Population: 59.000
Map:  MapQuest

Ischia is the largest island in the Bay of Naples and one of the prettiest places to visit in the Mediterranean. 

The island has been featured in numerous Italian movies like "Paradiso Perso" (Paradise Lost) a romantic comedy, where the island sets the idyllic scene of two star-crossed lovers who fall in love with each other all over again, in part because they cannot escape the beauty off the island or the romance the island's beauty forces between them.

Ischia is known for its spectacular white sand beaches, incredible scenery and thermal spring waters that have been proven to have an enormously positive effect on skin and overall health.  Many spas have been built on the island and offer excellent treatments that people in the area return year after year to enjoy.  Ischia is said to be home to some of the best spas in Italy. Hotels and spas in Ischia don't cost nearly as much as you may expect them to and in the off-season, some incredible bargains can be found at many hotels around the island.

Spa treatments aside, the island's climate unto itself can have an enormously beneficial impact on overall health.  The island is like one massive floating green-house, with tropical plants like palm trees, Hybiscus flowers, lemon and orange trees lining the roads and turquoise waters kissing the shores.

Ischia is much larger and higher than the island of Capri and unlike its sister island has beautiful white sand beaches that draw thousands of Italians during the summer months of July and August.  It is best to avoid Ischia during these months (the high season) and opt to visit any other time.

 Even in winter, the climate is warm and there is a lot to do.  It's easy to pass a week here without getting bored.  If you can only make it for a day however, it's still worth it, but we can almost guarantee that you will want to come back.

Getting to Ischia from Italy's mainland is easy and you can bring your car or come by foot. Ferries for Ischia leave from Sorrento, Naples and Pozzuoli and dock at Ischia Porto, the main gateway to the island and tourist hub.

Once on the island, the bus station is a one-minute walk west of the pier, with buses servicing all other parts of the island.  East of the pier, the shopping strip Via Roma eventually becomes Corso Vittoria Colonna and heads 2km southeast to Ischia Ponte, which leads to Ischia's most famous landmark, the Castello Aragonese.

The Castle,which sits on a rocky islet just off Ischia Ponte is an enormous complex comprising a 14th century cathedral and several smaller churches.  Inside the complex, there is a weaponry museum (Museo delle Armi) that has a collection of torture tools and various medieval armoury.  Children and adult alike may be interested i this, but the view from the castle alone, towards Procida and over the bay of Naples is worth it unto itself. Admission to the castle is 10 EUROS

There are great walks, hikes and bike circuits to take around the island.  For those who want a challenge, a strenuous uphill walk form the village of Fontanta brings you to the top of Monte Epomeo (788 m), the island's highest point, also with superb views of the Gulf of Naples

In addition to walking, swimming, cycling or scuba-diving, there are beautiful gardens to explore on Ischia, such as La Mortella, a garden that is home to over 1000 rare exotic plants that flourish here.

 The gardens were designed by Russell Page and inspired by the Moorish gardens of Granada's Alhambra in Spain.  The gardens were established by the British composer Sir William Walton and his wife who made La Mortella their home in 1949. 

Classical music concerts are staged in the gardens in spring and autumn.  For a more information about the gardens and the concerts, please see www.lamortella.it .  Please note the garden's opening hours.

For excellent rates on accommodations, transportation to and from Ischia, tours on the island or any other information about travel in the Bay of Naples or the Amalfi Coast, do not hesitate to contact us: team@italyvacationspecialists.com