Ischia

Ischia is a volcanic island located north of the Gulf of Naples. It is part of the Flegrean Islands archipelago, which includes Procida, Vivara, Nisida, and Ischia. It’s the third most populous Italian island.

Since ancient times, Ischia has been known for its thermal waters. As early as the 8th century BC, Greek soldiers came to Ischia to rejuvenate their bodies and spirits with the thermal waters. This is evidenced by numerous archaeological artifacts from that period, preserved at the Archaeological Museum of Villa Arbusto in Lacco Ameno. However, it was only in the 1500s that a census of all the island’s springs was conducted, analyzing their composition and effects on various ailments. These research efforts paved the way for the opening of thermal establishments and accommodations, making the island an international thermal and tourist destination today.

The thermal waters of Ischia have proven therapeutic effects on the musculoskeletal system (osteoarthritis, painful syndromes of the spine, myalgias, tendinopathies), they heal the aftermath of fractures and paresis, chronic respiratory ailments, gynecological dysfunctions, improve dermatological pathologies (psoriasis, neurodermatitis, eczema, acne) when combined with heliotherapy and thalassotherapy, and have a good effect on cellulite and peripheral vascular diseases in general.

Viticulture in Ischia also has ancient origins. On the Nestor’s Cup, found at Monte Vico (Lacco Ameno), there is an inscription praising the local wine, testifying that the Ancient Euboeans, the island’s colonizers, had introduced vine cultivation and thus wine production. The indigenous grape variety from which fruity and mineral white wines are still produced today is Biancolella. 

The island has 3 ports: Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, and Forio, reachable from Naples or Pozzuoli. There are frequent and direct connections, both by ferry and hydrofoil or fast motorships. Connections are operated by companies such as Caremar, Snav, Alilauro, Medmar, and Gestour. More details on schedules and fares can be found on the companies’ websites.

The main attractions of the island include the Aragonese Castle, a former fortified citadel located in the village of Ischia Ponte, the La Mortella garden museum, belonging to the British musician William Walton, who lived on the island in the second half of the 20th century, and the Pithecusae Archaeological Museum in Lacco Ameno, where Nestor’s Cup is preserved.