After a very comfortable and easy overnight crossing from Sardinia heading towards the Italian island of Ponza, we experience a very pleasant sunrise at around 6.15 amA couple of hours later we sight the small Italian island, Isola Palmarola which is located west of Isola di Ponza where we intend visiting laterApproaching Isola Palmarola, a craggy and mostly uninhabited island 10 kms west of PonzaPalmarola has a very rocky coast with steep cliffs, some natural grottos and small attractive baysHaving very mild overnight temperatures and calm conditions we find numerous boats on anchor here by the small islandWe join the fleet of vessels here to have breakfast and a swim The scenery is stunning here at Palmarola ….. the famous French explorer and oceanographer Jacques Cousteau described this island as the most beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea
By mid morning we make our departure from the lovely Isola PalmarolaIt is not long before we approach the west coast of Isola Ponza which is situated about 33 kms off the Italian west coast. As the crow flies the island is directly west of Naples!Heading towards the southern point of Isola PonzaThe stunning white cliffs of Punta di Capo Bianco stand out on the western point of PonzaPunta della Guardia is the actual southern tip of Isola PonzaStunning scenery here too!!Approaching the main town which is on the east coast of the islandThe ancient volcanic island has the most unusual coloured steep cliffs The 7.5 sq km island has an amazing ancient history and today is a very popular tourist destinationWe anchor beneath tall cliffs near another Menorquin which is almost identical to the TangaroaLooking towards the popular beach called Spiaggia FrontoneAs usual Anthony and Betsey are off exploring the beaches on the paddle board
Our little daredevil taking one of many leaps off the passerella on the stern of the TangaroaWe take the opportunity to have another swim and enjoy the crystal clear water We can’t resist calling over the icecream boat!!After anchoring the Tangaroa slightly closer to the town, within an hour we were surrounded by many vessels ….
By dinghy we head ashore to have a drink and an early dinner in the townAfter dragging the dinghy ashore we make a booking at our favourite restaurant in Ponza before doing some exploring The town of Ponza is one of the most beautiful towns we have visited in the Mediterranean Looking towards Scoglio Ravia, a rocky outcrop with a house perched on top. The Tangaroa is moored behind it tonightGreat shopping along the upper walkway!!The Blue Moon on the lower level is a fabulous bar with great cocktailsRic is enjoying his Blue Moon Mojito One of the many small alleyways with delightful shops, restaurants and barsWe head back towards Gennarino a Mare ( pale blue building at the end of the beach) where we have made an early (7.30) booking for dinnerThe colours of the buildings are amazing ….We have great views from the restaurantBetsey fortunately is happy on her iPad while enjoying her favourite pasta dinnerAnother amazing full moon tonight!!With a little effort the boys manage to get the dingy into the water through the crowd of dinghies lined up on the beachBack to the Tangaroa after a lovely evening ashore in Ponza
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