Have you ever ever heard of Ventotene island in Italy? This tiny island presents plenty of sustainable actions and issues to do – let’s uncover extra on this information!
Think about a tiny island 25 miles off the coast of Italy, trying like a raft in the course of the Tyrrhenian sea. An island that, all through historical past, turned an imperial getaway, a spot of exile for wayward ladies, a jail, and once more a spot of exile for political prisoners.
An island that, regardless of its diminutive measurement, hosts an unimaginable number of marine and chook life, in addition to Roman ruins, a vibrant village, two spectacular seashores, and a museum devoted to migratory birds.
However this isn’t all. The identical island performed a giant function in defining what Europe is right now, because it was the situation the place a manifesto highlighting plans for a ‘free and united Europe’ was first drafted, whereas the continent was nonetheless shivering beneath the lengthy shadow of nazifascism.
I’m speaking about Ventotene within the Ponziane archipelago, a volcanic island that’s solely 2.5 km lengthy, solely 800 meters huge, and residential to lower than 700 full-time residents. The island is well-known for the Ventotene Manifesto, a e-book written by political prisoners Altiero Spinelli and Alberto Rossi in 1941, that performed a serious function within the creation of what these days is the European Union.
Over the previous few a long time, the island turned a widespread vacation vacation spot, attracting guests from throughout Europe. In 1999, Ventotene and close by Santo Stefano Island turned a part of a protected terrestrial and marine reserve, to protect the island and its surrounding waters from overfishing and exploitation.
My go to to Ventotene was a part of DestiMED Plus, a undertaking funded by the Interreg Med Programme. The undertaking follows the ecotourism mannequin designed by MEET Network, to create sustainable tourism itineraries in protected areas throughout the Mediterranean. The final word purpose is to ascertain the Mediterranean as a number one ecotourism vacation spot, to profit nature conservation, and produce improvement and much-needed tourism earnings to native communities.
On this information to Ventotene Island you’ll discover sustainable actions we explored throughout our five-day keep on the island in Might 2022, in addition to data to plan your individual Ventotene journey independently from Rome or Naples. Let’s begin with some primary data!
The place is Ventotene?
Ventotene is positioned 25 nautical miles from Formia/Gaeta, and roughly 20 miles from each Ponza, the biggest island of the Ponziane Archipelago, and Ischia, an island within the Gulf of Naples. It’s residence to roughly 700 year-round inhabitants, however the inhabitants swells to 5000+ in the course of the summer time vacation season.
Santo Stefano Island is only one mile from Ventotene, and it’s uninhabited. The primary attraction of the island is the 18th-century Borbone jail – extra about it later!
The island is barely 2.5 km lengthy and 800 meters huge, with a most altitude of 140 meters above sea stage – be prepared for many ups and downs when strolling round. Automobiles are allowed, however most vacationers don’t take one because the island is so small. You’ll discover locals going round with their automobiles and motorbikes although, so watch out.
Ventotene is a part of Lazio, the identical area as Rome, however traditionally it has stronger ties to Campania and Naples, having been settled by the Bourbon (the home ruling Southern Italy earlier than reunification) within the 18th century. For that reason, the Neapolitan dialect is extensively spoken, and you may additionally discover it on some road indicators!
Sustainable Issues to Do in Ventotene Island
You’ll be able to certainly go to Ventotene independently and manage lots of the issues to do talked about beneath, however for some you’ll want a information. Our journey was organized by Andrea and Valerio from K’Nature, a tour operator targeted on birdwatching and wildlife experiences throughout Europe.
Andrea has been visiting Ventotene each summer time ever since he was a baby, he just about is aware of everybody and might share all his native secrets and techniques. We known as him sindaco, that means the mayor of Ventotene. Jokes apart, we liked our expertise and extremely advocate Okay’Nature!
1) Go to Villa Julia
The primary title of Ventotene was Pandataria, that means ‘giving every thing’ in Greek. It was used sporadically as a base by fishermen because the Neolithic, however the first everlasting settlement dates again to Roman instances, when Emperor Augustus determined to construct a surprising vacation villa full with baths, a waterfall, an aqueduct, and cisterns to gather rainwater.
Nonetheless, it was Julia, daughter of Augustus, who ended up staying within the villa, after being exiled for adultery. After her, extra noble Roman ladies had been exiled to the identical villa – Agrippina the Elder, (Julia’s daughter, exiled by Emperor Tiberius), Claudia Ottavia (exiled by Nero for adultery), and at last Claudia Domitilla, who was despatched to the island as a result of she was a Christian.
These days, you’ll be able to go to the stays of the villa, set on Punta Eolo, the island’s northernmost level. The go to begins with the quarters of enslaved employees, after which strikes onto the residence itself. You’ll want a information to actually make the place come to life – contact Cooperativa Terra Maris at a.terramaris@libero.it
2) Sail to Santo Stefano Island
After the autumn of the Roman Empire, Ventotene was uninhabited for hundreds of years, save for a bunch of hermit monks who visited the island for prayer and contemplation. Within the 18th century, the Bourbon king Ferdinando determined to settle the island, and despatched a bunch of individuals and inmates from Naples to construct the island’s most important (solely?) city.
In the meantime, Ferdinando began the development of a maximum-security jail on close by Santo Stefano Island. The jail opened in 1797 and was in use till 1965, housing many well-known inmates, amongst which we will point out Gaetano Bresci, an anarchist who shot and killed Italy’s King Umberto I in 1900.
The jail is now deserted, but it surely’s a very attention-grabbing constructing to go to due to its structure – the horseshoe-shape was because of the want of getting all inmates beneath management, and the form of the home windows was chosen to forestall them from trying on the sea, as it could harbour wishes to flee.
Throughout our keep in Ventotene, sadly we couldn’t go to because the island was closed to revive the jail. It’s set to reopen on June 1st 2022 – don’t miss a day trip to Italy’s Alcatraz!
3) Then Swim Again to Ventotene!
In case you don’t really feel like crusing, you’ll be able to retrace the steps (or strokes?) of the jail’s well-known escapees on Escape from Santo Stefano, an open-water swim race from Santo Stefano to Ventotene, for a complete of three km.
The race takes place in early September, and the route travels alongside the shore of Santo Stefano earlier than making the crossing to Ventotene. Most time is 1 hour and a half – so attempt to not get distracted by the marine life!
4) Stroll Across the City
There’s just one city in Ventotene, the place nearly all of the island’s inhabitants dwell. The city is a pleasing place to wander round – from the ferry touchdown, stroll alongside the Roman harbour, dug into the island’s tufa rock 2000 years in the past, after which stroll up the ‘rampe’ in-built Bourbon instances to achieve Santa Candida’s Church, devoted to the island’s patron saint.
A brief distance away you’ll discover Piazza Castello, dominated by the castle-shaped city corridor – inmates despatched to Ventotene had been housed there, and the three flooring had been constructed one after the opposite to deal with the rising variety of prisoners. That is Ventotene’s beating coronary heart, and always of the day you’ll discover locals ingesting espresso, sitting on the park benches or just wandering round.
It’s inconceivable to get misplaced in Ventotene, as there are solely a handful of streets – By way of Olivi will take you all throughout the island, and By way of Calanave heads to one of the best seaside on the island.
5) Discover the Roman Cisterns
One other unmissable factor to do in Ventotene is visiting the Roman cistern often known as ‘Cisterna dei Carcerati’ (Inmates Cistern). When the Romans left Ventotene, the enormous cistern used to gather rainwater for the villa was emptied. For over a millennia, folks sporadically visiting Ventotene (fishermen, hermits, smugglers and the like) sought refuge within the cistern throughout their time on the island.
When Ferdinando di Borbone determined to resettle Ventotene, he despatched a bunch of roughly 100 inmates to construct the city. The inmates had been housed in the one structurally sound place within the island – the cistern, that was subsequently named after them.
The cistern is price visiting not simply because it’s a wonderful example of Roman architecture and engineering, nonetheless standing after 2000 years, but in addition as a result of a lot of its dwellers left a mark on the partitions all through the centuries – you’ll be able to see altars carved by monks within the Center Ages, wall work and decorations carried out by the inmates, different signatures and graffiti.
You’ll want to hitch a guided tour to go to – you may get in contact with Cooperativa Terra Maris for more information.
6) Find out about Ventotene’s Position in Current Historical past
On account of its distant location, Ventotene was used as a place of confinement for political prisoners, most notably throughout Fascist instances, when police chiefs all around the nation had the ability to ship just about anybody into confinement.
Confined folks had a little extra freedom in comparison with ‘common’ criminals housed in close by Santo Stefano – they might wander round a part of the island, however they needed to deal with their very own meals, which led to the institution of canteens run by the confined folks themselves.
These canteens had been typically affiliated to sure political views – so there was a Socialist canteen, a Communist canteen, and the like. They weren’t simply locations to get meals, but in addition locations to assemble and trade concepts.
Folks met, new concepts had been born, and with a lot effort, they had been smuggled out of the island. That is what occurred to the Ventotene Manifesto, penned by antifascists Altiero Spinelli and Ernesto Rossi. This textual content is believed to be one of many first to recommend and theorize a united Europe as a manner in direction of peace – an concept which can come to mild with the European Financial Neighborhood, later to develop into the European Union.
This can be a very transient abstract of the function that Ventotene performed in shaping Europe in the course of the twentieth century. If that is one thing you may be to discover extra, contact Cooperativa Terra Maris for a tour!
7) Go Birdwatching
Okay, sufficient with Ventotene and historical past, let’s transfer on to our favorite matter – nature! Ventotene is an exceptional birdwatching vacation spot, being one of many most important stops alongside the migration route of many species between Europe and Africa.
March/Might and September/October are one of the best instances to see birds. There’s no set ‘birdwatching location’ on the island, actually anyplace is an effective place to see birds. We noticed shearwaters on the ferry from the mainland, and noticed quite a lot of species together with golden orioles, flycatchers (so many!) and vibrant bee-eaters simply strolling across the island.
Ventotene is surrounded by cliffs the place birds nest, so a ship tour additionally gives wonderful birdwatching alternatives – particularly throughout migration time, the place you may be fortunate to glimpse uncommon species like European rollers, African stonechats, European nightjars, and numerous others.
It’s all the time a lot better to go birdwatching with a information, who will assist discovering and noticing birds, in addition to offering data on their very own behaviour. You will get in contact with Valerio and Andrea from Okay’Nature – they’re each eager birdwatchers and actually educated about chook life on the island.
Birdwatching will really be one of many most important actions on the sustainable DestiMED Plus itinerary – so in case you resolve to hitch one, a superb information will all the time be with you!
8) Go to the Migration Museum and Observatory
To grasp extra about birdwatching and chook life in Ventotene it’s also possible to go to the Migration Museum, with plenty of displays (a few of them hands-on!) about chook migration and the varied species that go to the island alongside their migration route.
The highest ground of the museum additionally has most likely the finest view in Ventotene! It’s positioned near the best level on the island, and it permits to understand its tiny measurement, with the ocean stretching on all 4 sides. Don’t miss climbing to the highest!
In case you are visiting Ventotene with Okay’Nature or on a DestiMED Plus tour, you’ll even have the prospect to go to the chook observatory and ringing station, positioned on the southern tip of the island. A staff of ornithologists operates the observatory year-round, putting tiny rings on the legs of migratory birds to observe their journeys throughout the globe.
The observatory is generally closed to the general public, however you’ll be able to go to on a guided tour. It’s an important alternative to see up shut how analysis on chook migration is carried out, and to ask as many questions advert you wish to the resident ornithologists.
9) Loosen up on the Seashore
Okay, I do know what you may be pondering. Ventotene is an island, so there need to be seashores, proper? What in regards to the finest seashores in Ventotene?
Ventotene is an island of volcanic origin, with a basalt base and cliffs made from tufa rock, very brittle and with an inclination to break down. Because of this, a number of small seashores all around the island can’t be accessed, and can solely be seen on a ship tour.
Nonetheless, there are two fantastic seashores the place you’ll be able to spend the day swimming or enjoyable. The most effective is Cala Nave, positioned a brief distance from the city, and proper reverse Santo Stefano Island. The sandy seaside overlooks a big rock known as Nave (ship), and a few smaller ones, which give nice snorkeling alternatives. I went on an hour-long swim across the rocks and noticed plenty of fish species, together with a faculty of small barracuda!
The second seaside is Cala Rossano, and it’s positioned near the port – from there, you really see ferries coming out and in. The seaside is sandy and the water is crystal clear, so it’s additionally an important selection for a swim!
10) Go Diving or Snorkeling
Ventotene and Santo Stefano are a part of a marine reserve, which normally means one factor – nice diving and snorkeling alternatives!
Divers will discover quite a lot of websites at numerous depths, together with the alternative to view two wrecks – a ferry that sunk throughout WW2, and stays of some Roman vessels. There may be additionally a web site that, based on native legends, corresponds to the spot the place the Sirens of the Odyssey dwell, with attention-grabbing sea caves to discover.
Ventotene can also be nice for snorkeling. Even simply informal swims provide alternatives to see fish, sea stars, and different marine species. Snorkeling alternatives are particularly good round offshore islets and rocks, and round Santo Stefano island. The DestiMED Plus itinerary features a snorkeling outing in the hunt for invasive marine species accompanied by naturalist guides – which sadly we needed to reduce quick due to jellyfish.
To go diving or snorkeling in Ventotene, get in contact with Diving World Ventotene, positioned on the Roman harbour.
11) Go on a Boat Tour
Among the best methods to see the hidden seashores of Ventotene and different sights you can’t entry from land is taking a ship tour across the island. Boat excursions usually begin from the brand new port, and final roughly two hours – extra if swimming stops are included.
Our information was Francesco from Destriero Ventotene – you may get in contact with him on his Instagram page. Our tour included a counter-clockwise loop across the island, together with the crossing to Santo Stefano and again, though sadly we couldn’t land because the island is closed to tourism.
It was nonetheless form of chilly so we didn’t cease to swim, however Francesco confirmed us the pure swimming pools the place he usually takes swimmers, and let me inform you, I’d love to return simply to swim there! We additionally noticed plenty of birds, and one other spotlight was seeing Ventotene city from the ocean, with all its vibrant homes and the enduring ‘rampe’ constructed by in Bourbon instances.
12) Kayak across the Island
Are you searching for a extra energetic different to a ship tour across the island? You’ll be able to decide to go kayaking – the Circolo Velico Ventotene (crusing membership) in Cala Rossano additionally has kayaks for rent, and guides out there to steer kayak journeys across the island.
Only one phrase of warning, although – in case you’ve by no means kayaked earlier than, this will not be an exercise for you. The waters reverse the seaside are calm, however as quickly as you allow the harbour, you may get waves and a little bit of a present. You additionally have to know the ferry schedule, as the best way out of the harbour can also be the best way ferries are available in, and also you don’t need to end up nose to nose with such a behemoth!
A fast and simple journey from Cala Rossano will take you to the rocks often known as Scunciglie, across the northernmost tip of the island – the place it’s also possible to see Villa Giulia from the water. Positively really useful – it took us lower than an hour to paddle there and again.
13) Find out about Sustainable Agriculture
Regardless of its diminutive measurement, and the very fact it’s actually steep, a lot of Ventotene’s inside is sustainably farmed. Chosen crops corresponding to lentils, chickpeas, and fava beans are grown in tiny parcels of land scattered all around the island.
To be taught extra about sustainable agriculture in Ventotene, you’ll be able to go to Un Mare di Sapori, a restaurant proper on the Roman harbour, which can also be nice for a sundown drink or dinner. Lots of the dishes they serve are made with seasonal substances grown and harvested on the island – don’t miss the soup made with Ventotene lentils, which it’s also possible to purchase within the store hooked up to the restaurant.
Wine lovers may also pay a go to to Candidaterra, the one wine producer in Ventotene, which presents sundown excursions of the winery which finish with a tasting of their crisp whites. Their Pandataria wine can be discovered at eating places all around the island – however nothing beats making an attempt it straight from the supply!
Ventotene Sensible Data
Attending to Ventotene
-From Rome
From Rome, hop on a practice certain to Formia-Gaeta – there are hourly departures with each regional and Intercity trains. Journey time is 1 hour with Intercity (reserving required), and 1 hour and a half with regional trains.
From Formia-Gaeta, it takes roughly quarter-hour to stroll right down to the harbour. Laziomar ferries run each sluggish ferries (journey time 2 and a half hours) and quick hydrofoils (1 hour and a half) – in case you endure from seasickness, we HIGHLY advocate the sluggish ferry, as a result of you’ll be able to sit exterior and begin birdwatching!
For information on fares and timetables, go to the Laziomar website. As you’ll be able to see, there are solely 3/4 ferries a day, so plan forward to keep away from being caught in Formia for hours!
-From Naples
It’s also possible to simply attain Formia-Gaeta from Naples. Journey time is barely shorter – about 50 minutes with Intercity trains, 1 hour 15 with regional trains.
From Formia, hop on a Laziomar ferry – data within the paragraph above!
There are additionally direct hydrofoils from Naples to Ventotene 5 instances every week – test this page for more information and up to date timetables.
Getting Round Ventotene
Technically, automobiles *are* allowed in Ventotene, so there’s nothing stopping you from taking your automobile throughout, supplied you e-book a spot on the ferry. Nonetheless, driving in Ventotene may be very inconvenient, with slim streets which get congested very quickly.
The island is sufficiently small to stroll throughout, with all factors of curiosity detailed above positioned max half an hour stroll from each other. Many locals used electrical bikes because the highway will be steep at instances, however we didn’t see them for hire – but. Hopefully quickly!
When to Go to Ventotene + Climate
The climate in Ventotene is usually Mediterranean, with sizzling summers and gentle winters. In summer time, the temperature normally hovers round 25-30°C, dipping barely at night time. The busiest months are July and August, when the island is widespread with holidaying Italians – discovering inexpensive lodging shall be close to inconceivable, the seashores are packed, and it’s a reasonably boring time for birdwatching.
Shoulder season (March/Might and September/October) additionally coincides with migration time. It’s a good time to see birds, temperatures are extra bearable round 20-25°C, and the island is mostly a lot quieter – and in September/October, the water remains to be heat sufficient to swim comfortably. That is undoubtedly one of the best time to go to Ventotene in my view!
In winter, Ventotene may be very quiet. It by no means will get actually chilly, with temperatures dropping round 8/10°C on the most, however many companies and eating places shut leaving the island to its 700 full-time residents.
Simply keep in mind that Ventotene could get a little bit windy year-round, and that ferry schedules could also be disrupted in case of sturdy wind.
The place to Keep in Ventotene
There are solely a handful of motels and B&B in Ventotene – nearly all of lodging on the island are house leases, booked yr after yr by returning clients.
An exquisite possibility is Le Parracine, a mattress and breakfast in a scenic location overlooking Santo Stefano island. There are solely 7 rooms, 5 of which have sea view – so e-book forward to keep away from disappointment!
Breakfast is served beneath a pergola with first-class views, and consists of truffles, jams and preserved made by the proprietor, plus freshly-brewed espresso. There may be additionally a mini coastal path beginning proper subsequent to the spot the place breakfast is served, alongside which the house owners planted crops and flowers to advertise rewilding with native flora species.
To order Le Parracine, fill in the request form on their website – get in contact early to keep away from disappointment!
In any other case, listed below are different lodging choices:
Albergo Belvedere – a big resort close to the Roman cistern with panoramic terrace, providing nice worth for cash.
Hotel Agave e Ginestra – boutique resort in a secluded location away from the crowds, with breakfast served on a terrace overlooking Santo Stefano.
Hotel Calabattaglia – on the western aspect of the island, this resort presents free shuttle to the seashores, in addition to a shady terrace with views.
The place to Eat in Ventotene
Meals on small island will be hit or miss, however in Ventotene was discovered it really excellent! As a part of the sustainable focus of the DestiMED tour, most of our meals had been vegetarian, and solely the ultimate one featured sustainably-caught fish, however you will discover all types of meals across the island. Right here is the place we ate!
–Un Mare di Sapori – beneath the arches of the Roman harbour, owned by a Ventotene farming household. You’ll discover plenty of dishes made with locally-grown substances and wild foraged herbs.
–La Terrazza di Mimì – on a terrace proper within the centre of city, with incredible views over Ventotene and Cala Nave. It serves a menu that includes primarily fish and greens, with the day’s catch altering every day. The lemon dessert was a winner, lemon mousse encased in white chocolate within the form of a lemon.
-Il Giardino – an upscale possibility providing a set menu centered on domestically caught fish and greens grown within the proprietor’s farm. The spotlight had been paccheri allo scorfano, pasta with rockfish, which was cleaned and served for us proper on the desk.
My go to to Ventotene was supported by MEET Community as a part of the DestiMED Plus undertaking. We want to thank Andrea and Valerio from Okay’Nature, and all of the individuals who shared the journey with us!
