“AH, that’s more beautiful than Capri – and far less expensive,” my taxi driver grinned when I told him where I was heading.
That comment was right on the money.
We’d got a last-minute deal for Ischia’s 3-star Hotel Don Felipe, which has stunning views of the 15th-century Aragonese castle[/caption]
On arrival, the port’s colourful buildings will bring a smile to your face[/caption]
I was returning to Ischia, a magical Italian island in the Tyrrhenian Sea which is home to volcanic hot springs and lush greenery.
It has a welcome which keeps drawing me back.
The icing on the cake is that it is significantly more affordable than nearby Capri, where an espresso can cost nearly £7, and the notoriously expensive (and overcrowded) Amalfi Coast.
At this time of year, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 20Cs, return flights from UK hubs cost from £42 return to Naples airport.
From there, take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Beverello port.
The bus fare is €1.50 (£1.30), and catch a ferry to the island’s three main ports — Ischia, Casamicciola and Forio.
They take around an hour each way and cost from £29 return for a foot passenger.
On arrival, the port’s colourful buildings, friends sharing coffees at the water’s edge and water taxis ferrying tourists to secluded beaches instantly made me smile.
I’d got a last-minute deal for the 3* Hotel Don Felipe, which has stunning views of the 15th-century Aragonese castle.
My single room was £45.50 a night — a bargain given the hotel has a swimming pool and delightful staff.
Some visitors are no doubt attracted by the island’s role as the setting for Elena Ferrante’s novel My Brilliant Friend, and as a filming location for 1999’s The Talented Mr. Ripley, starring Matt Damon and Jude Law.
In general, this spot is a destination for Italians from other parts of the country who prefer to shun more touristy places.
But one thing all visitors must experience is aperitivo — the enjoyable ritual of a pre-dinner drink and snacks.
I was so full from the snacks, I decided to cancel my dinner reservation and ordered another spritz while marvelling at a fireworks display over the castle.
My favourite venue is the Ristorante Bar da Coco, at the foot of the Aragonese castle.
I paid £6 for an Aperol spritz which came with an entire tray of nibbles.
I was so full from the snacks, I decided to cancel my dinner reservation and ordered another spritz while marvelling at a fireworks display over the castle — a fairly common occurrence on the island to mark saints’ days.
When you do have an appetite, authentic Italian cuisine doesn’t break the bank here.
I’m fond of Pizzeria di Scala, where pizzas cost from £3.45 to take away or just a little more to eat inside the small, buzzy restaurant.
For gelato, my favourite is Ice Da Luciano, where a delicious scoop is just a couple of euros.
When you’ve had your fill, head to one of nearly 30 beaches, most with sandy shores and calm waters.
Maronti Beach is one of the most popular as well as the island’s longest, at 1.8miles. It has wonderfully clear seas — ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Skipping dinner in favour of fireworks, Saskia opted for an Aperol spritz, which came with an entire tray of nibbles[/caption]
From here, make sure to pay a visit to Sant’Angelo, a pretty village with whitewashed buildings and bright pink bougainvillea everywhere you turn. You’ll also want to head to the nearby Sorgeto hot springs.
Ischia is known for its volcanic activity which causes mineral-rich thermal springs to send heated bubbles to the sea’s surface and results in a hot tub-like effect.
Every time I’ve been to Ischia, Sorgeto is my last stop before returning to the hustle and bustle of Naples. It’s the place I always dream of going back to…
While plenty of spas do offer maintained pools at a cost, Sorgeto is entirely free and one of the most popular of the island’s natural springs.
Head down steps towards the picturesque cove and lounge in what is effectively a natural spa, with waters which massage the body and soothe aches and pains.
Every time I’ve been to Ischia, Sorgeto is my last stop before returning to the hustle and bustle of Naples.
It’s the place I always dream of going back to and one which sums up this special island perfectly — it is unique, quintessentially Italian, and a visit doesn’t have to break the bank.
GO: ISCHIA
GETTING THERE: Ryanair flies from Stansted to Naples from £42 return. See ryanair.com.
STAYING THERE: Double rooms at the 3H Hotel Don Felipe cost from £57 per night on a room-only basis. See booking.com
