mezzogiorno, anchoring is a must because nature once again offers a rare artistic spectacle, a colossal sculpture expertly eroded by the sea, a large tunnel accessible by tender at the end of which you unexpectedly find yourself in the center of the Faraglione di Mezzogiorno gorge.
A final dive to the east of the island in the harbor at Scoglio Forcina between small beaches of smooth, white pebbles and sharp boulders overlooking the sea is a relaxing experience not to be missed before turning the bow towards the island of Ponza.
PONZA
After a restful hour at sea we are about to enter the solemn and legendary Cala Chiaia di Luna, perhaps the most famous bay in Ponza. The fjord, accessible only from the sea and surrounded on all sides by imposing pearl-white limestone cliffs, offers a privileged view from which to enjoy one of the most romantic sunsets in the Mediterranean, sipping a fresh aperitif on board with the whole crew.
Proceeding towards the north, the coast is full of ravines, tunnels and inlets which are very attractive for snorkelling lovers.
It's time for passionate dives and swims among the Maria Rosa stacks, magmatic rocks jutting out into the sea, teeming with flora and fauna.
After swimming and diving, we sail further north, up to Cala Feola where it is possible to enjoy a sumptuous meal on land in a typical restaurant practically on the water, which can be reached by tender crossing a small port of buoys and boats.
On the eastern side of the island each cove is a delight for the eyes, an uncontaminated and wild natural landscape rises from the water towards the sky.
Here it is mandatory to cross Scoglio Evangelista, a mammoth rock perforated in the centre, or relax at anchor on Frontone beach from which to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over Ventotene.
Before leaving the island you can plan a night in the port by looking for a mooring among the fishing boats and the few crowded private piers of Cala Ponza. Entering the bay, a truly evocative sight is the village of the same name which opens out like an amphitheater along the quays and the colorful fishermen's houses.
From here it is easy to go ashore to walk among the cafes, restaurants and typical shops.
On the island there is a very easy trek, accessible to the whole family, the Piana dell'Incenso path. A walk that reaches the northern side from which to enjoy a memorable view of Gavi and Zannone.
ZANNONE AND VENTOTENE
This last islet falls entirely within the Circeo Natural Park, for which landing is prohibited.
Regardless of the ban, many onlookers tempt fate, intrigued by the decadent splendor of the Marquis' villa, the protagonist of a well-known noir episode in the Italian news of the 70s.
Headed to Ventotene, the island of the Sirens who tried to enchant the Greek hero Ulysses.
After a pleasant navigation of about 20 miles it is time for a well-deserved refreshing swim in one of the many bays to the east between Punta dell'Arco and Cala Parata Grande, before mooring in the Porto Vecchio, a very small Roman pier dug into an inlet, characterized from the historical ruins and archaeological remains of a thriving economic center and landing place of the Empire.
A few meters from the boat it is possible to dine on the quay in one of the many restaurants, or climb the famous hairpin staircase that connects the marina with the small square, the heart of the town, or the Belvedere on the lighthouse, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Gaeta and the Flegrean Islands.
The streets are narrow and dotted with characteristic shops and cafés where you can sip a tasty drink.
For the more party-goers there is a small disco under the stars where you can dance barefoot until dawn on the smooth rocks, perfectly smoothed by the sea.
Magie Sailing offers sailing holidays to the Pontine Islands departing from Marina di Nettuno,
Ostia, Procida for both weekends and weekly cruises
Experience the wonder of the sea... set sail with Magie Sailing
