Private Island Dilemma: A Clash of Visions for Punta Pennata

As Punta Pennata, a picturesque island near Bacoli, goes up for sale, debates swirl around its future, with investors eyeing it as a luxury retreat while local authorities push for its transformation into a public park.

Punta Pennata, an enchanting and rare private island just off the coast of Bacoli, is making waves in the market as it becomes available for sale. Located approximately twenty miles from Naples, this small piece of land features the vestiges of an ancient Roman villa enveloped by rich Mediterranean vegetation.

This charming isle has been listed for several months with Sotheby’s International Realty, which touts its potential as an “exclusive opportunity for a prestigious investment.” The advertisement paints a dreamlike picture of the island as a private getaway, drawing interest from affluent investors eager to claim their slice of the Mediterranean.

However, a competing vision is being championed by Josi Gerardo Della Ragione, the local mayor of Bacoli. Envisioning the island as a public park, he believes it could provide a serene escape for residents and visitors alike. "It is like Neverland,” he remarked, invoking the imagery of childhood dreams, and expressed a desire to preserve the island’s untouched charm for communal enjoyment.

The contrast between private ownership and public access underscores broader discussions about land use in Italy, as Punta Pennata becomes a stage for competing narratives about what the future holds for this fragile ecosystem. With its history and beauty at stake, community leaders are eager to transform this secluded gem into a cherished public space, while potential buyers await a resolution that could forever alter its course.