The 7 Wonders of Ischia

This world-renowned vacation mecca has many attributes that make it so beautiful. When you hear about Ischia you automatically associate it with authentic hotels, dreamy beaches, soothing thermal spas and welcoming locals. Besides the fact that everything screams relaxation, the island of Ischia has some attractions that are real hidden gems.

Castello Aragonese – When you first see the castle, your internal time clock sets back to the Middle Ages. The castle was the setting of many crucial battles and events that took place in the courtyards and is now the symbol of the island of Ischia. The current design dates back to the Renaissance age, making the scene regal and elegant. The cathedrals, frescoed catacombs, arches and chambers are all traces of history that are worth the trip. Boat tours are available to view the castle from the sea, in a perfect area to swim and snorkel. Transfers are also available to Ischia Ponte, the area of town located just below the castle. It is one of the most beautiful parts of the city and will exceed your expectations.

La Mortella – Villa La Mortella contains everything you need to see that represents Ischia in one day. It is home to a lush botanical garden, a museum and an outdoor theatre. It is divided into two areas: the Valley, with its wet and shaded microclimate, and the Hill, which is sunny, bright and populated with Mediterranean plants. You can see many of these plants around the island while enjoying boat excursions. It is the best way to enjoy the views that the island has to offer with the option to cool off with a swim. The gardens are open only on certain days of the week, so it is best to plan your visit ahead of time.

La Colombaia – This historic villa used to be the residence of film director Luchino Visconti and is located in the heart of Zaro, close to Forio. This location provides stunning sea views and is declared a site of cultural interest. The villa also houses the famous “Cafè Letterario” (Literary Cafè), which displays a permanent exhibition of pictures of Luchino Visconti’s family, theatrical performances and films. During the summer, the villa hosts events in a natural amphitheatre surrounded by lush Mediterranean trees and plants.

Villa Arbusto – Also known as the Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae, this museum shows the history of the island of Ischia from Prehistory to the Roman age in eight exhibition halls. You will find ceramics, ancient artefacts and other items that were typically found in the village of Pithecusae, the oldest and most ancient Greek colony in the Tyrrhenian Sea. This colony played a great role in the birth of Magna Graecia and in the spread of alphabetic writing. The museum is located in the centre of Lacco Ameno, which houses many beautiful and luxurious hotels. Most of these hotels are supplied with docks and ports that can be reached by boat tours and boat transfers. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday with public access in the afternoon.

Museo Diocesano – The Diocesan Museum of Ischia is divided into two sections. The first section is dedicated to religious art and displays marble sculptures, paintings and silver artefacts coming from the churches of the Diocese. The archaeological section is part of the Santa Restituta Basilica complex in Lacco Ameno. This museum perfectly depicts how life was during the Middle Ages and is an intimate, fascinating stop for history lovers.

Giardini Ravino – The Ravino Garden is a tropical–Mediterranean botanical garden that houses one of the largest and most diverse succulent plant collections in Europe. The green, winding paths of the park take you on a tour of stunning views and rare specimens. This open-air collection is cared for by Giuseppe D’Ambra, who has a great passion for these plants. It is located in Forio d’Ischia, which is also easy to tour with a boat rental. The garden is open to the public five days a week from morning to sunset.

Il Torrione – Il Torrione is the largest tower in Forio. Thanks to its excellent preservation, for many years it has been regarded as the best of the towers that formed the medieval defensive system of the island. The municipal authorities financed its construction to defend the town of Forio, which was highly exposed to pirate attacks and other invasions from the sea. Today Forio is one of the most authentic areas of Ischia and a must-see for first-time visitors, with sunsets, churches and narrow streets that are perfect to explore after a day at sea.