Report. Where the sea air and thermal water are the best recipe for relaxation. Thermal spa vacation on the Italian island of Ischia.
Everyone talks about celebrity hotspot Capri, but almost no one talks about Ischia. An error. Because the largest island in the Gulf of Naples is a real tip for those who love hot springs, flower gardens and the lightness of Italy. People always come here to recharge their batteries – on the fine sandy beach surrounded by dark volcanic rocks and steep green slopes or in the hotel pools, which are fed with their own thermal water.
There are 103 different springs spread across the island. The beneficial effects have been known since Greek times and thermal tourism on the island gained momentum in the Middle Ages: in 1588, a comprehensive treatise on the medical use of thermal water was published. Today, mud and water therapies are prescribed for, among other things, joint pain, rheumatism, ear, nose and throat and respiratory diseases. In each spa there is also an ordained doctor. Hotels have therapy rooms for physiotherapy, inhalation and mud packs.
Due to the island’s volcanic origin, the mud is rich in minerals and flows straight from the pipe onto the sun lounger at 45 degrees Celsius. The mud is said to improve the appearance of the skin and alleviate arthritis. The islanders swear by this and enjoy two weeks of relaxation with the help of hot springs before and after winter. In addition to medical treatments, guests can let themselves be pampered at the day spa and soak in the thermal water, which is heated to 32 degrees – ideally in a hotel closely linked to the island’s history.
Hotels with history
Around 120 years ago, Villa Excelsior was built in palatial style by a Scottish earl. Even today, a path leads from the terrace of the elegant boutique hotel, through the imposing park, to the sea. Immediately opposite, Il Moresco impresses with its idiosyncratic architecture. In 1952, architect Sandro Petti equipped the hotel with numerous round arches and bright red tiles. Around the same time, Regina Isabella was very popular among international actors. Today the rooms are a tribute to famous guests such as Sophie Loren. Even in the water, it exudes a certain elegance even on the beach. At night, typical island dishes, such as sea bream with lemon or rabbit with thyme, are served on the terrace overlooking the rocking boats. Pair with a local wine.
In addition to the hotel pools, the Poseidon Gardens are the perfect place for an outdoor thermal spa day. There are 20 different swimming pools with a wellness center, restaurants and private beach spread over approximately six hectares. Nothing seems artificial here, everything is harmoniously distributed on the terraces. In the garden itself there is a lot to discover among palm trees and colorful flowers: waterfalls, steam grotto, sauna, Kneipp installation, blue sea water and thermal water up to 40 degrees hot.
At the top of the castle
If wellness alone is too boring for you, you can stroll around the island from time to time. A practical base camp for this is the town of Casamicciola Terme. From here we go to the summit of Epomeo at 789 meters. The volcano is the highest mountain on the island and offers excellent panoramic views. Castello Aragonês is also located on an extinct volcano. The walk to the fortress is not that tiring – especially because there is a lot to discover along the way: from the crypt to the 12th century frescoes, to modern art and cafes. A film festival also takes place here every year.
At the foot of the fort you can walk comfortably along the seafront through the alleys with the colorful facades of the houses. Small fishing boats bring fresh fish, flowers are cared for with care in front of the houses, the locals meet on the street and talk. Everything seems to be as it always was. This stands out. “We are very hospitable, but we don’t want to change the island because of tourism”, says architect Alessandro Leonessa. And that’s exactly what makes Ischia so attractive.