ABOUT ISCHIA....
Ischia is the largest of the Phlegrean islands in the Gulf
of Naples and has a privileged geographical position. The beautiful landscapes
and beaches, the luxuriant pine woods, vineyards, chestnut and citrus groves have
made it famous as "the green island".
The island has 44,000 inhabitants and is divided into six communities: Barano
d'Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Forio, Ischia, Lacco Ameno and Serrara Fontana,
all well known holiday resorts which not only offer sea-bathing, thermal cures
and pleasant walks up to the peak of Mount Epomeo (790m), but also the most comfortable
hotel accomodation and modern sport facilities.
Founded by colonists from Eubea with the name of Pithecusa, Ischia has been the
oldest Greek colony in the Western Mediterranean (8th century B.C.), as proved
by the archaeological finds of the necropolis in Lacco Ameno. Ancient rock-dwellings,
millstones and caves are the remains of a rural architecture which testify to
a very old rustic culture, now in extinction. The island has kept many of its
religious rites and folklore of the fishermen and peasants.
The hot springs of Ischia are renowned since ancient times. They are already mentioned
by Homer in the Iliad and by Vergil in the Aeneid, as also by Pliny and Strabo.
There are approximately 70 establishments, most of which are in the hotels themselves;
all have specialized medical assistance.
There are many restaurants, night-clubs
and tavernas available to the tourist who may also attend to performances of classical
music, theater, ballet and folklore entertaiments.
Worth while a visit are the Aragon Castle, the Museum of Lacco Ameno, the Geophysical
Observatory at Casamicciola, the Maltese Museum at Forio, the Towers of Campagnano
and the hermitage on the mount Epomeo.
To know how to get to Ischia click here .
Climate
Ischia is sunny. Average temperatures range
from 7C to 14C (January) and from 14C to 30C (July). In April the climate is
usually warm; the average daytime temperature is 18-20C.
Currency
Currency in Italy is EURO. The exchange
rate is 1 USD = 0.788 EUR (January 22, 2004).
