Lynda

Has anyone spent time in Ponza, and if so any recomendations on hotels? I'm trying to decide between Ponza and the Amalfi coast for a few days relaxation after Milan, Florence and Rome. Any input would be great!! <BR>Thanks

nancy

just topping you, this board is pretty active for a Saturday (the new format= curiosity?)<BR>Hope you get some replies.<BR>How about Procida? I am thinking of that for a solo next year.<BR>Good luck and have fun.

StCirq

I really wish I could answer this, because after a great deal of reading and planning, we planned to spend the day in Ponza last summer for the festival of San Antonio. It was only when we arrived at the ticket window that we found out that there is one boat going out per day and one boat coming back, with 20 minutes between landing and boarding. This was in NO way made clear in the materials from the tourist board in Anzio, which I read quite thoroughly - they made it sound like a fantastic day trip. Short story - we didn't go, and I held up the ticket line for 10 minutes while yakking with the clerk about discrepancies in information (bottom line - you take your chances). But if you're going for a few days, that shouldn't be a problem. It sounded fascinating to me when I was reseraching it, though frankly nothing like the Amalfi coast.

Lynda

Thank you- I have not seen anything about the limited transport to and from Ponza either. I guess the next question would be Capri or the Amalphi Coast?

Dona

Lynda -<BR><BR>Just to reiterate - We also tried to get top Ponza for the day last October and thought we did everything right - but there was some small print that said that the schedule was not the same on Thursday! What a disappointment...<BR><BR>We went to Ventotene instead - since that boat was leaving... It's lovely but extremely small with not much to see or do.<BR><BR>I agree though - with several days you shouldn't have much problem.<BR><BR>However, if you have a few days, I think the Amalfi coast is wonderful for a little r &amp; r...<BR><BR>Dona

Lynda

Thanks Dona,<BR>With 2 people having bad travel experiences I'm tempted to give it a miss. It sounds great but I wonder how many other stories like yours are out there! So far nobody seem to have actually made it to Ponza!

StCirq

As best I remember, there is a boat from Anzio leaving around 11 a.m. There is a boat returning around 1;30 pm (this was last summer). Just those two boats from Anzio each day. But I do remember from my research that I really wanted to spend time on Ponza, not just for the festival that was going on but also just to see the island (though I had decided it was worth a day at most). An Italian friend of ours who grew up in the area told us he used to spend lots of time on Ponza when he wa little and found the island culture fascinating and a real slice of "old Italy." That, among other things, sparked my interest. I wouldn't necessarily give up on it, especially if you have a couple of days. It might well be worth a whole lot more, culturally, than the Amalfi Coast, which every American and his brother who's gone to Italy has seen. <BR>If you go and it turns out to be a complete waste of time, though, please don't come back to haunt me - I'm more curious than anything, as we had made plans and had to forgo them.<BR><BR>

Lynda

Will let you know if we ever get there!

Steve

Hello Lynda,<BR><BR>It's only a 70minute trip by 'aliscafo' from either Formia or Anzio, which is more viable as a day-trip than ferry (which takes 2hours 30minutes).<BR><BR>I'm hoping to visit this summer as Italian friends speak highly of Ponza.<BR><BR>The timetable is onBR><BR>www.ponza.com<BR><BR>Steve

StCirq

But Steve - that's one of the places I got erroneous information.......

Lynda

Thanks Steve,<BR>I pulled the bergenrecord article, and it sounds as if the hydrofoill from Formia is more reliable than the Anzio route- do you know if this is the case or not?

Steve

Hello again Lynda,<BR><BR>Not quite sure, - but my guess is that Formia would be the better bet as it's a bigger port. Also there are 2 companies providing the service from there, - Caremar and Vetor. <BR><BR>From what StCirq says, it might be advisable to e-mail them for confirmation of departure times, - or phone them when you're in Italy...<BR><BR>On re-checking ponza.com I've noticed that's an out-of-date winter timetable!<BR>There's a more complete timetable, including ferries as well as hydrofoils, onBR><BR>www.ponza.it<BR><BR>That sight also has a few photos and a listing of hotels which might interest you.<BR><BR>Let me know if I can be of any more help...<BR><BR>Steve<BR>

Lynda

Thanks Steve,<BR>Have just spoken to Ms. Olivia at the Hotel Torre Dei Borboni. She was very helpful- and speaks English! I must confess that I am less than fluent in Italian. She has given me the number to call to reserve a ticket on the hydofoil-says this is a must. Will pass on details if interested.<BR>www.torredeiborbone.com is the hotel website. It sounds interesting, do you have any info on this hotel?

Steve

Hi Lynda,<BR><BR>The views from the hotel look lovely, don't they? Looks like a great place to ...relax! I've never been, - but I hope to go this summer, probably for a day-trip, - so yes, please post the hydrofoil tel. no! <BR><BR>Have a good trip!<BR><BR>Steve <BR><BR><BR><BR>

Lynda

Hi Steve,<BR>That's just what I plan to do...Relax...<BR> Here are the number as promised:<BR>Hydofoil office in Anzio (Vetor) 06 9845083<BR>Thanks for your help-will let you know if it is worth the trip.<BR>Lynda