Postcards from Ischia

The colors of Ischia make you feel happy and energized.

Easy-going atmosphere, long sandy beaches and hot springs – a perfect recipe for a relaxing holiday. Italy is full of amazing paradise islands and beaches and one of them is a volcanic island called Ischia. The island is located by the Tyrrhenian Sea, only 20 kilometers ferry trip away from Napoli.

For me Rome is the perfect place to live also because it is located in the middle of Italy. It is easy and affordable to travel to amazing locations by train. For example from Rome the fastest train takes three hours to Milano and one hour and 15 minutes to Firenze or Napoli. From Napoli you can get to amazing paradise destinations like Ischia, Capri or Sorrento by taking a ferry that costs about 20 euros and takes one hour or less. And Amalfi Coast is not far either.

This time I was in need of a heavy dose of Vitamin Sea, so I chose to have my vacation in Ischia.

My favorite thing to do on holiday is just walking around, sit in cafés and restaurants, take some photos and talk with the locals. I did not rush to see the sightseeings, I just simply wanted to walk around and swim in the ocean. So, I do not have the material to do a proper travel guide about Ischia. Instead, I am sending you some beautiful postcards from the island.

Laundryday.

In Ischia lives permanently about 50 000, and in summertime about 200 000 people.

Beautiful little streets to enjoy aperitivo and dinners, lot´s of boutiques to shop… There is something for everyone in Ischia.

Quick stop to enjoy some local snacks.

My beautiful little friend.

Spa moments in nature´s hot springs

Ischia is a volcanic island, which is a bit scary, because people in Ischia live every day in the danger of earthquakes and volcanic eruption. Because the island is volcanic, it is full of hot springs, thermal spa´s and even some natural saunas.

Spa-moments are one of my favorite ways to relax, but I had never been to a hot spring before, so I was very excited to try. I chose to go to the most popular one, Sorgeto Bay, because all the locals love it too.

And mamma mia…

Sorgeto Bay.

You can get to Sorgeto Bay by boat, water taxi or by bus + long sweaty walk.

I have been to luxury spa´s but I swear nothing can beat nature´s own hot spring -spa.

Some spots in the shallow water are so hot you can boil potatoes in it.

Dipping into the Tyrrhenian Sea

And what about the beach life?

Oh well. There are so many beaches around the island that it is impossible to see even half of them during one vacation. I recommend choosing the attractions and beaches you want to see before visiting. Distances in the montainous island are long. From another side of the island to the another can take one hour by car.

Quick tip! If you don´t rent a car, try to use busses as much as possible. 45 min trip by tourist-taxi can cost 50 euros, but by bus it costs 1,50 euros…

I chose to go to the Marronti Beach, which is three kilometers long sandy beach in Ischia.

Locals enjoying summer near the Aragonese Castle.

This is how much I love the sea. :)

The perfect Aperol Sprits -moment at Maronti Beach.

Text & photos by Hertta Hiltunen