Ventotene
Latest update: 25 March 2023
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Once used as a favoured place of exile for Rome's emperors, Ventotene is situated just off the Latina Coast, 46 kilometres from the seaside town of Gaeta. It belongs to the island group known as the Pontine Islands along with Ponza and the islets of Palmarola, Zannone and Gavi.
The once prison island of Santo Stefano is Ventotene's nearest neighbour and can be seen clearly from the arrival port. The biggest attraction of Ventotene is its beaches where the water is beautifully clear, as well as its tranquillity. |
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There are enough shops and restaurants to keep you busy for a day-trip or even a short holiday of relaxation while most visitors to the region head to Ponza or the island of Ischia which Ventotene neatly sits in between.
I used to have a view of Ventotene from my apartment in Ischia and there was an old wives tale that "if you can see Ventotene, bad weather is on the way", something that I never thought made any sense and in fact didn't really happen!
The famous exilees to Ventotene include Emperor Augustus' daughter Julia the Elder, as well as the same emperor's granddaughter Agrippina the Elder. Not only did the poor Agrippina die on the island but her daughter Julia Livilla was also exiled here.
I can think of worse places to be exiled myself but the island's total size of 1.5 km² could eventually become the source of boredom, unless you're into fishing or swimming perhaps.
Most visitors to Ventotene come for the day from Ponza while it's also to visit from Ischia during July and August. Out of season, the only direct connection is via Formia while Terracina offers another ferry option during the summer.
I used to have a view of Ventotene from my apartment in Ischia and there was an old wives tale that "if you can see Ventotene, bad weather is on the way", something that I never thought made any sense and in fact didn't really happen!
The famous exilees to Ventotene include Emperor Augustus' daughter Julia the Elder, as well as the same emperor's granddaughter Agrippina the Elder. Not only did the poor Agrippina die on the island but her daughter Julia Livilla was also exiled here.
I can think of worse places to be exiled myself but the island's total size of 1.5 km² could eventually become the source of boredom, unless you're into fishing or swimming perhaps.
Most visitors to Ventotene come for the day from Ponza while it's also to visit from Ischia during July and August. Out of season, the only direct connection is via Formia while Terracina offers another ferry option during the summer.
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Province: Latina
Region: Lazio Population: 769 Size: 1.5 km² Highlights: beaches, port Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2021 - 2022: Cala Nave Recommended accommodation: Hotel Isolabella |
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Arrival port: Ventotene
Journey time from mainland: 1 hour (by hydrofoil) Distance from nearest mainland port: 53 km |
Arrive by: Ferry, hydrofoil
Arrive from: Ponza, Formia, Terracina, Ischia, Naples Nearest airport: Naples International Airport (72 km) |
