Ponza is the largest of the Pontine Islands, a dazzlingly pretty archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the coast of Latina. You can reach Ponza from both Rome and Naples, within a couple of hours — which includes a very pretty ferry trip — making it an extremely popular pick for a quick island escape. Some have called Ponza ’Capri without the tourists’, and it's certainly a summer destination that the Italians would like to keep to themselves! Our list of the best places to stay in Ponza is small, but spectacular — comprising a beautiful hotel set on a clifftop overlooking a bright blue bay.

As well as a dramatically beautiful coastline of sheer white cliffs, and its clear, turquoise waters, Ponza’s towns are memorably charming too: rainbows of brightly coloured buildings around pretty harbours bobbing with small boats.

The island is a great size for a seaside break, and an ideal change in scene from a tour of Italy’s cultural highlights. Ponza has its share of lido-style beaches, with open-air discos and chic bars, but there are also numerous family-friendly beaches, and other hideaway coves with no facilities that are only reachable by boat. 

During summer the island gets an extra boost of life, as chic Romans and Neapolitans arrive to enjoy the sandy beaches, hang out on the water, visit the local markets, eat seafood and sip colourful drinks on the various seafronts. But this is definitely not a tourist island, the locals are very much in charge, and their warmth reflects their pleasure at playing summer hosts. For our Gurus the best places to stay on Ponza are owner-run, or staffed by friendly locals who’re going to give you recommendations tailor-made to your taste.

The Best Places to stay on Ponza

For Fantastic Views

• The Hotel Chiaia di Luna is a small but absolutely stunning clifftop property overlooking a beautiful bright blue bay and white cliffs. White itself, inside and out, and dripping with bougainvillea and nautical details, this collection of 76 rooms and suites is loved for its views and simplicity. All rooms have large windows, or patio doors leading out to balconies and terraces, and there’s a communal terrace by the pool-with-a-view. The casual restaurant serves fresh, local cuisine. A tranquil escape.

For a private apartment or villa

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest international airports to Ponza are Rome’s: Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino; which is about three hours away if you drive and then take the ferry from Anzio, or five and a half hours by train and ferry; and Ciampino Airport, which is also about three hours away by road and ferry from Terracina, or about four and a half hours by train and ferry. Alternatively fly to Naples Airport, which is also about three hours away by ferry, or six and a half hours away by train and ferry.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars. 
• If you’re planning a trip to islands off the coast of Latina, you’re probably looking at visiting between May and October to get the best weather, and to ensure that everything is open. The Mediterranean climate means the summers here get pretty hot, and the water has usually warmed up to a pleasant temperature by July. The winters are quite mild, though damp, so the period for optimum weather stretches out beyond the edges of the summer months, until it starts getting quite rainy in October, and very rainy in November.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Lazio
• Or just the best places to stay in Latina
• Opt for one of the best places to stay in Rome, or the best places to stay in Naples, and visit Ponza in between
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.