What is the best hotel to stay in Ischia? Ischia: attractions and practical tips Ischia porto or forio what to choose
Despite its relatively small size, Ischia has a fairly large selection of hotels and various types of real estate options, which are intended for living and a comfortable stay on the island during your vacation. Moreover, these are not only objects for recreation, but also for spa treatment, since Ischia has long been known for its thermal springs with radon and sodium chloride mineral waters, as well as sulfide silt mud. Therefore, in addition to the sea, it is also a balneological resort. Ischia owes these features to its volcanic origin, signs of which still make themselves felt in the periodic release of steam from its depths, and sometimes by earthquakes. For this reason, the interest of tourists in the island is even greater.
I want to offer several options for a place to stay in Ischia, which, in my opinion, you might like and be interested in.
I will be the first to name a beautiful and luxurious five star hotel San Montano Resort & SPA. It is located not far from the bay and the beach of the same name, in principle, like the hotel itself - San Montano. I will describe some of its features and services provided so that you have a general idea about it.
Guests can choose from about a dozen room options, varying in their configuration and comfort. These range from single rooms to two-level four-bed luxury rooms. 
I will not describe all the options, since it may take some time and seem tedious, I will only say that they are decorated in a classic marine style, there is a TV, a separate bathroom with all toiletries, and some rooms are equipped not only with balconies, but also terraces overlooking the sea or the island itself.
Ischia is only seven kilometers away from mainland Italy, and the city of Naples is about forty kilometers away. I said this because from the hotel restaurant, which offers a large selection of local delicacies, national Italian dishes and Neapolitan desserts, there is a beautiful view of the Sorento Peninsula, the city of Naples itself and the majestic volcano Vesuvius. 
I’ll say right away, so as not to repeat myself later, that breakfast and any ordered dishes, if desired, can be delivered directly to your room. In addition to the restaurant, there is a bar and snack bar on site, where you can taste a variety of local and imported drinks, excellent Italian ice cream and light snacks. 
There are two outdoor pools and an onsen on site, as well as an indoor Kneipp pool (for those unfamiliar with what that is, let me explain, it is a knee-deep pool with alternating hot and cold water, which is recommended for people sufferers from varicose veins) and five hydromassage baths, while in which you can admire the Bay of San Montano. The wellness center also features a variety of showers and steam baths, including a Turkish bath. You can take advantage of the provided beauty treatments, hydrotherapy, mud baths or massages. There is also a solarium. As you can see, here you can not only have a good rest, but also improve your health a little. 
For sports, there is a gym with modern equipment and the help of a professional and qualified instructor, and a fitness center.
Among the services provided, we can note free delivery to the San Montano beach, where sun loungers, umbrellas and towels await you, also completely free. 
This is a beautiful beach, located in the bay of the same name, so the sea is quite calm almost all the time, and the shallow entry into the water is perfect for relaxing and swimming with children. As for children, I will immediately note the fact that hotel accommodation for all children under two years of age is provided free of charge. In addition, the hotel provides child care services and, if necessary, a nanny.
Another free transfer will take you to the village of Lacco Ameno, which has many of its own attractions that will be interesting to visit. Speaking of transfers, I would like to mention the free ferry transfer upon arrival at the hotel and upon departure from it.
If you want to get to know the island and its interesting places in more detail, you can contact the hotel receptionist and book a tour around the island or along the coast, I assure you that there will be something to see. 
There is a beauty salon and hairdresser on the calving grounds, which will allow you to always look perfect. Dry cleaning and laundry services are available. Those wishing to personally explore the sights and beauty of the island can rent a car.
Internet on site is free of charge, and there is also a photocopier and fax. For meetings, conferences or special events, there are conference and banquet rooms. 
San Montano Resort & SPA is open all year round, so there is heating in the rooms and the hotel itself.
Here is an approximate picture of this hotel, and I almost forgot, the staff here speaks several languages, including Russian, so you will not have any difficulties with communication.
I would like to say a few words about another good hotel, which is called L'Albergo Della Regina Isabella. 
It is located right on the site of ancient ruins, from the Greco-Roman era, on the very coast of Lacco Ameno. There is also a wellness center and three swimming pools. In the middle of the last century, this hotel was opened by director Angelo Rizzoli. This is a very respectable "five", with rooms furnished in a Mediterranean style, and some even have antique furniture. 
The hotel's award-winning Michelin-starred restaurant, Indaco, serves gourmet international cuisine and there is always live music in the bar. 
I will not talk about the services and procedures of the spa, since they are similar to the description of the previous hotel, I will only say about what the above-described does not have.
There is a rich sports program, as there is a tennis court, table tennis, diving and some water sports equipment.
There is also a honeymoon suite. Otherwise, the services provided are similar to those available from San Montano Resort & SPA.
The hotel staff, as in the previous case, speaks Russian. 
Here are a couple of options out of more than two and a half hundred that are available on the island of Ischia, but the choice, of course, can only be yours, since these are not the best, but some of them. I think they interested you.
Thanks to the abundance of hot mineral springs, formed as a result of volcanic activity and overlooking the sea coast, Ischia has become famous as a place of pilgrimage for tourists thirsting for beauty, youth and health.
Along with luxurious balneological resorts and thermal complexes, Ischia known for its mild subtropical climate, citrus and pine groves, golden sandy beaches, rich excursion programs and entertainment for every taste.
Ischia Porto
Ischia Porto is one of two independent districts of the island's capital. Its main attraction is a huge cargo and passenger port, built in the 19th century on the site of a volcanic crater that was extinct thousands of years ago and filled with water. Thanks to the port, life in Ischia Porto is in full swing around the clock: tourists hungry for entertainment fill the numerous local taverns, fish restaurants, bars and clubs. But still the most popular place in the daytime Ischia Porto is the famous beach, which is designated on all maps as English (Spiaggia degli Inglesi).
The main feature of Ischia Porto is a cargo and passenger port
Ischia Ponte
The second independent district of the capital city of Ischia, located just a few bus stops from Ischia Porto. However, unlike its port “brother”, Ischia Ponte It is characterized by peace and tranquility, thanks to which it has become a popular place for families with children among Italians.
The beneficial sea air mixed with the aroma of pine, citrus and chestnut groves, fishing boats moored to the shore and the majestic Aragonese Castle create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. And from the numerous sandy beaches, gently sloping down to the sea, there is a wonderful view of the neighboring islands of Procida and Vivara, of ancient mills and fishermen's houses.
Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese)
One of the main and most visited attractions of the island is the Aragonese Castle, built in the Middle Ages on the ruins of an ancient fortress from the time of the tyrant Hieron of Syracuse (5th century BC).
The castle (or fortress) is located on a volcanic island, which is solidified magma, with a diameter of about 300 m and a height of up to 113 m. Nature itself took care that the place for the future fortress was reliably protected: the slopes of the volcanic island are steep and rocky, and in some places even completely unexpectedly break off over the abyss of the sea. A fortress wall was built along the perimeter of the island, and the shore can only be reached via a bridge built over a dam, or through a secret passage - a 400-meter tunnel, cut into the rock back in 1441.
The Aragonese castle is located on a volcanic island
In my time Aragonese Castle was a small populated town, and at a time when foreigners tried to conquer the island, the entire population of Ischia took refuge on its territory. Later it was the residence of the bishop. In addition, inside the castle territory there was a convent of the Clarissas, belonging to the Franciscan Order. An unusual cemetery has been preserved on the territory of the monastery, where instead of graves there are stone chairs. When the nuns died, they were not buried, but were seated on chairs covered with small cages.
There is also a torture chamber preserved in the Aragonese Castle, which now houses the Museum. Among its exhibits are all kinds of torture devices used during the interrogation of prisoners and prisoners of war.
When nuns died, they were not buried, but sat on chairs
For lovers of special flavor, there is a small hotel on the territory of the Castle, as well as several restaurants.
Forio
Forio, which is the largest resort town Ischia Islands, located at the foot of the 800-meter dormant volcano Epomeo. The city was once surrounded by 12 watchtowers. Some of them, which have survived to this day, are used today as observation decks and local attractions. Most notable is the 15th-century Torrione Tower, which houses an art gallery and municipal museum. In clear weather, from its height you can clearly see not only the city itself, but also a significant part of the island.
In the Middle Ages, Forio was surrounded by 12 watchtowers
Forio's historic center is well preserved, with its narrow streets, Baroque palaces and medieval churches. At all times, the beauty of this city has attracted creative people who came here for inspiration. Cinema lovers will enjoy visiting the ancient Villa Colombaia, which became a house-museum and became famous thanks to the cult Italian director Luchino Visconti. In total, more than 300 exhibits are collected here, among which the sets for his films, costumes, as well as photographs, awards and other memorabilia of Visconti are of particular interest.
Forio is located at the foot of the dormant volcano Epomeo
IN Forio wonderful sandy beaches with snow-white sand, which will appeal not only to adults, but are also perfect for families with children.
Fans of nightlife will also not be disappointed, since the city has a sufficient number of discos, nightclubs, restaurants and bars.
Volcano Epomeo (Monte Epomeo)
Although Vulcan fell asleep more than 7 centuries ago, and its last eruption was observed in 1302, seismologists insist that it can wake up at any moment, and the consequences of this will be worse than those that occurred as a result of the eruption and the Pompeian disaster. In this scenario, Ischia faces the fate of the legendary Atlantis, since the island will completely go under water.
However, fearless tourists are not afraid of such forecasts, and they boldly climb to the top Epomeo to take photographs for memory. On a clear day in good weather, the 800-meter volcano offers stunning views of the entire island, including the Aragonese castle and the silhouette of the island of Capri on the horizon.
Get to Volcano Epomeo It’s not at all difficult: you need to get to the town of Serrara Fontana, and from there, along a narrow winding path made in the rock, climb to the top on foot. The climb, however, may not be an easy task, as many experience dizziness and increased heart rate, especially in the last tens of vertical meters.
If Epomeo wakes up, the consequences could be worse than the Pompeian disaster
It is curious that enterprising Italians also built a small but profitable business here – on Vulcan: not 50 meters from the top, there is a trattoria selling pizza, pasta and espresso.
And on Epomeo you can visit the small church of St. Nicholas (XIII century). In ancient times, the Basilica played the role of a kind of observation post, from which one could notice the approach of pirates and warn the inhabitants of the island about the danger.
And, of course, the main pride of the island is the thermal springs and mud, which can rejuvenate the face, body and entire body without any medicinal procedures, and also relieve stress and fatigue.
Ischia still remembers how the star couple strolled here - Clark Gable and Elizabeth Taylor. Today it is a favorite vacation spot of Angela Merkel and other equally famous personalities.
Ischia is a small island: 7 by 9 km, slightly elongated from east to west.
In the center of the island there are mountains (more precisely, three volcanoes), with towns and villages scattered around the perimeter.
On the eastern shore is the city of Ischia Porto, smoothly flowing into Ischia Ponte, in the north - Casamicciola and, in the west - Forio (the second largest city of the island) and Panza, in the south - Sant'Angelo and Barano. There are also smaller villages.
It all depends on the purpose of your visit. If you come to Ischia specifically to improve your health, you will, of course, choose a hotel near one of the thermal parks.
The largest thermal complexes are ““, “” and “ Castiglione". If you prefer Negombo, look for a hotel in Lacco Ameno, if the Gardens of Poseidon are in Forio, and Castiglione is located between Ischia Porto and Casamicciola Terme. From Ischia Porto to Castiglione it is 2 km, some people walk without waiting for the bus.
Swimming pools in Negombo
The longest beaches on the island are Chitara And Maronti. Citara – right next to Forio. Part of the beach is occupied by the Poseidon Gardens thermal park. Maronti – more secluded; the nearest town is Barano.
There is Sorgeto Bay in Ischia, where a hot spring goes straight into the sea. So, if you don’t have extra money for a thermal park, then you can go to the “wild spring”. A path leads to Sorgeto Bay from the village of Panza. Or you can take a sea taxi from Sant'Angelo.
(By the way, this is the case when you can swim in the sea in winter. The temperature of the source is 80 degrees).
If you plan to move around the island a lot, going to Naples, Sorrento and other islands, settle in Ischia Porto.
If you are a lover of privacy, take a closer look. However, in almost every town you can find a villa located in a secluded place, with its own thermal baths and garden. But if you like to wander through souvenir shops, shops in the evenings, listen to street musicians, in general, stroll around the city in the evening, choose either Forio or.
Transport in Ischia
Buses
Bus service on the island is quite convenient.
The most popular routes are circular. One of them - CD(i.e. - circolare destra) makes a circle around the island clockwise, the other - C.S.(circolare sinistra) - counterclockwise. The first buses of these lines leave Ischia Porto at 4:20, the last - at 1 am. So you can easily have dinner overlooking a beautiful sunset on the west coast, and then head to your hotel on the other side of the island. However, sometimes you can wait for the bus for half an hour or an hour. The bus makes a full circle around the island in 1-20.
Of the popular routes, there is also line 1 (Ischia Porto - Sant'Angelo), line 2 (Ischia Porto - Poseidon Gardens thermal park), line 5 (Ischia Porto - Maronti beach).
The full schedule can be viewed in the section THE PUBLIC BUS SERVICE, Timetable EAVBUS.
So, in general, when choosing a hotel, you should not focus so much on the proximity of something, say, to settle near Maronti beach, if you can easily get to it from Ischia Porto.
A single bus ticket (singola) costs 1.20 euros, a day ticket (giornaliero) costs 3.60 euros, and a weekly ticket (settimanale) costs 12.60 euros.
Ships
Ischia has three ports: Ischia Porto, Casamicciola and Forio. We look at the sea transport schedule.
There are about 15 flights a day to Naples or Pozzuoli, often with a stop at the island of Procida (which is also recommended to see).
From Ischia to Capri there is one flight per day: at 10-35 (from Alilauro). After Capri the ship goes to Sorrento.
Flight tickets are sold on the day the ship departs. I tried to buy a ticket to Capri a day in advance, I was asked to come on the day of departure, half an hour before boarding the ship.
There are two windows at the port ticket office. On the left is the company Caremar selling tickets, on the right is Alilauro. In general, southern Italy is characterized by the presence of numerous small companies operating in various modes of transport.
Queue at the Caremar window
In travel agencies on the island you can buy excursions to Capri and the Amalfi Coast.
So, excursion to Capri takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and costs 33 euros. Excursion to Positano Amalfi takes place on Thursdays and Sundays and costs 40 euros.
Three-hour sessions are offered for 18 euros boat trips around the island of Ischia itself with a one-hour stop in Sant'Angelo. An excursion to Procida costs 20 euros.
When we boarded the ship in Naples, preparing to sail to Ischia, everyone was given a brochure containing useful information about the island. In particular, there were schedules of sea and land transport, a description of bus routes, and a list of all museums.
I think you can get such a brochure at the tourist offices on site. I highly recommend getting it.
Ischia for wellness: thermal baths, sea and hiking
Ischia is a healing and health island, and here there are many opportunities to heal, improve your health, and get in shape.
The main wealth of Ischia is its thermal springs. This volcanic island has 67 fumaroles, 29 underground pools and 103 thermal springs.
However, considering the island only as a balneological and thermal resort means using its potential by half.
The center of the island is mountainous. The highest point of the island is the peak of the Epomeo volcano (788 m). There are two more volcanoes: Trabotti (512 m) and Monte Vezzi (395 m). There are numerous hiking routes of varying difficulty throughout the mountains. The routes pass through picturesque areas, the views from the top are incredible. The most accessible way to climb Epomeo volcano is described
View of Forio from above
Along the mountain path
It seems to me that the optimal way to structure your day in Ischia is as follows: in the morning go on a mountain hike (or see the sights), and in the afternoon swim in the sea and/or go to a thermal park. Moreover, from 13:00 the price of a ticket to the thermal parks is 5 euros less (this is considered a half-day ticket).
Set aside the evening for a pleasant walk, attending a concert, or dinner in a beautiful place.
Ischia is called the retirement island. Indeed, I have never seen so many elderly people gathered in one place before. But you should have seen these pensioners! Thin, athletic, with backpacks and trekking poles! In the mornings, they gather at bus stops and are loaded into a friendly crowd into a bus, which takes them to the beginning of the next route. By God, sometimes it was envious. A very proper old age. Really perfect.
The group is going on a hike
I have already mentioned the information brochure that was given to everyone upon boarding the ship in Naples. In it, among other useful information, the most common walking routes were described, indicating the degree of difficulty, mileage and approximate travel time. If a person does not dare to go on the route himself, he can join a group with an instructor and go in company. The cost of organized mountain walks is around 20 euros.
Sights of Ischia
In addition to the natural attractions of Ischia, such as thermal springs and mountains, the island also has man-made ones, namely: museums, churches, villas, botanical gardens.
The main attraction of Ischia is. I highly recommend visiting it. The castle is located opposite Ischia Ponte, a 15-minute walk from the port of Ischia.
The castle was built on a separate rock not far from the shore and is a conglomerate of a wide variety of buildings. A walk along the rock, looking into all sorts of nooks and crannies, turns out to be very exciting.
The rock is connected to the “land” by a bridge, through which this part of the city of Ischia received the prefix Ponte (“bridge”).
Not far from the Ischia Cathedral there is Museum of the Sea, housed in the Clock Palace.
The second most important attraction of Ischia is. It is located between the cities of Lacco Ameno and Forio. A magnificent garden rising up the mountainside. Don't miss this delightful piece of the island.
In the garden of La Mortella
In the town of Forio itself there is a small Botanical Garden Ravino. The collection is based on numerous species of cacti. Peacocks and ponies walk around the garden, and there are rabbits in cages.
About food
Finally, I’ll say a few more words about food.
The main dish of Iskitan cuisine is the Iskitan rabbit. Rabbit meat is stewed in a clay pot with basil and parsley, lemon and wine are added. But in the heat, I didn’t want any meat at all. I mostly took something seafood. On the first day I took mussels. I was expecting a saucepan, like in . They probably brought half of the Norman portion. Normandy mussels are smaller and served with broth. Iskitinsky mussels are large, fatter and more tender in taste. I liked the Norman version with broth better; however, these were also good.
Another time I ordered anchovies. The freshest and most delicious. I then had dinner in Sant'Angelo. The entire embankment is lined with fish restaurants, there is a lot of competition, and the food is very tasty.
Freshly caught fish is laid out in front of the restaurants to choose from. They'll fry any for you.
The wines I chose were local whites. Wonderful. Local brands: Biancolella, Forastera, Rilla.
Ischia is famous for its sweets. What I didn’t want at all in the heat was sweets. They looked very attractive, but I didn’t want them at all.
Volcanic soils are known for their fertility and abundance. Plus - the Mediterranean climate and excellent ecology. Fruits, berries, and vegetables are delicious here. I really liked the local tomatoes.
Souvenirs
The main souvenir in Ischia is ceramics.
The island is overrun with shops selling ceramics. Each of these shops is a mini-museum, demonstrating the wild imagination of local potters and artists. The streets, benches, steps of stairs, and city fountains are decorated with ceramics.
They also buy local thermal cosmetics and mud as souvenirs.
Well, and, of course, they bring home local wines and limoncello made from local lemons.
Weather in Ischia at the end of May
The weather was sunny, air temperature 25-27, water temperature - about 20-22. There weren't many people swimming in the sea, but for me the water was suitable for swimming. (However, I am not an indicator; I swam in Kemer at the beginning of May and in February).
Many people specifically go to Ischia in May, since the main swimming season has not yet begun, and in Ischia you can swim in pools with thermal water instead of the sea.
Still, of course, the optimal period is September, when the sun is softer and the sea is warmer.
This concludes my story about the island. In the following articles I will tell you in detail about the thermal parks and the main attractions of Ischia.
Flights to Naples
Tours to Italy
Useful websites for preparing for your trip
Forio is located in the western part of Ischia and extends throughout almost the entire area from Lacco Ameno to the village of Ponza. Forio's area is 12 km2, which is quite good for an island with an area of just over 46.3 km2. Most of Ischia is occupied by the Epomeo volcano, an inaccessible mountain in the very center of the island. By the way, you can climb to the top of the Epomeo volcano on foot or on horseback.
Forio will appeal to everyone except the ever-hanging youth. Forio cannot boast of numerous boutiques and noisy discos. Personally, I would not call Ischia a budget holiday destination in general, but if you compare holidays in Forio and in the east of Ischia - in Ischia Porto, then Forio will seem cheaper. Less temptations; The only boutiques here are Yamamay and Intimissimi and some chain stores of Italian clothing at very affordable prices. For example, Yamamay briefs can be purchased for only 10 euros, and men's cotton shorts for 25 euros. I bought FABIO shorts in Forio and I’m very pleased.
Photo of Forio Ischia, view of the Torrione watchtower from the promenade
The photo of Forio above can say almost everything about this resort in Ischia. Photographed in the foreground is the Torrione watchtower, Forio's central landmark, built in the 15th century. Now the Torrione Tower houses the city museum, and on the top floor there is a permanent exhibition of paintings by Giovanni Maltese. The streets of Forio are not wide, the cars are small and nimble. In Ischia you can rent a car or scooter, but no one recommends it :). Forio hotels are not tall buildings, usually no more than 3 floors high. The interior decoration of hotels and hotels in Ischia, in general, is old but reliable furniture. The Russian-speaking population will call the furniture of hotels in Ischia a scoop, and they will, in principle, be right. Ischia is an island in Italy; well, who would drag a mahogany secretary here?! Loaded? Well, for example, in 2014 I lived in a three-star hotel with very good reviews, in a room for those who never got a second or third half.
Photo of furniture in a 3 star hotel in Forio
Reading reviews of five-star hotels in Ischia and Forio, I come to the conclusion that the people who wrote them were striving specifically for VIP-class furniture, and got what they got or deserved (maybe they have that kind of karma)…
Are you depressed?! Below you will find photos of Forio that I managed to find in my bins!
White Church, landmark of Forio on the island of Ischia
Photo of Forio in the center, central promenade in the evening
Photo of the volcano Epomeo and Forio in the early morning (photo taken from the ferry to Naples)
Photo of the main gastronomic treasure of Ischia, dinner for 10.80 euros
In shops in Ischia, king prawns are slightly cheaper. In the review of Ischia Porto I will try to remember exactly how much :). In general, my first visit to Ischia was quite undemocratic, since I ate exclusively in restaurants. It took a whole year to upgrade to cooking seafood delicacies right in your room: D.
Located in Forio The best beach in Ischia is Citara. Clean sand, a clean transparent sea of malachite color, shimmering in the rays of sunlight, which we all dream of in the office and at home in gloomy summers and cold winters...
Photo of Citara beach in Forio on the island of Ischia
Photo of Citara beach from the Poseidon Gardens thermal park in Forio
Life on the beach of Citara (Forio, Ischia)
Photo. Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Forio, Citara beach
Citara beach is located in the south of Forio, not in the center. The beach is equipped with everything necessary for a carefree holiday on the Tyrrhenian Sea coast in Italy. Along the entire length of the beach there are restaurants and cafes, shops and kiosks with food and beach accessories. There are sun loungers for rent, but you can get the best seats before 10:00 am. They wake up early here and attack the sun loungers even at high prices, the price of one place per day is from 15 to 20 euros. Like a ten or some twenty, and now multiply by today’s exchange rate. There are also places for local and budget-conscious holidaymakers who always carry their own umbrella and towel. A set of my own huge umbrella and cotton towel cost me about 10 euros. I vacationed with it for two weeks and paid only ten euros, not 280 euros. I spent the money I saved and all the rest on shrimp!
As I mentioned in my photo review, Forio has a unique thermal park Gardens of Poseidon. The territory of the thermal park Gardens of Poseidon is a multi-level landscape with a large number of pools, some of which have thermal water. The Poseidon Gardens thermal park is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00. The cost of visiting the Poseidon Gardens is 32 euros in low season and 35 euros in August. Yes, in August, there are a lot of Italians and guests of sunny Italy, a lot of pragmatic Germans, there is a Russian-speaking population, but rarely. The park also has a discount program that allows you to save, albeit a little. If you sleep for a long time, you can come here after 13:00 and pay only 27 euros, which is called half a day.
Photo of the territory of the thermal park Gardens of Poseidon. Sun loungers are included in the price of the park ticket.
Gardens of Poseidon Ischia photo. The photo shows the multi-level layout of the Poseidon Gardens.
Thermal park Gardens of Poseidon on Ischia - the most popular attraction in Ischia. Everyone knows about it and definitely wants and ends up here. Most pools have different water temperatures; in the park you can find pools with a water temperature of about 15 degrees and hotter ones up to 40 degrees. In total, there are more than 20 swimming pools in the park, including indoor ones, which are located in the health spa center.
Photo. Thermal park Gardens of Poseidon in Ischia.
Nature of the Poseidon Gardens in Forio.
Here and there I wanted to convey in photographs the amazing views of nature in the Poseidon Gardens and played tricks with filters in my Canon. In general, the main thing is visible: fir trees, mountains, rocks, and the radiant sea - everything is available to park guests for a modest fee! 😀
I also liked the highest point of the thermal park: there is a natural sauna carved into the rock. The high temperature in the sauna is created by a hot stream of steam from the crevices. There are no naked men or women inside the sauna, so there was nothing to take pictures of, and it’s dark there, so don’t be angry...
Photo. Entrance to the thermal sauna in the rock, Poseidon Gardens, Forio, 2015.
You won't die of boredom in Forio; Personally, I like Forio much more than Ischia Porto: there are endless views of the sea, the absence of overdressed signorinas with pumped-up lips, excellent embankments (perhaps, of course, not the promenade in Nice...) and just a pleasant maritime atmosphere! And finally:
Photo. A piece of summer from Forio, Ischia, Italy.
We were in Ischia Porto for only one day to visit the Aragonese Castle, feel the atmosphere of the city, compare it with Forio and see if we would like to stay here when we are in Ischia again.
The city is noticeably larger than Forio; it is also stretched along the coast, but is a fairly large resort town.
This has both a plus and a minus. Plus, because the infrastructure is richer, there are more offers, there is something to occupy your leisure time. The downside is that there are also noticeably more people, there is no quiet cozy atmosphere, like in Forio.
Cozy streets, visiting public and local residents:
There are fewer beaches and they are not as spacious and clean as in Forio. Those. In terms of beach holidays, Forio definitely wins.
Tourist shops - souvenirs and packaged sanctioned food for the trip:
This grandma signora is probably 80 years old, but she’s wearing a blouse, bright jewelry and clogs with heels that I won’t wear on vacation anymore, because I want comfort, but she wants to be elegant:
Charming Iskyanin:
A unique monument (with details):
Churches and colorful old buildings:
The chair's creative seats, by the way, are very comfortable:
On the horizon, the Aragonese Castle is the main attraction of the island:
Near the castle, people drift on yachts and kayaks, sunbathe, swim:
The place is very beautiful!
Story:
- 474 BC e. - first mention, the first defensive fortress was built by Hieron I of Syracuse, an ally of Qom in the war with the Etruscans;
- XIV century - Anjou-Sicilian house builds the Maschio tower;
- 15th century - the castle is connected to the island of Ischia by a bridge;
- 18th century - the population of the island of Ischia hides from pirates in the castle; 1892 families live in the fortress.
The castle experienced its heyday in the 16th century. At that time, on its territory there was a Clarissa monastery, a Basilian (Greek) monastery, the residence of a (Catholic) bishop, who was in charge of the cathedral and 12 churches, and a prince (with a garrison loyal to him).
Currently, the castle is a private property open to tourists and a popular attraction on the island.
Entrance to the castle is paid, but it’s worth it, there are audio guides (I’m not sure if they’re in Russian, they’re definitely in English), the tour lasts about 2-3 hours, which will fly by unnoticed. A completely modern elevator takes you upstairs.
The view from the castle is, of course, stunning:
The territory is unexpectedly large; apparently, at one time there was quite a serious infrastructure there. Such a small town on the mountain.
Climbing tier by tier, you find yourself in different parts, so different in atmosphere and purpose, only the view of the city from the panoramic platforms is invariably beautiful:
A very unusual church. Completely simple decoration and strange paintings instead of holy faces. I've never seen anything like this before.
We did not climb to the top tier; we did not find the way there. Maybe we should have walked around it:
The castle had a Catholic convent and a Greek abbey. The cemetery belonged to the monastery of St. Maria Consolazione. It was founded at the end of the 16th century and was inhabited by nuns of the Order of Clarice (mostly daughters of aristocratic families).
The bodies of the deceased nuns were placed in these devices that resembled thrones; under the hot sun, the flesh, during the process of rotting, flowed into special containers placed under them; the remaining nuns looked after this place, spending hours in prayer, falling ill, among other things, with incurable diseases. The ritual symbolized the perishability of the flesh and the immortality of the soul.
They ran away from there. It just so happened that this was the last thing we saw in the Aragonese castle, spoiling the impression a little. Everything about the castle.
What else good can you say? There are two beautiful parks there; there are no parks in Forio.
There are a lot of restaurants, we had lunch, everything was very tasty. The price tag seemed a little higher to me than in Forio. Siesta is like throughout Italy - everything is closed at lunchtime (inconvenient, but what can you do).
In terms of housing offers, Ischia Porto definitely wins because there are many more of them, but in Forio you can find decent housing cheaper, but there are no large hotels with good infrastructure.
In terms of location, Ischia Porto is still the capital and main port, but from Forio it is more convenient and quick to get to Negombo, Poseidon Gardens, Sorgetto, Nitrodi and other main attractions.
Some more photos of the city:
If you want peace, a calm atmosphere and good beaches, and also want to save a little money, it is better to stay in Forio. Forio is also more conveniently located for traveling around the island.
If you need a good expensive hotel with great infrastructure, an evening get-together, or want to travel to neighboring islands and cities (Procida, Capri, Sorento, Naples), Ischia Porto definitely wins, because... From here you can go anywhere (port and all final stops).