Tucked into the Tyrrhenian Sea between Rome and Naples, the Pontine Islands remain one of Italy’s most understated yachting treasures. Comprising Ponza, Palmarola, Ventotene, and Zannone, this protected archipelago feels like a collection of safeguarded jewels—dramatic, unspoiled, and largely inaccessible except by sea.
For seasoned charter guests who already know Capri and the Amalfi Coast, the Pontine Islands offer something rarer: space, silence, and authenticity.
Where to Place Them on Your Charter Itinerary
The islands work seamlessly into two classic Mediterranean routes:
- A one-week Amalfi Coast itinerary, offering a quieter counterpoint to Capri and Positano.
- A 10–14-day Northern-to-Southern Tyrrhenian voyage, beginning in Liguria, Cinque Terre, Elba, or Tuscany before cruising south.
Either way, the Pontine Islands shift the rhythm. Distances are short. Anchorages are chosen carefully. Days unfold naturally rather than being scheduled around port reservations.
Ventotene: A Roman Harbor Arrival
Entering Ventotene’s small Roman harbor feels cinematic. The island is calm and historically rich—ideal as the first or final stop in a Pontine loop.
Guests can explore ashore or tender across to Santo Stefano Island to view the former Bourbon prison, a dramatic structure rising from the sea. For history-minded clients, Ventotene provides cultural depth without sacrificing tranquility.
Palmarola: The Anchorage Highlight
If there is a crown jewel of the Pontine Islands, it is Palmarola.
There is no real marina. No town. Just a handful of seasonal waterfront restaurants accessible by tender. Everything revolves around wind, swell, and selecting the perfect anchorage.
The eastern side offers the most sought-after spots—turquoise water beneath towering rock formations. Lunch at anchor here often becomes the defining moment of the charter. Caves, rock arches, paddleboarding routes, and snorkeling straight from the swim platform create a sense of total immersion in nature.
This is superyachting at its purest.
Ponza: Color, Energy & Michelin-Starred Dining
Lending its name to the archipelago, Ponza provides the most variety.
Its harbor is instantly recognizable—pastel houses climbing dramatic cliffs. But the true magic lies along the coastline: grottoes, hidden coves, and swim stops inaccessible by land.
Evenings here can be as refined as the days are relaxed. A highlight is dining at Acqua Pazza, Ponza’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Arriving by tender at sunset, stepping ashore for an elegant dinner overlooking the sea, and returning to the yacht under the stars creates a perfect contrast to the simplicity of days spent at anchor.
Reservations, of course, are seamlessly coordinated as part of a fully curated charter experience.
Zannone: Wild and Protected
Part of a protected nature reserve, Zannone is typically admired as a scenic cruise-by rather than a landing point. Yet its untouched landscape adds a powerful sense of wilderness to the overall journey.
It is a reminder that the Mediterranean still holds places that feel undiscovered.
Why Guests Remember the Pontine Islands Most
What surprises many charter clients is that the Pontine Islands were not originally on their wish list.
And yet, after experiencing them, they often describe this stretch as the most memorable part of the voyage.
Why?
Because here, the pace changes.
You move short distances.
You swim directly from the yacht.
You enjoy long, unhurried lunches at anchor.
There is no rush between ports. No crowded marinas. Just sea, sky, and time.
For those who already know the Amalfi Coast or Capri, the Pontine Islands feel earned—an insider’s Mediterranean.
Charter the Pontine Islands with Baroque Lifestyle
At Baroque Lifestyle, we curate superyacht itineraries that balance iconic destinations with hidden gems. The Pontine Islands are the perfect addition for guests seeking authenticity, natural beauty, and refined seclusion.
Because sometimes, the most unforgettable destinations are the ones you didn’t initially ask for.
