Pontine Islands Sailing Itinerary

Ponza, Palmarola, Zannone, Ventotene, Santo Stefano, the small island of Gavi and the solitary rock of la Botte are the most extraordinary group of islands in the Tyrrhenian sea because of the variety of their coastlines, the colours of the rocks, the attractive villages and the small ports in pure Mediterranean style.

The islands (Province of Latina) are very close to the coasts of Latium (the minimum distance between Zannone and Circeo is 18 miles) and of Campania (the minimum distance between Santo Stefano and the isle of Ischia is 22 miles), and can be reached easily from several continental ports. The islands have always been renowned for their mild climate and for the beauty of their surrounding sea and sea-beds which have an average depth ranging from 3 to 50 metres and a maximum depth measuring below 100 metres at a distance of over 3 miles from the coast. Here, divers will experience magical emotions in a totally unspoilt environment. Their spectacular and bright colours give the islands a particular charm and a surprising beauty also due to the wide variety of small coves, bays or inlets and to the different choices of fascinating walks through the history and nature of the islands that makes Pontine ‘s cruising area is a top destination for your yachting holiday in Italy.

The archipelago is the result of volcanic activity and has been inhabited for thousands of years. Neolithic artifacts and bronze age obsidians have been excavated on the islands. The islands were used by the Etruscans who carved the "Blue Grottos". The earliest recorded history of the islands occurs with the Roman victory over the Volsces at 338 B.C. Local Legend says that this was once the lost Kingdom of Tyrrhenia which sank with a narrow strip connected to mainland Italy. During the reign of Rome's Caesar Augustus, residential expansion on the islands was encouraged and people spread from Ponza to Ventotene. Rome used the two islands as a retreat and a place to exile politically troubling citizens. Currently, tiny vineyards, wild herbs and flowers, and secluded beaches and grottos make it a popular tourist destination.

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