A Dive into the Natural Wonders and History of the Pearls of the Pontine Islands
PONZIANE ARCHIPELAGO | ITALY | 4 DAYS
What TO expect
These tiny islets, in the very middle of the Tyrrhenian Sea, are a real paradise for nature enthusiasts. Fundamental sites for birdlife and migration and one of the most interesting areas for Scuba Diving, these pearls will enchant you.
Enjoy a naturalistic walk with local guide to discover the natural history and botanical essences.
Observe the unique biodiversity of coastal environments and tie pools.
Visit to the Museum of Bird Migration, the first of its kind in Italy.
Visit the Ventotene Lentil fields and discover the techniques of sowing and harvesting, savoring the fruit of hard work with a tasting of the famous soup of this extraordinary cultivar.
Enjoy a night walk while listening to the chants of shearwaters at the nesting site.
What travellers say about the experience
“Visiting Ventotene in May was also truly special. The tourist season hadn’t yet kicked off, the weather was pleasant, and the atmosphere was relaxed ... before breakfast, every morning I walked down Cala Nave, the island’s most beautiful beach, for a swim. Then, we all sat and had breakfast together - a selection of homemade cakes, jams and fruit salad, all made in house. ”
““Best of all, was the local food and the people making it. We met the lentil farmer who works in the fields by day and tasted those very lentils, served to us by that very farmer’s brother (and cooked by his mother!). There was the Caprese salad with real buffalo mozzarella, a flavour I have never known before. The simple yet utterly delectable Panzanella salad made with bread soaked in olive oil and vinegar tossed with capers, olives, tomatoes, and wild rocket. And I won’t soon forget that lemon mousse.””
“One of the activities that I liked the most was the cooking class after picking vegetables from the garden. The group connected and interacted more, we had fun and we learnt something new, all while doing something relaxing, different and enjoyable in an eco-way.”
A TASTE OF THE EXPERIENCE
sustainability
This itinerary has an ecological footprint of 0.008 gha per tourist per day. One of the main successes of the sustainability of the package is the foods and drinks category. Meat was not provided at all during the trip, and also the quantities of fish were reduced in favour of dairy products and vegetables. In total, this category has a footprint about 57% lower than the MEET average.
The chosen accommodation, a well-established Bread and Breakfast that resides within the protected area, is aligned with the MEET standards, as it provides water and energy-saving tips, and it adopts a photovoltaic system as an alternative energy system.
This trip has a positive socio-economic impact on the four aspects evaluated by MEET: workers, local community, value chain, and tourists. This shows the efforts done to ensure that tourism respects the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to intercultural understanding and tolerance.
Click here to view sustainability factsheet for this experience.