Ischia

Ischia — historically called Pitecusae — was colonized in turn by the Greeks, Syrausansa, Romans, Saracens, Turks, and Aragonese; all of whom were interested in its excellent strategic position, its therapeutic hot-spring waters , and its attractive landscape. The result of all this varied history can be seen in the ruins of various outposts, towers, and " tufa " rock shelters hidden all over the island. Ischia has become a frequent backdrop for Italian and American movies such as Vacanze ad Ischia , Appuntamento ad Ischia , and The Talented Mr.Ripley . The island has also been used as a cinematic stand-in for the Island of Capri .

Ischia is reached by ferry and hydrofoil from Naples, Pozzuoli, and Procida; there is no bridge or airport on the island itself, so all arrivals are by sea. Ferries dock mainly at Ischia Porto and Casamicciola Terme.

The island has a bus network (CTM/EAV) circling its perimeter and connecting the main towns; cars, scooters, and taxis are also common, and central Ischia Porto is walkable.

The Castello Aragonese, a fortified islet connected to Ischia Ponte by a causeway, is the island's most iconic sight, with layers of construction from Aragonese and earlier periods. The island's volcanic geology also produces numerous thermal spas and hot springs, developed since antiquity and still a major draw, along with scattered defensive towers and tufa-rock structures from its long history of successive occupation.

Soaking in the island's thermal spas and hot springs, visiting the Castello Aragonese, and using Ischia's beaches — including the volcanic-sand Maronti beach — are the main activities, alongside boat trips around the island and to nearby Procida.

Procida, a smaller neighboring island, and Naples on the mainland are both reachable by ferry. Capri, across the Bay of Naples, is a further boat trip away.