Area naturale marina protetta Isole di Ventotene e Santo Stefano

The marine protected area of Ventotene and Santo Stefano covers thousands of hectares in the Tyrrhenian Sea surrounding two islands with varied underwater environments. The reserve shelters diverse fish species and seagrass beds kept safe by strict protection rules across different zones.

Italy's Environment Ministry created this protected zone in 1997 to preserve the natural features and marine ecology of the Pontine Archipelago. This action recognized the region's ecological importance and set strict rules for activities within its boundaries.

The islands served as places of exile and imprisonment for centuries, leaving behind fortified structures that tell stories of their troubled past. Walking through these remnants, visitors sense how the archipelago was once a place of confinement rather than leisure.

Access varies by zone, with some areas open only for scientific research or guided visits. Visitors should check current rules beforehand and contact authorized operators to ensure their planned activities are permitted.

The islands are known for vast seagrass meadows that stabilize the seafloor and shelter numerous fish species including groupers and barracudas. These underwater gardens are essential to the ecosystem and crucial for the survival of many marine creatures.