Ischia Island

Ischia, the largest of the Neapolitan islands, with its volcanic origins and its thermal spas, some of the largest in the world: 67 fumaroles, 103 springs and 29 thermal spas that can help to cure illnesses, tone up your body and spirit or simply help you relax.
In this charming place, travelers will be pleased with the climate and the fantastic landscape, the hospitality and the strong perfumes you can smell all round the island.

History and culture

The first human settlements on the island date back to VIII B.C., when the Greeks landed on the island and founded the colony of Pithecusae (today known as Lacco Ameno), on Monte Vico. The colony soon became an important commercial center for the Etruscans, the Phoenicians and the Egyptians who came to purchase goods in ceramics, bronze, iron and other metals that were worked on the island.
After about 5 centuries, the island came under the control of the Romans, who were the first to discover the benefits of the thermal spas.
From the few remaining accounts of the Medieval period, we have learned that Ischia was attacked by the Goths, the Lombards and the Normans and was finally conquered by the Swabians who stayed in power for 100 years. A difficult history and not just from a political point of view: Until 1301, the island was hit several times by the eruption of the Epomeo, the last one in 1301. Once the Swabians had left the island, the French and Spanish fought to rule the island.
Over the next few centuries, the population increased slowly, concentrating their dwellings along the coast. The island was divided into six boroughs: Ischia, with the largest population, Casamicciola, partly destroyed by the 1881 earthquake, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Barano and Serrara Fontana.
The island economy was based on agriculture until the 19th century, which was not intensive but which aimed to provide a living for the people. The exceptions were the lemon groves, the vineyards and fishing.
The economic boom started in the Sixties, when island’s tourist potential first became apparent: artists, poets and actors fell in love with the splendid climate, the crystal clear sea, the luxurious vegetation and the thermal spas that spilled out in many areas of the island.

Places and charm

From Mount Epomeo to the thermal spas: Ischia is full of nature oases...

• The Thermal Spas
  Ischia’s thermal spas tradition goes back a long way: some bas-relief works are kept in the National Archeological Museum in Lacco Ameno that date back to the Roman Empire, which are proof of the fact that the water spilling from the island’s springs was used to cure various illnesses at that time too. If you want to get psychologically-physically fit again, we recommend you take a dip in one of the thermal spa pools in the Ischia hotels and then choose personalized treatments depending on your needs: thermal mud packs, massages or inhaling thermal vapors – these are all perfect cures for respiratory problems. If instead you are searching for direct contact with nature, you can try one of the island natural Spas, where you can swim in thermal water mixed with sea water.
• The “Fungo” (Mushroom) at Lacco Ameno
  In the thermal spa resort of Lacco Ameno, which is the smallest one on the island, there is an interesting geological phenomenon that is joined to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. It is a block of tufa rock 10 meters high that has taken on the shape of a mushroom through years and years of being eroded away by the water that laps against it.
• The Botanical Park in the Mortella Gardens
  This wonderful park is located at Forio d’Ischia and was originally the property of the English composer William Walton, who lived in the Villa next door with his wife. When the composer arrived on the island in 1946, he immediately called a botanical expert from England to lay out the garden, planting wonderful tropical and Mediterranean plants, some of which have now reached amazing proportions.
• Faiano Pine Forest
  The island’s largest pine forest is located in the borough of Barano, an ideal place for an afternoon trip amidst nature. This fresh, regenerating oasis allows you to walk in the shade of the pine trees, the chestnut trees and oak trees that are interspersed with the characteristic Mediterranean perfumed trees and masses of lava rock that make the whole scene a magical, mysterious one.
• Mount Epomeo
  This is the island’s highest mountain. It was once an active volcano, that shook quiet Ischia life several times with its violent eruptions. Luxurious vines and fruit trees now grow on its fertile soil. If you want to climb Epomeo, you can go up to a certain point in your car on an asphalt road, and then continue on foot for about 3 km. You will realize it was worth it when you reach the top: The view is amazing and you can see the church of San Nicola built into the mountain’s green tufa rock as well as the panorama spread out before you.
  
  How to get there
  The island of Ischia is connected to the mainland by many navigation companies that provide frequent links from Naples. In Ischia there are about 80 Km of roads and it is possible to travel it by car, however traffic is heavy during summer. The public service consists of buses, taxi, and collective taxi connecting to all parts of the island frequently. It is also possible to rent cars, scooters, and bicycles from numerous rental shops on the island.
  
  By sea: Many hydrofoils and ferries leave from Naples to three ports in Ischia; some make a stop at the island of Procida. In Naples there are two ports for departures: from Beverello Wharf depart the ferries and hydrofoils to Ischia Porto, Forio and Casamicciola and from Naples Mergellina hydrofoils leave for Ischia Porto and Forio. Companies in charge of providing these services are: Caremar, Alilauro and Snav.
  
  By train: The Central Station of Naples is well connected to all of Italy. For times consult the Trenitalia site or call the green number 89 20 21. When you reach the station you must continue by taxi or bus to Beverello Wharf or take metro Line 2 up to Mergellina, for boarding.
  
  By plane: Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP) offers connections to all Italian cities and major European destinations with traditional or low-cost airline companies. From the airport the "Alibus" shuttle service takes you directly to the port of Naples "Molo Beverello". The nearest Intercontinental Airport is Rome's Fiumicino (FCO), with the possibility of getting to Naples by air besides the train.

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