Ischia

Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It lies at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, about 30km from the city of Naples in Italy. It is the largest of the Phlegrean Islands. It is almost entirely mountainous, the highest peak being Mount Epomeo at 788m.

The island's first castle was built on an islet off the east coast of the island in the 5th century BC. The islet was connected to Ischia by a stone bridge and in the 15th century AD and a new castle built. It is the island's most iconic attraction. The castle features incredible views of the cathedral with its stucco work open to the sky due to British bombing during World War II, the Nun's Cemetery, and a torture museum. The main castle is not open to the public, but there is still plenty to see.

A number of wealthy immigrants to the island built estates and gardens in and near the islands western city of Forio. Most famous is the garden of William Walton, the English composer. Known as La Mortella, the garden was designed by famed British landscape designer Russell Page.

The geothermal springs and volcanic mud that are featured at spa areas on the island have attracted visitors for centuries. Casamicciola Terme is perhaps Europe's oldest town featuring thermal baths, located on the island's north coast not far from the central peak, Mount Epomeo. It is also the island's centre of seismic activity. There are caves with natural steam, hot jets along the shore, and outdoor mud baths.

The island is surrounded by beaches, the most famous is Maronti Beach, which features thermal spas and Citara Beach, on the west coast near Foria, is adjacent to the Poseiden Garden Spa facility. Close to where cruise ship dock are the Pescatori and English Beaches.

The classic film "Cleopatra" was filmed on Ischia.

Shopping can be found at Via Roma, Corso Vittoria Colonna, or Borgo di Ischia Ponte, which is full of artisans, shops, restaurants and jewellers. Ceramics, sculptures and artwork are popular buys.

Specialities include 'coniglio all'ischitana' (local rabbit stewed in tomatoes, white wine, garlic and herbs), 'alici marinate' (marinated fresh anchovies), 'impeppata di cozze' (steamed mussels with pepper) and fish dishes such as tuna and swordfish. Try tasty pastries 'sfogliatelle napolitane', a shell shaped filo-pastry filled with ricotta cream or 'baba', a delicate sponge-cake soaked in rum.

Small cruise ships will dock in Ischia Porto, while larger vessels are likely to dock at Ischia Ponte near the Aragonese Castle.

Taxis are available and visitors should confirm the price with the taxi driver before getting into the taxi as most taxis do not run on a meter.

The public bus service connects the various urban centres of the island through frequent journeys, most of them having their terminus in the town of Ischia Porto close to the harbour. The fare for a single journey is around €2, with tickets purchasable in advance from newsstands, bars, travel agencies and tobacconists. Tickets cannot be purchased on board from the driver.