Palmarola Island Is the Secret Italian Paradise You've Never Heard Of

"Among the Pontine Islands, Palmarola emerges as an unspoiled, scenically unique land. You'll find no big luxury resorts, loud clubs, or lines of restaurants. There aren't even any paved roads, or an established electrical grid-and there's certainly limited telephone coverage, so forget working from home. However, the lack of modern amenities means less traffic and crowds."

"The best way to explore Palmarola is by sea: sailing along the coast by boat, stopping at hidden coves, and diving into the clear waters. It's the perfect place to snorkel or scuba diving. The only landing place on the island is Cala del Porto, a pleasant sandy beach where the boats from nearby Ponza dock."

"The best-known sight is the so-called 'Cathedral,' a complex of boulders eroded by wind and water that rises high above the sea, resembling the pipes of an organ. As in many other ravines and small caves surrounding Palmarola, in the 'Cathedral,' you can dive into the blue waters and exploring the different sea coves."

Palmarola, formed between 4.2 and 1 million years ago, is named after Europe's only native dwarf palm tree. The island stands apart among the Pontine Islands as an undeveloped destination lacking luxury resorts, clubs, restaurants, paved roads, electrical grids, and reliable telephone coverage. This absence of modern amenities creates a pristine, sacred landscape with minimal crowds and traffic. Exploration occurs primarily by sea, with Cala del Porto serving as the main landing beach. Notable features include the Cathedral, a boulder formation resembling organ pipes, three cave-like structures with church-like arches, and the Faraglioni, dramatic jagged rock formations. The island offers exceptional opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and coastal exploration through hidden coves and scenic inlets.

Read at Architectural Digest