Port Of Ventotene - Cala Rossano 

Situated within Rossano Bay, the port of Ventotene- Cala Rossano is one of the two ports existing on the Pontine island.

Characterized by a long dry dock, the port is protected by a 370-metre-long outer breakwater. Sitated north of the ancient Roman harbour, it has a 70-metre quay, usually used by line ferries, hydrofoils and commercial vessels, where we suggest not to moor in case of mistral or west wind.

The port offers 40 berths for boats up to 55 m and an inner floating pier, under 24-hour surveillance.

Moreover, the structure offers a fire-fighting service, drinkable water sources, technical assistance for electric or mechanical damages, toilets, showers, free WiFi, weather forecast, a grocery shop and a filling station providing patrol, diesel and mixture (the only one of the island).

Withing the body of water reserved for line ferries, it's strictly forbidden to fish, stop, drop the anchor and transit. Boats can moor at the filling station quay only for the time necessary for refuelling.

The sea bottom is sandy and reaches a depth which varies from 2-5 m up to 9 m in the middle of the port.

While approaching the port, we suggest keep a distance from the Sconciglie shallows, situated about 700 m from the entrance of Porto Nuovo. Moreover, yachtsmen had better to keep a 20-metre distance from the green light because of some rocks and low rocky bottoms.

The island also offers a second port, called Roman Port, particularly suitable for small boats: carved into the tufa stone, it dates back to the Augustan Age and it was completely renovated by Bourbons.

Because of its extremely small size (it surface is just 1,250 km2), Ventotene is almost entirely pedestrian.

Inhabitated by the Greeks, the island was then transformed by Romans into a prison or exile colony for the ancient unwelcome members of the Roman imperial families.

King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon built an imposing fortress in the neighboring Santo Stefano islet (little more than half a mile far from Ventotene) which became a prison and remained active until 60's. Its remains can be visited still today.

Ventotene and Santo Stefano are part of the namesake protected matine natural area, where navigation is admitted only for scientific purposes and surveys while fishing is strictly forbidden.

The crystal-clear water and the rich marine fauna will offer an exciting experience to scuba divers, who can go and explore sea bottoms accompanied by one of the local experienced guides. It's not unusual to see some dolphins or sperm whales in the distance.

Leaving from Cala Rossano, visitors can easily reach some other suggestive bays, such as Cala Nave, a beach which proves the volcanic origin of the island thanks to its dark sand. In summer, Cala Nave is equipped with beach umbrellas, beach chairs, kayaks and even a restaurant. As an alternative, tourists can follow one among the numerous natural paths on the trail of ancient Romans or enjoy the charming views along Parata Grande and many other promontories.

Lentil soup is certainly the main typical dish of the island.

The port of Ventotene-Cala Rossano is the ideal place for the lovers of pristine nature and calmness.