A beautiful island near a popular European city that offers breathtaking views has been named the “best” to visit this year. Ischia, a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, located in the Bay of Naples, Italy has secured the top spot in an analysis done by Lonely Planet.
Dubbed the “Green Island” due to its rich vegetation, the hidden gem in Italy is a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The island’s beauty lies in its therapeutic thermal waters, which have been celebrated since ancient Roman times for their healing properties, and it is home to an incredible 105 thermal springs.
Often overshadowed by its popular neighbour, Capri, the island offers an authentic Italian experience without a large number of tourists.
One of the top attractions on the island is Castello Aragonese which is a medieval fortress on a rocky islet, offering breathtaking views and rich history.
Calling it a “best keep secret”, one traveller wrote on TripAdvisor: “Visited Ischia for a week at the end of August/early September and it lived up to expectations. Beautiful island in the Bay of Naples where the experience can be summed up as Sorrento without the noise and bustle and Capri without the rip-off prices.
“Some great attractions include the exquisite La Mortella Gardens created for composer Sir William Walton, Ischia’s Castle, which is the best I’ve ever visited, and the Negombo Spa Park for some relaxation in hot thermal pools in the most beautiful setting.
“I don’t know why I’m sharing this with you because the best thing about Ischia is that it doesn’t cater to the UK visitor market at all, so there are no fast food joints, nowhere doing hair-braiding and fake tattoos, and no loud-mouth embarrassing drunks in the bars, and restaurants. It is very stylish and very much a destination for Italians.”
One of Ischia’s longest and most beautiful beaches is Maronti Beach, which features hot sand and thermal vents. The best time to visit is Spring (April–June), and early autumn (September–October) offers warm weather and fewer crowds.
Visiting in summer (July–August) is great for beach lovers but can be busy with tourists.
The island’s highest peak, offering panoramic hiking trails and spectacular views, is Monte Epomeo. At 789 meters (2,589 feet), it is Ischia’s highest point, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The hike to the summit is relatively moderate and rewards visitors with stunning scenery of the Bay of Naples.
Not only this, but the island is dotted with beautiful towns and villages, each representing its own character.
Sant’Angelo is picturesque and tranquil fishing village with pedestrian-only streets and a charming harbor. Known for its boutique shops, seafood restaurants, and thermal baths, it is a favourite spot for relaxation.
Another tourist wrote: “Last Summer (2005), my family and I spent two weeks on holiday in Ischia and had a wonderful time.
“We stayed at Villa Ravino(Forio), a very friendly, family-run group of apartments (including a pool). It is a short bus ride or a 20-minute walk from the center of Forio. It is also within walking distance from a public beach. Ischia is a fantastic island to explore, and I recommend a visit to Sant’Angelo Beach.
“Ischia is a great base to visit Naples, Pompeii & Vesuvius, with organised coach trips available from the island. The local restaurants are excellent and not expensive. Some of the best food I’ve ever had.
“The public transport is also very good, which is just as well considering how the Italians drive, and from what I’ve seen, the Neapolitans are the worst (they say best). I would not recommend getting a hire car, the island is quite small, and the buses are good.”