Pontine Islands - Ponza Attractions

The northwestern group of islands consists of the almost uninhabited islands of Palmarola and Zannone (known to the Romans as Palmaria and Sinonia) and Gavi and the well-cultivated main island of Ponza, a crater ridge 7.5km/4.75mi long, rising to a height of 284m/937ft at the southern end in Monte della Guardia, and fringed by picturesque coves and cliffs. Below the north side of the hill is a bay forming a sheltered harbor, with the villages of Ponza (hotels) and Santa Maria. The southeastern group consists of the islands of Ventotene, part of a former crater (3km/2mi long by 1km/0.5mi across), with a village of the same name, and Santo Stefano, a granite island with a former prison.