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Introduction
Less glamorous (and less expensive) than its near neighbour Capri, Ischia is the largest island in the Bay of Naples. An extinct volcano, Ischia's craggy mountain slopes are covered with pine and chestnut forests, and fragrant Mediterranean scrub. This lush vegetation has given it the name the ‘green isle', and it was used for some scenes in the film The Talented Mr Ripley. The island's main town is Ischia on the east coast: divided into Ischia Porto, the ferry port, and Ischia Ponte, the quieter historic heart. The liveliest resort is Forio in the west. With an abundance of thermal springs, a legacy of its volcanic origins, Ischia has long been famed as a health resort and now the island's main attraction is its many spas.
Who goes there?
Ischia's many hot springs and health spas have long made it a favourite destination with visitors seeking cures for everything from rheumatism to digestive complaints. It is particularly popular with German and Scandinavian visitors, as well as Italians, although increasing numbers of British tourists are coming to the island. In summer it gets very busy with day-trippers from Naples.
Where in the world?
The isle of Ischia is on Italy's west coast, in the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the northwest entrance of the Bay of Naples. The island is a 36km (22 miles) ferry journey from Naples harbour, and around 40km (25 miles) from the city centre - and airport.
Overlooking the Bay of Naples, the rugged island makes a picturesque site, rising dramatically from the sea with golden beaches dotting its coast. The south is the steepest, greenest part, while the northern and western sides of the island are the most developed.
Overlooking the Bay of Naples, the rugged island makes a picturesque site, rising dramatically from the sea with golden beaches dotting its coast. The south is the steepest, greenest part, while the northern and western sides of the island are the most developed.
Beach
Ischia has plenty of golden, sandy beaches and 37km (23 miles) of coastline to explore. The best are around the resort of Forio: Citara, to the south, reached by a longish walk along Via G Mazzella, and Chiaia, just a short walk to the north. Further away is San Montano Bay, a strikingly unspoilt bay. Beaches closest to Ischia Porto are the Spiaggia degli Inglese and Spiaggia San Pietro.
Beyond the beach
The island's main historic attraction is the Castello Aragonese, a medieval castle perched on an islet. It's close to Ischia Ponte and reached by a causeway. Forio has a pleasant historic centre and is close to the lush gardens of La Mortella (Via F Calise), created by the widow of the composer William Walton. Energetic visitors can take a bus to Montana, from where it is possible to walk up Monte Epomeo - the island's extinct volcano.
Family fun
Although it is primarily a spa resort, Ischia's lovely beaches make it a good holiday destination for families. Pedalo hire is available, and there are water-skiing opportunities as well as clear water for snorkelling. The Museo del Mare (Palazzo dell'Orologio) in Ischia Ponte, is devoted to the life of the sea and should occupy kids for an hour or so.
The more gruesome ones will also enjoy the remains of a convent, near the Castello Aragonese. You can see the rooms with seats on which the dead nuns were placed, sitting upright.
The more gruesome ones will also enjoy the remains of a convent, near the Castello Aragonese. You can see the rooms with seats on which the dead nuns were placed, sitting upright.
Retail therapy
There are plenty of opportunities for shopping on Ischia. If you want designer clothes and chic boutiques, your best bet is along Via Roma and Corso Vittoria Colonna in Ischia Porto. The island is noted for its crafts, with plenty available around Forio. Look out for items made from plaited straw. Ischia is full of vineyards, so local wines make good gifts. There's also a digestive liqueur, Rucolino, made from rocket.
A night on the town
Nightlife on Ischia is very relaxed and it isn't noted for its wild clubbing scene. Instead, it offers pleasant bars and cafes where you can enjoy al fresco drinks. There are a number of piano bars, while some places offer traditional music. Most of the action is focused around Ischia Porte, and the lively town of Forio.
Eating out
The island of Ischia offers a good choice of places to eat, with prices to suit all budgets. The greatest concentration of restaurants is in Ischia Porte and in Forio. There are plenty of good pizzerie, as well as restaurants offering traditional dishes. Look out for rabbit, a local speciality usually cooked with garlic, wine and tomatoes, and seafood, such as linguine with sea urchin. Good restaurants include Damiano (Via delle Vigne) in Ischia Porto, and La Romantica (Via Marina) in Forio.
Getting around
Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte are easily explored on foot, as is the other resort town, Forio. The island has a good bus service, with regular buses leaving Ischia Porto for other parts of the island. It is also possible to rent bicycles, boats, scooters and cars.
Exploring further afield
The closest place to visit from Ischia is Procida, a small island with several sandy beaches. Ferries also run to the glamorous island of Capri, on the southern side of the Bay of Naples. The best day trip is probably a visit to Naples, no more than a 40-minute hydrofoil ride away. This bustling city has good transport links to historic Pompeii.
Splashing out
Check yourself in to one of Ischia's many spas for a pampering health or beauty treatment. The Mezzatorre Resort (Via Mezzatorre, near Forio) (website: www.mezzatorre.it) for example, offers one or two-day revitalizing and body purifying treatments.
Flying in
Naples (Capodichino) Airport (NAP)
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