Pontine Islands Sailing Itinerary from Nettuno: A 7-Day Cruise Through Ponza, Palmarola, Zannone, Ventotene and Santo Stefano
Pontine Islands, IT
7 days cruise, 31 dates available
Catamaran
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
A seven-day sailing holiday departing from Nettuno through the Pontine archipelago in the central Tyrrhenian Sea, navigating between volcanic islands, sea caves, uninhabited nature reserves and Roman archaeological anchorages west of the Gulf of Gaeta.
The Pontine Islands form one of the least crowded sailing destinations in the central Tyrrhenian Sea, a small archipelago of six islands and several uninhabited islets scattered between Rome, Naples and the Italian coast. Departing from Nettuno, the route develops through the archipelago over the course of a week, returning to the same base at the end of the cruise.
Crossings between islands stay relatively short for most of the route, with the longest open water legs covering the approach to Ponza and the return passage to Nettuno at the end of the week. Several days combine navigation with time spent exploring a coastline by dinghy, since many of the most distinctive sights here, sea caves, natural arches and isolated coves, are best reached from the water.
The islands divide into two groups with different geological origins. Ponza, Palmarola and Gavi share a volcanic past that produced obsidian deposits, polychrome cliff faces and dramatic sea caves, while Zannone stands apart with a sedimentary, forested landscape protected within the Circeo National Park. Further south, Ventotene and Santo Stefano are volcanic as well, with high, rocky coastlines and small beaches tucked behind the headlands.
History runs through much of the route, from the Roman tunnel connecting Ponza's port to Chiaia di Luna beach, to the ancient port carved into the rock at Ventotene, once used as a place of exile for members of the Roman Imperial family, and the abandoned Bourbon era prison on Santo Stefano. Palmarola, the wildest island in the group, has no roads and only two seasonal restaurants, while Nettuno, the starting and ending point of the cruise, is a historic seaside town on the Lazio coast just south of Rome.
Days generally combine a morning swim or a stretch of coastline explored by dinghy with an afternoon sail to the next anchorage, with evenings spent either at anchor in a quiet bay or moored in a small port, depending on the island and the conditions on the day.
Itinerary
Day1
Boarding in Nettuno and Departure Toward Ponza
Boarding takes place at the base in Nettuno during the afternoon, on the Lazio coast south of Rome. After settling into the cabins and a safety briefing, the boat sets sail southward toward the Pontine archipelago, with the crossing covering open Tyrrhenian water and arrival at Ponza planned for the evening, the island's coastline revealing itself gradually as the boat approaches. Mooring or anchorage is in the port area or in one of the protected bays north of the harbor, with dinner on board or ashore.
Day2
Ponza, Coastline and Sea Caves
A full day is dedicated to exploring the coastline of Ponza by boat, dinghy and on foot. The island is long and narrow, shaped like a crescent facing east, with its highest point at Monte La Guardia above the port and dramatic west facing cliffs descending to sea caves and swimming bays on the open Tyrrhenian side. Chiaia di Luna, a wide curving beach backed by vertical tufa cliffs and reached through a Roman tunnel from the port side, is one of the most celebrated anchorages in the island group. The caves between Chiaia di Luna and the Faraglioni to the south are best explored by dinghy in calm conditions, while the Arco Naturale to the northeast and the swimming areas around Cala Feola and Cala dell'Acqua add further stops. The night is spent at anchor or in port.
Day3
Gavi and Palmarola
Morning navigation passes the small island of Gavi at the northern tip of Ponza, a rocky outpost surrounded by volcanic formations that calls for careful navigation through the channel between the two islands. The passage continues west to Palmarola, the most remote and visually striking island of the northern group, its polychrome cliff faces, obsidian formations and wave carved sea caves forming a coastal landscape unlike anything on the main island. The anchorage at Cala del Porto on the eastern side offers the best shelter from the prevailing winds and direct access to the island's two seasonal restaurants, while the coastline around Punta Tramontana to the north is worth exploring by dinghy in settled conditions. The night is spent at anchor off Palmarola.
Day4
Palmarola to Zannone
The passage from Palmarola northeast to Zannone crosses open water between the northern Pontine group and the protected island of the Circeo National Park. Zannone covers just over one square kilometer and is uninhabited, monitored by the national forestry service and open to day visits, with a sedimentary landscape that feels quieter and more forested than the volcanic islands earlier in the route. The ruins of a Benedictine convent and a small natural history museum are accessible on foot from the anchorage, with Capo Negro to the north and Punta Varo to the south offering the two main anchoring options for a day stop and a swim in exceptionally clear water. Since overnight anchorage at Zannone offers limited wind protection, the afternoon sail continues toward Ventotene, where the night is spent at anchor.
Day5
Ventotene
Ventotene is a small island of volcanic origin, with a high, largely rocky coastline interrupted by a handful of small natural beaches. Cala Rossano and Cala Nave, just behind the built up area, are well suited to a morning swim, while more isolated stretches such as Parata della Postina and Parata Grande offer further options depending on conditions. The island has two ports, Porto Romano, the ancient Roman harbor carved directly into the volcanic rock during the Imperial period when Ventotene served as a place of exile for members of the Imperial family, and the more practical Porto Nuovo, with fuel, water and other facilities. The area around Scoglio La Nave on the eastern side adds a further stop for swimming in clear water, with the night spent in Ventotene.
Day6
Santo Stefano and the Return Toward Nettuno
Santo Stefano, the smallest and only fully uninhabited island in the Pontine group, lies just off the northeastern coast of Ventotene. Volcanic in origin, with dark basaltic rock descending steeply to the sea, a circumnavigation of the island reveals a succession of cliff profiles above a sea floor known for its rich fish life. The only anchorage permitted is in the northern section, near an imposing circular Bourbon era prison built at the end of the eighteenth century, abandoned but accessible from the anchorage for a walk along its perimeter, with views from the cliffs taking in Ventotene to the west and the distant volcanic profile of Ischia to the south. After the visit, the boat begins the return navigation toward Nettuno, anchoring overnight along the way.
Day7
Return to Nettuno and Disembarkation
The final navigation completes the return to the base in Nettuno, with the approach from the sea giving a last view of the Lazio coast and the Circeo promontory in the distance. The final night is spent on board, with disembarkation taking place the following morning.
Important Note This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, sea state and operational requirements. The captain may adjust the route, anchorages and overnight stops to ensure safety, comfort and the best possible sailing experience.
Cruise price details
Entire yacht price
€ 3529
€ 3000
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
Entire boat rental
Air conditioning on board
Snorkeling equipment
Yacht additional fees
Starter Pack: €590. Final cleaning, tender and outboard engine.
Skipper: €1800. Provisioning for the skipper is not included.
Security deposit: €800
Fuel according to consumption
Provisioning, food and drinks
Mooring fees and water in ports and marinas, according to use
Extra services
Hostess/Chef: €1400
Linen set: €60 per cabin
Paddle SUP: €100
Two paddle SUPs: €80
Extra passenger beyond the 8th, over 10 years old: from €500 to €2000, depending on the period
A bright, spacious catamaran with four double cabins, each with its own bathroom, made for sharing the sea with family and friends.
Wide, comfortable and easy to live on, this catamaran is designed for relaxed days at anchor and gentle sailing. The large cockpit with its enclosure works as an open-air living room, perfect for long lunches, aperitifs at sunset and evenings under the stars.
Inside, the bright saloon opens onto a well-equipped galley, while the four double cabins sit in the two hulls, so everyone enjoys privacy, a private bathroom and a fan to sleep cool.
Out on deck there is plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the sea air. Stand up paddle, snorkeling and fishing gear, a coffee machine, an ice maker and an outdoor barbecue help turn every day on board into a holiday.
Yacht
Model
2016 Lagoon 450
Length
14 m
Yacht services
Air conditioning
Yes
Snorkeling equipment
Yes
Fishing equipment
Yes
Toys on board
Yes
Accommodations
Max guests
8
Double cabins
4
Bathrooms
4
Private Bathrooms
Yes
Crew
1
Chef on board
No
Other facilities
Solar panels
Generator
Inverter
Water maker
Washing machine
Electric winches
Cockpit enclosure
Fans in all cabins
Dinghy with outboard engine
Coffee machine
Ice maker
Outdoor barbecue
Stand up paddle
Outdoor cinema
Card and board games
Snorkeling gear
Fishing gear
Cabins
Double cabin
Comfortable double cabin with private bathroom, fan and generous storage.
4
cabin capacity
double bed
private bathroom
Cruise activities and tips
Travel organizer tips
What to pack for a sailing holiday?
Pack smart for your yacht charter: choose a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase, bring lightweight layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and non-slip shoes for onboard use. A couple of swimsuits and motion sickness remedies can also make a big difference. Each boat has limited storage, so pack light, but wisely! Need help building the perfect list? Read our full guide: What to pack in a suitcase for a yacht charter
What’s a Typical Day Like on a Yacht Charter?
Start your day with a swim in a quiet bay, sail to hidden beaches or seaside villages, and enjoy a slow lunch on deck. Afternoons mean snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring ashore. As the sun sets, your boat anchors in a scenic cove or near a harbor, ready for a relaxed dinner and a night under the stars. Curious about the full experience? Discover more in our guide: What’s a typical day like on a sailing holiday?
Who Handles Cooking and Cleaning on a Yacht Charter?
On skipper-only charters, guests usually share cooking and cleaning duties, think salads, pasta, and good teamwork. If there's a hostess, light meals and tidying are included, but it's still a casual, collaborative vibe. On fully crewed yachts, you’ll enjoy full service with a chef and crew managing everything. Want to know what’s included in your setup? Read the full guide: Who takes care of cooking and cleaning on a sailing charter?
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather During a Sailing Holiday?
Summer sailing holidays rarely face major weather issues, but when the sea gets rough, skippers adjust the route for your safety. Expect protected bays, marina stops, or a change in plan. These moments often lead to unexpected gems: local towns to explore, time to relax on board, or cozy dinners ashore. Curious about how crews handle these changes? Read the full FAQ: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions or changes to the itinerary
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
