Monday 23 June 2008

ISCHIA – The best therapeutic Spa island in Europe

Why do so many people know about Capri but not its neighbour, Ischia? Unless you are actively looking for
one of the best spa islands in the world with therapeutic remedies, mud baths and soothing thermal pools, the chances would be that
you have simply overlooked a slice of heaven!

GENERAL
Ischia is only a small island and on a clear day, can be seen from the mainland of Southern Italy (it is only 33km from
Naples). Despite the fact that it only takes about one hour to drive around, it has masses to offer besides its amazing
thermal/healing waters, outlets which are not just contained within the many organised Spa Gardens.

Ischia is a very lush island with 37 kms of coastline, consisting of coves, bays, creeks, beautiful sandy and rocky beaches and the
most picturesque blue bays only accessible by boat.

THE HEALING WATERS AND SPAS:
The use of thermal-mineral waters for therapeutic purpose is a practice that has existed for thousands of years and it is these amazing
spa waters that have put Ischia firmly on the map for thousands of people in search of particular remedies and beauty treatments.

There are more than 20 Spa Gardens dotted around the island in various sizes, character and treatments offered. Some are geared towards
families with children pools and facilities. Others are for those seeking pure ‘tranquillity’. All have restaurants, cafes and bars.

For an entrance fee (around Euros 25 per person), guests can enjoy an exclusive day in a Spa Garden surrounded by manicured gardens,
sun loungers and umbrellas, and the thermal pools that offer different mineral content and temperatures ranging from unbearably hot to freezing point.
The lovely thing about these Thermal Gardens is that they are mainly located by gorgeous sandy beaches and needless to say, have their own private
areas which are also set up with loungers, umbrellas and even waiter service.

There are almost 200 mineral, thermal, natural and hot springs dotted around the island, all with different therapeutic properties. Ailments such
as rheumatism, respiratory problems, diseases of the joints and gynaecological problems, are amongst the most popular that are treated here.

The most important treatment centres are the Antiche Termes and Nuove Terme, with their radioactive water containing salt, bromine and iodine.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DISCOVER?
Ischia has a rich and diverse heritage with colourful characters and centuries old traditions. It is proud of its museums, art galleries, concerts and
exhibitions. There are numerous archaeological sites, castles, ancient churches and parks. The majority of churches are built around the coastline
and the 5th century monument, the Aragonese Castle, is the Island’s symbol. This castle is one of the major attractions and can be found at Ischia Ponte,
close to the main harbour.

BEACHES
There are some wonderful sandy and pebbled beaches stretching around the island, mostly with services.

Maronti beach is a lovely long dark sandy stretch that can be reached either by car or water taxi from the pretty white fishing village of Sant Angelo
for a couple of Euros. It’s a lovely way to arrive at the beach! Its well served with facilities and when the sun goes down, you will definitely
want to peruse the boutique shops and seafood restaurants surrounding the pretty central Piazza which overlooks the sea.

Citara beach is a lovely well kept sandy beach located close to Jardin de Poseidon – one of the largest and most popular Thermal Gardens.
The dramatic high green cliffs provide a spectacular backdrop.

Chiaia and San Francesco are also very popular long sandy beaches located close to the harbour of Forio.

To the east of the island, there are also long stretches of sandy beach close to Ischia Porte and the old quarter of Ischia Ponte.

GASTRONOMY
Of course, we are in Italy and it goes without saying, the food will be of a gourmet standard. Ischia’s volcanic origin has ideal soil for agriculture
and the growing of vines, and therefore coupled with a thriving fishing industry, you can be certain the local menus will offer the freshest, most
tastiest produce available along with a superb selection of local wines.

If you drive around the island, you will come across farms selling produce direct and you can stock up your cupboards with home made
fruit conserves, olives and oils, fruits and vegetables.

Many of the recipes on the island will feature lemons (the lemon is almost the symbol of Southern Italy). The local tipple, Limoncello, can
round your meal off perfectly.

Many local recipes use rabbit and practically every Trattoria prepares ‘Ischian Rabbit’, made with wine, garlic, tomatoes and aromatic herbs.
This dish was originally cooked by the islanders when they celebrated happy occasions.

If you enjoy a good selection of cheeses, Ischia offers a huge selection of rare cheeses.

HOW TO GET THERE:
It is fairly easy to get to Ischia, although there are no airports on the island itself.

One would fly to Naples and take a taxi to the harbour for a short ferry ride or hydrofoil across the blue bay to the Port of Ischia.
From here, a taxi or car hire will meet you. Choosing from the great range of villas rather than the hotels, means you can quickly
become immersed in the island’s way of life which is a much more satisfactory way to spend your holiday.

A car can be useful on the island and this can also be collected from Naples airport and taken on the ferry to Ischia although during
the Summer months, beware of the large volume of cars trying to get onto the ferries!

For further information on ferry/hydrofoil services, check www.caremar.it and click Ischia shown on the map.

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