The Island of Ischia:
Known as the
Green Island because of its abundant flora, Ischia is
also renowned for its exceptionally mild climate and
therapeutic springs. Formed almost exclusively of
volcanic rock, Ischia is the largest island in the Bay of
Naples, offering sandy beaches, crystal clear sea, wooded
mountainsides and much more. Walkers can explore coastal
paths or the rugged terrain of Monte Epomeo -789 metres
high. History enthusiasts will enjoy the Aragonese Castle
at Ischia Ponte, the archaeological Museum at Lacco Ameno
and other interesting historical sites. The island bus
service is good, with frequent buses to all the main
points of interest. Car-hire is reasonably priced and the
characteristic little Microtaxis are plentiful. Although
the British have frequented the Isle of Capri and the
Sorrentine peninsular for many years, they seem to have
only recently re-discovered Ischia and its delights. One
particular local attraction is the spectacular and exotic
garden 'La Mortella' garden (see right).
|
Forio: The largest town on the island, Forio is full of
interesting shops, excellent restaurants and numerous
pavement cafés where you can sit and watch the
world pass by over a coffee, aperitif or ice cream. There
is a daily market and several good bookshops - W H Auden
spent much of his time here, as did Henrik Ibsen and
others. The town has a picturesque harbour full of
fishing and sailing boats from where you can catch the
hydrofoil to Naples or round-the-island pleasure trips.
Adjacent to the harbour are the beautiful beaches of
Chiaia and San Francesco with pale sand and crystal clear
water. Just beyond is the exotic garden 'La Mortella'
created by Lady Susana Walton, widow of the English
composer Sir William Walton, with the help of the
celebrated landscape architect Russell Page. This year is
the centenary of Sir William who died in 1983, so his
music and the garden have been much-featured recently in
the media. Summer visitors to the garden from can enjoy
free classical concerts.
|
|
Beyond
Ischia:
Although there is plenty to keep visitors
happily occupied on the island, it is also very
easy to visit the islands of Capri and Procida,
or to spend a day on the mainland; Naples,
Herculaneum, Pompeii, Vesuvius and Sorrento are
all possible. There are regular ferries and
hydrofoils to most places from Ischia Porto, a
limited service from Casamicciola, and several
hydrofoils daily from Forio to Naples.
|
Arriving by
Air:
Upon arrival at Naples airport, you will need to get to the harbour - Calata Porta di Massa, where is a frequent ferry (traghetto) or Molo Beverello where you'll find hydrofoils (aliscafi) service to Ischia. Depending upon your time of arrival at the
airport, you can catch the ALIBUS to the harbour (which
is cheap and takes about 30 mins) or take a
taxi.
|
Arriving by
Road:
We advise you to take the 'Napoli Porto' exit
from the autostrada and then continue to follow
the road signs to the port (Molo
Beverello)
|
|
Crossing the
Bay: At Molo Beverello or Calata Porta di Massa, you have the option of taking an aliscafo or a traghetto to Ischia Porto at the north-eastern end of the island - or you can take an aliscafo directly to Forio, on the western side.
These options depend on your arrival time at Molo
Beverello, but please bear in mind that the last ferry
for Ischia leaves Naples at 9.55pm. The
aliscafo takes about 45 mins, whereas the ordinary
ferry takes 90mins. There are also occasional fast
(veloce) ferries which take about an hour. A
single ticket on the aliscafo or fast ferry costs
approximately 17 Euro, whereas the price of the ordinary
ferry is only about 6 Euro and has the added advantage of
providing you with beautiful views of the Bay of Naples,
Vesuvius, Capri, Procida and the picturesque little
harbour of Ischia Porto where you will arrive. (It is
always advisable to buy single tickets as they are not
transferable and you may need to return by a different
method when you leave). Whether you eventually
disembark at either Ischia Porto or Forio, you will need
to take a taxi to your destination:
Villa Olivia,
Via Baiola 129, Forio. (081 - 998426)
|
