Ischia
Ischia is the main centre on the island; so its name refers to the whole island. It has been qualified as “city” according to administrative criteria. It lies to the Northern side of the Island and has 17.000 inhabitants. Ischia consists of two main districts : Ischia Ponte ( “Ponte” means “ bridge” and it refers to the Bridge connecting the Castle’ s isle to the coast) and Ischia Porto ( “Porto” is the Harbour). The bridge was built in 1438 due to the Alfonso I d’Aragona ‘s will, in order to connect Ischia to the rock where rises the Castle, once called Castrum Jeronis from the name of the first fortress built by Gerone, regent of Siracusa.

Ischia Porto area developed since the XVIII century, and was called “Villa dei bagni” referring to its closeness to Lago del Bagno (a sort of lake originated from a crater dating back to the IV century b.C. Due to the King of The Two Sicilies, Ferdinando II Borbone ‘s will , the lake became the royal family ‘s summer resort. In 1854 the lake was connected to the sea , and so trasformed into a small harbour on the basis of which was built the Harbour as it can be observed today.

Surrondings have been greatly developing due to the presence of the harbour, so they originated the area called Ischia Porto. Nowadays Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte look like a sole modern town although some architectural differences can be noticed.

Ischia Ponte area has the most distinctive features: it is located at a few minutes walk from the Aragonese Castle, which represents one of the most popular attractions of the island , well known for its past glorious history.

Mineral and thermal springs
There are many mineral thermal springs on the island of Ischia, as a consequence there are different types of water which present different proprerties and have different therapeutic uses. There are 29 thermal basins in all, i.e. groups of homogeneus springs, 100 single water sources and 69 fumaroles or stoves. In the following texts are provided descriptions and locations of the main springs.

Thermal Treatments
Ischia is worlwide known because of its mild climate, its beautiful landscape and breath-taking panoramas and of the therapeutic proprerties of its spring water. The following article highlights the therapeutic features of thermal waters and their use in treating a series of diseases.

Thermal Gardens
Thermal parks or gardens represent one of the most loved tourist attraction of the island: they consist of a series of swimming pools, containing as well sea water and thermal water, facilities for bathing and for beauty treatments, tropical plants, refreshment points. They are usually located nearby the sea and the main beaches, from where it is possible to enjoy a spectacular view of the coast.

What they are?
The word “ thermal…” comes from the Latin “thermae”, which indicates a place, the baths, where it was possible to have a bath, to be entertained, to do physical exercise, to access a library; sometimes it indicates only the place where to have a bath in hot spring water.

Beaches
On the Northern Coast beaches are mainly sandy. By contrast on the Southern side, as a consequence of the past volcanic eruptions, there are cliffs and small rocky coves, except for the Maronti, the longest sandy beach of the Island, which extends over 2 miles on the Southern coast.

Cartaromana
Cartaromana is a sandy stretch of coastline, 300 mt long, not far away from the Castle. Thermal springs gush into the sea making the water hot in some points. Diving is allowed and recommended. Rocks called of Sant’Anna and Michelangelo ..

Citara
Citara beach is located in Forio nearby Punta Imperatore. It is known becuase of its sun catching position and limpid sea. Spring water gushes into the sea. Its name comes from Romans who consecrated the site to Venus Citarea,

Other Beaches
Lido D’Ischia: small sandy beaches, followed by rocks and pine-trees woods, very close to Ischia town centre. Sant’Angelo: the beach is located below the brigthtly coloured houses and the small lovely harbour.

Culture
The "Green Island" is not only the suitable destination for seaside holidays but also for its rich and diverse heritage. You will have the occasion to visit museums and art galleries and to experience popular traditions and festivals. To be mentioned: the archaeological remains, the Castle, the ancient churches, the parks, as well as events including: art exposistions, concerts, cinema reviews. There are as well many cultural associations involved in cultural heritage promotion.

Water Sports
Due to the presence of the sea and many swimming pools, water sports can be easily practised: swimming, diving, sailing, boat cruises, angling, canoeing, water motor biking.

Accomodation
On the island there are more than 400 different accomodating facilities: the offer highly diversificated can suit every holidays demand and every budget: there are big luxury hotels, as well as small family run hotels , B&B, self-catering apartments for renting , guest houses, camping facilities, farm-holiday houses.

Punta del Sole Forio d'Ischia
Central location, with a garden in the middle.In the centre of town, 1 km from the beach.
Hotel: Restaurant with aircodition, bar, swimming pool, thermal pool, solarium, private parking, 1 night a week with live music.
Rooms:70 rooms, all with private bathrooms, central heating,colour tv, mini bar, most rooms with balcony, extra for aircondition.
Food: Mediterian cooking, breakfast buffet, 3 choice dinner, salad buffet.
Therme and beauty: Thermal spring inside the hotel, beauty centre and gym.