Palmarola — Cala Brigantino / del Porto
Cala Brigantino Palmarola · Cala del Porto Palmarola · Palmarola south
40°55.6'N 12°51.3'E
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
95m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
95m
95m in Cala Brigantino in 8–12m depth. Palmarola has no permanent facilities (one seasonal bar/restaurant) — carry all provisions from Ponza. The island is uninhabited year-round except for seasonal workers. In any S wind above F3, both SE bays become exposed; shift to the N coast or depart to Ponza.
About This Anchorage
Palmarola is described by many Mediterranean pilots as 'one of the most beautiful anchorages in the western Mediterranean' — uninhabited (except seasonally), wild, with extraordinary volcanic cliff scenery, turquoise water, and completely unspoiled natural character. The island's geology is spectacular: vertical basalt columns, sea caves carved by wave action into the tuff cliffs, and the remarkable 'Cathedral' rock formation (a natural arch). There are no facilities except one seasonal restaurant (Il Parroco) perched improbably on the cliff. The swimming and snorkeling are outstanding. Palmarola is 8nm from Ponza and 35nm from the mainland — a detachment from the modern world that rewards the sailor who makes the passage.
Protected From
N · NW · NE
Exposed To
S · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Maximum stay
- 3 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No formal AMP permit currently required. Nature Reserve rules apply — no interference with the natural environment. Standard Italian maritime rules and national Posidonia prohibition apply.
Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. No camping ashore. No fires. No disturbance of the nesting seabirds (Cory's shearwater nests in cliff crevices — active at night, distinctive wailing call). No removal of geological specimens.
Hazards
- !S/SW exposure: Both main bays (Cala Brigantino and Cala del Porto) have significant S–SW exposure; any Libeccio/Scirocco above F3 makes the anchorages uncomfortable; no alternative shelter on the island
- !Remote location: No fuel, no fresh water, no medical facilities; nearest emergency services at Ponza (8nm) or mainland Formia (30nm); carry complete self-sufficiency
- !Rocky seabed: The beautiful geology means the bottom is predominantly volcanic rock with sandy patches — anchor survey is essential; snorkel to find the sand before setting
- !Night passage: The 8nm passage from Ponza to Palmarola crosses open water; lights are few; GPS accuracy essential; do not approach Palmarola without clear visibility
Skipper's Tips
- →Il Parroco restaurant is worth the entire passage to Palmarola — the freshest seafood possible (the owner fishes from the restaurant's own boat), extraordinary cliff setting, and unforgettable atmosphere; booking essential
- →The sea caves on the S and W coast are accessible by dinghy in flat calm — the largest (La Cattedrale, on the W coast) is a remarkable natural cathedral of basalt columns; enter slowly with engine off and listen to the acoustics
- →Cory's shearwaters nest in the cliff crevices and return to their nests after dark with a wailing cry that echoes across the water — eerie and unforgettable; do not approach their nesting sites
- →The 8nm passage from Palmarola back to Ponza is best done in the morning before the Maestrale builds in the afternoon — the NW afternoon breeze can make the Ponza approach rough
Facilities
Il Parroco (seasonal restaurant, Cala del Porto area, accessible by boat) — one of the most remote and memorable restaurants in Italy; simple, fresh seafood; call ahead (+39 0771 808 052) to confirm opening and book a table. No fuel, no water on the island — bring full provisions from Ponza.
Nearest provisions: Ponza Porto (8nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September only (practical season). The island's isolation means weather windows are essential. May and October visits possible for experienced sailors in settled conditions. Il Parroco restaurant is usually open late May–early October.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 95m
Palmarola has no facilities — you are on your own. Safety Anchor Alarm watches your position all night so you can sleep in Italy's most beautiful anchorage.
Download Free for iOS