Ischia

Ischia, the largest island in the Bay of Naples, is part of the beautiful archipelago Flegreo together with Procida and Vivara islands. In the past, the local economy was mainly based on fishing and agriculture, but in the Fifties the situation changed dramatically since the area became one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Italy. Ischia offers its tourists marvellous beaches of golden sand, crystal-clear waters, a magnificent sea landscape, together with the unspoilt beauty of its nature made up of chestnut trees, brooms, orchids, windflowers and cyclamens. This unique natural landscape attracts many visitors and tourists from all over the world who can choose among a wide selection of accommodation facilities. Ischia is also famous for its hot springs which have became part of the National Health System: according to a study, 70% of Ischia's hotels and guest-houses are equipped with spa centres. The number of thermal spas on the islands makes it particularly popular with tourists seeking "wellness" holidays. Among the main artistic and architectural attractions of the island there are the magnificent Castello, the beautiful Cattedrale, the ancient Ponte Aragonese (Aragonese Bridge), the marvellous Villa La Colombaia and the Torre di Guevara (Guevara Tower). Among the main cultural events there is "VinIschia: vino, mare e fantasia" (an event entirely dedicated to wine and food), the Festival Internazionale degli strumenti a Pizzico Santa Palma (music festival), the historical costume parade during the Festa di S. Alessandro and the International film festival Luchino Visconti.