The volcanic island of Ischia last erupted in AD 1301 but the only sign of subterranean activity these days is the hot springs that proliferate around the island. Modern spas are located alongside many of these hot springs, which are said to have healing powers. The landscape is lush and semi-tropical, with some pine and chestnut forests. Colonized by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, Ischia was an important stopover on the trade route between Greece and Northern Italy.

Later taken over by the Spanish and briefly the French, Ischia was attacked by the English in 1806. With the island’s landmark Castello Aragonese, which sits on a rocky islet just off the Ischia Ponte, reached by means of a stone bridge, suffering major bombardment.

The Museo delle Armi has a collection of implements of torture as well as some kinky bits and pieces. The gardens of La Mortella, which used to be the home of Sir William Walton and was modelled on the Alhambra, houses a collection of over one thousand rare plants and there are other thermal gardens at Poseidon near Forio. Ischia is the largest island in the Bay of Naples and attracts a stream of visitors to its beaches, particularly the north coast in the summer months. Inland, the hillside towns are more earthy and will reward walkers with some peace and quiet, while Sant’Angelo on the south coast remains relatively unscathed by tourism. It presents a charming scene with its twisting narrow streets, picturesque harbour and good beach.

The coastline of the island is breathtaking with its sheer cliffs and stunning beaches. Be sure to take the opportunity to visit the nearby Pontine island of Ventotene, which has national park status, holds much appeal for those on an Ischia Ventotene Yacht Charter. The restaurants of Ischia are famous for their rabbit dishes as well as their seafood and the island’s drink specialty is rucolino, a green liquorice-flavored liqueur made from rocket leaves.