The Archipelago of the Pontine or Ponziane Islands (in the Province of Latina, Latium) comprises two groups of islands, positioned NW and SE of each other at a distance of some 22 miles. The Northeastem group is composed of the island of Ponza, (the adminstrative centre) and the small islands of Palmarola, Gavi and Zannone. The Southwestern group comprises Ventotene (the administrative centre) and the small island of S. Stefano.

(Lat. 40°54' N long. 12°58' E) Is the largest og the islands, 5 miles in length and from 650 ft to one mile in width, and reaches a maximum altitude at Monte della Guardia of 1090 ft. Its outline is varied and broken, with an exceptional series of bays, inlets; the rock formation shows great variety of shapes and colours, seen in the volcanic layers which are predominantly, limestone and trachyte. The local people have christened the various places with the most colourful names. Starting from the northeastem spur called Punta dell'Incenso (Incense Point) and continuing southward one travels through some enchanting places: the small Isle of Gavi, Cala Gaetano, Ravia di Aniello Antonio, Punta Nera, Cala d'Inferno, Cala del Core with its typical Scoglio Spaccapolpi or Calzone del Parroco, Punta Bianca, Cala di Frontone, S. Maria, Giancos, down to the shipping lane. This is protected to the east by the Punta della Madonna (with the nearby cliffs), under which lie the Pilatus Caves where the ancient Romans bred Muraena fish, and which have given birth to many picturesque local legebds.Continuing the tour, one passes the Calzone Muto Cliffs, the Punta della Guardia with its lighthouse, Punta del Fieno, the Punta Bianca and so on: the Maria Rosa Cliffs, Capo Bosco, Cala Feola, Cala dell'Acqua, Punta del Papa, Cala Fontana, Punta Beppe Antonio, and finally Cala Caparra. The main town comprises two nuclei: Ponza itself which is built up around the port, and Le Forna, 5 miles away by road, with their actractive low, whitewashed houses affording a typical architectural unity. The port is a small amphiteatre designed by the architect Winspeare in Bourbon times. It can be reached from Formia, Terracina, S. felice Circeo and Anzio by motorboats and hydrofoil. Further information can be abtained from: Pro Loco, telefono 0771/80031; Comune, tel 0771/80108; and Ente Provinciale per il Turismo di Latina, tel 0773/695404/7.

Situated about 8 miles from the port of Ponza, Palmarola can be reached by hired boat. It is uninhabited , but in summer facilities are laid on for tourist. Its natural characteristics resemble Ponza's.

Lies some 6 miles and a sanctuary for migratory birds. It is one of the few places where typical mediterranean flora and fauna have remained undisturbed. A small colony of Moufflon sheep have been living there for many years. By the small port there is a Muraena fishery, dating back to roman times. On the island stands the remainds of the ancient convent of S. Spirito. The island is a part of the National Park of Circeo.

(lat. 40°48' N long. 13°35' E at the port) Is another small administrative area in the small archipelago. It is about 1,3/4 miles long, and just over half a mile wide at the widest point; it reaches an altitude of only 4,280 ft at Monte dell'Arco it is quite different in character to Ponza. More compact, its volcanic origin can be seen from the reddish - brown soil, covered with shrubgrowth and cactus. This is where the beautiful daugther of Augustus, Julia Agrippina the wife of Germanicus, and Octavia the barren wife of Nero lived in exile. The remainds of imperial villa stand near Punta Eolo. The church, dedicated to St. Candida, dates back to 1765 and was designed by Winspeare. A tour around the island will bring many surprise, beginning at Punta Eolo with its typical low vertical rocks in the form of parallelepiped: Cala Rossana, with its tiny port for motorboats the beach, the tufa stone at Punta del Pertuso, where the little Roman port was built with its quay - sides topped by attractive natural tufo - stone arches; the tiny beach of Cala Nave with two cliffs called Nave di Terra and Nave di Fuori; then there are Punta dell'Arco, Punta Pascone, Cala Parata Grande with another small beach, and the Sconcigli cliffs.The charming little town, with its simple clear colours, represent a typical mediterranean settlement. It can be reached from Formia (and Anzio in summer). Further information can be obtained from: Comune, tel 0771/85014; Pro Loco, tel 0771/85257; and Ente Provinciale del Turismo di Latina, tel 0773/695404/7.

Less than half a mile from Ventotene, the name of santo Stefano has for lonf been associated with the former prison for life - sentences, long since closed. The building, which is circular, was built 1794 - 95 by the architect Carpi. The prison buildings are well worth visiting and not only out of curiosity.