Delights of the Pontine Islands

Q: Many years back, a couple we met told us of the Pontine Islands off the coast of Italy. We have lost touch with them, but would like to visit these islands when we are in Rome in August/September. We would like to know which (if any) of these islands are worth visiting, how to get there and where to stay. Any information would be welcome. - Sally Rademeyer A: There are only two islands you should consider staying on as they have good accommodation options and transport connections to the mainland. These are Ponza and Ventotene. Ponza is more popular and offers great swimming. boating and tourist facilities. It is considered a lower-key version of Capri, and attracts many celebrities and rich Romans who want to keep a lower profile, as well as young travellers over weekends. Ventotene is much smaller and its greatest offerings - besides superb views - are peace and quiet. Both islands have interesting histories. From these islands you can do day trips to sights on some of the other islands, such as the prison on Santo Stefano and a ruined monastery and nature reserve on Zannone. You can also check out the Grotte di Pilato, three caves where the Romans dug fishpools to raise their seafood supper. You can make the 42km journey from the mainland to Ponza by hydrofoil or ferry, which runs from Anzio. To get to Anzio from Rome is an hour's train trip. The easiest way to get to Ventotene is to take a ferry from Terracina or Fornia, both on the coastline between Rome and Naples. There is plenty of accommodation available on Ponza, either in the port of the town of Le Forno. The best beach on the island is close to the port, so this is very popular. All standards of accommodation is on offer - from basic rooms to luxurious hotels. If you want to live it up, book into the five-room boutique guesthouse opened by fashion designer Anna Fendi. You can't get more classy than that. But you'll do just fine in the three-star Hotel Mari in the port. It has a great location with good views. Prices are highest in July and August, so you would get a better rate the later you can go in September. Expect to pay around R1000-R1500 for a double room. You can book the hotel on www.hotelmari.it or www.booking.com. You can find more information about the hydrofoil service on www.vitor.it and contact the local tourism office on www.prolocodiponza.it.