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ISCHIA
Italy's Best Kept Secret
Buongiorno Principessa! Imagine living in a castle … on a private island … in Italy. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? My time at Il Monastero in Ischia felt like a fairy-tale the moment we arrived when the “castellan” reached out his hand and said, “You are now the holder of the keys to the castle”.
Located on the island of Ischia, Il Monastero, is a historic monastery at Aragonese Castle built in the 16th century. Today, it’s been converted into a refined hotel, and its ancient walls and frescoes have been carefully preserved. It’s a unique and enchanting destination that offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Ischia and, as its website says, “It’s more than a stay”.
A long narrow causeway led us to the volcanic islet where the castle is situated. It’s an island within an island, or paradise within paradise. At the end of a narrow tunnel, we boarded an elevator built into the rock that carried us 100 meters above the sea, and the view of Ischia from above was a sight to be beholden. We explored the grounds and strolled through serene gardens overlooking crystal clear waters where organic vegetables, plants, vineyards, and fruit trees are grown to provide the “market” for the onsite restaurant. From our secluded cliffside terrace, we witnessed the rise of the sun and breathtaking sunsets, and watched local fisherman deliver their catch by boat. I understand why writers and painters from all over the world are attracted to this idyllic location, with centuries of history within the ruins of its churches, convents, and prisons.
Reachable by ferry from the Port of Naples, Ischia is a beautiful island known for its stunning beaches, hot springs, and picturesque villages. Beyond the castle, there's much to explore on the island, all accessible by foot, scooter, or bus. Here's why you may want to add Ischia to your vacation bucket list.
HOT SPRINGS AND THERMAL BATHS
Ischia is famous for its thermal waters and hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. There are numerous thermal parks and spas on the island where you can relax in natural hot springs, saunas, and mud baths. While it may be Naples’ best kept secret for now, Ischia, Capri's less-popular neighbour, is becoming known around the world for spa tourism given its volcanic nature. A must visit, and my idea of heaven on earth, is Negombo Hydrothermal Park, which is nestled between two mountains in the Bay of Montano. The grounds have lush gardens, beaches, swimming pools, waterfalls, and a series of thermal baths along the hillside that overlook the sea. Its thermal waters and range of facilities make it an ideal spot for a day trip for relaxation and rejuvenation.
BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
Ischia boasts a variety of beautiful beaches surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs, and offer stunning views of the Mediterreanean Sea. We were thrilled to be swimming in the sea at the end of September!
HISTORIC SITES
Ischia has a rich history dating back to ancient times, and the island is home to several historical sites, including medieval Aragonese Castle and the ancient Roman thermal baths of Maronti. Being the first Greek colony in the West, Ischia retains many traces of its archaeological past; the Santa Restituta Museum and the Pithecusae Museum of Villa Arbusto, where the famous Cup of Nestor is kept, would interest those who love ancient civilizations.
DELICIOUS FOOD AND WINE
Italy is famous for its delicious food and wine, and Ischia is no exception. The island’s cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and Neapolitan influences, and you can enjoy fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and local wines at the island’s many restaurants. After hiking to the top of Mount Epomeo, Ischia's highest point, we enjoyed drinks and flavourful bruschetta on the terrace of La Grotta di Foria, a family-owned restaurant with panoramic views of Ischia. The fresh food and incredible views were well-worth the kilometer-long climb to get there.
SCENIC VILLAGES
Ischia has several picturesque towns, including Ischia Porto, Forio, and Sant’Angelo, that are worth exploring. These villages offer a glimpse of traditional Italian life, with colorful houses, charming streets, and local markets. On our last night, we attended an annual festival in Sant’Angelo called La Festa di San Michele. During this religious event, a flotilla of small boats paraded through the harbour following the statue of Saint Michael, the patron saint of Sant'Angelo, while the whole village was ablaze with candles and fires. At the end of this magical evening, a dazzling array of fireworks lit up the sky!
As you can see, Ischia offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture that makes it a perfect destination if you're looking for a relaxing and authentic Italian experience. When you visit the island, even if you don't stay at Il Monastaro, be sure to visit the castle!