Ponza — Porto di Ponza
Porto di Ponza · Ponza harbour main bay
40°53.7'N 12°57.8'E
Depth
5–8m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Excellent holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m in the main bay mud anchorage — excellent holding in the soft mud. The main bay is protected from E through S but Maestrale from NW creates uncomfortable conditions; the 8 pontoons provide better NW shelter. In sustained Maestrale above F5, either use a pontoon berth or move to the E coast of Ponza (Cala Inferno/Cala Fonte areas) for better NW shelter.
About This Anchorage
Ponza is the largest and most celebrated of the Pontine Islands — a crescent-shaped volcanic island with extraordinary multi-coloured cliff scenery (tuffs of yellow, grey, brown, and pale green), turquoise bays, and Roman engineering on a remarkable scale (the Romans quarried the island for building stone and cut the Grotta di Ulisse tunnel through the cliff, and the tunnel Ponza–Cala Chiaia di Luna built for a Roman fish farm). The island is the summer destination for Rome's fashionable set — in July–August it is extremely crowded and the anchorage fills completely by early afternoon. The coloured cliff town of Ponza is beautifully maintained and the evening promenade (passeggiata) is a highlight. Ponza's cuisine features outstanding local seafood and the island produces an excellent white wine.
Protected From
E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor in the main bay. Harbour pontoons: commercial rate (May–September, approximately €50–€100/night for 12m yacht in peak season).
- Maximum stay
- 7 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No AMP permit currently required (verify current status with Capitaneria di Porto Ponza Ch 16 as AMP proposals were progressing in 2024–2025). Standard Italian maritime rules and national Posidonia prohibition apply.
Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. 150m beach exclusion in season. Keep clear of the ferry lane — Ponza has regular ferries from Formia, Anzio, and Terracina (3–4 arrivals/departures daily in summer). Cala Chiaia di Luna: 150m boat exclusion from the beach landing area.
Hazards
- !Maestrale from NW: The main bay is exposed NW — in Maestrale above F5, the anchorage is uncomfortable and the pontoons (if available) provide better shelter; departure to Ventotene (35nm E) is the best option in severe Maestrale
- !Ferry traffic: The ferry arrivals/departures from the main pier create significant wash — anchor far enough from the ferry lane to avoid the worst of it
- !Summer overcrowding: In July–August, the main bay can have 100+ boats; swing circles overlap; anchor watch is essential; chaotic conditions as charter boats arrive and depart
- !Rock fall at Cala Chiaia di Luna: The volcanic cliff above the famous crescent beach is subject to rock falls — maintain 200m from the cliff face; a significant fall closed the beach for a period in recent years
Skipper's Tips
- →Cala Chiaia di Luna at dawn (arrive by dinghy at 06:00 before the day-trippers) is one of Italy's most extraordinary natural amphitheatres — the curved cliff and crescent of white volcanic sand bathed in early morning light
- →The Roman fish farm (piscina/vivarium) at the N of the island (Cala Fonte) is visible from the water — a 2,000-year-old saltwater fish pond cut into the volcanic rock
- →Ponza's wine (Fieno di Ponza, a local white from Biancolella grape) is available from the cantina in the port area — buy a few bottles for the passage
- →The E coast (Cala Inferno, Cala Fonte, Cala Feola) has more sheltered anchorages than the main port in Maestrale conditions — explore by dinghy before committing to anchoring
Facilities
Excellent restaurants in Ponza port — try the local pasta all'acqua pazza (fish in 'crazy water') and the fresh-caught red tuna. The gelato on the main promenade is outstanding.
Nearest provisions: Ponza port town (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
Best May–June and September–October. July–August: extremely crowded, expensive, and challenging to find anchorage space; arrive before 09:00 for any chance of a good spot. The October shoulder season on the Pontine Islands is exceptional — empty anchorages, warm water, and excellent restaurants with full menus.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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