Ischia, Capri, Procida and Vivara: these are the partenopean island in the bay of Naples. To the north of the gulf are situated Ischia, Procida and Vivara, looking toward the "Flegrea"coast (and "Flegree" is their name), while in the sotuh of the gulf, opposite to the Sorrento peninsula, lays Capri. The "flegree" islands are different from Capri both for their position and for their different geological origins.

Ischia is the largest island with her 47 square kilometers, followed by Capri with an extension little more then 10 square kilometers and Procida which is about 3 square kilometers. Procida is linked to the small island of Vivara which is a wonderful natural reserve. The island shows a compact rounded shape (look at the small map) with a varied morphology. Dominated by the Monte Epomeo (789 mt asl) shows many other reliefs and hills, often separated by valleys and gullies that create a suggestive and sinuous landscape.

The island 's periplus is about 39 km and its coasts are low on the sea -level, to the North, with small sized beaches; and more various to the south , where followed indentention and promontories , bays and little creeks , some of these reached only by the sea way. Ischia's climate has the dry heat typical of the Mediterranean. There is an annual rainfall of about 985mm. The orographical conformation of the island means that some areas get more rain than others; there is more rainfall in the north east.

The moderate height of Epomeo is not sufficient to obstruct the free passage of air currents, so it only affects the rising winds coming from the sea onto the island, while the process of condensation reaches its full potential right above the island itself. The cloud and vapour carrier winds are Mediterranean ones, namely the scirocco (south-easterly) and libeccio (south-westerly), which are common in the spring.

Six are the communes of the island: Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Serrara Fontana and Barano, with about 50.000 inhabitants. Ischia is the most important. Into the harbour area is the trading part of the town and another important area is that one around the "Castello Aragonese" which is called "Ischia Ponte", a picturesque ancient fisher's village. The evocative Ischia's harbour was originally the crater of a volcanonow extinct and sunk which originated a lake.

At 5 mls from E to W and 3¾ mls N to S, Ischia is a larger island than Capri, has better beaches, is more cultivated (particularly vines and olives) and boasts a greater variety of scenery. It also attracts a different clientele, owing to numerous thermal springs which the hotels exploit by offering beauty courses and treatments for rheumatism and arthritis. The bulk of accommodation is found along the N and W coasts, with most spread in and around Ischia Town, to the E of the harbour. Ischia Town itself stretches for 2½ mls across flat land from the ferry harbour (Ischia Porto) to an impressive 15th-century castle, joined to the island by a causeway called Ischia Ponte. Between these 2 points is a rather nondescript residential area with undistinguished shops, numerous bars, varied restaurants and a fairly narrow but sandy beach. To the W of Ischia Town, fishing villages such as Casamicciola Terme, Lacco Ameno and Forio offer alternative beaches, accommodation and activities on a smaller scale. Originally settled by the ancient Greeks, the island has its own complement of historic sites from various periods and interesting archaeological remains.

Mainly middlemarket families and couples wanting less crowded beaches and less pretentious surroundings than Capri. The island's more distant location (and consequently more expensive ferry crossings) means it does not suffer as much as Capri from hordes of day-trippers. German seniors "taking the waters" are the most numerous visitors (around 80% in August); Italians come to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and limpid sea.

A broad blend of small- to medium-sized hotels and converted villas, several providing their own leisure facilities with thermal treatments. Several hotels have taken advantage of the temperate climate to create extensive gardens with exotic plants, especially remarkable types of cacti.

Good choice of long, golden sandy beaches along the N and W coasts. Slightly narrower and darker E of Ischia Town's harbour, and densely packed with deck chairs and parasol concessions. Varied water sports include water-skiing, paragliding, boating and snorkelling; pedallo hire.

Mainly given over to mundane tourist tat and souvenirs, including ceramic ware.

Daytime: country walks and hiking; beach and water sports; several thermal spas offering mud baths, mineral-rich pools and a range of health and beauty treatments; archaeological museum and the Aragonese castle at Ischia Ponte. Nightlife: liveliest at Ischia Town, with a disco, a few bars and plenty of cafes and restaurants.

Plenty of informal, small restaurants serving traditional pasta, abundant locally caught fish and seafood and a variety of pizzas - including the genuine "Neapolitan", originally created in the region. The local white and red wines are drinkable or try the popular lemon liqueur "Limoncello".

Regular buses through town from Ischia Porto to Ischia Ponte; buses also run from the harbour to Ischia Town and along the N coast to Casamicciola Terme, Lacco Ameno and Forio on the W coast. Regular car-carrying ferries and fast hydrofoils to and from Naples and Sorrento; less frequent direct services to Capri. Plenty of metered taxis. Car and scooter hire.

Exploring the island, taking in secluded bays, ancient rock dwellings, archaeological sites (particularly around Lacco Ameno) and traditional inland villages; hiking up Mt Epomeo, the highest point on the island, from the village of Fontana; boat trips to Sorrento, Naples and the island of Capri.

On the edge of the Tyrrhenian Sea, guarding the W approach to the Bay of Naples, about a third of the way up the boot of Italy. 6½ mls off the mainland coast. 17 mls NW of the island of Capri. 156 mls SE of Rome. 19 mls by ferry or hydrofoil from Naples and its airport.

A mountainous but verdant island of extinct volcanoes, with a rugged coastline broken by numerous sandy bays; the highest point is just under 2,500 ft.

Post Code: 80077
Website: www.ischiaonline.it/tourism

Airport : Capodichino
Airport Code: NAP
Flight time from ther U.K.: 2 hrs. 30 mins