We have been in Ischia, staying with some lovely friends from Peak Island USA. One of the joys of writing a blog is the people you meet along the way.
Ischia is a volcanic island about 30 kilometres off the coast from Naples. It is 10 kilometres long, east to west and 7 kilometres north to south. It is almost entirely mountainous, with Mount Epomeo the highest peak at 788 metres.
It is densely populated. There are over 60,000 residents and the population swells enormously in the summer when tourists flock to the island to enjoy the thermal springs. The volcanic activity provides hot springs and volcanic mud.
I can’t show you the hot springs, we were a day too early, but I can show you some of the rest of the island. We stayed at Ponte, named for the bridge that crosses to the Aragon Castle. The castle is fabulous and will get a post of its own soon.
It was hazy when we arrived.
The next morning was much brighter.
Ponte is a great little area with cute shops and restaurants and it is where fishing boats come to in the morning to sell their catch.
We took one of the local buses to see the island. You can get a day pass, which is great value. Don’t forget to validate your ticket. The inspectors are vicious.
First stop, Porto, where many of the ferries from the mainland come in. It has everything, great shopping, lots of inviting restaurants and much more.
Ceramics are very popular in the area. We bought some ceramic letters to spell out Casa Debbio…I have just the place for them.
Then it was back on the bus. These rickety buses hurtle around the narrow, steep roads flinging people off into villages that stick like limpets into the hillsides. In some places an extra coat of paint could pose a problem. Passing another bus is an experience that will stay with you.
We stopped at Forrio for a wander.
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso sits out on a point, just waiting to be admired.
There were great views back into the village from the church. Clouds were sitting low over the mountain.
Gorgeous St Angelo provided the perfect setting for lunch.
The beach/boat themed restaurant was great. The food was excellent and the service friendly and efficient.
We spent the rest of the day exploring the castle, but I will show you that another day.
Thank you Stephanie and Paul for a wonderful introduction to Ischia…we will return to try the thermal springs.
We took the ferry to Ischia from Pozzuoli, near Naples. To say that it is a dump would be to flatter the place. We found our way to the port and what we thought was the long term car park. A semi official looking chap assured us that it was, and sold us a ticket for 2 days.
We thought he was a bit dodgy, and he was. We returned to the car to find a parking ticket for €25. We were actually quite pleased to find our car still there and the contents untouched. Next time we go to Ischia we will go by public transport.
Next stop Calabria.