Blue Ocean Club
6 days · 6 stops

The Pontine Islands: A Roman Hideaway

The Tyrrhenian Sea holds a closely guarded secret, an archipelago of volcanic islands scattered like jewels between Rome and Naples. This is a realm of staggering cliffs, hidden sea caves, and harbours carved by Roman hands, a world away from the mainland rush. Drop anchor in crystalline bays where emperors once holidayed and discover the raw, untamed beauty of the Pontine Islands, a true hideaway for those in the know. Your yacht awaits to reveal its dramatic shores and tranquil spirit.

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  1. DAY 01

    Ponza Harbour

    After a morning cruise from the mainland, the iconic crescent of Ponza’s Bourbon port appears, a theatrical amphitheatre of pastel-hued houses. The air hums with the gentle bustle of island life as fishing boats and tenders navigate the historic harbour. Step ashore for the evening ‘passeggiata’, joining the locals for an aperitivo as the sun dips behind the hills, casting a warm glow over the waterfront.

    • Exploring the Roman-era tunnels connecting the port to Chiaia di Luna.
    • A sunset Bellini at a waterfront bar on the main corso.
    • Browsing the chic boutiques and artisan shops along the harbour.
    • Discovering the Grotte di Pilato, ancient Roman fish pools carved into the rock.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Ponza
    Dining
    Ristorante Acqua Pazza
  2. DAY 02

    Cala Feola & The West Coast, Ponza

    The yacht glides along Ponza's western coast, a dramatic landscape of white tuff cliffs and sculptural sea stacks. The destination is Cala Feola, a sheltered bay home to natural swimming pools and traditional fishermen’s cave dwellings. The yacht’s tender is the key to unlocking the coast’s secrets, from the ethereal light of the Grotta degli Smeraldi to the magnificent natural arch at Punta del Papa.

    • Swimming in the 'piscine naturali', turquoise pools protected by rock formations.
    • Tender exploration of the Faraglioni di Lucia Rosa at sunset.
    • Kayaking through the Arco Naturale for a unique perspective.
    • Anchoring beneath the spectacular white cliffs of Chiaia di Luna.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage at Cala Feola
    Dining
    La Marina for simple, fresh seafood in a rustic setting.
  3. DAY 03

    Palmarola

    A short passage reveals Palmarola, Ponza’s wild, uninhabited sister island. A designated nature reserve, its stark beauty is defined by obsidian shores and extraordinary basalt formations known as 'Le Cattedrali' (The Cathedrals). This is a day for pure immersion in nature; dropping anchor in a deserted cove, snorkelling in startlingly clear water, and feeling the profound peace of an island shaped only by wind and sea.

    • Tender tour of 'Le Cattedrali', the magnificent cathedral-like sea stacks.
    • Anchoring in the secluded, turquoise waters of Cala Brigantina.
    • Spotting the endemic Palmarola wall lizard among the vegetation.
    • Enjoying a peaceful lunch on deck, surrounded by dramatic volcanic scenery.
    Anchorage
    Cala Brigantina
    Dining
    Lunch at the singular, seasonal beach restaurant, O' Francese.
  4. DAY 04

    Ventotene

    Arrive at the diminutive island of Ventotene and its remarkable Roman port, carved directly from the tuff rock two millennia ago and still in use today. The island’s tranquil, unpretentious atmosphere belies its epic history as a place of imperial exile. Wander the quiet village, explore the ruins of Villa Giulia, and snorkel over the submerged Roman fish farm at the Peschiera Romana, feeling the layers of history beneath your feet.

    • Berthing in the ancient Porto Romano, an active piece of Roman engineering.
    • Exploring the archaeological remains of Villa Giulia, where Augustus's daughter was exiled.
    • Snorkelling over the Peschiera Romana, a Roman-era aquaculture complex.
    • A guided tour of the imposing Bourbon prison on the nearby island of Santo Stefano.
    Anchorage
    Porto Romano
    Dining
    Il Giardino di Ventotene, for island-grown produce in a lush garden setting.
  5. DAY 05

    Sant'Angelo, Ischia

    The yacht cruises into the Bay of Naples, dropping anchor off Ischia’s most exclusive enclave, Sant'Angelo. This chic, car-free fishing village clings to a hillside, connected by a narrow isthmus to a towering rock promontory. The atmosphere is one of quiet sophistication, a perfect setting to indulge in the island's famed thermal spas or browse the high-end boutiques before returning to the privacy of your yacht.

    • Rejuvenating at the thermal pools of the Giardini Termali Aphrodite Apollon.
    • Taking a water taxi to the geothermally heated sands of Fumarole Beach.
    • Exploring the warren of exclusive boutiques and artisan ceramic shops.
    • Enjoying an aperitivo with prime views over the bay and isthmus.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage off Sant'Angelo
    Dining
    Ristorante Deus Neptunus for refined seafood on its waterfront terrace.
  6. DAY 06

    Faraglioni Rocks, Capri

    An unforgettable final morning is spent at one of the Mediterranean's most iconic sights. The yacht anchors in the shadow of Capri's mighty Faraglioni rocks, their immense forms rising from an impossibly blue sea. Enjoy a final swim in the crystalline water, passing through the 'arch of love' by tender for good fortune, before a magnificent farewell lunch on deck as the yacht begins its gentle cruise towards Marina di Stabia for your disembarkation.

    • A final morning swim in the shadow of the legendary Faraglioni rocks.
    • Navigating the 'Faraglione di Mezzo' arch by tender.
    • A photo opportunity with the dramatic coastline and Villa Malaparte in view.
    • A final, celebratory lunch on the aft deck with views of the Sorrentine Peninsula.
    Anchorage
    Morning anchorage at the Faraglioni
    Dining
    A bespoke farewell lunch prepared by your private chef on board.
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