Ischia description. Ischia: sights and practical tips. Entertainment and attractions in Ischia

Ischia, the largest island in the Gulf of Naples, is located 40 km from Naples (which a fast ferry covers in an hour) and 7 km from the continent. Geographically, Ischia is divided into several districts: Ischia, Barano, Casamicciola, Forio, Lacco Ameno and Serrara.

Its main pride is its thermal parks, which owe their fame to the mud. This substance, which has healing properties, can rejuvenate, relieve stress and accumulated fatigue without any drugs or procedures. All that is required of the patient is to roll around in mud that is about two years old: just during this time, ordinary slurry, mixed with mineral sulfur water and under the influence of bacteria, sun and sea air, matures to the desired condition and turns into a “royal mess”. At one time, even Elizabeth Taylor and Clark Gable did not shun them.

In general, the pace of life at the resort is calm, so Ischia can be safely recommended for a family holiday, including those with small children.

How to get there

You can get from Naples to Ischia in about an hour by boats that regularly operate during the summer season. Another option is by boat from Procida and the island of Capri.

Search for flights to Naples (closest airport to Ischia)

Main resorts of Ischia

Ischia, divided into two territories - Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte, has a busy tourist life. There are many hotels of different categories, commercial centers, discos, nightclubs, taverns, restaurants, boutiques. And also - beautiful sandy beaches, luxurious pine and chestnut groves. In Kartaromana Bay, springs of thermal water gush out and create natural baths along the shore, and the Eden Gardens thermal park is also located there. The symbol of the island is the majestic Aragonese castle, towering next to Ischia Ponte.

Casamicciola is a small and tranquil seaside town famous for its thermal park, the Gardens of Castigliene. For more than a hundred years it has occupied a leading place among the thermal resorts of the island. Lacco Ameno is the smallest town on the island, interesting for its church of Santa Restituta, the local archaeological museum and, of course, the Negombo Gardens thermal park.

Forio is the largest city on the island, with a large shopping center and a thermal park with the pompous name “Gardens of Poseidon”. Serrara is a town with a small fishing village of Sant'Angelo, located right by the sea. It is very beautiful here: small houses of all shades of pink, stylish hotels, narrow streets, churches and cathedrals, small shops, restaurants, taverns and pizzerias. The thermal parks “Tropical”, “Apollo and Aphrodite” are located nearby.

5 things to do in Ischia

  1. Enjoy the magnificent nature of the island and breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples.
  2. Improve your health in the thermal parks of Ischia, famous throughout the country.
  3. Visit the majestic Aragonese castle, considered the symbol of the island.
  4. Sunbathe on the 5 km long beach of Marina dei Maronti.
  5. Have a picnic on the 350-meter Torrey Hill and look out over the sea.

Beaches of Ischia

Marina dei Maronti is the longest sandy beach on the island (as much as 3 km). The most convenient way to get to it is by sea taxi from the port of Sant'Angelo. The beach is also famous for its thermal springs and healing mud. And at the foot of Mount Epomeo there is another popular beach, Citara Beach.

Treatment

The main treatment profile of the resort is rheumatic and respiratory diseases. Procedures: drinking cure, baths (thermal, mud, mineral), acupressure shower, hot air baths and inhalations, cosmetic procedures, physiotherapeutic procedures.

The nature and composition of mineral waters: radon, sodium-chloride-sulfate, enriched with iodine and bromine, of various temperatures. The course lasts on average 12-15 days, and for 8-10-12-15 sessions. It can be taken in the thermal departments of hotels, in the central hospital of Ischia and in thermal parks, such as the famous Gardens of Poseidon, Negombo, Tropical, Apollo and Aphrodite, Castiglione. All procedures are prescribed by a doctor: a preliminary consultation is required.

Ischia Hotels

There are about 300 hotels on the island, all of them are comfortable and have a high star rating. Hotels have free swimming pools with thermal water (usually at least two - outdoor and indoor), and many hotels are even built on natural thermal springs and have their own thermal departments with qualified medical staff. And if there are none, then the hotel always organizes a transfer to a neighboring hotel or to the thermal center in Ischia Porto.

Entertainment and attractions in Ischia

Sightseeing tour of the island by bus, excursion around the island on the Calypso boat, island

The Castiglione thermal park is located in a picturesque bay between the small towns of Ischia Porto and Casamiciolli. The beauty of the mountainous terrain and proud inaccessible rocks complements the harmony of exotic flowers and landscape masterpieces. The waters of healing springs flow into the sea, which have become the secret center of tourism on the island.

Castiglione Park offers its guests a complete break from the busy everyday life of a traveler, improve their health and relax while enjoying the unique beauty of the local landscapes. Pools with mineral water of various temperatures, mud baths, traditional massages from various countries, natural saunas will help you in pursuit of the beauty of your own body. Equally enjoyable will be the seafood restaurants located near the pier and a walk in the sky - the funicular will take resort guests on an aerial journey through Castiglione Park.

Aragonese Castle

Every traveler going to Ischia makes a visit to the famous Castello Aragonese fortress a mandatory part of their itinerary.

Like any such monumental building of antiquity, the Aragonese castle has a rich and difficult fate. Military historical events, internecine wars and incessant raids could not give peace to the island itself, its inhabitants, or, of course, the majestic castle. Romans, Visigoths, Vandals, pirates, Greeks, Germans - many owners proclaimed Aragonese as their residence.

Today Castello Aragonese attracts tourists from all over the world. The island's calling card harmoniously combines the power of a military-defensive structure with naive, ambitious motives. Germanic and Norman styles were also embodied in the external and internal decoration of the castle. It is especially worth noting the unique works of the masters of Giotto’s school, whose frescoes can be seen in the castle.

What attractions of Ischia did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

House in the rock

The house in the rock on the island of Ischia is residential, and you can even go on a tour to look at the unusual and neat interior, as well as chat with the owner of the house.

Inside the house, the atmosphere of the ancient dwellings of the island has been completely restored. The building, carved into the rock, is located on one of the steep mountain bends, so large tour buses cannot park here. Only those who are truly interested in the unusual house, which tells about the life of the local residents, can see this attraction.

The house consists of a kitchen and three rooms, which are fully furnished, decorated with sculptures, paintings, and shell crafts. The house is heated, so it is suitable for habitation.

It is worth saying that houses in the rocks are found throughout the island. Previously, such houses served as refuge during pirate invasions, and today some of them are used as wine cellars and residential buildings.

In all of Italy, it is difficult to find a better place to locate a thermal park than the island of Ischia - an abode of pristine natural beauty. Citrus and pine groves, unique bends of the mountain serpentine and quiet paths along the coast, an abundance of flowers in the parks and modest vegetation of the mountains.

A trip to Ischia will certainly take you to the famous Tropical thermal park. The name reveals all the cards - the exotic plants collected here can compete with even the most famous botanical gardens in the world. You can relax and unwind in any of the complex’s eleven swimming pools, both outdoor and indoor. For those who like contrasting temperatures, there is a Dr. Kneipe pool with cold and hot water. Jacuzzis, saunas, therapeutic mud treatments and massages will help you confirm that you need to come to Ischia more often.

Town of Ischia Porto

Ischia Porto is the main town of the six cities of the island of Ischia. Everything here is arranged for the convenience of tourists: there are cafes, restaurants, discos, shops, souvenir shops, hotels, and thermal springs. All the nightlife is concentrated in Ischia Porto, so the best option for a great holiday is this town, where you won’t get bored.

Tourists from all over the world come to Ischia Porto to rest, relax and receive treatment. For example, thanks to the local sources, skin, heart and other diseases can be cured. Hotels in the city also offer various weight loss programs.

The best time to visit the city is in May and June, as well as in September and October, when it is not very hot and there are not too many people.

Fungo Reef

Ischia, the largest island in the Gulf of Naples, is a wonderful holiday destination. This picturesque piece of land with an almost ideal climate and expressive nature is full of historical and natural attractions: thermal springs, historical artifacts or quirks of nature. For example, Fungo Reef is one of the main attractions of the tiny town of Lacco Ameno.

"Fungo" means mushroom in Italian. The Neapolitan reef - a rock protruding from the sea - really resembles a mushroom. This tuff outgrowth has served as a pier for fishing boats since ancient times. Over time, the sea level dropped and the rock became increasingly exposed, gradually taking on more and more distinct mushroom shapes. Now from the shore it looks unusual and very attractive. Fungo gradually became a kind of symbol of the town.

There is a romantic legend associated with this extraordinary natural formation. Once upon a time, two teenagers fell in love with each other, but their parents did not approve of this feeling. The young people decided to escape by sea, but drowned not far from the shore. The earth goddess Gaia, shocked by the story of their love, erected a tombstone in the form of an umbrella at the site of the death of the teenagers. They say that lovers to this day rest under a mushroom cap, hidden from prying eyes.

Negombo Thermal Park

NEGOMBO (Lacco Ameno) - in the fabulous Bay of San Montano, surrounded by lush southern nature, is located one of the most beautiful thermal parks of Ischia - the Negombo Gardens with a magnificent beach with the finest sand. There are 12 swimming pools with thermal and sea water, a beauty salon, a sauna, a Turkish bath in a natural grotto, and more than 500 species of exotic Mediterranean plants. It surprisingly combines the untouched, pristine beauty of this enchanting corner of the island with “interspersed” in the form of pools of bizarre shapes, sometimes reminiscent of antique containers for collecting rainwater.

Sorgeto Source

The island of Ischia is famous for its thermal springs, some of which are used in hotels and parks. Healing hot springs with temperatures of +80° and above are also found in Sorgeto Bay - there is a wild spring with free access. To prevent tourists from getting scalded by hot water, baths made of boulders are specially built for them. The hot springs of Sorgeto Bay flow into the sea, so tourists can swim not only in summer, but also in winter.

The source contains phosphates, sulfates, bromine, mineral salts and other substances that have a therapeutic effect on rheumatism, arthritis, gynecological diseases, metabolic disorders, skin and other diseases. Tuff stones located on the beach and in the water itself release thermal mud during friction, which can be used to rejuvenate the skin of the face and body.

Torrione Tower

Torrione is the main fortress tower, which was built to protect the city from Saracen raids in the 9th century. Several centuries later, the fortress was equipped with cannons and firearms.

The tower consists of two levels: the first, which contained a warehouse for food, military supplies and water, and the second, which housed a garrison of 10 people with a commander. The round shape of the tower allowed the observers to have a full view. There was an observer here who, seeing enemy ships, gave a signal to the garrison.

Now the lower floor of Torrione is equipped as a city museum, and on the upper floor of the building there is a collection of paintings by the famous artist Giovanni Maltese.

Thermal park "Gardens of Poseidon"

The thermal park "Gardens of Poseidon" is located in a picturesque bay with a beautiful sandy beach and mountain landscapes overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Also near the park is the Epomeo volcano.

“Gardens of Poseidon” are truly unique and fragrant gardens with eucalyptus, pine, olive, citrus trees, in the shade of which a person connects with nature, the sun and the sea. Flowers also grow here, among which there are 18 pools with thermal water of varying temperatures. The park has small pools with plain water for children, and for adults there is a huge pool with sea water.

Thermal waters consist of sulfates, mineral salts, phosphates, bromine, which are useful for the treatment of various diseases. The grotto contains a sauna built on a hyperthermal spring in the style of ancient Roman baths.

The most popular attractions in Ischia with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Ischia on our website.

Individual and group

The island of Ischia is located in Italy, and is the largest island in the Bay of Naples.area of ​​the Island of Ischia is 46 square kilometers. Tourists love it because it combines a variety of scenic, historical and cultural attractions.

The island itself is relatively small, but a very large number of hotels, parks, spa centers, and beaches are concentrated here. .

If you are traveling by car, you should know that from Easter until the end of summer, only residents are allowed to travel around the island by car or motorcycle. The rest of the time, it's very hard to find free parking, so basically everyone uses a paid one, a special coupon for which can be bought in tobacco or newspaper stores. As a last resort, you can use the services of a taxi, the price of which within the island will be 12.00 euros, or you can rent a car (Lasolino str. 24, tel. 081985720).

Those who love boat trips should like the service on the island of Ischia, such as boat excursions, they provide the opportunity to visit such beautiful places as the island of Capri, Procida, Ventetene, Positano, and Ponza (the agency's office is located at Via Casciaro 49, tel. +39081983636).

Attractions

The best attractions on the island of Ischia, are the volcanoes Trabotti, Monte Vezzi and Epomeo which is the highest point on the island. But don’t be afraid of them; the last eruptions here took place back in the 12th century.

Excursions: A great way to spend time on the island of Ischia- this is an order for group or individual excursions. On the website you can find suitable excursions from Naples and Rome to the island of Ischia, as well as bus tours, transfers and entrance fees to the thermal parks.

But of course the most important and beautiful attraction of the island of Ischia is Aragonese castle in which at all times only the richest lived and influential people. Perhaps partly thanks to him, the island is very popular among directors.

It is located on a separate island with a total area of ​​56,000 square meters. There are cafes and snack bars for visitors. It is open every day from 9.00 to 7.30. Entrance price 10.00 euros.

Another attraction about. Ischia is worth a visit Museum of the Holy Restitution(Museo Santa Restituta). It is divided into a museum and an archaeological site Antiquarium. The museum houses various cups, jugs, plates, ceramic vases, as well as bronze sculptures of Saint Restituta.

The Antiquarium contains finds from different eras. Here you can see memorial plaques, funerary decorations, coins, statues of the 4th century BC. The quantity of clay products is amazing. Entrance price 3.00 euros. Opening hours from 9.00-12.30 and 16.00-18.00, except Sunday.

Must visit botanical garden Villa Mortella(Villa la Mortella). The garden has more than three thousand rare plants brought here from different countries. All these plants in combination with streams, pools, and fountains create a very beautiful picture. In addition, it offers a gorgeous view of Forio Bay. Classical music concerts are also often held here. Entrance price: to the garden 12.00 euros, children from 6-12 years old 7.00 euros, entrance to the concert 20.00 euros.
One of the largest collections of succulent plants in Europe can be seen in the Ravino Gardens (Giardini Ravino) which are located in the town of Forio on Panza 140.

Thermal springs

The Island of Ischia is also famous for its thermal springs, which have healing properties. Terme Ischia is known all over the world; the ecology and climate on the island contribute to effective treatment and relaxation. I think no one will remain indifferent when they see beautiful hills planted with vineyards or breathing in the air of a pine forest, I’m not even talking about sea air and sandy beaches.

The health complexes of Terme Ischia can indeed offer real medical therapy, under the supervision of experienced specialists. These include: hydroponic baths, mud baths, inhalations, aesthetic and therapeutic massages, saunas, steam baths, whirlpool baths and a huge number of cosmetic procedures. .

Hot springs are divided into four groups due to their different chemical composition and healing properties: saline, alkaline, bicarbonate and high temperature. On average, the water temperature is from 28° C to 40° C, and high-temperature springs up to 70° C.

Thousands of people come to the island of Ischia for treatment of injuries, endocrine, gynecological, hormonal, dermatological, vascular, rheumatic and neurological diseases, as well as diseases of the respiratory system. As far as I know, even cosmetics (creams, lotions, masks, scrubs, etc.) produced under this brand (Terme Ischia) can be bought in the CIS countries.

Hotels

There are a huge number of hotels on the island of Ischia, they can be divided by price, by stars and by many other criteria, but I decided to write about a few that are located in close proximity to the city center. You can find prices for these and many other hotels on the island of Ischia using the cheap hotel search engine.

Enter the name of the desired hotel and compare prices for hotels in Ischia :

  • Strand Hotel Delfini (5 stars) - a good hotel, overlooking the Aragonese castle, all services, thermal springs, treatment, etc. Reasonable prices (tel. +39081981341, +39081981842).
  • Hotel Terme Parco Verde (4 stars) - the hotel is located 300 meters from the center, 500 meters from the sea, thermal pools, a park, a beauty salon, a Turkish bath and other wonderful services. Address st. Mazzella 43, tel. +39081996999.
  • Hotel Terme Principe (3 stars) - the hotel is located in the center, 50 meters from the sea, thermal pools, solarium, jacuzzi, spa, garden, etc. Address st. Via Roma 116, tel. +39081994466, mobile: +393661057055.
  • Hote Aragonese (3 stars) - The hotel is located a short walk from the historical center of Ischia, in close proximity to local attractions. Address G. B. Vico street 76, tel. +39081992431, mobile +393387272862.
  • Hotel Nettuno (3 stars) is an excellent option for families with children, swimming pool, private beach, located in the center. Address Via Bafile 23, Tel. +390421370301.

And finally, a video that will give you an idea of ​​the island of Ischia:

The amazing island of Ischia is one of the most beautiful islands in Europe, famous for its healing thermal springs and mud. This island has been a real paradise for travelers for many centuries, where they could fully relax, improve their health, find peace, tranquility and fully enjoy the life given by the Almighty.

There are not many islands in the world where there are excellent conditions for quality beach holidays and effective recovery - Ischia is just one of such islands. Therefore, a holiday on the island of Ischia is a little reminiscent of (China).
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general description
The Italian island of Ischia (Ischia) of volcanic origin is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, in close proximity to the coast of Italy (7 km from the mainland and 40 km from Naples) and bordering the Gulf of Naples in the northwest. The island belongs to the province of Naples, is part of the Phlegrino archipelago, located 2.5 km from the neighboring island of Procida, which is also part of this archipelago. (The map can be moved, enlarged, reduced)

Ischia covers an area of ​​46.3 km², with a population of just over 62 thousand people. The administrative center of the island is the city of the same name, Ischia, with a population of slightly more than 18 thousand people. To visit the island you need an Italian visa, which can be ordered online with delivery, without a trip to the consulate, using a well-known company

Climate
The climate of the island is subtropical, mild (Mediterranean), the same as on the other Italian island of Sardinia, see.
Summers on the island are usually very dry and hot. There is very little precipitation, but if there is rain, it is short-lived - the average monthly temperature is +28°. Winter is mild and rainy - the average monthly temperature is +15°, and the minimum is +7°. Despite the fact that there are slight differences in temperature even in different parts of the island, in general this climate is typical of southern Italy. Therefore, it is preferable to plan a beach holiday on the island of Ischia, as well as (Greece), for the period from April to October. However, the best time for a trip is considered to be the end of spring and the beginning of autumn, since at this time the temperature indicators of water and air are the most comfortable and pleasant. For convenience, we offer a weather informer from Yandex, with which you will always be aware of the current weather on the island and you will have access to a 10-day forecast.

Nature
The island's topography is mountainous.
There are three famous volcanoes in Ischia - in the center of the island is the Epomeo volcano, on which the highest point of Ischia is located - seven hundred eighty-nine meters above sea level, and in the center is Trabotti at an altitude of five hundred twelve meters above sea level.
The Monte Vezzi volcano is located in the southeast of the island at an altitude of 512 meters. The last time Ischia experienced a volcanic eruption was in 1301. By the way, if we develop the topic of volcanoes and volcanic activity, information about volcanoes (including active ones) in Hawaii would not be superfluous - see the article
Ischia has lush vegetation, which is why it is also called the Emerald Isle. After all, there are very fertile soils of volcanic origin and, accordingly, a very fertile climate conducive to the active growth of subtropical and tropical plants.
The island has a huge number of pine, chestnut, lemon and orange groves, pleasing the eyes of vacationers and creating the coolness so desired on a summer day.
Thermal springs
This beautiful island, as mentioned above, is known for its abundance of hot springs, the miraculous properties of which were known to the ancient Romans.
The main advantage and pride of the island is its thermal parks with healing mud.
Therapeutic procedures have a calming, tonic, rejuvenating effect on the entire body - complete relaxation (restoration) of the body occurs, stress and irritability are relieved, and fatigue that has accumulated for a long time disappears without a trace. A person gains peace of mind and all this happens without taking any medications, i.e. the whole healing process gives a person only pleasure, because all you need to do is roll in the mud. (Almost like in Minvody, see)
These parks are located in beautiful locations, directly by the sea, in natural bays with magnificent sandy beaches, surrounded by picturesque mountains.
In combination with mud procedures, thermal springs erupting from the depths of the earth bring a huge healing effect. These waters are rich in mineral salts, bromine, phosphates, sulfates, and bicarbonates. An amazing healing effect has been clinically proven in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gynecological diseases, neuralgia, metabolic disorders, skin diseases, circulatory systems, and also strengthens the immune system.
It should be noted that almost every hotel on the island has a thermal pool, and all thermal treatment centers have the most modern equipment.
Resort areas
As a rule, the swimming season in Ischia, as in Sicily (see), covers the period May - October. Therefore, it is better to plan a vacation on the island of Ischia for this time.
All the numerous beaches along the rugged coastline, bays, capes are perfectly equipped and well-groomed - you can rent a sun lounger, an umbrella, on most beaches there are restaurants, cafes, pizzerias where you can eat delicious food - in a word, there is everything for a comfortable, relaxing holiday.
However, each beach (resort area) has some of its own characteristics; let’s consider the most popular among them.
Maronti Beach
This sandy beach in the south of the island, three km long, is the largest on the entire coast and is located in the town of Barano.
The beach is surrounded by picturesque hills with caves and gorges. In one of these caves there is a thermal spring - Kava Skura. Therefore, the main feature of the beach is that, in addition to the immediate proximity of the healing spring, the beach sand is also healing. This happens with the help of Fumaroles (holes, cracks through which healing hot gases emerge from the depths of the earth) located on Maronti beach, so the sand acquires healing properties, which in turn is used in sand baths.
This place was popular back in ancient times. There is a legend according to which pirates hid their looted treasures here - after all, the depth in the bay allowed them to easily approach the shore.
Sant'Angelo
This wonderful and tiny beach is located on a long sandy isthmus, west of Maronti.
The entire coast west of Sant'Angelo (S.Fngelo) to Punta Imperatore (P.Imperatore) is characterized by the fact that here tiny bays with pebble beaches alternate with sheer cliffs directly above the sea, so some places are difficult to access.
Baia di Sorgeto
This pebble bay is also located on the southern coast, a little west of the above-mentioned Sant'Angelo beach. Holidays here are interesting due to the fact that there are thermal springs bubbling directly into the sea.
The bay is perfectly protected from the winds by the mountains, so this unique place is a kind of swimming pool in natural conditions, in the open air, and even with healing thermal water, you can swim here even in winter.
Forio
Forio is located on the west coast, characterized by the fact that here small coves alternate with rocky shores, so secluded, secluded and very picturesque places are created by nature itself.
The northernmost place of the Forio coast is Punta Caruso (P.Caruso), surrounded by abundant wild greenery and volcanic rocks.
Citara Beach
The beach is also located on the west coast a little south of Forio near Cape Punta Imperatore, known for its crystal clear waters.
In close proximity to the sea are the popular thermal springs “Gardens of Poseidon”, surrounded by abundant vegetation.
San Montano
This bay, located on the northern coast, perfectly protected from the winds, is interesting because the water here is always crystal clear and warm, and in close proximity to the beach there is the very famous Negombo thermal park with pools with sea and mineral water.
Lacco Ameno
Located on the northern coast.
This beach, directly by the sea, has excellent hotels.
Bagnotello
Located in the north of the island. This beach also has thermal springs. It should be noted that the northern coast is dominated by beautiful sandy beaches with pine groves, alternating with rocky shores.
Cartaromana
An incredibly beautiful beach just three hundred meters long!
From here you can enjoy a magnificent landscape overlooking the bay where the famous Aragonese castle is located, in the Ischia Ponte suburb. And the hot springs, as well as on the beach of Baia di Sorgeto
are located directly in the sea, therefore, here you can relax, recover in natural conditions and enjoy taking pleasant thermal baths even in cool weather.
There are also excellent conditions for diving. Therefore, a holiday on the island of Ischia will not be complete without visiting this beautiful place.
To get a more complete picture of the resorts described above, you can wander almost the entire coast of the island using panoramic photos from Google

Attractions
Aragonese castle
This medieval castle is one of the main attractions, located on the east coast in Cartaromana Bay.
The castle was built in the Middle Ages on the site of an ancient fortress, which was erected around 470 - 480. BC. In the 16th century, the famous Italian poetess Vittoria Colonna lived in the castle.
Botanical Garden (Giardini La Mortella)
This two-hectare botanical garden was founded by Suzanne Walton in 1956. Susana Walton is the wife of William Walton, a famous English composer who settled on the island in 1949 and lived here until 1983.
Villa Mortella is one of the best private gardens in Europe. There are more than 3 thousand rare species of exotic plants.

The largest island in the region has a rich ancient history, various resorts and world-famous medicinal mud. It is located 40 kilometers from Naples. All cities and districts of this most famous island in Italy are connected by a mountain road. A ferry runs between the city and the port of Ischia. The flight lasts about an hour.

Ischia has long been called the Island of Eternal Youth, because the radon geysers, thermal springs and mud located on it give healing and add strength to many people. The volcanic origin provides these places with special picturesqueness and expressiveness: many tourists prefer to go on a bus tour along the mountain roads visiting the main attractions and the best beaches.

Ischia began to actively develop during the heyday of the Roman Empire. Archaeologists to this day find numerous artifacts here, testifying to the life of the ancient inhabitants of the island. To protect against invaders, they built observation towers along the entire coast. For a long time this land was considered the property of the Napoleon family. It is also known for the fact that Garibaldi rested and was treated here.

So, let's look at what main attractions and corners of the island a tourist should visit.

Cities and towns

The main city on the island is Ischia. Formally, it is divided into two separate parts: Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte. The center of the first is the ancient port - already an attraction in itself, the second has its heart at the Aragonese castle and the bridge connecting it to the mainland. Ischia is a city of fashionable shops, gourmet restaurants and clean, free beaches.

Forio is a holiday destination for celebrities. The town has an eventful history. Here, several thousand years BC, the Greeks settled, building a temple to the goddess Venus. Later, Forio became a Turkish possession and was attacked by the famous pirate Ariardeno Barbarossa. Trying to protect themselves from it, local residents built several fortress towers, including the most famous one - Torrione.

The main cultural attraction of the city that is worth seeing is the Temple of the Madonna Intercessor. The Church del Soccorso is famous for its observation deck. Local residents claim that only from here in Italy, and throughout the world, can you see the green sunset ray, giving good luck for the rest of your life.

Lacco Ameno was also a Greek colony. There are not only magnificent beaches, clean water and other resort amenities. The air in Lacco Ameno is filled with resinous aromas. Pine groves intersperse with citrus trees, providing scenic walking routes. In the sea near the shore, you can admire the bizarre rock called “Mushroom”, visit the archaeological museum, pottery workshops and shops attached to them, and the Negombo Gardens thermal park.

Casamicciola Terme is the most famous town with thermal springs in all of Italy. It has its own port, although Ischia Porto is very close. Casamicciola Terme was seriously damaged by a devastating earthquake, so almost the entire town was rebuilt.

The attraction of Sant'Angelo, which stands on the Gulf of Sorgeto, is a thermal spring, the hot water of which runs straight into the cool sea.

Volcanoes and thermal waters

There are three volcanoes on the island:

  • Trabotti;
  • Epomeo;
  • Wezzy.

They have been inactive for more than half a millennium. Only water vapor and thermal springs remind of past activity. Thanks to them, therapeutic holidays in Ischia are possible all year round. For a long time, its inhabitants made cosmetics and preparations of natural origin, which helped in getting rid of diseases of the spine and joints, respiratory tract and skin, and nervous system.

Today there are thermal parks on the island where you can get qualified help and advice. Treatment with healing water began to be developed by the ancient Romans, and its heyday came in the 16th century, when a physician from Calabria, Giulio Iazolino, studied the composition and beneficial properties of this natural wealth.

Sources saturated with useful minerals are selected on the surface of the sea, so they are accessible. There are many swimming pools on the island, the water temperature in them varies. Experts recommend starting with cool ones, gradually moving to warm and hot ones. After such a therapeutic bath, the healthiest thing to do is swim in the sea. However, one should remember about contraindications, especially for people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Poseidon Gardens

The most famous thermal park is located in Chitara Bay and is included in the list of UNESCO protected sites. There are 18 cascading swimming pools, Roman baths, a Japanese bath, convenient infrastructure and, if desired, professional assistance.

Pitekuz Archaeological Museum

Will delight lovers of history and antiquities. There are a lot of objects here that testify to the lives of people of past eras. Elegantly painted vessels, bronze and terracotta, household items - everything that was recovered from the excavations has found a place in the archeology museum.

Aragonese castle

This is perhaps the most significant attraction of Ischia, one of the most majestic and impressive castles in Italy. Tourists from all over the world come here to look at its powerful walls, as if grown into stone.

The Aragonese castle is located on a tiny rocky island off the coast. The first fortifications appeared here in ancient times. Later, in the Middle Ages, the castle was rebuilt and strengthened, and connected by a dam to Ischia. For some time it was a transit base for pirates, then for a long time it passed from hand to hand. In the 19th century, the British destroyed more than 10 churches located within the fortress.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Unfortunately, the appearance and decoration of this temple have practically not been preserved; English soldiers also “took their best” here. However, miraculously, part of the chapel survived, where you can look at the wonderful ancient frescoes in the Byzantine style.

For lovers of good Italian cinema, the small museum located within Villa La Colombaia is a real attraction. It contains photographs and items, stage costumes and items related to the films of the great director.

La Mortella

These magnificent gardens, which locals compare to heaven on earth, are located at the foot of a mountain called Monte Zaro. About three thousand plant species grow here. Luxurious views and aromas attract both locals and tourists.

Ravino

And these gardens are full of real exoticism. There are even sculptures made of cacti.

White Royal Quarry

Local residents extract healing mud from the quarry, the most famous in Italy. Tourists come to this part of the island to admire the amazingly picturesque rocks, reminiscent of fairy-tale characters.

Beaches

There are a great many of them in Ischia. Almost the entire coast of the island is suitable for swimming. There are paid and free, but clean and well-equipped beaches. Some have, among other things, their own healing mud and thermal springs that flow directly into the sea. This natural attraction allows you to swim all year round, which is impossible in other areas of Italy.

The island of Ischia boasts the largest number of sunny days in Italy and along the entire coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It offers stunning views and combines cultural, therapeutic and classic Mediterranean holiday experiences. You can come here in winter, rainy autumn, and early spring. The tourist infrastructure is well developed, buses run frequently, and the ticket costs 1 euro. Experienced travelers do not recommend driving a rented car: the mountain routes are too difficult for an inexperienced driver. Hotels on the island vary in price; you can find both budget options and truly luxurious rooms with sea and mountain views. Many have their own natural springs and healing baths.

Walking through the grounds of the Aragonese Castle, the cozy streets of Ischia Porto, enjoying the masterpieces of local cuisine, improving your health and improving your appearance in the embrace of thermal waters - there are many reasons to relax in style on Ischia - a fabulous island in the Gulf of Naples.