The Brezinski Blog of Adventure: L'isola di Ischia

The island of Ischia is just 30 km off the coast of Napoli (in fact, we have a delightful view of the large island from our patio). It is one of the three volcanoes of Naples - the others being Vesuvio and Monte Nuovo... And one cannot forget the gigantic caldera that is the Campi Flegrei and the Solfatara! Ischia is world-renowned, particularly amongst the Germans, for being an island of thermal pools and volcanic soils, good for the skin and spirit. This past May I was fortunate enough to take the ferry to the island for a weekend at a thermal spa. Even though it is just off the coast, it couldn't be farther away in terms of its culture and feel. I loved it! Like going to a different world.

Ciao Napoli, e ciao Vesuvio!

This is the edge of Naples, a small area called Bacoli and Monte di Procida. Our house is somewhere on the hillsides to the left... Somewhere.

At the hotel.

May is such a lovely month in Italia.

All suited up and ready to relax at the spa!

Australian bottlebrush - these and other Aussie plants grow well here.

The main beach at Spa Negombo, the most famous of the Ischiian spas. The temperature was perfect at about 27 Celsius (about 80 F). Maybe not quite frolic-in-the-ocean warm, but warm enough.

Volcanic cliffsides.

The hotel and the start of the butterfly garden at Spa Negombo (and the entrance to the attached hotel).

One of my favorite pools at the spa. All of the various dozen-or-so pools consist of thermal volcanic water corralled into separate areas with certain benefits - temperature, mud content, salt content, etc. This one was bath-water warm and you could just sit under the spouts.

Outside of the spa at the small town of Lacco Ameno.

Lacco Ameno

Looking up from the street in Lacco Ameno towards the mountain/volcano top.

Small rock jutting from the surf. They call it "Funghi", or mushroom.

Just like Spring in San Diego.

Pier at Lacco Ameno

Funghi and un pescatore (fisherman).

I hitchhiked a ride from a guy at my hotel to get to the town of Forio just up the island. Probably could have walked, but this worked. This is the beach by Forio (a very hilly village).

I happened upon Forio at the same time as a bicycle race. Most of the roads were closed to traffic, which was great for me since I was walking everywhere.

A small church in Forio.

Sorrentine lemons at a small market in Forio (they are about the size of grapefruits).

Chiesa del Soccorso at the tip of Forio. This church is simple, quiet, at the edge of town, and serves as a prayerful place for the fishermen of the island. Lovely!