Ischia is the largest city of the island of the same name and a popular holiday resort. It is famous for its sandy beaches, thermal baths and numerous parks, and its most important monument is the Aragonese Castle standing on a rocky island.
The city has a long holiday tradition. Already in the 15th century, Alfons Aragoński built his summer castle here, which at the same time guarded the entrance to the main port of the island. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the rulers of the united Italy and their guests rested on the island, which influenced the perception of Ischia as a luxury place and attracting the national elite.
Ischia today is divided into two parts. The old Ischia Ponte, located above the coast, is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets with numerous historic houses, quiet villas surrounded by gardens and parks. In turn, Ischia Porto is an entertaining and noisy seaside resort with the Port of Ischia , a promenade and access to numerous beaches.
The most important attraction of Ischia is the Aragonese Castle . It rises majestically on an islet connected to the mainland by a 200-meter-long stone bridge. Within the castle there are, among others Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie , Church of San Pietro a Pantaniello , viewpoints, olive tree terrace and wine bar .
A large part of Ischia's coastline is covered by sandy beaches such as Fishermen 's Beach, San PietroBeach, La MandraBeach, EnglishBeach, San Pancrazio Beach and more. The Baths of Ischia are also a good place to relax, and on the coast you can see coastal caves, steep cliffs and fancy rock formations.
A popular hiking destination in Ischia are the local parks such as Park Ischitano and Park Pineta Mirtina . They allow you to take a break from the scorching sun, surrounded by greenery.
