Tucked away in the Tyrrhenian Sea just a short boat ride from the better-known island of Ponza lies Palmarola, a place that feels like a secret the Mediterranean has been keeping to itself. With no roads, no permanent residents, no electricity grid, and no ferry dock, this rugged volcanic outpost rises dramatically from crystal-clear waters, its cliffs carved into caves, tunnels, and narrow coves over millions of years. What it lacks in modern conveniences it more than makes up for in raw, untouched beauty, offering visitors a rare chance to step into a landscape shaped almost entirely by nature. Many travelers flock to crowded Italian hotspots, yet Palmarola stays quietly off the radar, delivering an experience that feels worlds away from typical tourist trails.
Getting there is part of the adventure. Most people start from Rome, taking a train to Anzio and then a ferry to Ponza before arranging a small boat transfer with local fishermen or private operators. The final approach reveals steep cliffs plunging into the sea and a single stretch of beach covered in smooth, pink-tinged coral pebbles that glow softly in the sunlight. Once ashore, exploration happens on foot along a network of hiking paths that wind through fragrant Mediterranean scrub and past remnants of ancient human presence, including prehistoric obsidian deposits and the ruins of a medieval monastery.
History runs deep here. Ancient Romans used the island as a strategic lookout for their fleet but never settled it permanently. Since the 18th century, parcels of land have been privately owned by families from nearby Ponza and Naples. Scattered along the cliffs are small caves, some painted white and blue, that fishermen originally used as storm shelters and now serve as simple overnight refuges for owners. High on a rocky outcrop stands a tiny white chapel dedicated to Saint Silverius, a sixth-century pope exiled here who is believed to have died on the island. Every June, boats from Ponza arrive carrying flowers and a wooden statue of the saint for a silent procession up steep stone steps to the altar.
@carmineennio ♬ Brivido di Margy – MARGY BALLIVO
Local historian Silverio Capone, who lives on Ponza and visits Palmarola often, describes it as a true deserted island that has always remained uninhabited, which is exactly what makes it so special. Legends among the fishing community tell of sailors caught in storms who prayed to Saint Silverius and were guided to safety by his apparition rising from the waves. Many men on Ponza still carry his name, and daily prayers honor him as protector of those at sea. Capone notes that the spirit of the place feels timeless, with wild goats roaming among low palms and the night sky blazing with stars unspoiled by light pollution.
For overnight stays, options are delightfully limited. The only restaurant on the island, O’Francese, serves fresh-caught fish and rents a handful of modest rooms carved directly into former fishing caves along the cliffs. Reservations fill up months in advance, and a night with full board typically runs around $165 per person. Visitors like Maria Andreini, a 44-year-old IT specialist from Treviso, return year after year with her husband Mario and teenage son Patrizio. They spend days diving in the transparent waters, lounging on the pebble beach, and hiking to the summit for sunrise views that Maria says take your breath away.
@imani.111 palmarola, italy ☁️ #fyp #foryou #italy #summer #holiday #travel ♬ magic – Medasin & MAE.SUN & Sara Kawai
What draws people back is the unusual blend of abundance and simplicity. There is so much natural beauty to absorb yet so little in the way of structured activities, creating a peaceful rhythm that feels almost like being gently shipwrecked in paradise. Free divers explore underwater caves, kayakers paddle through rock arches, and evening walks with torches reveal a coastline that looks entirely different under moonlight. Packing sturdy hiking shoes alongside swimsuits is essential, as the trails reward effort with panoramic vistas few ever witness.
Palmarola offers a reminder that some of the most extraordinary places in Italy remain beautifully untouched precisely because they demand a bit more effort to reach. For anyone craving an authentic escape where geology, history, and the sea take center stage, this hidden island delivers an experience unlike anywhere else. It stands as proof that paradise does not always announce itself loudly, sometimes it whispers to those willing to listen.
Have you ever visited Palmarola or another underrated Italian island, and what made it memorable for you? Share your thoughts in the comments.
