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Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker 28 November 2022: Italian rescue services confirmed that 8 bodies have now been recovered from landslides in Ischia Houses in northern parts of the island were damaged or destroyed as a torrent of mud flood water and debris crashed down slopes of Mount Epomeo Some areas were under mud and debris several metres deep Dozens of vehicles were swept into the sea in areas of Casamicciola Terme said at least 150 families are unable to return to their homes The regional government has requested the declaration of a state of emergency A team of over 250 people made up of firefighters civil protection and volunteers are searching for several people still feared missing digging equipment and sniffer dogs have also been deployed Divers were searching the wreckage of the numerous vehicles swept into the sea As of 27 November authorities reported the bodies of 2 victims have been found Poor weather conditions have hampered rescue and damage assessment efforts On 25 November Regional Civil Protection issued warnings for severe weather including heavy rain which could trigger floods and landslides. According to figures from MeteoNetwork the weather station at Forio recorded 133.2mm of rain on 26 November Local media reported 155mm of rain fell in parts of the island in just 6 hours Ischia saw severe flash floods in November 2009 (analysis here) — Matteo Salvini (@matteosalvinimi) November 26, 2022 — Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) November 26, 2022 — Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) November 26, 2022 Richard Davies is the founder of floodlist.com and reports on flooding news Cookies | Privacy | Contacts © Copyright 2025 FloodList The United Way of Central Maryland, in collaboration with San Francisco based custom simulation company Forio created an online empathy-building experience to show people what it’s like to live in poverty for a month The 30|30 Experience takes participants on a journey of difficult decisions, providing a simulation of what it’s like to live below the poverty line and trying to make ends meet as a low-wage earner. In Baltimore, the poverty rate is 21.2% according to the 2019 American Community Survey That means one in five Baltimore residents live through the experiences depicted in the 90-minute interactive experience designed by the United Way 100 people will be able to experience the workshop “We want to take folks on a journey from empathy to compassion,” said Jarnell Swecker chief marketing and innovation officer with the United Way of Central Maryland “So I know how it feels to walk in your shoes and now I want to do something about it If you’ve experienced a Tunnel of Oppression at a university — which is a multisensory guided exhibition through a series of scenes that aim to educate and challenge people to think more deeply about issues of oppression like police brutality forced sterilization of women or food insecurity created in 1993 at Western Illinois University —then you have an idea of what the United Way is going for the United Way hosts workshops with the 30|30 Experience for individual businesses like BGE and CareFirst for donations ranging up to $3000 But for the global day of radical generosity that is Giving Tuesday the United Way is offering this experience to the general public in an effort to inspire more people to give and donate more than one of every four Marylanders fight to make ends meet,” said Franklyn Baker “The 30|30 Experience reveals to participants exactly why so many hardworking people can’t make ends meet Our goal is to build awareness of the hardships in our communities to engage volunteers community leaders and supporters of our critical work.” Join 5,000 tech professionals and entrepreneurs in our community Slack today Your support powers our independent journalism we count on your personal and organizational contributions We’re sorry to disappoint, but the secret’s finally out. For years, the beautiful little volcanic island of Ischia managed to evade the spotlight thanks to its close, glitzy neighbour Capri. With anti-trend hotspots firmly on the travel agenda What sets this isolated rock apart from the competition It’s a question of substance and that ghastly overused word “authenticity.” Capri will always be the pretty one – the view from the Via Krupp and the Faraglioni as seen from La Fontalina are starlet gold – and the island of Procida took recent fame as Europe’s 2022 culture capital Ischia wins hands down when it comes to a rugged For more inspiration and where to stay in Italy Say ciao to the hotel that put Ischia on the map. From the moment it re-opened under the uber-tasteful eye of Marie-Louise Sciò, it became a magnet to the Italian glitterati. Like its sister hotels Il Pellicano in coastal Tuscany and La Posta Vecchia in Ladispoli The Mezzatorre is a throwback to la dolce vita at its finest Like Ischia there are few in Italy,” Schio tells us the hotel has everything you’d expect from an Italian escape: glittering waters The celebrities – from J Lo to Angela and Margherita Missoni and influencer Sophia Roe – are all major fans the 16th-century Moorish-style former watchtower enjoys a quirky Wes Anderson-esque mise-en-scene with stunning panoramas of the Bay of Naples and the most sought-after suites the island has to offer guarantees the finest slice of Campania cuisine Address: Mezzatorre Hotel, via Mezzatorre, 23/d, 80075 Forio NA, Italy The concept of staying in a hotel inside a castle is pretty cool Ridiculously atmospheric and impeccably stylish boutique chic gets a medieval schooling courtesy of Albergo il Monastero vaulted ceilings and storied walls give the monastic digs that extra tinge of wow factor Former owner Gabriele Mattera’s modern art pieces sprawl the walls and slick contemporary décor numbers help bring things into the 21st century Rooms – once the cells of monks – are small and modest but they are refreshingly simple nonetheless Its biggest asset comes courtesy of its restaurant the dazzlingly romantic Cucina del Monastero The views are heartstring-tugging and the food is light and tasty fresh bread baked straight from the oven and whatever the hot dish of the day is you basically have full reign and access to the castle once all the day tourists are kicked out Address: Albergo il Monastero, Ponte Aragonese, 80077 Ischia NA, Italy summits and hairpins – so to find a five-star resort on the waterfront is surprisingly rare sunbathing platforms and pontoons offer such easy access to clear as are the four swimming pools and legendary thermal spa Marinated in the essence and spirit of its 1950s heyday the hotel captures the golden era of Mediterranean sophistication and dolce vita glamour The style and atmosphere continue in 128 bedrooms spread across three different units and buildings bedsteads and the cherrywood marquetry of built-in cupboards with modernist iron-railed Juliet balconies – such as the one in room 370 from which Elizabeth Taylor famously hurled Richard Burton’s clothes following an epic row The hub and raison d’être of the resort is the spa with indoor thermal pools and extensive facilities where you can go for a quick-fix facial or a non-surgical filler or have a personalised programme and complete wellness overhaul means you can also experience life in a vivid Here is a hotel that can be all things to all people: a destination spa and starred restaurant a restorative retreat with natural thermal hot springs You might recognise this one from the blockbuster flick Cleopatra While it remains a firm tourist hotspot thanks to its starring Hollywood role this fortress was first built all the way back in 474BC by Syracusan tyrant Gerone I Much of what you see today survives from the 1400s raised from the ground by King Alfonso of Aragon who had a thing for bastions Beyond its fortress lies an entire borgo filled with cutesy terrace cafes (the highest with views of Capri) and bars and the odd shop there’s the rather ghastly and grisly Museo delle Torture home to a collection of medieval torture instruments and the Cattedrale dell’Assunta where Giotto-inspired frescoes run riot in the 11th-century crypt You are on an island Several charters offer all sorts of experiences around the coast that pack in all the sights give Joseph and Marco of Giosymar Ischia Charter a call they’ll whizz you around all the hotspots pointing out landmarks Because plants = wellness A downright odyssey of greenery festoons every single nook crevice and bolt imaginable in this stonker of a beautiful giardino once the former home of British composer William Walton and his Argentine wife grandiose Moorish gardens of southern Spain’s Alhambra Palace the finest botanical spectacle in all of Italy thanks to its designer you can easily spend an entire afternoon traipsing about the place Tropical spruces and perennials make up much of the lower gardens while Mediterranean plants and ponds wow in the uppers Walton's wife is commemorated in a small museum on the way up and it’s well worth joining the line for a peek of his mightily impressive monument perched at the tippy-top of the garden (his ashes are here and the views of Forio and the coast are as expected La Mortella often hosts chamber-music recitals and concerts The quickest way to climb it is from the village of Fontana The path is roughly 2.5km in length and weaves up paved roads Local guide Marianna Polverino of Ischia Hiking Tours is one of the island’s best and will show you everything from vineyards to cool volcanic vents and all the pretty towns en route Until it became last year’s European culture capital Procida remained a well-kept secret for locals and film stars (Gina Lollobrigida Pilgrimages generally start with a walk up to the ancient citadel Here you’ll get one of the best views of the Marina di Corricella (sea of colourful houses included) and have the chance to explore the pretty medieval village of Terra Murata Palazzo d'Avalos and the crumbling 16th-century Abbey of San Michele are well worth a visit the town square is alive with traditional markets cutesy Fiat cinquecentos and buzzing festivals Insta-walks along the waterfront are a must to see bobbing fishing boats colour-mad picture-perfect sunsets over the bay The laidback seafood restaurant is hugely popular with locals who flock here to gorge on stuffed calamari and spaghetti alle vongole Ischia isn’t really known the world over as a go-to wine destination There are hundreds of vineyards dotted all about the island that grow top-notch indigenous grapes – Biancolella and Forastera white grapes and Guarnaccia and Per'e' Palummo (Piedirosso) red grapes especially – and thanks to all that volcanic soil the bottles corked here are some of the tastiest Campania has to offer a five-generation family business that’s been producing wine for over 250 years; Cenatiempo another family affair where Biancolella vines string out some deliciously crisp glasses of Kalimera (a lovely white); and Casa D’Ambra a vineyard nestled inside a natural amphitheatre overlooking the bay of Citara The hotel up in the sky has “date night” written all over it Sister to buzzy Amalfi outcrop Borgo Santandrea the laidback terrace dishes out all the wow factor with stunning bay views that look out to all the island’s neighbours and beyond but there are plenty of love seats to caress The pizza is excellent and melts in your mouth Address: Acropoli Bar, Via Nuova Montevico, 26, 80076 Lacco Ameno NA, Italy You’ll need to book early for this one because it’s the place to go for starry-eyed loved-up couples to go and be seen in Chef Pasquale Palamaro serves up Michelin-approved dishes to gourmet palettes year-round and there’s a particular passion for plating up classics with an Ischia-like spin where local ingredients trump Campanian go-tos Address: Ristorante Indaco, Piazza Santa Restituta, 1, 80076 Lacco Ameno NA, Italy Here’s the spot to go if you’re in need of a serious digital detox Set deep within the island’s craggy coast via a rather perilous but fun natural staircase La Scanella is where introverted extroverts head to chill book in one hand and a spritz in the other There’s no phone signal down here whatsoever and the club enforces a pretty strict silent bathing area where only the crashing waves break the sound waves and treat your taste buds to lunch with a sea view Fresh fish – it really is the definition of the word – salads and pasta in the pan are served here all to the tune of a foodie mantra that preaches simple is best Address: La Scanella, Via Scannella Mare, 1, 80075 Panza, frazione di Forio d’Ischia NA, Italy It’s all very arty and intimate at this cute little spot in Fori Request to sit terrace-side for breezy seascapes kaleidoscopic salads and a wine list that exceeds 500 bottles If you can stand up straight after all the booze waltz through the hotel and check out all the fine work from local artists Address: Umberto A Mare, d'Ischia, Via del Soccorso, 8, 80075 Forio NA, Italy Owner Franco di Scala is the third-generation restauranteur behind this historic spot that has brought in punters for decades the food is simple and minimal…intentionally to let all of the timeless Italian flavours shine plus creamy risottos and some seriously good portions of perfectly cooked al dente pasta Address: La Vigna Di Alberto, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 87, 80070 Barano D'ischia NA, Italy Pure drama does not get much better than this spot set high above the heavens on Mount Epomeo the whole thing is carved into a tufa on the peak of the mountain and is roughly a three or so hour hike from Sant’ Angelo Food is as local and fresh as it gets with all the usual suspects from fish to pasta and salads as are the panoramas that stretch all the way out to Maronti beach Address: Ristorante La Grotta Epomeo, Via Epomeo, 21, 80070 Serrara Fontana NA, Italy If you’re done with all the fancy stuff and just want something down-to-earth and casual it's a buzzy affair plonked just off the port of Forio we came here for the pizza and homemade cookies Address: La Bella Napoli, Unit 22, Bow Triangle Business Center, Eleanor St, London E3 4UR from family-friendly Sorriso Thermae to the dolce vita time capsule Albergo della Regina Isabella Many may have first heard of Ischia through Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels but Italians have long adored this verdant volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples for its spectacular sea views and the healing powers of its thermal springs Ischia's mineral-charged thermal waters – terme – were discovered 3,000 years ago by the Ancient Greeks The bubbling fonts quickly became famous for their restorative properties rheumatism and all manners of skin conditions thanks in no small part to Ischia's year-round mild climate and lush hiking trails Today, there are dozens of thermal spring experiences throughout Ischia – ranging from ultra-glam resorts to rugged natural bays. To uncover some of the best, we spoke to Italian spa industry insider Raffaella Dallarda a holistic expert and spa guidebook writer who has visited every thermal spa in the country "In Italy we have more than 400 certified natural springs but the kingdom of the natural springs in Italy is Ischia." That's because Ischia's waters receive an extra charge from the volcanic craters in the seas surrounding the island "[It's] called L'Isola Verde; the Green Island," said Dallarda [And] the volcanic waters are hotter than waters in other places [in Italy] They have more positive properties on joints Ischia is the perfect escape for anyone who desires a laidback "A spa has a character," said Dallarda Here are Raffaella Dallarda's picks for the most relaxing and spectacular spas on Ischia Best of the best: San Montano Resort & Spa Of all the thermal spa experiences on Ischia, Dallarda cites the San Montano Resort & Spa as her all-time top pick "There's this incredible 360-degree view of the bay It feels like you're floating in the sea just surrounded by all these gorgeous thermal and sea water pools… and in the hotel everywhere there are those locally made ceramic floor tiles." The stately mountaintop five-star resort boasts various levels of luxury villas and suites plus the splendid Lemontano citrus grove "Inside the grove they have these sunbeds set up like it's an outdoor spa," explained Dallarda "And they give you massages right there in the grove with all the lemons dangling above your head It's absolutely insane." The San Montano Resort also has a traditional spa as well as indulgent face and body treatments all with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the sea and Mt Vesuvius It's like being on a cruise ship," said Dallarda "San Montano is the absolute best." Website: https://www.sanmontano.com/ Instagram: @sanmontanoresort Best for living out your dolce vita dreams: Albergo Della Regina Isabella the families that participated in film festivals used Ischia as their summer house "All the celebs from Los Angeles like Bridgit Bardot… they were all guests in the gorgeous Rizzoli villa It's retained that vintage 1960s style Located in a quiet bay in the hamlet of Lacco Ameno Albergo Della Regina Isabella stuns with its original brightly patterned tile floors ornate furnishings and mesmerising sea views "They have this private pier where everyone comes in with their yachts," said Dallarda The hotel's thermal springs are classified as "hyper-mineral waters" flowing at a temperature between 56C and 77C Dallarda notes that the hotel's spa is a bit of an anomaly – a high-grade clinical structure plopped amid vintage glamour "Even the uniforms of the therapists… it's very clinical." utilising Ischia's natural volcanic mud which absorbs new microelements helpful for treating inflammation and improving blood circulation and get ready for an Aperol Spritz at sunset Website: https://www.reginaisabella.com/it/ Instagram: @regina.isabella Best for a romantic getaway: Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa Dallarda's pick for couples is the Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa in the village of Forio I was there for a wedding once – they lit up the tower with fireworks to make it look like an attack on the castle The five-star hotel and thermal spa is housed in a red 16th-Century Aragonese watchtower perched high up on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea Mezzatorre was also an 18th-Century ducal palace the hub of a cultural circle that included renowned poets and film directors "They do these open-air massages under the gazebos as you watch the yachts pass by It's a 'wow' place," said Dallarda And take note that it's on a promontory – gorgeous view… it's very romantic for couples." Website: https://www.mezzatorre.com/en/ Instagram: @mezzatorrehotel Best sustainable experience: Botania Relais & Spa Botania Relais & Spa offers a 100% organic sustainably produced menu prepared with homegrown ingredients "If I had to give an award for the breakfast The sprawling grounds are situated in a botanic garden; a series of whitewashed deluxe cottages with modern ceramic tile flooring and tasteful colourful interior décor Guests are free to explore the beautifully manicured English-inspired gardens before visiting the Garden Spa where they'll find hot and cold plunge pools and a steam shower housed in a beautiful natural grotto They can then retire to the treatment rooms to indulge in expert massages and bespoke skin and body treatments but high-standing and so unique," said Dallarda Website: https://www.botaniarelais.com/ Instagram: @botaniarelais Best for vintage Neapolitan glamour: Excelsior Belvedere Hotel & Spa "It's frequented by high-class Neapolitans… the noble families," she said of the 19th-Century aristocratic sea-view villa Just a short distance from the lively Corso Vittoria Colonna shopping street and awe-inspiring Aragonese Castle the Excelsior Belvedere enjoys sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples and its seemingly endless sky The lobby and rooms are a time capsule of 1960s Italian island luxury – rich brocade drapery and colourful tiled floors – while the spa is a stunning seashell-shaped haven with marble statues and wall-to-wall mosaics Guests can choose to bathe in the mineral-packed thermal waters get slathered in therapeutic muds or choose from a long menu of beautifying Website: https://www.excelsiorischia.it/en/ Instagram: @excelsiorischia Best medical spa: Hotel Continental Ischia "[It] has a very interesting medical spa," said Dallarda "And is a favourite among Italian families who demand very Italian-centred services." Hotel Continental Ischia's staff uses the reserve of thermal waters and mud found 39m beneath the property to treat ailments ranging from musculoskeletal diseases and post-accident traumas to respiratory concerns and vascular disorders To benefit from an Italian medical spa's treatments visitors must undergo a medical pre-examination and commit to a treatment course Website: https://www.hotelcontinentalischia.it/en/ Instagram: @continentalischia Best for quality water treatments: Giardini Poseidon Terme it's easy to see why Giardini Poseidon Terme is so popular: its structure not only manages to blend country-club vibes with white-washed Italian island architecture it's also adjacent to a breathtaking strip of beach with craggy cliffs and sea views But Dallarda likes Giardini Poseidon Terme for a far more practical reason: the quality of its waters "[The health director] is very fanatic about research," she said "They are the best place [on Ischia] for balneotherapy… They have 20 pools and every night they clean the waters immaculately ultra-natural water therapy without any skin irritation the only place is [Giardini Poseidon Terme]." Giardini Poseidon Terme's spa offers a full menu of wellness high-tech face and body aesthetic treatments as well as mud and thermal water-charged medical services "The service is great," said Dallarda "If you're looking strictly for glamour Website: https://www.giardiniposeidonterme.com/en Instagram: @giardiniposeidon.terme Best for families: Sorriso Thermae Resort & Spa "It's a little hard to get to – you have to cross the island to get there," said Dallarda "But it's really family-oriented… [you see] grandparents with their grandchildren people who don't want to spend too much." Sorriso Thermae Resort & Spa – sorriso means smile in Italian – has been making families happy since the 1960s with its vintage Mediterranean-style tile-and-mosaic ornamented decor grand ocean-front restaurant and beach-adjacent swimming pool "There's a really large spa," said Dallarda "[It's] popular for its medical treatments Even for its rejuvenating treatments; they've got the mud And they're open all year round… For its quality-to-price ratio it's a good family destination." Website: https://www.sorrisoresort.it/en Instagram: @sorriso.resort.ischia Best for those on a budget: Hotel Terme Tritone Resort & Spa "[It's] a four-star [hotel] in Forio with a great spa with great service," said Dallarda "[It's] basically private residences with a British cottage feel and the English-inspired gardens are extremely well tended." 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They are mythical because they are beautiful They are mythical because they defy the winds and waves They are mythical because they stand alone and unreachable they are mythical because they represent light And Lucia Capuano did a noble deed when she lost her lighthouse keeper husband at Punta Imperatore Lighthouse in Forio d'Ischia becoming Italy's first and perhaps only female lighthouse keeper and cared for this wonderful lighthouse as if it were her own but that doesn't detract from the tale being woven here it doesn't diminish the wonder one feels when descending the endless stone staircase that leads us to the lighthouse itself A name chosen for the restaurant in honor of Lucia Capuano And if we've descended this never-ending staircase of living stone it's to return and savor the cuisine of Antonio Monti including Enrico Crippa of Piazza Duomo in Alba and Mauro Colagreco at Mirazur in Mentone with the sea breeze finally refreshing us on this hot evening The menu has an almost martial title: Mediterranean Tensions with flours from Antonio Pellegrino's Monte Frumentario; the Incipit olive oil is from Marco Rizzo And it all starts with an Ischian tradition U’ cala cala, a reinterpretation of the bargain that took place between Procida and Ischia Various vegetables cooked individually in different ways and raw The hands in the dish belong to Antonio Monti's father and all the vegetables come from Ischian farmers The ingredients are numerous and change daily: raw palamita ham tagete flowers; Extra Long Yamato Cucumber Following as the second course is "Sara": Steamed glazed cod with its Pil-Pil This dish is dedicated to Antonio's girlfriend who one evening discovered with Antonio that she really liked cod prepared in a certain way Especially when it's presented with lemon curd and rose kombucha The meal continues with "Anzalat e Pummarola": Marinated and grilled tomato salad roasted tomato waste chips to remind of the attached part of the pan sauce The dinner goes on with "U' zamp' gnar": Zampognari beans with aged bean miso now a Slow Food presidium thanks to the tenacity of the farmer Filippo Florio is known on the island as the black gold of the Campagnano lands The curious name refers to the shape of the legume during its growth - winding around the stalk - brings to mind the laces of the zampognari's shoes Some believe that the name is due to the fact that the beans are eaten dried during Christmas festivities remains crunchy even after three hours of cooking Then there's "D'o pullast' nun si jett' niente": Chicken stomach nothing is wasted when it comes to chicken and the chef's mother used to make soups using every part of the animal made using everything that is usually discarded Stomachs and combs are cooked long under the ashes and then cut into julienne strips the heart and liver are lightly seared over an open flame you get a crispy chip that will be the crunchy part Nettles are added because a not-too-invasive vegetable note was needed which is used as a powder at the end of the dish everything is served with a typical Japanese ponzu sauce to which yolk is added to make it silky and fatty while achieving the right acidity to cleanse the palate the best part of the chicken: Glazed wing with its fifth quarter and escarole kimchi The wing is the increasingly popular part at the table: deboned and marinated overnight with a "rub," slowly cooked confit so Monti decided to add a strong-flavored vegetable; thus to add important acidity and spiciness to the dish to avoid wasting the wing bones and chicken offal that cannot be used in the previous dish a classic "chicken jus" is prepared with all the offal previously drained and cooked with garlic Chase Your Dreams: Half-cooked amberjack in a salt crust cooked in a salt crust with a heart thermometer so as not to overcook it; then potatoes in the form of mayonnaise are added and a sauce is made using all parts of the lemon - leaves 'A speranza è l'urdema a murì: Oxidized lettuce A dish dedicated to pollution in the world and then aged in its own cooking water for a week to intensify its flavor; it is "finished" on the grill until the desired browning is achieved there is a black sauce made from all the scraps of the lettuce itself The green sauce on the side is made with other "scraps" obtained from grilling the lettuce with the addition of sea lettuce to enhance saltiness and give the dish a greener tone And here comes "Like a Pepper Salad": Risotto cooked in milk the risotto is creamed with buffalo butter and Parmesan to achieve a sensation almost like mozzarella while the pepper is processed in two ways: in the form of a vegetable jus covering them with water and reducing them to the desired consistency and also with roasted peppers seasoned as tradition dictates vacuum-sealed for several weeks to intensify the flavor then passed through an extractor to obtain a sauce The dish is finished with a parsley sauce and caramelized garlic powder 'O vino cu 'a percoca: Ginger-matured peach it is a tradition during the summer to bring to the table the "do-it-yourself" aperitif the classic "vino cu 'a percoca" (peach wine) with a two-week maturation in a ginger solution The peaches are then fermented like a classic white wine and then undergoes a second fermentation to achieve a still "wine." Peach powder is added during plating The tasting menu begins with "U' cala cala,'' then explores the world of bees with pollen using everything produced by bees: pollen ice cream caramelized white chocolate cream with a few drops of propolis to balance the sweetness there's bitter orange marmalade and lemon zest. Now Antonio Monti has led us hand in hand into the world of myth and traditions of this island and this land He walked with us to gather herbs and inspirations the thousand steps to return to road level I don't know if it was Lucia's enchantment that struck us I don't know if the lighthouse lights hypnotized us I don't know if the sea breeze won us over We want to stay in one of the 4 rooms under the Punta Imperatore Lighthouse lantern We want to stay with Antonio Monti at the LUCI' restaurant starting with his Sous chef Gianni de Vita and the Chef de partie: Antonio Sbrogna and Antonio Barretta And with those who served us bubbles and cocktails on the rooftop who kindly and skillfully told us the story of the Lighthouse inhospitable yet wonderful place at the same time We want to see her light the lighthouse lantern every evening and forever Website Do you want to discover the latest news and recipes of the most renowned chefs and restaurants in the world La nostra società utilizza inoltre cookie funzionali per registrare informazioni sulle scelte dell’utente e per consentire una personalizzazione del Sito; ad esempio Questi cookie possono essere installati dalla nostra società o da Terze parti In caso di disabilitazione di questi cookie la qualità e l’esperienza di navigazione potrebbe non essere soddisfacente Questi cookie sono installati da social media per consentire la condivisione dei contenuti del presente Sito Essi sono in grado di monitorare la navigazione compiuta anche in altri siti e creano un profilo dell’utente sulla base dei suoi interessi Ciò potrebbe avere un impatto sul contenuto e messaggi visualizzati sugli altri siti visitati non sarà possibile utilizzare o visualizzare questi strumenti di condivisione per l’installazione e l’uso di tali cookie occorre il consenso dell’utente Per maggiori informazioni consulta la pagna cookies policy ShareSaveLifestyleTravelIschia Travel Guide: 6 Places You Need To Visit NowByLivia Hengel Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Livia Hengel is a travel journalist covering Italy 10:02am EDTShareSaveThis article is more than 5 years old.Club Scannella is one of Ischia's most idyllic beach clubs Much has been said about Ischia in the past few years thanks in part to the HBO-RAI adaptation of Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend and most recently the reopening of the famed Mezzatorre Hotel it has long been overshadowed by the allure of Capri and the Amalfi Coast but the “Green Island” is finally stepping into its own There are a lot of things to love about Ischia wild and still remains refreshingly local – it’s not polished as Capri and therein lies its charm The secret about Ischia is out but there are plenty of hidden gems left to discover on the island Il Monastero is a hotel inside Ischia's Castello Aragonese and is built within a 16th century .. a discrete hotel built within a 16th century monastery With impressive views of the island – and plenty of historic charm – it’s the most unique place to experience the magic of Ischia after sunset when the castle closes to outside visitors While some guests prefer to stay in spa resorts culture enthusiasts will want to soak in the atmosphere of this evocative property You can also enjoy gourmet dining on the outdoor terrace with aerial views of Ischia Ponte La Cantina Di Zio Jack serves Campania's best comfort food in a wonderful atmosphere Set high up in the hills above Forio, La Cantina di Zio Jack is an unlikely place for dinner but makes for one of the most memorable meals on the island Part of the beauty is in the arrival: the trattoria is located up steep winding country roads that can only accommodate a tiny ape car so you need to book ahead to arrange the shuttle service you’re greeted by a canopy decked with lights and a view of Ischia’s coastline off in the distance (time your reservation so you can catch the sunset) La Cantina di Zio Jack serves excellent interpretations of Campania's best comfort food: you'll find dishes like patate e provola served in a pizza bread bowl Club Scannella is set within Ischia's rocky coastline and features cold and heated water swimming .. La Scannella is another destination that is worth your while this idyllic beach club has awe-inspiring views of the sea but can only be reached by walking down hundreds of steep steps or via boat from nearby Sant’Angelo is its greatest asset: with no phone reception down by the water and an enforced silent bathing area the only sounds you can hear are the waves lapping at the rocks below and seagulls flying overhead La Scannella has two cold salt-water pools a heated swimming pool and easy access to the sea – and the protected cove is a perfect place for snorkeling It also has 20 hotel rooms with sea views and the property can arrange fishing experiences and scuba-diving excursions for guests Stick around for lunch or dinner to enjoy fresh fish salads and pastas that come served directly in the pan Enjoy vino with a view at Casa d'Ambra a winery located on the slopes of Monte Epomeo Ischia’s most scenic winery with sweeping views of the sea and the fishing town of Sant’Angelo down below The winery dates back to 1888 and grows its prized Biancolella grapes at 600 meters above sea level on the slopes of Monte Epomeo The winery is managed by Andrea D'Ambra and his two daughters who lead tours and tastings of Casa d’Ambra’s 10 labels Gardenia Mare is set within a quiet bay close to Ischia's Castello Aragonese Set within a tranquil bay that looks out onto the Castello Aragonese, Gardenia Mare is one of Ischia’s most picturesque beach clubs with ancient Roman ruins beneath the water and medieval remains in plain sight Call to book a lounger ahead of time and then arrive by hailing a taxi boat near Ischia Ponte Gardenia Mare also has two excellent restaurants: a more casual beach bar and a gourmet restaurant overlooking the sea Try the tasting menu or order à la carte and be prepared to enjoy the catch of the day including dishes like spaghetti with clams or tuna carpaccio with strawberries The gourmet restaurant is also open for dinner and makes for a truly romantic evening The Kneipp pool has temperatures ranging from 65-100°F to help detox the body With hundreds of natural thermal springs, most travelers sail to Ischia for a dip in its sulfuric, healing waters which are thought to provide relief from respiratory diseases, rheumatism and dermatitis. While some hotels have spas, the locals head to Negombo a thermal park and lush garden that features contemporary art by Italian sculptors This wellness oasis has 12 thermal and marine pools with temperatures ranging from 65° to 100° Fahrenheit as well as a hammam Special features include the "Templars" showers designed to relieve tension in the neck and shoulders and the Kneipp pool and Japanese labyrinth which alternate hot and cold water to help detox the body Spa treatments are available onsite along with numerous eateries a casual trattoria and the upscale Al FuGà restaurant the real evidence of a major Roman settlement here in this period' I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice On a bright autumn morning in the Bay of Cartaromana, fishermen slop brown and pink octopus into buckets and line up large silver fish on crates of ice as the first local shoppers appear on the quayside. Seafood doesn’t get any fresher than this. But only yards away in a corner of this tiny port on Ischia in the Bay of Naples, other fishermen are engaged in a rather different activity. The first clue to the unusual business is the row of rubber wetsuits, in orange and black, hanging in the passageway of an old stone building. Inside the house, fishermen slide past oxygen cylinders to talk to archaeologists with underwater charts of the adjacent bay. The unlikely team is discussing the next move in their plan to excavate one of Italy’s most recently discovered and important ancient sites, Antica Aenaria, which dates from 200BC. Fishermen are assisting experts from the Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici di Napoli, a local division of the culture ministry, which is responsible for preserving antiquities. They are working on the underwater excavation of a site that Alessandra Benini, the chief archaeologist at Antica Aenaria, describes as an “extremely important” find. “This is the site we’d been looking for, the real evidence of a major Roman settlement here in this period,” she said. Rising sea levels in this volcanic and earthquake-prone part of Europe mean that what is left of the site is two metres under water. But many of the valuable relics are further out into the little bay at depths of six metres or more, between the port and the Aragonese castle on its own small island. Giulio Lauro, 57, one of the fishermen turned archaeologists, said helping the underwater excavation seemed a natural thing for him and six of his colleagues, including his son. “For me, someone who loves the sea and Ischia, it seemed obvious to help,” he said. “It’s a way of giving something back to the island I love.” But there’s a business motive. The fishermen are not being paid for the sub-aqua work in which he and colleagues have been taught how to remove stones and debris gently with special vacuum tubes in the search for valuable relics. He hopes, however, that by developing the archaeological site, he will be able to cash in on the prospective tourism business that aims to take visitors over and around Antica Aenaria in glass-bottomed boats. “But when we decided we wanted to help on the site, it meant six months training as a diver,” he said. “The job is difficult and, unless you know exactly what you’re doing, dangerous.” He said the activity has also given him a new-found appreciation of archaeology. He still fishes, but he does this from November to March. From April to October, he and colleagues assist in the dig and show tourists around the site. Dr Benini hails the underwater efforts of her fishermen colleagues. “They’ve done great work. Their contribution will help to make this a very important archaeological site and attract tourists to this part of the island,” she said. The significance of the site became apparent only in 2007, and excavation began just four years ago. But already, a number of items and some insights have been accrued from the site. Everyday objects and pieces of masonry have revealed how the Roman inhabitants of this place lived more than 2,000 years ago, and who they were. More important has been the evidence of a foundry. The underwater team also believes that the site met an abrupt end, of the type that struck Pompeii on the mainland. They have discovered evidence that huge and sudden damage occurred in around AD200 – the time at which historians have spoken about a disastrous event, probably an earthquake or tsunami. “Ischia was very important for the Romans for commercial reasons, given its position in the centre of the Mediterranean,” Dr Benini said. A strong presence there allowed the empire to control the rest of the Mediterranean. Authorities on Ischia, which is seen as more down to earth than the glitzy island of Capri which sits on the other side of the Bay of Naples, hope to develop its appeal as a centre of archaeology. Sources at the Soprintendenza say that evidence of at least another two important coastal sites on Ischia have been discovered and will be investigated. And that could even mean more work for entrepreneurial fishermen with an interest in archaeology. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies It took the Lawrence High girls soccer team a few years to finally clear the city showdown hump Behind a pesky defensive effort and a fine first-half goal by sophomore Whitney Lopez Tuesday at FSHS in the spring’s first intracity game “It was a great high school soccer game,” LHS co-coach David Platt said “We got a nice break on a set play and got a finish when sophomore Kendal Forio lofted a free kick into the FSHS box After rattling around for a second the ball ended up at Lopez’s feet and she calmly collected it and drilled a shot into the left-hand side of the goal past the outstretched arms of freshman goalkeeper Meghan Hrenchir “Kendal Forio put in an amazing cross,” Lopez said “I aimed for opposite side of the keeper.” It was the lone successful finish in a game that featured an abundance of prime scoring opportunities getting a hand on a variety of shots from Lopez sophomore Megan Johnson and freshman Abby Vestal Free State (0-2) had trouble unleashing crisp shots when given the chance Lawrence’s defense gave Free State’s attackers notably senior Rebekah Berkley and freshmen Lucca Wang and Clare Robinson they’re a better team than us,” FSHS coach Jason Pendleton said they’re better than we are and executed at the right time and created a couple of dangerous scoring opportunities.” Senior goalkeeper Shannon Fisher recorded her first shutout of the year for the Lions (1-2) “Our midfielders did a nice job of marking,” Platt said “Nicolette Weil and Raya Bowden were getting the assignment and they did a nice job of trying to keep on her so at least she felt pressure every time she touched.” with LHS playing Olathe East and the Firebirds traveling to Olathe Northwest Lawrence High can soak in the bragging rights it earned on the soccer field Tuesday and hopefully it gets them to believe in themselves,” Platt said the spring sports season entered its final month as some sports are rapidly approaching the .. The latest headlines from the Lawrence Journal-World and KUsports.com Copyright © 2025 Ogden Newspapers of Kansas, LLC | https://www2.ljworld.com | 1035 N. Third Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 | 785-843-1000 | Terms of Service more affordable neighbour is well worth the trip Lifestyle Sign up for the best picks from our travel I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice Now that double-jabbed Brits no longer need to quarantine on arrival in Italy many of us are scrambling to arrange a last minute slice of La Dolce Vita And while, the iconic island of Capri attracts tourists in their hordes for its dazzling scenery and designer shopping, those looking for something a little less flash (and more affordable) should look to nearby Ischia another isle in the Bay of Naples that gets less airtime (at least among Brits) You'd be forgiven for not having heard of Ischia the volcanic island is home to over 100 thermal springs that have countless healing properties and make it a popular wellness destination for those in the know combined with its stunning selection of beaches picturesque villages and dramatic historical sites make it the perfect place to reset your mind But you'd better make the trip soon, word is slowly getting out about the magic of Ischia, thanks in part to the 2018 HBO series My Brilliant Friend based on Elena Ferrante's best-selling novel in which it features There's a high speed ferry that takes about an hour and slow ferry that takes an hour and a half If you're eager to arrive early on the first day of your holiday the stunning views across the Tyrrhenian Sea You'll also catch a glimpse of the colourful harbour of Procida The island is very well served by buses that run frequently and into the early hours But definitely hire a boat to explore the magical island for yourself The endless 'gram opportunities will make it totally worth it are etched into a cliff slightly inland from the beach Wander up through the gorge until you can hear the trickling sound of hot springs A standard spa entrance will cost you €15 and involves a natural hot shower and sauna – surprisingly soothing in 30 degree heat – followed by a 20-minute dip in a private preserved roman bath Treat yourself to a healing lymphatic drainage massage or mud treatment to round things off Once you’re feeling suitably rejuvenated catch a water taxi to the small harbour at Sant’Angelo and settle down for drinks at the waterfront as you admire views of the volcanic rock it overlooks Tickets cost €20 and include entrance to the enchanting gardens For something traditional, everyone will direct you to Bracconiere to sample Ischia’s most famous dish, coniglio all’Ischitana, or rabbit stew. Located 480m above sea level in Serrara Fontana, it's a bit awkward to get to and will involve a taxi, but worth it. Call in advance, their Facebook page is best for contact details Continue on to Via Roma which is abuzz until late for more bars, a spot of shopping and gelato. Locals will tell you to head to Ristorante Pizzeria da Umberto for delicious pizza and pasta dishes with exceptional service in a no frills setting Keep wandering until you reach the fairytale-like Aragonese Castle Picnic at one of the stunning beaches by day - Citara and Chiaia are particularly nice - before heading for sundowners and admiring the brilliant pinks and oranges in the sky as the sun sets The Pagoda Hotel, minutes from Ischia Porto, is a great mid-range option that makes a good base for exploring the island. With its own private rocky beach, pool, hot tubs and quality onsite restaurant, it definitely deserves more than its three-star rating. Rooms start at £140 per night. Visit the hotel's website for more info VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin David Beckham extends olive branch to son Brooklyn amid 'family feud' Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from her hospital bed after surgery Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from hospital Redstone Resources (ASX:RDS) reports the presence of ‘significant high-grade’ copper mineralisation following reverse circulation (RC) drilling at the Tollu Copper Project as part of its 100% owned West Musgrave Project in Western Australia The company’s share price has surged 12.5% as of 2pm AWST The results were generated by three RC drill holes for 373m at the projects Forio Prospect and have highlighted a more connected and thicker lens of ‘high-grade’ copper mineralisation than portable-XRF analysis suggested Hole TLC181: 34m @ 1.07% Cu from 15m downhole depth The company also notes that drillhole TLC182 has successfully highlighted the potential for ‘significant’ copper mineralisation close to surface while drill hole TLC180 has expanded the previously identified quartz vein to 10m thick drillhole TLC182 has successfully highlighted the potential for ‘significant’ copper mineralisation close to surface Redstone reports that further evaluation of its Tollu Cu Project surrounding target areas and the broader West Musgrave Project delivered the potential to increase the Tollu copper Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) The West Musgrave Project is located between OZ Minerals’ (ASX:OZL) Nebo Babel prospect and Nico Resources’ Wingellina Ni-Co Project within the Musgrave region of Western Australia and comprises the Tollu Copper deposit Redstone Resources owns 100% of all tenements associated with the project which currently boasts an initial 2012 JORC-compliant MRE of 3.8Mt @ 1% Cu Redstone Resources announces that further geochemical assay results from the late 2021 drilling campaign will be announced in the near future ABC Refinery: Back to the future with Trump’s tariffs Donald Trump may have ‘borrowed’ the phrase “Make America Great Again” from.. Pacgold accelerates Alice River with new resource Lincoln receives loan to advance Minbrie Great Boulder plots more holes at Ironbark Lion’s legacy investments ‘demonstrating compelling value’ Mid West ‘ideal’ export hub for clean... Zeotech executes MoU with global trading house Hazer forms Kellogg Brown and Root alliance Flagship eyes potential to expand Pantanillo’s mineralisation ASX feeling a bit deflated, gold rebounds      Plug-in hybrid EV sales decline amid slowing... Stay Informed on up-to-the-minute mining news Get the best articles straight to your inbox ABC Refinery: Back to the future with Trump’s tariffs06 May Flagship eyes potential to expand Pantanillo’s mineralisation06 May Pacgold accelerates Alice River with new resource06 May Get the latest Mining news delivered straight to your inbox The company Alilauro takes the field to help the emergency linked to the landslide of Casamicciola It left on Sunday 4 December 2022 the initiative of the maritime transport company which to support the current situation of Ischia has decided to create a direct maritime connection from the port of Forio towards Ischia and vice versa for a symbolic price This trait would allow for easing traffic on former highway 270 where is the party involved in securing and reclaiming the risk area the possibility of creating a new effective connection is exploited will only cost one euro and will respect certain days and times we earn a commission from qualifying purchases through ticketing links This commission does not entail any additional price for the user Last Updated on 11th March 2024 by Sophie Nadeau Ischia is a volcanic island which misses out on much of the press it deserves in favour of its more famous neighbour it should not be missed on any trip to southern Italy Here’s how to spend the perfect 2 days in Ischia itinerary as well as travel tips to know before visiting However you choose to get to the island of Ischia you’re going to have to arrive at one of the ports by boat There is no way around this: the only way to get to the island is by ferry or hydrofoil (a sort of boat that goes over the water on stilts) We personally opted for the hydrofoil as it is the fastest option Hydrofoil from the Port of Naples to the Port of Ischia takes just 50 minutes you can also arrive on Ischia by boat from Positano and a few other islands Ischia is a speck of an island with plenty of attractions and beauty you can easily see all of the top attractions of the Bay of Naples Isle if you travel at a medium to fast pace If you want to take your time to soak up the ambiance of island and completely cover everything there is to do then you should plan to spend 3-5 days in Ischia Ischia is part of the Campanian Archipelago and is one of the most beautiful islands in the Bay of Naples. The isle is particularly famous for its many beautiful vistas (in particular the castle) and rural setting. The entire island is very romantic and would make for a great location for planning a honeymoon in Italy Start your time in Ischia by heading to one of its world-leading gardens the most beautiful and unique set of gardens on the island is the Garden of Mortella This lush green park is set onto the side of the cliff-face and offers views onto the port of Forio and the azure sea beyond The garden of Giardini la Mortella was created in the 1950s by a couple who lived on site and were open to the public in 1991 Boasting giant water ponds studded with even larger waterlilies and even its own restaurant on site (the food was okay) you’ll need a couple of hours to truly enjoy all that the gardens have to offer Just a short drive down the coastline to the south of the Gardens of Mortella Though not quite as picturesque as the Port of Ischia the second largest settlement on the island of Ischia is well worth a quick wander around One of the top attractions in Forio is Il Torrione which can be visited and climbed for a small fee Forio is also one of the best places on this first day in Ischia itinerary to grab lunch Some of the top rated restaurants in Forio include La locanda del gusto and Bistro Sorrento For those with a particular penchant for gardens and outdoor landscaped spaces Ischia is a paradise thanks to its number of world-leading gardens Giardini Ravino lies on the road between Sant’Angelo and Forio and is filled with cacti and succulent plants There is also a café and restaurant on site where we enjoyed a tasty Caprese salad The botanical garden itself can be seen over the course of around 45 minutes and I would probably prioritise seeing Giardini la Mortella if you only have time to see one garden during your stay on Ischia One of the most interesting and relaxing things to do on the island for those who enjoy water based activities is to visit the hot thermal springs in the Baia di Sorgeto (the Bay of Sorgeto) These hot springs are like natural baths in the sea and are free to visit The sea cove itself is blessed with outdoor natural thermal waters which are akin to lying in a bathtub and are a reward in of itself for those who hike down the stairs to reach the inlet islanders would have used the thermal waters closest to the shore to cook eggs and the like almost everyone we spoke to about the little island recommended that we must visit Sant-Angelo This picturesque resort town is characterised by its crystal clear waters and strip of beach which runs between the mainland and the mini island that is just off the coast of Ischia A historic fishing village turned umbrella laden resort (but remains charming nonetheless) some of the top things to do in Sant’Angelo include wandering through the piazza Particular shops of note include Il Pirata which sells local pottery and Le Signorine Nestled in the heart of a particularly rural area of Ischia La Sosta di Bacco is a magical Italian restaurant which serves up traditional dishes paired with local Ischian wines and set against the backdrop of lush green mountains and a deep blue sea then one of the most rewarding experiences to have on Ischia is to climb to the top of Mount Epomeo Believed to have been created by volcanic activity the tallest part of the mountain stands at 789 metres above sea level and the hike itself begins in the village of Serrara Fontana The second day of this Ischia itinerary will be focused on the eastern side of the island which I personally think is a little more picturesque than the more rugged west and will take a couple of hours to wander around One of the biggest draws of the island for many people is the beautiful medieval castle which lies on its own little island just a bridge away from the rest of Ischia be prepared to clamber up a lot of stairs when visiting so wear comfortable shoes The roots of the castle date back to the 5th-century BCE when the castle was known as Castrum Gironis in honour of its founder though much of what you see today was built and fortified during the Middle Ages One of the more unique aspects of the castle is the rather macabre nun’s cemetery This is accessed from the top of the castle the castle fell into the hands of the Poor Clares Convent The nuns would place the recently deceased on chairs while they prayed nearby. The chairs can still be seen today. For more information, check out our guide on how to visit Castello Aragonese d’Ischia The nearby city of Naples is the birthplace of the Neapolitan pizza so it goes without saying that sampling pizza is a must while on Ischia The pizza at Peccati di gola is so good that we actually decided to visit twice during our stay I would personally opt to get a piping hot margherita pizza to go and grab a beer to go alongside it some sit down restaurants around the Port of Ischia which are worth a mention include Porto51 and Ristorante O’ Pignattello we knew we didn’t want to dedicate too much time to the beach and so we skipped out on the lido clubs and transat filled beaches and instead opted to visit feee ones We visited the free beach of Spiaggia di San Montano which was mainly filled with Lidos but had a free beach to the left-hand side If there’s one travel tip I would give you for Ischia it would be to not rent a car on the island if you want your own transportation on the island then renting a scooter from one of the many rentals on the island is a fun way to get around- just be warned that it’s not for the faint of heart with all of the hairpin bends and Italian style of driving We rented a scooter as we wanted to experience a few of the off the beaten path and hidden gems of Ischia during our long weekend stay the bus service is fairly convenient and cheap at €1.60 per ticket though be warned that the buses most definitely run on Italian time You should also validate your ticket as soon as you get on the bus If you have rented your own scooter or moped to get around the island then you’ll soon find that there are plenty more options available to you when it comes to accommodation We personally stayed on the east side of the island and enjoyed breathtaking views of Castello Aragonese d’Ischia from the terrace directly in front of our bedroom Thanks to the fact that the island is quite small and compact it only takes 30 to 40 minutes to get from one side of the island to the other depending on whether you take the northern or southern island road (the southern is windier and takes a little longer) and depending on how much traffic there is Here are a few suggestions on where to stay: Enjoyed reading about how to spend 2 days in Ischia Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. I am going to Ischia in Sept ´24 and I am happy that I found your articles.I am a thermalwater -lover and plan to stay a week in Sant Angelo Going from Stockholm to Naples and then away for the island I started this site back in 2015 with one mission in mind: I wanted to create useful travel guides with a historical and cultural focus Today it has blossomed into my full time job and together with a small team of writers (including my husband and sister) we craft articles to help you travel better throughout Europe © 2015- 2025 Sophie Nadeau. Nadeau Pasquier LTD. All Rights Reserved. solosophie participates in various affiliate marketing programs. solosophie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Privacy Policy