With blue waters and a striking mountainous landscape, the island is loved by regular visitors who attempt to keep its charms a secret. Reachable in a few hours from Rome and Naples, the island boasts clean and limpid waters.

Holidaymakers swim from beaches, from rocks, and from boats (available for organised trips or to hire at the port). There are some excellent restaurants on Ponza, as well as a few options for late-night drinking and dancing. There aren't many tourist sights or monuments on Ponza: the island's main appeal is its landscape, shoreline and atmosphere.

Boat trips enable visitors to explore the other Pontine Islands, including the nature reserve of Zannone. Along the shore you can see the Grotte di Pilato, three caves where the Romans dug fishpools to raise their seafood supper.

Underwater there are wrecks to discover, while ashore there are mule-tracks to wander, and ruins to visit, including the remains of a Roman port at Santa Maria, and a Roman necropolis.

Ponza's most popular beach is Chiaia di Luna, a long crescent of sand under high cliffs accessible by foot from the port. Towards the other end of the island, near Le Forna, are the Piscine Naturali, lovely natural pools ideal for bathing and enjoying the sunshine.

A bus service runs the length of the island, connecting the port and Le Forna. Water taxis will also take you around the island to coves and beaches.