Anchorages in the Pontine Islands
The Pontine Islands — Ponza, Palmarola, Ventotene, and Santo Stefano — lie 60–100nm south of Rome in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Palmarola is widely considered the most beautiful free anchorage in Italy: dramatic volcanic tuff cliffs eroded into arches and caves, crystalline water, and no permanent residents. Ventotene's Porto Romano has been in continuous operation for 2,000 years — the only ancient Roman harbour still actively used today.
Ventotene — Secca delle Sconciglie Shoal (1.8m)
The Secca delle Sconciglie is a dangerous shoal extending NW from Ventotene with a minimum depth of 1.8m. Always pass south of the cardinal mark when approaching from the W or NW. Porto Romano (ancient Roman harbour) accepts vessels up to approximately 12m LOA with max 1.8m draft — it silts gradually and the published 2m depth should not be relied upon. Palmarola has no facilities whatsoever — carry all water, food, and fuel for a minimum of 3 days.
Verified Anchorages — Pontine Islands
5 anchorages across Ponza, Palmarola, Ventotene, Santo Stefano
Ponza — Porto di Ponza
Porto di Ponza · Ponza harbour main bay
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Palmarola — Cala Brigantino / del Porto
Cala Brigantino Palmarola · Cala del Porto Palmarola · Palmarola south
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Ventotene — Porto Romano
Porto Vecchio Ventotene · Porto Romano Ventotene · Ancient Roman harbour
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Ponza — Cala Feola / Le Piscine
Cala di Feola · Le Piscine naturali di Ponza · Natural Pools Ponza
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Santo Stefano — Island Day Anchorage
Isola di Santo Stefano · Santo Stefano Ventotene
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Palmarola — Italy's Most Beautiful Anchorage
No facilities, no permanent residents, rock and weed bottom — and worth every bit of it. Safety Anchor Alarm keeps watch all night so you can sleep soundly in Italy's finest anchorage.
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