ISCHIA itinerary ( what to do + spa + beaches + restaurants + where to stay ) 🌴☀️🏖️⭐

 ISCHIA itinerary ( what to do + spa + beaches + restaurants + where to stay ) 🌴☀️🏖️⭐

The Italian Paradise of Elena Ferrante ( my brilliant friend)

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- Posted by VISIT NAPLES AND AMALFI COAST TRAVEL TIPS

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How to get to Ischia from Naples by ferry : A short ferry ride from Naples

From Molo Beverello (naples)

From Calata Porta di Massa (Naples )

Regular ferries depart from Calata Porta di Massa, and hydrofoil ferries depart from Molo Beverello. There is about 1 kilometer between the two piers, which you can walk or take the free Alibus that connects the piers and airport.

Duration : 1 Hour

On line ticket (or on the spot) : https://www.ferryhopper.com/it/...

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Arriving via Naples Airport (Capodichino):

Napoli Capodichino is the nearest airport to Ischia. Here's how to get to the island after landing:

-Bus: The Alibus shuttle bus line from the airport stops at Molo Beverello and Porta di Massa. Tickets cost EUR 5 and can be purchased online or on board.

-Taxi: the taxi rank is directly outside the arrivals gate

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Arriving via Naples Train Station (STAZIONE CENTRALE)

-Metro: line 1, Municipio stop. Walk about 100 meters across Piazza Municipio towards to port.

-Taxi: the taxi rank is located outside the central station.

If you are driving and want to bring your car to the island, the most convenient port is Pozzuoli.
The ferry ride for high-speed ferries or hydrofoils is about 1 hour; regular ferries take 1.5 hours.

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TOP THINKS TO DO ON ISCHIA

If you're looking for things to do in Ischia, you won't be disappointed. Ischia is the largest island of those in the Gulf of Naples, with 6 municipalities and a wide range of attractions and activities. Bask on the beaches or indulge in a bit of culture, sample excellent food and wine and explore the hiking and biking trails, plus soak your cares away in one of the many hot springs. Here is our list of top things to do in Ischia for an unforgettable holiday.

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visit the Aragonese Castle

The Aragonese Castle is one of the most famous attractions on the island and a must-see when visiting Ischia. The castle dates back to the year 474 BC and is set just off the coast of the pretty village of Ischia Ponte, connected to the mainland by a thin stone isthmus built at the time of the Aragonese dynasty.

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-The Aragonese Castle is open daily all year round from 9:00 AM to sunset.
Tickets on the

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Spend a Day at the Spa ( NEGOMBO AND POSEIDON)

Ischia's hot springs are the main attraction on the island for most visitors. These hot springs are a byproduct of Ischia's geothermal activity, part of the larger Phlegraean Fields. Given the warm temperatures of Ischia's thermal baths, you can relax and take advantage of the curative properties of the natural mineral waters even in winter.

There are both full-service spas and free thermal baths on Ischia. The largest and most famous spa facilities are Negombo and Poseidon; natural springs are scattered around the island, open to public bathing for free. The island's spas include a wide range of services and amenities, including sun beds, towels, changing rooms, bathrooms, showers, snack bars, etc. that you will not find at the public hot springs, but you need to pay an entrance fee (and supplements for extra perks like massages and treatments).

1) Negombo

Address : Baia di, Via S. Montano, 80076 Lacco Ameno NA

Google link : https://g.co/kgs/3SnT3Z4

Website : https://negombo.it/

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Getting to Negombo

Negombo is located outside Lacco Ameno on Via San Montano.

Car and scooter: there is a large parking area at the spa entrance.
Bus: from Ischia Porto, take bus 1 and 2, from other towns take "la circolare destra" or "la circolare sinistra". The nearest stop is adjacent Hotel San Lorenzo about 500 meters from the spa. Keep a lookout for the stairs to use as a shortcut.
Taxi: you can also arrive by taxi and there are usually taxis lined up for the return trip outside the parking area. The fare from Ischia Porto to Negombo is around EUR 25.

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Negombo is located in the Bay of San Montano near Lacco Ameno. This huge thermal park offers a private beach and thermal waters at different temperatures, waterfalls, and volcanic caves for relaxing. Other highlights include thermal massaging shower heads, a Turkish bath, hydromassage with seawater, and a Kneipp bath with thermal water at 18°C and 38°C degrees, a true cure-all for the circulation of the legs. And, for a gourmet break, the park has six bars and restaurants.

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Info ABOUT NEGOMBO

Hours: 8:30 am to 7:00 pm
Seasonal opening: from 20 April to 6 October
Entrance: from EUR 50 (half day)

Multi-day packages and special discounts for children are available.

Included in the entrance fee: use of the 13 pool of varying types and temperatures, the steam room, the beach with sun loungers and umbrellas, deck chairs, changing rooms with lockers, and showers. There is a luggage check and you can rent robes and towels.

Swim caps are not required.
Children are welcome and can access the two sea-water pools and beach. Entrance to the thermal baths is allowed for those taller than 1.4 meters.
Pets are not allowed.
The park is open even when it rains.

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NEGOMBO Restaurants and Bars

There are a number of dining options inside Negombo, including cafès and restaurants serving lunch. We recommend La Casa Colonica, a trattoria with a colorful décor and a menu featuring delicious Neapolitan classics. For a lighter snack, try Bar Negombo the serves dishes based on the tomatoes grown in the nearby vegetable garden.

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The Waters (NEGOMBO)

The spring waters in Negombo are mineral (with a sediment of more than 1 gram/liter) and thermal (they come out of the ground at more than 40 degrees Celius), in addition to being saline-alkaline (rich in sodium chloride).

The thermal springs in Negombo are also slightly radioactive, as they contain Radon released from the rocks, which favors the absorption of the mineral salts and stimulates muscle tone.

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What areas can children use?

Children can enjoy the beach and swim in the two seawater swimming pools (one of which is heated in some months), and they can accompany their parents in all areas of the park. Children between 4 ft. 4 in. and 4 ft. 7 in. inches tall (1 to 1.4 meters) pay a reduced entrance fee. Children under 4 ft. 4 in. inches are free. Anyone taller than 4 ft., 7 in. (1.4 meters) pays the adult admission price and can use all the pools in the park.

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What other thermal baths are on the island?

In addition to Negombo, thermal baths include Poseidon in Forio, Terme Castiglione in Casamicciola, and Parco Termale Aphrodite Apollon in Sant'Angelo.

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2) Giardini Poseidon

Giardini Poseidon, located in Forio on the splendid Bay of Citara, is the largest thermal park in Ischia, with 20 swimming pools (3 of which are seawater) at temperatures between 28°C and 40°C. The park also boasts a spacious beach, three refreshment points, a spa, a steam grotto, and other areas dedicated to wellness.

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Poseidon

Address : Via Giovanni Mazzella, 87, 80075 Forio NA

Google link : https://g.co/kgs/jsQSTV8

Website : https://www.giardiniposeidonterme.com/

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Getting to Giardini Poseidon

Car or scooter: follow the signs to Forio and then for “Giardini Poseidon”: there is a large park with a guarded parking lot. Parking all day costs EUR 5 for cars and EUR 3 for scooters.
Bus: take the 2 bus to the final stop on the Bay of Citara, 100 meters from the entrance.
Taxi: the fare from Ischia Porto is around EUR 30.

From Naples: Poseidon Thermal Gardens Entry + Hydrofoil + Transfer

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The Giardini Poseidon spa is in the Bay of Citara, and with 20 thermal pools on six hectares of terraced grounds, it is the largest thermal spa on the island of Ischia.

INFO ABOUT POSEIDON

-Hours: 9 am to 7 pm

-Seasonal opening: from 14 April to 31 October

-Tickets: EUR 35

-Included in the entrance fee: access to 20 pools, the beach, the Japanese soaking tub, and the sauna, as well as use of the sun beds and deck chairs and showers. A deposit of EUR 5 must be left for the bracelet and you can rent towels and robes. You can also rent a private cabin to leave your belongings for EUR 7.

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-Children

-0-3 years: free

-4-11 year: EUR 17.50

-Children up to 12 cannot enter the thermal park, but can use the beach and the three sea-water swimming pools.

-Pets are not allowed

-Swim caps are required (sold at the spa).

-Multi-day packages are available.

-The park has a wheelchair-accessible path and some pools are accessible via lift.

-Booking ahead is not required.

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With 20 pools between 28 and 40 degrees, Poseidon is the largest spa on Ischia. It is also home to three sea-water pools, a steam grotto, a large sand beach, and a massage and treatment center. As opposed to Negombo, the Giardini Poseidon is largely flat, so a good choice for those who have trouble taking on stairs.

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Restaurants and Bars

Inside Giardini Poseidon, there are three restaurants:

Il Fauno: a full-service restaurants with hot and cold dishes, pasta, meat, and fish
Caffè a Mare, specialized in salads and juices
Grotta del Vino: bruschetta, cheeses, and cold cuts served with wine

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The Spring Waters

The waters at Giardini Poseidon are thermal hot springs with saline-bromine-iodine characteristics that are therapeutic for skeletal issues, arthritis, eczema, and skin issues.

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I only have one day: which one should I choose between Negombo and Poseidon?

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-The two parks are both very beautiful and if you have two days, it’s worth visiting both. To help you choose between the two, however, here are the pros and cons of both:

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-Pros Negombo: many shaded areas, beautiful greenery, free storage for luggage and personal items, wide choice of dining options, no swim cap required.

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-Cons Negombo: lots of stairs to access the different park areas

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-Pros Poseidon: the largest number of pools, impeccably clean, few stairs.

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-Cons Poseidon: limited options for dining, cap required, paid lockers , few shaded areas.

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-Keep in mind that children under 12 cannot enter the thermal area of Poseidon. Children may enter Negombo but not use the thermal pools. The beach and seawater pools are open to children at both parks.

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FREE HOT SPRING ON ISCHIA

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You can take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of Ischia’s thermal waters without staying in a spa hotel or purchasing a pass to an island thermal park. There are a number of free hot springs on the island that are open to the public.

Ischia’s most famous (and crowded!) free hot springs are on the Bay of Sorgeto, not far from Sant'Angelo. They can be reached by climbing about 250 steps from the edge of Panza to Forio or by taking a sea taxi from Sant'Angelo.

Another option for free hot springs and hot sand treatments on Ischia is on the Spiaggia delle Fumarole, where volcanic gases escaping from underground vents heat the sand and water. The Fumaroles are located at the end of the famous Maronti Beach in Sant’Angelo. They can be easily reached on foot in about 10 minutes, which makes them very crowded. On summer evenings, the beach is crowded with people dining on dishes they’ve cooked by wrapping the food in aluminum foil and burying them under hot sand. The Sorgente di Olmitello is another nearby free hot spring, known for the diuretic and curative properties of its mineral thermal waters for two millennia.

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RELAX ON THE ISLAND'S BEAUTIFUL BEACHES (THE BEST TEN)

No visit to Ischia is complete without spending some time on its beautiful beaches. The island has a wide range of beach clubs and free beaches, some bustling with visitors and others more remote and relaxed.

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Of the islands in the Bay of Naples, Ischia definitely has the most beautiful beaches. It is the only island with long stretches of sand, shallow water, and large cove, and is a much better choice if you are looking for easily-accessible beaches (especially if traveling with children) than Capri or the Amalfi Coast.

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Beach Club Prices

On Ischia, the average price for a day at a beach club with umbrellas and two beach chairs is between EUR 15 and 20 per person.

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The Bay of Citara - Forio

This bay has a long beach with fine white sand and crystalline water, and on clear days you can see the Pontine Islands on the horizon. There is sun all day here, and the best sunset views on the island. There is a free public area and a few beach clubs, including the chic area belonging to the Giardini Poseidon (hot spring spa). This is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on Ischia.

The beach is located near Forio and can be reached by bus, car, or scooter. There are a number of parking garages and lots in the area.

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Cava dell’Isola - Forio

You can reach this beach via a long flight of steps carved directly into the volcanic stone. This is a free public beach, popular among the younger set and groups of friends, as it is not recommended for families with young children as the water is deep and the sea floor rocky. There are two restaurants flanking the beach.

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San Francisco - Forio

This beach is set under the lava--stone cliffs of Punta Caruso, and there is a small free beach and a few beach clubs. The water here is pristine, and famous for its shades of blue and turquoise. Like all the beaches along Forio, there is sun here until dusk.

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La Scannella - Forio

This private beach club is set on the cove between Punta Imperatore and Monte di Panza, and is ideal for those who want to relax for the day in peace even in the most crowded weeks of August, as the umbrellas and chairs are reserved for guests and must be booked days in advance. There are pools of warm and cool water, private terraces, and crystalline sea. There isn't a beach, per se, but rocks along the coastline...not recommended for children. Entrance and an umbrella and lounger costs EUR 15. You must reach the beach via a flight of 260 steps that begin near Hotel San Leonard, or take a water taxi from Sant’Angelo.

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Spiaggia di San Montano - Lacco Ameno

This bay is located between Lacco Ameno and Forio, and is neck-and-neck with the Bay of Citara for the award for the island's most beautiful beach. A vast expanse of sand lined by the tropical vegetation of the Negombo hot springs, with plants and trees shipped in from Africa and Asia. Between the tropical flora and the Mediterranean Sea, this is one of the most unique spots along the island's coastline.

The beach has a public area (with showers and changing rooms) and a private beach club, part of the Parco Termale del Negombo hot springs. Prices for the beach club here are among the most expensive on the island: EUR 25 for an umbrella and two loungers. Entrance to the beach club is included in entrance to the Parco del Negombo, but from the beach you cannot enter the hot spring spa.

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I Maronti - Barano

Clocking in at 3 kilometers, the Maronti beach is the longest on the island and includes private beach clubs, stretches of free public beach, cafès, bars, and restaurants. There are a number of natural hot springs along the border of the beach.

Le Fumarole: this stretch of free public beach outside Sant’Angelo has steam vents that come up from underground, making spots of the beach hot enough to cook a food that is buried under the sand.
Olmitello: follow the trail (not very well maintained) that sets off from the Maronti beach to this natural spring that comes out of the tufa stone cliffsidef.f You can drink the water or take a soak for instant smooth skin.

Cavascura: this natural spring is about 300 meters from the beach, and you can find it by following the flow of hot spring water from the beach inland to the lava-stone cliffs in the hills where the water bubbles out. There is a tufa cave filled with spring vapors where you can take a natural sauna, and a spa with mud treatments, thermal pools, and massages.

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Cavagrado

The small Cavagrado beach is located in Succhivio, not far from the hamlet of Sant’Angelo, It's a small pebble beach set between two lava cliffs, and there are a few natural springs that bubble up from under the sea, making the water a relaxing warm temperature. You can reach the beach via a long flight of steps, but the effort is worth it as this beach is generally very quiet, has clear water, and an excellent restaurant where you can stop for lunch.

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CARTA ROMANA

Facing the Castello Aragonese on the rocks along Sant’ Anna, the Bay of Cartaromana is one of the most unique beaches on Ischia, though unfortunately is it slowly disappearing due to erosion. The area of free public beach is now very tiny, and it's easier to find a spot in one of the beach clubs or at a small hot spring spa like the Giardino dell’Eden, the Giardino delle Ninfee, or the Gardenia Mare. Thermal springs bubble up beneath the sea, and there are spots among the coastal rocks where there are natural thermal pools. There is no sun on this beach in the afternoon.

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LA SPIAGGIA DEI PESCATORI

This beach is located between Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte, and was once a harbor for local fishermen. Still today there are traditional colorful fishing boats along the shore near the free public beach and the beach clubs; there are a number of fish and seafood restaurants along the beach, as well. This is the perfect spot for a quick dip before taking the ferry back to the mainland, as it is located near the port.

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SPIAGGIA DEGLI INGLESI

The Spiaggia degli Inglesi (English Beach) is about 800 meters from the port on Ischia towards Casamicciola Terme, in the charming hamlet of Sant’Alessandro. You can get here on foot by taking the trail from Banchina Olimpica, the pier where ferries depart.

This is not a very crowded beach, as it has few services and faces north (there is only sun here at midday). That said, it's a great beach for families with small children as the water is shallow and the sea floor is not very steep.

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Can you swim in Ischia?

Ischia island is home to numerous beaches that are perfect for swimming, whether you are a skilled swimmer or not. In some areas, there are also free thermal springs, which allow you to swim in the warm waters for free. By joining a boat tour, or chartering a private boat, you can swim and snorkel in quiet coves and other spots that can only be reached from the sea. The water temperature is pleasant from the months of May - June until October.

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Are beaches in Ischia free?

The vast majority of Ischia's beaches are divided into two parts: an area equipped with bathing establishments, rental umbrellas and other paid services, and an area with completely free access, where it is possible to stay for free. Inside the main thermal parks of the island there are private beaches which can be accessed by paying the park ticket.

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Are there sharks in Ischia?

Sharks dangerous to humans are not normally found in the waters of Ischia, although sightings of ventresca and other moderately aggressive species very rarely occur. Instead, it is not uncommon to spot dolphins, striped dolphins or other species of cetaceans.

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Taste a Zingara

Make sure to snack on the most beloved street food on Ischia: a grilled sandwich known as a Zingara (or Gypsy) consisting of two slices of rustic bread stuffed with your choice of fillings and toasted.

This island version of a grilled cheese sandwich is one of the most common snacks on Ischia and comes with a wide choice of fillings, but the most common is buffalo mozzarella, tomato, prosciutto, and mayonnaise.

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Take a Walk in La Mortella Gardens

La Mortella Gardens offers a shady respite from the island's heat and crowds. This charming botanical garden was created in 1956 by Susanna Gyl, wife of the English composer William Walton. Spread over two levels, the park is home to thousands of Mediterranean and subtropical plants. La Mortella Gardens are located in the municipality of Forio near the San Francesco beach, and also hosts an open-air theater and areas for concerts and events.

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Visiting La Mortella Gardens

-Hours: the garden is open to the public from June to October on the following days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (the ticket office closes one hour before closing; we recommend that you double-check opening days and times before visiting)

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-Tickets: €12 for adults; €10 for children between 10 and 18 and seniors 70 and up; €7 for children from 6 to 11; free for children under 5.

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Discover the Legend of the Chiesa del Soccorso

Regardless of your religious beliefs, the atmosphere in this little church in Forio will charm you.

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The Legend of the Crucifix

The Church of Santa Maria del Soccorso, located on a panoramic spot with a splendid view of the sea, houses a wooden crucifix from the 1400s which, according to a popular legend, was found in the sea by some sailors. Stuck on the island by a storm, the sailors temporarily placed the statue in the church, but were not able to carry it back out once the storm passed. They finally decided to leave the crucifix on the island to protect all the boats that sail along the shores of ​​Ischia.

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In addition to its marvelous vies, the Chiesa del Soccorso is known for its large ex-voto collection placed in the church over the centuries by Ischia's fishermen as a sign of their particular devotion to this small maritime chapel.

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Climb Mount Epomeo

Monte Epomeo, the only true mountain on the island of Ischia, reaches a height of almost 800 meters above sea level. Climbing to its peak is one of the most spectacular things to do on Ischia, but you can also simply take a walk on its wooded slopes to enjoy the island's lush flora, which has given it the name "The Green Island".

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Walking and Hiking

Mount Epomeo has a number of walking and hiking paths of different lengths and varying degrees of difficulty. The easiest way to reach the peak is the path that starts from Fontana, with an altitude difference of about 400 meters and a total distance of three kilometers.

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Take a Trip to Procida

Procida is Ischia's smaller sister island, and the two have the same volcanic origin and nature. That said, they are very different in terms of size, vibe, and number of tourists. Procida is very small and its proximity to Ischia makes it a perfect destination for a day trip.

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ONE DAY ON PROCIDA

Procida and Ischia are connected by ferries that run daily all year round. Otherwise, you can opt for a boat tour to Procida or rent a boat (with or without a boat license) to explore the island on your own.

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A boat tour around the island of Ischia or to neighboring Capri is another great way to spend a day while visiting Ischia.

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Sample Ischian-Style Rabbit

Ischia's traditional cuisine is characterized by a mix of delicacies from the sea and the inland hills. One of its most classic dishes is coniglio all'ischitana, or Ischian-style rabbit, which is one of the top experiences during a visit to Ischia.

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The recipe includes traditional Mediterranean ingredients, including tomatoes, basil, garlic, and white wine. The rabbit is simmered in this aromatic mixture until it becomes tender, succulent, and very fragrant.

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Toast to Nestor's Cup

The Cup of Nestor is a small vase of great historical and archaeological importance. It has a small engraved text on the outside that is one of the most ancient examples of Greek alphabetic writing, dating back to the time of Homer.

The Cup is the most important artifact displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae inside Villa Arbusto, in the municipality of Lacco Ameno.

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-Visiting the Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae

Opening Hours:

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-From October to May: from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

From June to September: from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Closed on Mondays

Tickets: €5

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BEST RESTAURANTS ON ISCHIA

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Restaurant Da Bellezza

Address :Lungo Mare Colombo Cristoforo, 80077 Ischia

Google link : https://g.co/kgs/BJPNLKD

Tripadvisor link : https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g1201044...

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Restaurant Cantinando

Address : Via Monte della Misericordia, 81, 80074 Casamicciola Terme NA

Google link : https://g.co/kgs/2RvWVpi

Tripadvisor link :https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g580212...

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Restaurant Ciccio : https://g.co/kgs/nSb39kL

Address : Via Luigi Mazzella, 32, 80077 Ischia NA

Google link : https://g.co/kgs/nSb39kL

Tripadvisor link : https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g580214...

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Restaurant Cocò : https://g.co/kgs/njpHUcE

Address : Ponte Aragonese, 1, 80077 Ischia NA

Google link : https://g.co/kgs/3jZZJLq

Tripadvisor link : https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g580214...

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Restaurant zi Nannina a Mare

Address : Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo, 18, 80077 Ischia NA

Tripadvisor link : https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g580214...

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WHERE TO STAY ON ISCHIA

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Hotel Matarese

Address : Via Privata Margherita, 83, 80074 Casamicciola Terme NA

Google link : https://g.co/kgs/tVijdK8

Tripadvisor link : https://www.tripadvisor.it/Hotel_Review-g580212-d1817964...

Official website : https://www.hotelmatarese.it/it/

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Hotel Poggio del Sole 

Address : Via Baiola, 269, 80075 Forio NA

Tripadvisor link : https://www.tripadvisor.it/Hotel_Review-g580210-d551142-Reviews-Poggio_Del_Sole-Forio_Isola_d_Ischia_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html

Google link : https://g.co/kgs/aiq1YTi 

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My last TIPS

I suggest you being at Capodichino airport at least 3 hours before your plane's departure.

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