Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ischia
POP 61,100
Sprawling over 46 sq km, Ischia is the biggest and busiest island in the bay. It's a lush
concoction of sprawling spa towns, mud-wrapped Germans and ancient booty. Also fam-
ous for its thermal waters, it has some fine beaches and spectacular scenery.
Most visitors stay on the touristy north coast, but go inland and you'll find a rural land-
scape of chestnut forests, dusty farms and earthy hillside towns.
Sights
Castello Aragonese
(Castle D'Aragona; 081 99 28 34; Rocca del Castello, Ischia Ponte; adult/reduced €10/6; 9am-90min before
sunset)
Ischia's imposing castle sits on a rocky islet just off Ischia Ponte. A sprawling com-
plex dating largely to the 1400s, when King Alfonso of Aragon gave an older Angevin
fortress a makeover, its attractions include an offbeat torture and armoury museum, local
art exhibitions, historic church buildings and a macabre burial chamber. And did we men-
tion the breathtaking coastal panoramas?
CASTLE
La Mortella
GARDEN
( 081 98 62 20;
www.lamortella.it
; Via F Calese 39, Forio; adult/reduced €12/7; 9am-7pm Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun
Apr-early Nov)
Over 1000 rare and exotic plants flourish in this veritable Garden of Eden on
Ischia's west coast. Designed by Russell Page and inspired by the Moorish gardens of
Granada's Alhambra in Spain, the gardens were established by the late British composer
Sir William Walton and his Argentinian wife, Susana, who made La Mortella their home
in 1949. Classical-music concerts are staged on the premises; check the website.
Activities
BEACH
Beaches
Unlike Capri, Ischia has some great beaches. From chic Sant'Angelo on the south coast,
water taxis reach the sandy
Spiaggia dei Maronti
(one way €5)
and the intimate cove of
Il Sorgeto
(one way €7; Apr-Oct)
, with its steamy thermal spring. Sorgeto can also be reached on foot
down a poorly signposted path from the village of Panza.
