Ponza Island (Italy)

Ponza Island is the largest of Pontine Islands (Italy), located in Tyrrhenian Sea, approx 33 km (21 mi) south of Cape Circeo (mainland Italy). Ponza is a port town with large harbour serving boats (leisure and fishing), ferries and cruise ships. The port has several large docks with capacity to accommodate big-sized vessels. Town's largest industries are tourism, boat building and repairs, commercial fishing.

Ferries reach Ponza Island from Naples (Campania), Anzio (Lazio), Formia (Latina), Terracina (Latina). There are also hydrofoils linking Anzio with Formia (~75-minute ride). The hydrofoils and ferries may not depart to/from Ponza during severe weather. Much of Ponza is accessible by car. A bus runs the entire length of the island.

The island has a 2-lane road which goes from north to south but accommodates small cars only. The airstrip (planned for construction in the island's northern part) was canceled due to environmental concerns. As there is no airstrip, seaplanes call on the island instead.

The 4 mines at the northern end (which is the most beautiful area on Ponza) were closed down by the Italian Environmental Protection Agency in 1975 because the mining operation was destroying the island's wildlife and flora, which are endangered species.

Satyricon (1969) by Federico Fellini was filmed on Ponza Island. Some scenes in the film of Wes Anderson, The Life Aquatic, were also filmed on the island; in the movie, Ponza was instead called "Port-au-Patois".

Celebrities who have vacationed on the island include Elsa Martinelli, Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, Anthony Quinn, Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas and his son Michael Douglas, Jacques Cousteau and his son, Philippe Cousteau, who filmed a few documentaries in the area.

"Un'altra Vita" (2014), Rai Fiction TV series, was largely filmed on Ponza. A lot of the scenes showcase the rugged shoreline and hilly landscape of the island.

Most of the people who live on Ponza Island raise chickens, rabbits and other animals for meat to make cacciatore. Many of the island's original inhabitants are now leaving but are steadily being replaced by other people from mainland Italy. Many local kids move away after becoming adults. They never return.

Ponza Island cruise terminal