At the northern end of the Gulf of Naples lies Ischia, a volcanic Italian island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The island is almost completely mountainous and has some great peaks, including Mount Epomeo which is the highest on the island reaching 2589 ft high. Many people go on Ischia villa holidays to see the island’s natural volcanic activity, which has resulted in some remarkable thermal hot springs and volcanic mud. As well as the mountains and spa resorts, Ischia is home to some beautiful sandy beaches where the crystal clear waters gently crash against the shores. Whether you are looking to enjoy this Italian island’s scenery with energetic outdoor activities or you want to relax on the beach or in the hot springs, renting an Ischia villa enables you to explore this attractive destination at your own pace.
The climate in Ischia is typically Mediterranean with mild winters and warm to hot summers that are filled with sunshine. There is usually not much rain in summer, except from the odd shower, with most rainfall occurring from November to January. Ischia villa holidays are an ideal choice during the months of April and October with spring and autumn offering pleasantly warm weather and the summer months of June, July and August providing long, hot days. Due to the island’s mountainous landscape, higher altitudes can provide a breeze and lower temperatures than those places at sea level and can often be a welcome break from the warm weather you may find surrounding Ischia villas.
One of the most popular towns on the island is the town of Forio, which has many attractions to please its tourists. Those who rent a villa in Ischia can explore sights such as the Villa La Colombaia, which is accessible to the public. Villa La Colombaia is surrounded by a beautiful park and the whole structure is dedicated to the director Luchino Visconti. Throughout the year cultural activities take place at the Ischia villa, such as music, theatre, art exhibitions and workshops. Elsewhere in the town, you can indulge yourself in the island’s famous hot springs. The Sorgeto Hot Springs and the Poseidon Gardens have a selection of relaxing bathing pools and at Sorgeto the hot water gushes out into the sea, giving you chance to bathe in the warm natural rock pools.
The largest town on the island is also named Ischia and it has two centres – Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte. The former is the commercial centre of the island and is named after its port from where most people access the island. The town is one of the busiest parts of Ischia due to the many people who pass through it and as such there are numerous bars and restaurants that line the harbour. Those on Ischia villa holidays close to Ischia Porto can enjoy the lively atmosphere in the piano bars at night, whilst during the day they can experience one of the many boat trips around the island that visit beaches and other sights. Ischia Ponte is the quieter of the two centres and is an enchanting seaside settlement with beaches all along its coastline. The Castello Aragonese (Aragonese Castle) dominates the island and is one of Ischia’s most visited monuments, especially with those who holiday in an Ischia villa.
On the island there are many gardens that have been landscaped beautifully which attract numerous visitors throughout the year. As well as the Villa La Colombaia which is located in Forio, there are many other villas in Ischia that have incredible gardens. The gardens of La Mortella are also situated in Forio and provide remarkable views over the town and harbour. Originally owned by the English Composer William Walton, the gardens are dedicated to his life and work. Both tropical and Mediterranean plants are grown in the gardens and are incredibly beautiful. There is also a recital room in the complex where many renowned artists perform regularly. Other gardens you may want to visit from your Ischia villa include those of Villa Ravino, which is a botanical garden also in the town of Forio.
There is so much to enjoy on the island that you will be spoilt for choice for things to do whether you rent a villa in Ischia for a short or long period. While there, you may want to indulge in many of the local, family run restaurants that offer you an authentic coastal Italian cuisine, with much seafood and pasta on the menu, as well as pizza of the famous Neapolitan variety.
