This Italian island that no one talks about is worth visiting at least once in your life.
Among the 450 or so islands scattered off the coast of Italy, we all think of elegant Capri, volcanic Stromboli, or the historic island of Elba. Beyond these must-see attractions, each vying for charm, we've unearthed this piece of land often overlooked in classic guides for the simple reason that it offers total immersion in the purest nature, without infrastructure.
This little paradise is located just off the Italian coast, yet it seems like it's straight out of a tropical postcard. There are no roads, no shops, and no hotels here. You'll take everything you need with you. The landscape is pristine, with sheer cliffs, hidden sea caves, and small, secluded coves bordered by crystal-clear waters. Those who love nature, silence, and exploration will be delighted.
To discover this gem, we'll take you to the Pontine Islands, one of the most beautiful getaways from Rome. These volcanic islands scattered off the southern coast of Lazio are a well-kept secret among locals: they remain largely unknown to tourists from abroad.
If the largest island of the archipelago, Ponza, is the most "touristy" since it is the obligatory passage from the mainland and offers numerous seafood restaurants, we will be interested in the one that is nicknamed "the secret sister of Ponza" but also "La Forcina" ("Hairpin") for its narrow and elongated shape.
Welcome to Palmarola, an uninhabited island hidden 10 kilometers west of Ponza. Its landscape is breathtaking, boasting wild beauty, the colors of its sea, which rival those of the Caribbean, and its adventurous atmosphere.
The island is famous for the beauty of its fauna and flora, characterized by the presence of the Mediterranean dwarf palm, the only one to grow in Europe, of an endemic lizard unique in the world (the Podarcis siculus palmarolae) and by the variety of fish that hide in its turquoise waters: groupers, moray eels, lobsters and multicolored fish, to be explored with fins and snorkel!
Those who want to sunbathe, swim and have a bite to eat will head to "O' Francese", the only real sandy beach on the island where there is a small seasonal restaurant dug into the rock with a sea view.
You won't want to miss the clifftop chapel of San Silverio, whose patron saint watches over the waves from his solitary rock, and La Grottone di Mezzogiorno, a cave that reflects incredible plays of light that will delight photographers.
Palmarola is an ideal day trip destination, especially if you're looking to escape the crowds. It's a 30-minute boat ride from Ponza, which is connected to the mainland in 1.5 hours by ferry from Terracina (from €25).
L'Internaute
