Editor’s note: Yacht owners and charter guests who cruise Italy often enjoy the Amalfi Coast. Just north, though, lies a group of islands few visit on their own, if at all. That’s part of what makes them special. According to Giulia Di Leo of Your Boat Holiday, they’re not the least bit crowded despite proximity to the mainland. Simultaneously, they have some of the most stunningly natural surroundings you’ll ever connect with—and, it’s worth emphasizing, only reachable from the water. “Clients who follow our recommendation to charter there tend to fall in love with the experience,” she says. Here, Di Leo details why the Pontine Islands are a must-visit superyacht charter destination.
The Pontine Islands are special because they still feel like small, safeguarded jewels. Ponza, Palmarola, Ventotene, and Zannone feature protected anchorages, exceptionally clear seas, and little coastal development. The coastline is dramatic, too, and most of the most beautiful coves and beaches are accessible only by yacht, which immediately changes the pace of the experience.
For charters, the islands are typically included with one of two itineraries. Conveniently, they suit a classic one-week itinerary along the Amalfi Coast. But, they’re also ideal for 10- to 14-day routes starting further north—Liguria, Cinque Terre, Elba or Tuscany—that move south through the Tyrrhenian Sea. Either way, they work beautifully as a quieter, more natural counterpoint to busier destinations.
Ventotene is usually a calm, historical stopover either at the beginning or the end of the Pontine loop. Entering the small Roman harbor is quite atmospheric. It’s an easy place to moor overnight and explore ashore, especially for clients interested in history. From the yacht, it’s also possible to take a tender out to Santo Stefano Island to view the former Bourbon prison, a striking sight from the sea.
Unquestionably, Palmarola is the anchoring highlight. It has no real marina nor town, just a handful of seasonal restaurants reachable by tender. Everything therefore revolves around choosing the right anchorage based on wind and swell. The most popular areas are on the eastern side, where yachts can anchor in turquoise water beneath dramatic rock formations. Lunch at anchor here is often one of the most memorable moments of the charter. The coastline is dotted with caves and rock arches perfect for tender exploration, paddleboards, and snorkeling straight from the yacht.
Lending its name to the Pontine Islands, Ponza offers the widest range of options. The main harbor is lively and visually striking, with pastel-colored houses climbing the cliffs. From a cruising point of view, however, the real beauty lies along the coast. Circumnavigating Ponza reveals a series of coves, grottoes, and swim stops, many unreachable by land, where yachts can anchor for the day or pause for swimming and snorkeling. Additionally, Ponza is ideal for guests who enjoy stepping ashore in the evening. In fact, Acqua Pazza, Ponza’s Michelin-starred restaurant, is a favorite for guests who enjoy a special evening of fine dining. Reservations are a must, which we always coordinate as part of the charter. Arriving by tender at sunset and dining overlooking the sea adds a refined contrast to the more relaxed, natural rhythm of the days spent at anchor.
Finally, Zannone, being part of a protected nature reserve, is usually a scenic cruise-by rather than a shore visit. Regardless, it adds a wonderful sense of wilderness to the overall experience.
From a charter standpoint, what guests tend to love most about the Pontine Islands is the pace. Days are structured around moving short distances, choosing anchorages carefully, swimming directly from the yacht, and enjoying long lunches at anchor. It’s a strong contrast to rushing between ports. This makes it an experience that feels “earned,” especially for clients who already know the Amalfi Coast or Capri.
What I always find interesting is that clients who choose the Pontine Islands often didn’t initially ask for them. But once they experience them, they frequently describe this part of the charter as one of the most memorable—precisely because it feels authentic, slow, and deeply connected to the sea.
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