13 Beautiful Italian Islands — From Popular Hot Spots to Underrated Gems
"It takes some effort to get to Ponza: It's a roughly 90-minute ferry ride from a handful of mainland ports, and that distance has allowed the largest of the Pontine Islands to retain an air of exclusivity, even if it's been largely discovered by in-the-know Italians. Ponza is a hush-hush retreat for Italy's well-heeled crowd, who content themselves with casual vacation rentals instead of five-star resorts, alfresco dining on fried seafood instead of Michelin-starred creations, and beach bars rather than VIP clubs. For everyone else, it certainly makes for fun people-watching. The sea reigns supreme here, and a few relatively large (by Ponza standards) beaches become packed in July and August. If being elbow to elbow on the sand isn't your style, consider a shoulder season trip, when the daily routines of this otherwise quiet fishing island are easier to observe and appreciate." - Travel + Leisure Editors
