Gardens of the Island of Ischia
Italy’s Bay Of Naples Has Many Islands To Choose From
The Naples ferry terminal at Molo Beverello is a mass of people, ships and cars. You will find large tourist groups, Italian families chattering and greeting their friends as well as people commuting to and from the islands. Whether you choose to travel to Ischia by fast ferry or on more traditional ferry there is much to see as you leave the mainland and cross the bay to the island.
Car Hire or Taxi
Smaller than its more famous neighbour, you can drive around Ischia in one day. Not that you should try. There are many opportunities to hire cars but do make sure you hire the smallest your party can fit into. You will be glad you did later when you start your tour. Italian drivers are noted for their exuberant driving, and those on Ischia are no exception. There are numerous taxis including the famous Ischiaian mini taxis. So if you don't fancy driving do take a taxi. The narrowness of the roads and the interesting towns and villages which cling to the mainly rocky coastline make this at least a two day drive. The island is dominated by the volcanic Mount Epome . The volcano was active in Classical times but now provides a stunning vantage point to the Bay of Naples.
Wherever you have chosen to stay you can be sure of a wide range of accomadation. Forio has its harbour and markets, Casamicciola in the North with its beaches, marina and gardens, the capital Ischia, with its castle and many excellent restaurants or in beautiful Sant’ Angelo, full of boutiques, bars and restaurants. Set halfway along the south coast. Sant’ Angelo has its own small beaches but close by are other beautiful beaches can be reached by free ferry from its tiny harbour.
The Gardens Of Ischia
The island has been famous for its gardens since Roman emperors had villas here. In 6 AD , Augustus gave the island to Naples in exchange for Capri. It is for you to decide if he made a mistake.
To see all the gardens of Ischia would take weeks, and then there would be no time to relax on the beautiful beaches, so just consider two. In Forio-San Francesco is the Garden Mortella. Conceived by the English composer William Walton it covers the side of a cliff overlooking the bay of Forio. A range of themed mini gardens and native and imported plants set out along paths and steps, it is a delight for gardeners.
The Giardini Poseidon Therm is to the south of Forio town, by the beach of Spiagga Citara. Here in addition to the ranks of massed bushes and flowers are many swimming pools. The swimming pools are filled with different temperatures of natural warm volcanic spring water. Many have waterfalls and invigorating pulsing jets of water.
The reason there are no golf courses? Not enough level ground for the greens.
