ISCHIA AND AMALFI

I really didn’t know much about Ischia before I went there on an agent trip with Classic Collection holidays. At first I was unable to compare it with anywhere else I’d ever been to – in Roman times it was known as the ‘Land of Fire’, or ‘Terrifying Island’ thanks to it’s fiery volcanic landscape. Now things have calmed down and its volcanic fury evidenced only by the numerous thermal spas and fumeroles dotted around the island. The fertile volcanic land and rugged landscape also boasts beautiful lush greenery and palm trees throughout.

After spending a night at the Miramare Sea Resort and Spa in Sant Angelo, I realised the place I was in reminded me of a small Cornish fishing village with a rocky beach – pretty, quaint, and very, very relaxed. The thermal spas there are a real treat, offering numerous natural health benefits and are particularly good for your skin. 

Hotel Il Moresco was our next stop. A perfect example of one of the numerous influences on Ischia, (‘Moresco’ literally translates as ‘Moorish’), which you can see from the exterior of the hotel, with it’s stark white walls, blue shutters and black cast iron balconies. Based in the main resort,IschiaTown, this is an ideal spot to wander along the coast, take pictures of the beautiful Castello Aragonese, and sample the fresh seafood in the local restaurants. 

Ischia was combined with a night in Amalfi, and I was lucky enough to stay at the wonderful Hotel Santa Caterina. This hotel is traditional in style with beautiful views over theMediterranean. I found this hotel to be really very homely and comfortable. The only thing missing was time – I could have happily spent a few more days there in the garden terrace of our superior room, overlooking the sea with a good book. Amalfi and other resorts in this area are very busy and bustling during the summer months, but the hotels steeped along the coast offer a perfect hideaway from the crowds. 

My suggestion? Why not have 4 nights in Ischia for some relaxation, combined with 4 nights either inSorrentoor the Amalfi coast to soak up the tourist sites and stock up on Limoncello and Mozzarella!