Ischia
Panoramic view of Ischia Harbour
Ischia is a delightful volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, located in the northern part of the Gulf of Naples; it is mainly mountainous and its the highest peak is the volcanic Mount Epomeo (778m). The island's population is over 60,000 and their main industry - as you probably know - is tourism. The island is rich in thermal hot springs and that is why there are several spa centres, very popular with tourists mainly from Europe and Asia. Points of attraction are the characteristic golden beaches of Porto Sant'Angelo on the southern coast of Ischia. Other villages you find on the island are Forio, Casamicciola Terme, Lacco Ameno, Barano d'Ischia, Serrara Fontana, Citara, Cuotto and San Francesco.
Castello Argonese (Aragonese Castle)
The Castle was built on a volcanic rock (islet) by Hiero I of Syracuse in 474 BC and was used to control enemy fleets and pirates movements. The Castle is connected to the island by a 22o-metre bridge built by Alfonso V of Aragon in 1438. Throughout the centuries, the islet changed many hands from the Greeks to the Romans, the Visigoths, the Normans, the Arabs and many others.
Today, the islet is privately owned. There are a museum, a church (Chiesa dell'Immacolata, 1737), a monastery (1575), a cathedral (Cattedrale dell'Assunta, 1301), temple ruins as well as a hotel, a book shop and cafeteria for a relaxing break. Definitely an interesting visit.
Ischia beach
Sant' Angelo
Barano Maronti Beach
Citara Bay
How to get there
Ischia is easily reached by sea on hydrofoils and ferries from Naples, Pozzuoli and Sorrento; the journey takes about 40 minutes.
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