Ischia, the largest of the three islands in the Gulf of Naples is simply stunning with its diversity of nature, its fantastic views of the sea and surrounding islands as well as its idyllic sandy beaches. Ischia is famous for its curative thermal springs, which can be traced back to the island's volcanic origin and which partly reach temperatures of one hundred degrees. It is mostly German vacationers who come to the health spas and for years they have been the largest group of visitors to the island. 

But not only those who love bathing and swimming, hikers, too, get their money's worth: Along numerous hiking trails you can discover the varied landscape with its richness in species. It is absolutely worth the effort of climbing the 789 meters of Monte Epomeo, again and again you are rewarded by breathtaking panoramas. Filmmakers, too, have become aware of the beauty and charm of Ischia: the island has 'starred' as an impressive setting in many a movie. The remake of „The Talented Mr. Ripley“, for example, was shot at Ischia Ponte.

La Isola Verde

In Italy, Ischia is also known as „Isola Verde“, the green island. Leave the popular and beaten tourist tracks, venture into the heartland and the still largely authentic south and you soon come to understand why.

As the volcanic soil is extremely fertile, the old tradition of wine-growing on the island has been revived. Large parts of Ischia are covered by fragrant macchia. The chestnut woods Bosco di Falanga on the northern slopes of Monte Epomeo are a particularly beautiful sight.

Due to the ferry traffic, the island's economic center is the municipality of Ischia with its districts Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte, where well over one third of the round about 56,000 inhabitants live. Other municipalities are Casamicciola Terme, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Serrara Fontana and Barano.

Historic sights

Ischia has many sights to offer, so we can only name a few here, e.g. impressive Castello Aragonese at Ischia Ponte. The fortress located on a rock off the coast and surrounded by a wonderful Mediterranean garden looks back upon a long history. Fortified as far back as the 5th century BC, the fortress was then enlarged as of 1439 and connected with the main island by means of a bridge by order of King Alfonso of Aragon. It was a place of refuge for the island's population in times of need and in case of enemy attacks. 

Those roaming this fortified island along its stairways hewn from the rock are rewarded with wonderful views of Ischia, the neighboring islands of Procida and Capri as well as the Gulf of Naples. The cemetery of nuns in the crypt of Chiesa dell’Immacolata is worth a visit, but it is also strange: deceased nuns were left to decay, seated on stone benches. The nuns met there regularly for prayer and to keep in mind the ephemeral nature of life on earth.  

Ferries and hydrofoils run between Naples / Pozzuoli and Ischia Porto / Casamicciola every day. Connections to the neighboring islands of Capri and Procida as well as to Sorrento are good, too.