The tiny Italian island only locals know about – that’s as good as Capri but much cheaper

JUST a few hours from Rome, you can find an island that only locals know about, and tourists often overlook.

Ponza is part of the Pontine archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and it is home to beaches that rival Capri — but for a fraction of the price.

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Why Ponza?

Growing up in Rome, my family and friends would often take the short trip to the island for a break from city life.

Having been there myself, I would say that Ponza is a more rustic and smaller-scale version of other famous Italian islands - which is also great if you don't like massively touristy places.

Another great perk of visiting Ponza is its accessibility from Rome - meaning you could get two holidays for the price of one flight.

To get there, you can hop on a train from Rome's main station, Termini, to the port city of Anzio. The journey takes just over an hour and costs around £5.

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Once you're in Anzio, a ferry will get you to Ponza in an hour and 40 minutes, and it departs once or twice per hour.

Ponza is known for its untouched natural landscape, hidden coves and sea caves.

Compared to other islands like Capri and Ischia, Ponza offers excellent value for money with lower accommodation, dining options and activities.

What is it like in Ponza?

Although Ponza is a small island, there is plenty to explore and do, and it's also a hotspot for nightlife over the summer months.

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It is very hilly, and unlike its rival islands it doesn't have long stretches of sand - but that doesn't mean it isn't full of picturesque hotspots to relax in.

One of Ponza's sandy beaches is Cala Feola - a favourite among my friends, as it has some of the clearest waters in the area and is surrounded by the white hills of Capo Bosco.

Cala Feola is also easily reachable by walk - although you'll have to get down around 200 steps before reaching the untouched beach paradise.

Right by Cala Feola, you'll find the "Piscine Naturali" — translating to natural pools — one of Ponza's most famous spots.

The sea cove, also known as "the Fontone," was formed thanks to the island's intense volcanic activity and is renowned for its crystal-clear water, surrounded by rocky hills resembling a pool.

Elsewhere, Ponza's biggest beach is "Spiaggia del Frontone", but it's only accessible by boat.

The return boat trip costs around €5 (£4.30), and once you're there, you'll find one of the only stretches of sand on the island, surrounded by beautiful mountains.

The beach has remained untouched for decades to preserve its natural beauty - but this also means there aren't many facilities other than showers, sun loungers and toilets.

For those brave enough to climb the rocky path, lunch at "Da Enzo Al Frontone" is a must-see and one of the island's best-kept secrets.

"Cala di Luna" has always been Ponza's most famous beach, but it has been unfortunately closed for safety reasons due to its falling rocks.

That being said, the beach can still be admired from afar on a boat tour—which I would recommend, as you will be able to see some of Ponza's most picturesque sides that can't be reached any other way.

After all that exploring, Ponza is also filled with restaurants and bars that are worth a visit (or two).

You'll find different vibes when it comes to restaurants, from local family-run places costing around €29 (£25) per person to fine dining.

"EEA" is perched on a viewing platform over the port and has been a favourite among locals since the 1950s. It mixes fine dining with local traditions.

For those looking for an even finer experience, "Aqua Pazza" has a Michelin star and is set over three floors, offering stunning views. A top tip here is to visit around sunrise for some of the best views on the island.

Some beaches also transform into nightlife hotspots over the summer months, with live DJ sets and music from sunset to sunrise.

Many hotels transform their terraces into nightclubs, hosting events and themed nights until the early hours.

No matter where you go, you should find cheap drink options costing around €7 (£6) for pints and €8.20 (£7) for cocktails.

When is the best time to visit Ponza?

Thanks to its strategic position, Ponza enjoys mild winters and hot, dry summers, so it's no surprise that it shines during spring and summer.

With its Mediterranean climate, temperatures in Ponza range from 20C to 30C between May to October.

Daily averages during the peak summer months can reach highs of 35C, so May, September, and October might be the best months to visit.

I would advise heading to Ponza during those months if you'd like to enjoy outdoor activities and walk around the island - as it becomes too hot to tackle those hills during July and August.

Although temperatures hardly drop below 10C all year round, Ponza isn't a destination you should visit during winter, as most activities and beaches will be shut.

What are the best deals to visit Ponza?

Since Ponza doesn't usually draw in foreign tourists, there aren't many holiday packages available to book.

However, this gives you complete flexibility to organise your trip. You could spend a few days in Rome or Anzio before Ponza or head straight to the Pontine island.

from the UK to Rome cost , and accommodation options include and .

If you'd like to stay in a self-catered accommodation, here are some of the best deals we've spotted this summer:

• Stay at Turistcasa - b&b Casa d'amare in Ponza, Italy -
• Stay at Rifugio a Chiaia in Ponza, Italy -
• Stay at Villa Flavia (adults only) in Ponza, Italy -
• Stay at B&B Ponza Suite in Ponza, Italy -
• Stay at Maidea - Acquamarina in Ponza, Italy -

Alternatively, there are a few hotels starting .

What else should I know about Ponza?

Ponza is only accessible by ferry and can be reached from Anzio, Formia or Terracina.

The official language of Ponza is Italian, but English is usually spoken by hotel and restaurant staff.

The local currency is the Euro, and there are currently no entry requirements for Brits visiting Ponza (Italy).

However, your passport must be issued less than ten years before you enter the country and valid for more than three months after you plan to leave.

Brits can stay in Ponza without a visa for up to 90 consecutive days.

The UK government also notes that you might need to show proof of accommodation or a return ticket at the Italian border control - although this is unlikely.

Under Italian law, children under 17 cannot check into hotels without an adult.

For more bargains, European holiday park breaks on sale from £6pp a night in May – with huge waterparks, pools and private beaches.

We've also found all-inclusive beach holidays under £500pp next month, where temperatures reach 20C.

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_{Prices correct at the time of publication.}

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