Like in paradise/ This is the Italian island with no roads, no phone signal and almost no tourists

2026-01-20 08:13:00, Kuriozitete CNA

Like in paradise/ This is the Italian island with no roads, no phone signal and

Palmarola has no town and no roads. There is no electricity, no mobile phone coverage and no ferry terminal. Most days, the only way to reach the island is by small boat from Ponza, five miles away across the Tyrrhenian Sea.

It lies to the west of Rome, close enough to be reached on a day trip, but far enough away that the traffic, crowds, and constant movement of the Italian capital feel like a neighboring planet. While Rome’s forums, fountains, and piazzas draw millions of visitors, Palmarola is largely absent from itineraries. Many tourists never hear of it. Many Romans never go there.

What attracts people who make the crossing is not the infrastructure or the amenities, but the lack of both. Palmarola rises from the water on volcanic cliffs, broken by sea caves and narrow bays. It has a single beach, a network of footpaths leading inland, and few signs of modern development.

Like in paradise/ This is the Italian island with no roads, no phone signal and

Getting to the island from Rome involves a train to the port of Anzio, a ferry to Ponza, and then negotiating with a fisherman or private boat owner for a round-trip trip. With no permanent residents, Palmarola is a destination shaped more by weather, geology, and seasons than by tourism.

There is a restaurant, O'Francese, that serves fresh fish and rents out a limited number of rooms. Visitors book months in advance and stay in rooms that start at 150 euros or $175.

Hiking trails lead inland from the beach, climbing towards the ruins of a medieval monastery and the remains of a prehistoric settlement.

Like in paradise/ This is the Italian island with no roads, no phone signal and

Ownership of the island dates back to the 18th century, when Neapolitan families sent to colonize Ponza were allowed to divide Palmarola among themselves. Today, the island is privately owned, divided into numerous plots held by families who still live on Ponza.

High in the cliffs, small caves have been converted into simple private dwellings, some painted white and blue. Fishermen have historically used them as shelters during storms, and many owners still keep them stocked with supplies in case the weather prevents them from returning to Ponza./ CNA