The island of Ventotene
with just over 2 kilometres of volcanic land, it has a 2,000-year history, appears like the outline of a whale seen from afar, surrounded by sea and punctuated by the soft colours of low houses.
Ventotene and Ponza, make up the Ponziano archipelago, in the province of Latina, and are two jewels that are now known beyond national borders. Pandoteira or Pandaria, already known at the time of Magna Graecia, Ventotene later became a Roman colony. It was here that Augustus’ only heir, his daughter Julia, spent the last years of her life.
Ventotene then offers deep and unique emotions. Every season offers the ultimate expression of what an island in the Mediterranean is. But during the summer, it is the sea that becomes the protagonist, with the seabed among the most beautiful in Mare Nostrum, accessible even just for a swim, the few beaches, the fragile and ever-changing reefs.
The Ventotene Marine Protected Area is a popular destination for divers who dive in the crystal-clear sea of the west coast, and is accessible to all divers with a minimum of experience. Island life is made up of slow rhythms, ritual encounters at the bar, in the piazza, at the harbour, chatting under the pergolas of the country houses, Ventotene is an island where everyone can find their favourite corner.
Fresh fish just caught and unloaded at the harbour is a daily ritual, the small restaurants are filled with tourists ready to enjoy typical local dishes, such as moray eel in scapece with pink onions from Ventotene, or the famous soup prepared with ‘her majesty’ the Ventotene lentil, a high quality product with unique organoleptic properties, cultivated on the island since 1800 or, according to some, since the time of its colonisation by the Romans.
The nights, all to be experienced in the island’s clubs or walking around discovering quiet corners, but above all in the freedom of each individual to invent magical nights. The transition between summer and autumn takes place through the most beautiful festival, that of Santa Candida, the island’s patron saint.
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