VENTOTENE
The island of Ventotene is a volcanic island that is part of the Pontine Archipelago. It is largely formed of rock and Mediterranean scrub. The island has a small village with houses around the port and has a rich history that goes from the Romans up to the fascist era. In Roman times it was called Pandataria and it became an important place because Augustus exiled his first daughter to the island and later Tiberius exiled his niece Agrippina there. There are many ruins of villas and aqueducts on the island that remain from the Roman period.
The marine reserve
Today Ventotene is part of the Marine Protected Natural Area reserve, together with the island of Santo Stefano. The island is very popular with divers, as there are many places to scuba dive, including Punta Pascone, Secca dell'Archetto and Punta dell'Arco. There are also many interesting historical and architectural buildings from the eighteenth-century to visit, such as the Castle and the church of Santa Candida.
Beaches
Ventotene offers tourists many beaches including Cala Nave, which is easily reached on foot from the town centre, it is a cove with dark volcanic sand. However it can be very crowded because it is near the centre and has many amenities, but it is ideal for swimming with its crystalline sea. The beaches of Parata Grande and Cala Battaglia are also both easily reached from the centre of Ventotene, they are small with dark sand and rock. Finally, Al Faro is a rocky beach that looks stunning at sunset.