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Discovering Ischia

Among the enchanting islands that close to circle the Gulf of Naples, Ischia is not only the largest but also the most varied for the many and constant discoveries that reserves for those who really wanted to know it thoroughly. 
QThis island, of trapezoidal shape, about 46 square kilometers, with a coastline of about 34 km, enjoys one of the most privileged geographical locations in the world and is one of the most favored by the climatic point of view. There are spacious and sunny beaches alternate with relaxing pine forests and the countryside and green hills, the rocky crags of the dominant Mount Epomeo, whose peak reaches 789 meters above sea level, creating an infinite variety of landscapes to enjoy and offer multiple possibility of invigorating walks and attractive excursions. The island of Ischia, of volcanic origin, holds in its subsoil, as already stated by Strabo, authentic “gold mines” for the extraordinary curative effect of its eight thermo-basins and its even more numerous springs, stoves, geysers and arenas.

Today the island is administratively divided into six municipalities, Ischia, Casamicciola terme, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Serrara Fontana and Barano that gradually meet on our tour of the island in an anti-clockwise.
Ischia is an ancient city, known since the remote ages for the industry of clay pots from which, as Pliny tells us, the island took one of his names, Pithaecusa. Originally his city stood where now widens the body of water of the harbor. The eruption of 302 a. C. swallowed its old town, creating a natural lake, transformed in 1854 by Ferdinand II of Bourbon into a port.
In addition to breathe the balmy air of a vast and beautiful pine forest, connected by a bridge to Ischia, rises from the sea the most important monument of the whole island: the Aragonese Castle.
Casamicciola Terme instead lies on the northern coast of the island, partly on the sea and partly on the green hills beyond. The town consists of homes and villas surrounded by gardens, some linked to historical records, such as villa Ibsen where he stayed and worked the great Norwegian playwright, and villa Zavota, which housed Garibaldi when he came to heal the consequences of his wound at Aspromonte with the waters and mud of "Gurgitello."
In addition to Casamicciola, continuing along the beautiful coast, appears Lacco Ameno. On the right the sea looks like a great lake, where a rock - the well-known “Fungo” ("mushroom") - gives the visitor the view that now is the goal. Lacco Ameno has thermal waters with the highest coefficient of radioactivity so far known. This feature and the exceptional qualities of the climate, this charming island center now has a client base of high quality, from all over the world. Lacco is also rich in archaeological remains and we recommend visits to the Archaeological Museum of Villa Arbusto and the Basilica of Santa Restituta, home to early Christian finds and museum.
Then comes Forio, the most important center of the western part of the island since prehistoric times and the time of the Romans, who used the mineral-rich waters of the area, especially those of Citara. Exposed more than other parts of the Island to invasion, Forio has sixteen towers along the coast, more for defense only to watch, of which the most prominent is the "Torrione" in the heart of the town.
Forio is among the six municipalities of the island, what foreigners know and love more "natural" for the beauty of its beaches, the green of which is rich in a natural environment where beauty, history, tourism and poetry are able to get along.
Following in hill, Serrara Fontana Serrara Fontana, including the internal places of the island, has a very special rural charm, with immense charm and lovely views. From the viewpoint of the round, which opens onto one of the most extensive views of the island, you can admire the impressive promontory in the foreground of Sant'Angelo, with the two small coves. Sant'Angelo is the only Marine gem of Serrara Fontana, a gem envied by the whole world! Then Barano, with its mild and dry climate all year round, which, despite being a typical agricultural country, has the magnificent marine Maronti its access to the sea, a beach full of hot springs and fumaroles that raise their vapors from the burning sand. The most famous springs in the area are those of Barano Nitrodi and Olmitello. Barano is also famous for a typical manifestation of island folklore that attracts the attention of so many strangers that reach the village of Buonopane to attend the “’Ndrezzata”, one of the oldest warrior dances of the Mediterranean Sea, handed down from father to son, keeping the memory of exchange and knowledge of tradition alive.