1) Go to the beach
Whether it is summer or another season, day or night, the island of Ischia offers many of those beaches that deserve a visit even just for a walk on the shoreline. Sea temperature permitting, you can dive for a swim, snorkeling, diving. Maronti beach represent the largest beach, Cava dell’Isola the completely free one, Lido the most central one, San Montano and Citara are the closest to thermal parks. But there are many others all along the coast. In August it is always preferable to book the equipped beaches or go to the free ones early in the morning.
2) Go hiking
The dominant Mount Epomeo has several areas that can be explored, both in walking and trekking mode, even through less traveled and more difficult paths: Frassitelli, Santa Maria, San Nicola, Pizzi bianchi, Pietra acqua. Real geo-environmental itineraries are also organized. But excursions can also be made on the numerous hills, for the luxuriant woods with flora more characteristic of lower altitudes above sea level, such as the woods of Zaro, that of La Maddalena or Piano Liguori. Other paths not to be missed are those of the Bocca di Tifeo, of the Pelara, of the Pirates (all to the south-west) and that of the soul on the south-east side. To reach the most unspoiled nature, however, you have to go to the hamlet of Fontana and from there go to the top of the mountain.
3) Enjoy the spa
The thermal springs characterize the area and have given rise to many parks: the Poseidon, which is the largest garden with thermal baths in Europe, the Negombo, the Castiglione, La Romantica and Aphrodite Apollon, the establishment of the hypothermal spring of Nitrodi. Free access to the bay of Sorgeto, in the hamlet of Panza, where thermal water gushes at ninety degrees that cools, in the natural pools made of rocks and stones, into the sea, where, paying attention, it is possible to enjoy a very special warm bath. In addition, many hotels have hydrothermal treatments. In addition, many hotels have hydrothermal pools, also covered and usable in winter season.
4) Taste the local food and wine
The coexistence of mountains and sea have also determined Ischia’s food and wine. In fact, although fish and seafood, in all culinary variations, are among the main specialties, the typical dish is the Rabbit ischia-style, to be paired with white wine; the typical rabbit breeding is that from the pit, even if it is often raised in cages as well. There is also a purely local sandwich, the Zingara, to be requested strictly with slices of the famous Boccia bread, salted with sea water. During the autumn season, absolutely must try the local porcini mushrooms. The island’s croissant is also famous, different from the usual ones. The production of wine characterizes the landscape with the terraced hills and promontories of volcanic soil. The DOC* wines are of seven types: white, superior white, sparkling white, red, Biancolella, Forastera, Piedirosso, called Per’e Palummo and also made in a passito version. Impossible not to include the distinctive liqueurs Limoncello and Rucolino, one bittersweet based on lemons and the other more bitter based on rocket.
*Italian acronym that specifies the denomination of controlled origin of the wine.
5) Visit a museum
The main museum is the archaeological museum of Pithecusae, at Villa Arbusto in Lacco Ameno, where the finds offer clarifications on the prehistoric history of the island, but above all on that of the Greek settlements (the Cup of Nestor and the Crater of the Shipwreck are famous), up to get to the Roman era. Also interesting is the Museum of the Sea, where you can admire ancient testimonies of the local navy; being in the area, one should certainly make a leap to the Aragonese Castle, the imposing construction on an islet of rock where, in addition to learning about the past, you can enjoy art galleries and cultural events.
6) Stroll through historic centers and villages
Ischia has six municipalities and each of them has a historic center and characteristic areas. A walk through the center for shopping or simply for pleasure is an experience to do, both in the area of Ischia (where it is also essential to go to the village of Celsa and not only for the aforementioned Castle); both in those of Forio, Lacco Ameno, Casamicciola, while in Serrara Fontana it is inevitable to go to Sant’Angelo, the ancient and splendid fishing village, today an exclusive destination. In Barano you can visit the village of Buonopane, where the mythical ritual dance of the ‘Ndrezzata is staged on some occasions, but it can be admired it drawn on a full-size ceramic in the square.
7) Take a boat ride
Among the most popular excursions there is the “tour of the island” which consists in the sea-tour of Ischia, offered both by large motor ships, able to accommodate many people, both small “boatmen” that, against a price a little bit higher, will be able to offer you a more authentic and personalized experience with stops and baths in the harbor or in the various bays, coves, coves and caves not always reachable by land. If you are able to drive a small boat you can also rent it in one of the five ports on the island. In this case it will be good to pay attention to public and private transports in and out of the ports of Ischia Porto, port of Casamicciola and Forio in which also ferries and hydrofoils converge (to Forio only hydrofoils); the remaining two (Lacco Ameno and Sant’Angelo) are not served by public transport. In any case, even once at sea you have to pay attention to the navigation rules. Another option is to take a typical taxi-boat (service available in almost all ports of the island) that will accompany you on the most typical routes or leave you on the shores of the most difficult beaches to reach on foot.
8) Live the night
The nightlife, in high season, is very lively. For those who love to go out late there are not only discos, but also bars in some areas that organize evenings with disc jockey or high-volume music, as on the Riva Destra of the main port, or on the seafront of Forio. It is also possible to continue by dance clubs like the famous Valentino. Other clubs often offer evenings of Latin music.
9) Buy typical products
In addition to the wines and digestives proposed in the paragraph dedicated to food and wine, typical products to buy are the spices of the mountain, oregano and piperna, with an intense smell; vases, statuettes and other ceramic products, a material traditionally used on site; basketry, and other weaving items such as bags, hats and carpets, made in raffia (a fiber similar to hand-made straw). Other artisans are successfully engaged in the creation and sale of sandals for both men and women. In the morning markets, instaed, you can see street vendors offering fruit and vegetables at zero km.
10) Participate in religious events
Participating in the Holy Masses also give the opportunity to admire the art-works of the numerous churches of the territory. Are often held outdoor events, such as processions, accompanied by fireworks, both on land and by sea as those on the occasion of the celebrations of Sant’Anna, San Vito, Santa Restituta and San Michele, or just by land like those of San Giovan Giuseppe della Croce, Sant’Antonio, Madonna di Montevergine. In Easter it is fascinating to participate at the Sacred Representation of the Angel‘s Race, as well as the Christmas events and nativity scenes. Anyway religious celebrations and manifestations are held throughout the year.
