Ischia Guide Italy

Places and charm

Places and charm

• 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’s 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.
  

Go to directories of the Web Sites

• Hotels & Lodgings in Ischia
• Art & Culture in Ischia

Go to the itinerary:

• A tour around the island villages
• Ischia's best beaches