Isla di Ischia

The island of Ischia is right off the coast of Napoli. It is a beautiful island and very popular tourist destination for Italians and foreigners as well.

Unless you have your own boat, you will take the ferry from Napoli, or from Sorrento. From Napoli it is a little less than one hour on the passenger ferry. Cost per person each way is 20 Euro.

My first trip to Ischia was with girlfriends and we were strictly going for the sun and water activities. There are many termi on the island; thermal hot springs as a result from sitting on top of the Campi Flegrei formation Link to more info (similar to Yellowstone Park where all the geysers are). So we set out to check out the beaches, the termi and the swimming pool at the hotel which also had a couple pools from the natural hot springs. These termi are reputed to have many beneficial affects for arthritis and other bone and joint ailments. I found them to be relaxing and that was enough for me.

Read more about Ischia here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ischia

We left Friday morning on the 9:40am ferry. The water was smooth for the most part except the last 10 minutes or so. I was glad I was wearing the patch for motion sickness. The ferry was full of people since we are in the height of tourist season.

L-R Jenny, Carmel, Rosa waiting for the ferry

Carmela disembarking our ferry

From the port at Forio, we took a taxi to the Hotel Royal Palm. This is a very decent 3 1/2 star hotel where the room price includes what they call half board; your choice of two of the three meals a day. We chose breakfast and dinner, since we figured we would be out and about during the day and not at the hotel.

Hotel Terme Royal Palm

We explored the grounds a bit before checking in. Then it is off to the beach for the rest of the day. All along Ischia shore, as on the Amalfi coast, the beaches are mostly private and you pay an entrance fee to use the beach, the lounges, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms etc. It is really not a bad deal at all since they keep the properties very clean and have the best locations. There are some public (free) beaches but usually they are harder to get to, so with my knees, we always go for the easiest access.

I equipped myself with SPF 50 for the day and kept it on religiously. It was a totally relaxing day and when the temps reach 100,  the beach is the ONLY place to be! We were getting in the water about every 10 min.

L-R Rosa and Carmela on the beach

We all bought some items from the vendors who roam the beaches. I bought a very clever lounge cover with pockets on the side for your sunscreen, book, or whatever. I also bought a cover up with lots of bling. Carmela bought a really pretty green coverup.

Jenny

Carmela helping me in the waves and we both got knocked down!

Rosa and I got the 5 Euro massage from the wandering Chinese ladies but it was not that great. We drank lots of water in the heat and I still felt dehydrated at the end of the day. I am not used to the heat or the intense sun so I stayed under the umbrella while Rosa and Carmela tanned.

Caught in the act of a good nap!

We checked out the thermal pool at the hotel and did a quick dip in the regular pool which was cool enough to be really refreshing.

Our hotel is a popular spot for German tourists. Everything was translated first into German, then sometimes into English as well. We found out it is owned by a German millionaire. That explains it!

I vowed to speak Italian this entire weekend in order to start practicing what I study on the computer, and also because Carmela speaks no English. She had trouble understanding my American accent but we managed. I did revert to English at times when Rosa and I talked because I simply don't have enough Italian to converse beyond a very rudimentary level.

Divas leave the beach

Checking out the thermal pool at the hotel -- too hot!

After a full day of sun and water, we checked into our rooms, showered and dressed for dinner. The dinner at the hotel was acceptable -- not great but edible. I fear we all were really tired and after eating, went to bed by 10pm. We had every intention of heading to town to stroll around but couldn't do it.

From the hotel terrace overlooking the bay, Jenny and Rosa

Saturday we decided to go to the Poseidon Park. Link This is a very nice, large park of thermal pools, natural  steam caves, sauna and beautiful beaches. In addition they have lots of shaded areas to sit and relax, and a fully equipped spa. We started off on their beach for a little while. The shore dropped off suddenly a few feet out and I was afraid to go out very far with these bad knees. I might never get back up!

Mascot Poseidon in modern day mosaic

Wide angle view of the Poseidon park

Rosa on the cliff where the steam cave is

We did the thermal pool circuit, a series of swimming pools filled with the natural hot springs and in increasing temperatures. Then we had massages, and spent the rest of the day at the "cool" pool simply enjoying.

Rock formations on the cliffs

Carmela cooling off 

Sauna and whirlpool 

Lots of nice shaded areas as well

I am really picky about public pools and locker rooms and I won't go in if they don't look clean. I expect the grounds and pool deck to be clean as well. Well, I am happy to report that Poseidon gets an A+ for cleanliness. Everyone wears swim caps in the pools, there are showers to rinse off before getting into each pool (and people use them) and there are foot cleaning entrances to each pool. While they sell food and drinks there, the areas for that are away from the immediate pool areas so I didn't see food litter either.

Saturday night after we ate at the hotel, we went into Forio, the port town where we arrived. It is a neat little town perched on a hill. The shops and cafes are open until 1am in the summer. We met some friends from work there for a coffee at one bar. There were lots of shopping opportunities, but again, after a full day of swimming, sun and water, we were all pretty tired. Back to the hotel and in bed by midnight.

Carmela at the shops in Forio

Too bad we didn't have more time to shop!

Sunday we spent the day at the hotel pool. I was not in the mood for anymore thermal pools; it was simply too hot outside to enjoy them. Come September or October when the weather cools off a bit, then they will feel really good.

Jenny staying cool

We caught the 4:50 ferry returning to Napoli. I didn't want to leave! It was too relaxing! This is definitely a place to return for another trip, maybe 4 days instead of 3 and next time do an excursion around the island as well.