Jack Aiello
Google
My family comes from Ponza and I've visited it almost a dozen times so far in my life, so I can give you a quick rundown of what you can expect.
Ponza is a well kept secret. Everyone thinks to go to the Amalfi coast or visit Ischia or Capri, but Italians know to come here for some wonderful sunbathing, sightseeing and restaurant hopping. If you want to visit it, you can reach Ponza by boat via three port towns (Formia, Terracina or Anzio). If you do a quick Google search, you can get times when boats leave during every time of the year and even book a ticket.
My father was born on this island. Except for a brief stint in the United States, my father went back to Ponza and remained there for the rest of his life, until his death in May 2017. It's an island rich in natural beauty and with a history that dates back to ancient Roman times. In these recent years, archaeologists have found numerous Roman remains all over the island - villas, aqueducts, cisterns. There's the gorgeous Chiaia di Luna Beach that has only one access point through a tunnel that was dug out by the Romans probably more than two thousand years ago.
I've written about Ponza before and I can go on about its history, the people, the wonderful coastline dotted with grottos, cliffs and beaches whose surrounding sea waters migrate from jewel tones of green and turquoise to baby blues and deep sapphire. Summer is when the island really comes alive and some of the restaurants are truly fabulous, featuring not only the traditional Italian kitchen, but also the native cuisine of the island utilizing local ingredients and presenting their own peasant spin on soups, game, seafood and pasta. Italy is not short on places to visit and enjoy, but if you want to see how local Romans and Neapolitans spend their weekends, add Ponza as another spot on your Italian vacation itinerary.