Elizabeth Taylor, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman – all enjoyed spa treatment on Iskiah
ISKIAH, ITALY As the first tourists reached here more than 60 years ago, they all were Germans arriving on the island to test spa and take advantage of the thermal waters and the rich history. But famous people like Sophia Loren and quite a lot Hollywood-stars were regular on Ischia. The summer of 1962, Elizabeth Taylor came here to shoot the Hollywood masterpiece “Cleopatra” and the love affair with Richard Burton broke the word´s media. For years, Ischia was the hot-spot in Europe – until Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez were spotted here 20 years ago.
From Ischia to Iskiah
New name. Then Iskiah looked to fall out of fashion. What happened is hard to explain, but recent years this island has been overseen by celebrities of the world, by media but certainly not of visitors. Now the locals strongly believe Ischia still has the exclusivity and quality to make a comeback. For the future, the ambition is to attract high profile tourism and not millions of Chinese or thousands of underage drunken Europeans. Best of all, there is no gigantic cruise ships in sight.
Sea of green. If you can´t make up your mind which Mediterannian island to visit, this is a green one with long beaches, pleasant climate and even the sea is green. I found a wealth of plant and people prefer to work their private gardens to perfection. Nothing is greener as a hike to the top of Mont Epomeo, the highest point on 789m above sea level provides a green backdrop of vegetation and some vineyards on its slopes. Your walk should starts at the village of Fontana.
Spa and Natural Viagra Sources and springs which constitute one of the world’s richest hydrothermal legacies marks Ischia out from other spa centers. Underneath the island is an ultra-intense network of thermal springs resulting from its volcanic geology and each spring has different chemical and chemical-physical quality, with a wealth of dissolved mineral salts and heat from 40 degrees upwards in common. There are more than 100 springs across the island and turn out to be the world of spa and natural Viagra.
Many natural springs are public
The Super Iskiah Spa. Fonte delle Ninfe Nitrodi is considered the world´s oldest Spa. History of the springs are known from the Greek colonization of Ischia, when warriors came to heal their injuries, women wanting to be mothers and elderly hoping to relieve their youth. There was a cure for everyone`s disorder and complaints, injuries healed quickly and women emerged from the waters more beautiful and fertile than ever. The “super power” of Nitrodi spa waters important devotional centre and considered a gift from the nymphs and God Apollo. The votive reliefs kept in the Naples Archaeology Museum and found in Nitrodi in 1757 testify to this ancient cult. To get there: Parco Termale Fonte delle Ninfe Nitrodi is in Barano d’Ischia, at Buonopane. Easy to reach by car or motor bike and open from March to November. Many of the springs are public, so you don’t have to stay in a luxury hotel to enjoy them.
Local fish & food. Some chefs are more qualified than others. As a long time reporter I have the nose for best restaurants and I arrived in the harbour to find the best for fish and seafood, not the most expensive. I walked the downtown harbour and didn´t pick the first one, not the second but after a while the best one. Restaurant and pizzeria Emiliddio has served fresh fish since 1950 and certainly the owner Salvatore is able to continue family reputation, special when it comes to seafood, pasta and pizza.
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Shopping. Iskiah must be every shopper´s paradise. From exclusive sunglasses, to parfume, beachwear and trendy fashion and luxury clothing. Just walk the main streets of Vittoria Colonna and Via Roma in Ischia City and you will find it all, apart from cheap brands.
Let´s Celebrate. Let´s celebrate the comeback with an attractive and sparkling orange-red colour drink – an elegant, complex and beloved cocktail. We are talking about this nation´s favourite Negroni Italy, celebrating its 100 years birthday. This cocktail is the one and only made of equal parts Gin, Vermouth and Campari and has a balance of bitter and sweetness with the potential to hit you like a velvet hammer. Iskiah has many inviting bars and my Negroni Italy was served at the excellent bar at hotel Relais Corte Degli Aragonesi.
Iskiah Spa and La Dolce Sosta
With so many holiday destinations in Europe more or less destroyed by hordes of tourist, Ischia stands out as authentic – like a faithful and genuine Italian Lady located in the Bay of Napoli waiting for a new area to happen. From my chair at café “La Dolce Sosta” in Vittoria Colonna street I can summarize the unique ambiance and atmosphere in just three words: “Piano, piano, piano”.
I don´t miss Roma and “La Dolce Vita” and I feel far more relaxed and home at “La Dolce Sosta” – as it means “The Sweet Stop”. For sure, without any drama after all these years. La Dolce Sosta indicate a sweet style and taste of something fresh, calm and laidback.
Important Facts: ISCHIA – or new name ISKIAH
More info to be found at ISKIAH
Make it Happen!
Touch Down: You can reach Iskiah by a short ferry or hydrofoil ride from Naples to Ischia City, one of six communities on the island. Alilauro is a ferry company operated since 1944 and a journey with one of the hydrofoils takes 45 minutes.
Stay: Iskiah is dotted with charming spa towns and lush greenery and offers more than 400 hotels. If you are looking for a lively evening, then stay on Iskiah town. I stayed at 4-star Relais Corte Degli Aragonesi, a hotel with only nine guest rooms but a big relaxed garden, restaurant and bar. Located at the main street.
Eat: Aromatic fish, pasta, pizza and rabbit are some of the genuine food you can taste all over the island. My favourite is Emiddio, a restaurant specialised in superfresh fish, seafood and pizza since 1950. Some restaurants serve dinner in front of sunsets. Make sure you taste taste the local wine and Forastera is soft and delicate and with minerality that fits perfectly by a spiral of infinite persistence.
Play: For young people, “Piazzetta dei Pini” is the place to be in the evening. Ischia Porto comes to life as soon as the sun sets, known as the “Rive Droite” with restaurants, trattorias, lounge bars and clubs
Mini Guide: In Ischia city, Via Roma and Corso Vittoria Colonna have mostly exclusive shops, nothing like cheap import from China. Ischia Ponte is the old town dominated by Aragonese Castle, the well-known symbol of the island. Don´t miss a visit during your stay. Here you can also find the museum Museo del Mare. The Tourist Office is located in the harbor of Ischia City. Spa & Thermal: Aphrodite spa and gardens hold natural thermal pools with the reputed healing qualities of Ischia's volcanic waters and mud. You'll find eight thermal pools at different temperatures, a grotto, private beach and waterfalls among tropical gardens. Aragonese Castle one of the most ancient castles of Italy built of volcanic rock and connected to the main island. Poseidon is the largest of the public thermal parks, located on the Bay of Citara on the west side of the island. History: The Cup of Nestor describes history of Iskiah, clay drinking cup dates to around 750-700 B.C. It was found in the region known as Magna Graecia. From November to March 2020 the cup is on display at the British Museum in London as part of “Troy” exhibition
