Holiday apartment in Ischia – thermal springs, volcanic landscape and culture

Ischia is known for its thermal springs. Since the arrival of the first Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, they have been known and used for their beneficial effects. The island’s distinctive thermal landscape includes the rocky slopes of Epomeo, gentle wine-growing hills, pine groves, beaches, the fresh sea breeze and numerous impressive panoramas.

Culture

The Castello Aragonese stands on a small island of trachytic rock on the eastern side of Ischia. It is connected to the island by a 220-metre-long masonry bridge. The complex was restored between 1965 and 2003, while preserving its historic character. Most of the Castello Aragonese has been open to the public since the end of the 1990s.

Beneath the Church of Santa Restituta in Lacco Ameno are the Scavi e Museo Santa Restituta. They document life and culture on Ischia from the Greeks to the early Christians. The Museo degli scavi di Santa Restituta houses Greek, Roman and Byzantine artefacts. The Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae also has a section on geology and the volcanic phenomena that have shaped life on Ischia from antiquity to the present day.

The Giardini La Mortella are also part of the island’s cultural calendar. Three concert seasons take place there over the course of the year: chamber music recitals in spring and autumn, and a festival for youth orchestras in summer.

Thermal water

In the south of Ischia, near Buonopane, thermal water is provided directly from the spring at the Parco delle Ninfe di Nitrodi. It is used without chemical or physical treatment and at its natural temperature of 28 °C. The park’s terraces are home to olive, fig and pear trees alongside Mediterranean scrub. Aromatic plants such as sage, rosemary, lavender, thyme, broom and laurel are also found there. Organised wellness activities include yoga, music therapy and meditation.

The Parco Termale Negombo lies in the Bay of San Montano between Monte Vico and the promontory of Zaro. In the 1970s, Negombo was transformed from a private park into a hydrothermal park open to the public. The complex was designed to combine the therapeutic properties of the thermal water with an entertaining and health-oriented stay.

Baia di Sorgeto is located in Forio, near Panza on Ischia, close to the village of Sant’Angelo. There, hot thermal water mixes with seawater and forms natural warm pools in which it is possible to bathe even in winter. From Panza, the bay can be reached on foot via a steep staircase or by sea.

Nature

The island’s volcanic character is also evident on the Sentiero della Maddalena. This trail connects active fumaroles with other natural features, as well as with the colours and scents typical of the Mediterranean landscape. The paths on Monte Epomeo feature chestnut forests, holm oaks, strawberry trees, heather and the Buceto spring. The paths on Monte Epomeo also offer a beautiful view of the Castello Aragonese and the Gulf of Naples.

Getting around Ischia

The island route “Passeggiando per Vulcani” begins at the port of Ischia and leads to Montagnone and Monte Rotaro. Spiaggia dei Pescatori is located immediately next to Ischia Porto. Ischia can be reached by hydrofoil and ferry from the ports of Naples, Mergellina and Pozzuoli.

Local cuisine

Rabbit prepared with Ischian white wine is considered a typical dish of the entire island of Ischia. As a culinary ritual, it is part of Sunday meals as well as large family and community gatherings.

Other places

Other places in the same island area: Casamicciola Terme, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Barano D'ischia, Fontana.

To the overarching travel overview: Ischia.