Let yourself be carried by the wind towards the Pontine Islands, Ischia and Capri!
DAY 1
We set sail at sunset from the **Port of Nettuno (Rome)** towards our first stage, the island of palmarola , one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. We will arrive at night, so we will have to wait until the next morning to be able to swim in one of the pristine coves of this island with crystal clear waters , ideal for snorkeling.
In the afternoon we sail to Ventotene , a small fishing village, whose port offers a shower service (at a price of 4 euros), in case you still don't handle the boat very well... After having contemplated the sunset in one of the panoramic points of the island , the time has come to choose the restaurant for dinner.
Ventotene, fishing village
One of the most famous, as well as Spartan, is Mar Pizza, whose star dish is octopus pizza. If you prefer to opt for some places a little more elegant, we recommend Il Giardino , Mezzatorre or Da Maria , specializing in fish and shellfish.
DAY 2
At dawn we set sail for Ischia , so we seize the day to bathe in its spectacular waters and to visit the Aragonese Castle , which has governed the island from a small islet for thousands of years. After several landslides, demolitions and restoration work, the castle is now in all its splendor and hosts regular exhibitions.
From here it is possible to see some wonderful views of the sea and nearby islands , also a stone bridge connects the castle to the Ischia old town . Once we get there we can enjoy a apericena (Italian aperitif with dinner) at Ischia Salumi, an enoteca that make your own sausages , because, contrary to what one might think, on this island there is no seafaring tradition, but rather livestock.
The Aragonese Castle, today is presented in all its splendor
One of the essentials on the menu is undoubtedly the casatiello, a savory cake typical of Neapolitan cuisine which is usually made and served at Easter and which includes salami, other sausages, cheeses such as pecorino (sheep's milk) and boiled eggs.
DAY 3
In the morning we sail towards Capri , the island famous throughout the world for its Faraglioni and the Blue Grotto . As soon as you enter you have the sensation that a spotlight is illuminating the water below, hence the name blue, but in reality this phenomenon is totally natural and is due to another opening, submerged and located in the lower part of the stone. limestone, which allows the entry of sunlight.
another curiosity, Roman emperors resting in chalets on the Isle of Capri used to use it as a private bath.
After several dips with views of the Farallones , playing to be the handsome protagonists of a famous advertisement for a perfume…. The time has come to take the funicular to ride around the glamorous island.
Capri, the island famous throughout the world for its Faraglioni and the Blue Grotto
Once up, we suggest have an aperitif (the Italian, the one taken in the afternoon) in the funicolare bar, a place from which we can admire the whole city from above , with affordable prices.
And for dinner, we point you to Al Grottino , an unassuming restaurant with a average ticket of 30 euros , where it is possible to taste some local recipes, both fish and meat, very well executed.
If you feel like staying up late in the pure style of celebrities from around the world , head to the Anema & Core Tavern , a sort of karaoke and piano bar where you can dance and sing to the rhythm of Italian and international music Until the wee hours of the morning . The entrance, with a drink is worth 50 euros, there is no dress code , but we recommend boys to wear a shirt.
DAY 4
We sail towards Ponza, the main island of the Pontines and we anchored in the famous frontone bay . One of the essentials of the island is have an aperitif at Le Terrazze di Chiaia di Luna at sunset , to be able to contemplate the sunset over the sea on one side and on the other, the imposing cliff of the beach of Chiaia di Luna and the city of Ponza from the top
A dip in spectacular coves
The food buffet (pizza, sushi, pasta, salads), with drinks included, is worth 30 euros. If you want to continue the night there, there is usually a daily piano bar and dj set sessions otherwise you can choose return to the old town and stay up late at O'sarracino or Winspeare.
DAY 5
We follow in Ponza . We headed towards the Chiaia di Luna beach , to enjoy its beautiful landscape also during the day and to be able to bathe in this dreamlike environment.
But this time for dinner we move away from the port about 10 minutes by car and reach the town of english countryside , where Trattoria Il Core is located, specializing in fish dishes, such as octopus salad, baked horse mackerel or linguine with lobster.
Ponza, the main island of the Pontines
If you are one of those who always have room for dessert, be sure to try the pastiera , a typical Neapolitan shortcrust pastry with ricotta, sugar, flour and milk, flavored with vanilla, orange and even orange blossom water. The same restaurant offers the free shuttle service.
DAY 6
As every journey comes to an end, today we sail towards Palmarola , to swim again in its pristine coves with crystal clear waters. And in the late afternoon, we went to the Port of Nettuno , where we will arrive at night.
A piece of advice, give yourself one more day in Rome, walk through some of its most emblematic places and reserve a table in a trattoria , to savor some of its typical dishes .
Palmarola, coves with crystal clear waters
Among all of them, we suggest Dar Bruttone , famous for his spaghetti carbonara with tartufo, la gricia (cacio e pepe with guanciale) or the coda alla vaccinara (stew or braised beef tail in tomato sauce and raisins) .
IN DATA
Traveling by sailboat is one of the most comfortable ways to spend the summer on some Italian islands , because most of them do not have large beaches and because almost all of them have many restrictions to move around by car.
Different websites like Sailsquare allow you to organize the trip that best suits your needs, alone or in company ; the one-week route round the 750 euros, to which you have to add about 150 euros of expenses per person for diesel and pantry.
Sailing experience is not required, although all skippers will be happy to teach you some tips.
Travel by sailboat and bathe in dream environments