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It
is the largest of the islands in the Bay of Naples, is one of greatest
tourist attraction, not only in the region but in the whole of Italy.
Compared with the many lovely islands scattered in the beautiful sea around
Naples, it offers, in spite of its limited extent, the greatest variety of
picturesque aspects: the old fishing villages, nestling on the slopes of hills,
with their color and simplicity, and the up-to-date and well equipped bathing
and health resorts; the romantic, always fresh, corners hidden among the rugged
rocks falling sheer to the sea, and the wide, comfortable beaches; the fertile
hills covered with vineyards and the bare, rocky slopes of Monte Epomeo; the
landscapes, profoundly changed by the violence of the volcanic eruptions, and
the cliffs, hollowed and carved out by marine erosion.
On Ischia, you can lead the fashionable, hectic life of the best equipped
tourist centers or a more secluded, restful life, if you choose to stay at one
of the smaller places nestling on the slopes of the
mountain.
Everywhere, however, one finds a particularly mild and gentle climate:
everywhere one can enjoy fine views and discover picturesque corners.
Moreover, its many thermal establishments must not be forgotten, which make use
of the many excellent springs found all over the island, nor the variety of
excursions nor the excellent cuisine, and, above all, the delicious Epomeo
wine.
Ischia has everything, including the natural beauties which have made it the
queen of our small Mediterranean islands.
Casamicciola
A popular, well equipped bathing resort, on the North coast of the island, a few
Kilometers from the town of Ischia.
In addition to its fine view, clear water and well organized beach, the pleasant
little town also offers a wealth of thermal springs (especially the Gurgitello
Spring), around which have arisen establishments for mud and steam baths.
In the immediate vicinity rises Monte Rotaro, an ancient volcano which still
shows the outline of its crater.
Minor volcanic activity can be observed in the area; pleasant and interesting
excursions can be undertaken.
Lacco
Ameno
Lacco Ameno is the most popular resort of the island of Ischia, attracting every
year a very large number of tourists. This is due to its modern and functional
facilities for sea bathing and thermal baths, which make it the most elegant and
soughtafter resort, and above all to its mild climate and to the beauty of its
beaches, its sea and surroundings.
Two things distinguish Lacco Ameno: on the one hand, the majestic summit of
Monte Epomeo, and on the other the small but remarkable Isoletta del Fungo (The
little island of the mushroom) which owes its name to its characteristic
shape moulded by the erosion of the sea. Lacco Ameno is full
of natural beauty.
Forio
Beyond
the headlands of M. Vico and Caruso, the west coast of the island of Ischia,
opens to the view with a long sandy shore, broken only by the promontory on
which Forio stands.
The little town likewise a modern, up to date seaside and thermal health resort,
still preserves the charm and color of the old villages with their houses
perched on the rock and the narrow, winding lanes, meandering all through the
old center.
In Forio we can see The church of Our Lady of Succour: its white walls stand on
the headland of Soccorso. Its simple architecture blends with the local color of
the old town of Forio, and the innumerable votive offerings that fill the
interior remind us of the hopes and devout prayers of all the sailors and
fishermen who from the immemorial have turned to the Madonna in times of danger.
This church is the favourite goal of many visitors wishing to enjoy one of the
most beautiful of natural spectacles; the sunset which under certain atmospheric
conditions, displays the unusual phenomenon of the "green ray".
Sant'Angelo
d'Ischia
This
is one of the most picturesque places of the Island of Ischia, combining the old
world charm of the fishing village with its plain little cottages crowded
together, and the functional up to date tourist facilities.
The singular feature of Sant'Angelo is that it stretches out towards to sea and
the island of the same name, to which ii is linked by a short strip of sand.
Sant'Angelo also boats a number of comfortable establishments for the
application of the thermal springs in which the area is particularly rich.
Moreover, its beaches enjoy an exceptionally mild climate all the year round, so
the visitor may find eternal spring here.
Serrara
Fontana
Serrara Fontana and Monte Epomeo; these two adjacent hamlets, nestle on the
slopes of Monte Epomeo. Although they do not offer the many modern facilities of
other resort of Ischia, these places are nevertheless suitable for a quiet and
really restful holiday.
They are well placed for the ascent of Monte Epomeo, and are also the starting
point for many interesting excursions in the neighborhood.
From her lovely view can be enjoyed of the Punta Imperatore and the Island of
Sant'Angelo, and a view of almost the whole island.
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