- 1
Chiesa del Soccorso
Our tour to discover Ischia begins. As soon as we depart from the port of Forio, you'll witness our first beautiful sight: 'The Church of Soccorso'.
Perched overlooking the sea, its white plaster gleams against the blue sky. The Chiesa del Soccorso is not only a popular tourist destination beloved by visitors to Ischia and its surroundings, but it also represents the religious and cultural emblem of a community deeply connected to the sea. The church's structure itself reflects this strong maritime influence.
The original facade of the Chiesa del Soccorso showcased a rich blend of styles, from Gothic to Renaissance, with Baroque influences. The interior features a nave with three chapels and a basilica plan, incorporating various vault types, from barrel to cross vaults. A small Gothic bell tower is situated on the left side of the structure.
Another notable feature is the 'Cristo di Legno' (Wooden Christ).
· Non-stop passage
- 2
Spiaggia di Citara
We arrive at our first stop, the 'Baia di Citara', where we will serve delicious bruschetta made with Ischian tomatoes and basil, accompanied by local wine.
Numerous legends contribute to the allure of Citara Bay, making it a captivating place. Local farmers have passed down tales of myths from ancient times. The bay's name itself is thought to derive from Venus Citarea, and a legend tells of a prodigy who created the bay and its baths from the goddess's tears shed for her lost beloved, Adonis. Another version attributes the bay's flooding to the tears of Typhon, shed in joy upon receiving Jupiter's forgiveness.
Beyond the bay's marine features, the 'Pietra della Nave' (Ship Rock) is said to be Ulysses' galley, gifted by Alcinous, King of the Phaeacians, for his journey back to Ithaca.
· 20 min
- 3
Belvedere Punta Imperatore
We are now in Forio, facing the open sea, where waves crash powerfully against the rocks. From the mountaintop, we can observe the Punta Imperatore lighthouse.
The view from Punta Imperatore is among the most breathtaking globally. We can only imagine the life of Lucia Capuano, history's first female lighthouse keeper, who served here starting in the 1930s.
Lucia Capuano took over from her husband, Francesco, known as 'a'lanterna', the original lighthouse keeper who tragically died at his post. At just 30 years old with seven children, Lucia bravely stepped into his role during the war years, refusing to abandon the lighthouse that had claimed her husband's life.
Lucia Capuano's story is one of female emancipation, particularly remarkable in an era when women were primarily expected to be mothers and homemakers.
· Non-stop passage
- 4
Baia di Sorgeto
Continuing our navigation, we will have the opportunity to view the 'Sorgeto' bay up close.
The Bay of Sorgeto is a small inlet nestled between rocky cliffs overlooking the sea. Beyond its rare beauty, it is renowned as a natural thermal park, accessible 24 hours a day, year-round.
Here, underground volcanic activity causes thermal waters to emerge from the seabed at approximately 90°C. These waters naturally mix with the seawater, creating the same precious blend of thermal and seawater typically achieved artificially in thalassotherapy centers.
Consequently, in the Bay of Sorgeto, despite being in the open sea, you can experience the same therapeutic effects as bathing in a large thermal park pool. The bay is well-sheltered from winds, allowing for peaceful, sun-drenched swims for most of the day.
· Non-stop passage
- 5
Sentiero Serrara Fontana a Sant’Angelo
Our navigation continues with many surprises along the beautiful Sant'Angelo, where we will make another stop for a swim.
Sant'Angelo is perhaps the most picturesque and famous village on Ischia. It is not a separate municipality but rather the seaside fraction of Serrara Fontana, located on the island's southern side.
The village of Sant'Angelo, with its tuff islet known as 'la Torre' (the Tower), is one of Ischia's most iconic images. It has always maintained a distinct character from the rest of the island, and its tourism reflects this: hotels are generally of higher quality, and the atmosphere is more peaceful, partly due to the decision to keep the entire center of Sant'Angelo completely pedestrianized and car-free.
Sant'Angelo is divided into two sections: the upper part features the Church of San Michele Arcangelo and narrow alleys, while below lies the tourist port with its promenade, square, and the tower. The tuff islet is connected to Sant'Angelo by a narrow strip of land.
· 20 min
- 6
Spiaggia dei Maronti
The evocative Maronti beach, full of surprises!
The 'Spiaggia dei Maronti' is one of the most famous and popular beaches on the island of Ischia. Surrounded by unspoiled natural landscapes, it offers spectacular views of the coast and the crystal-clear sea.
Fumaroles are among the most notable volcanic phenomena observable on Ischia. Located at the beginning of Maronti beach, near Sant'Angelo, they are caused by the underlying geothermal activity. In this area, thermal waters reach the island's highest temperatures, close to 100°C.
Cavascura, Ischia's most ancient thermal basin, is an extremely evocative site that bears witness to the history of ancient civilizations that inhabited the island. Even today, Cavascura retains its original appearance, offering tourists one of Europe's oldest and most atmospheric thermal spas, where relaxation is possible through massages, mud treatments, or thermal showers.
· 20 min
- 7
La Scarrupata
At this point, we are in the most 'wild' area of Ischia, 'La Sgarrupata'.
(A stop here is planned, subject to program changes or the Captain's decision based on sea conditions).
La Sgarrupata in Ischia is characterized by very high sea cliffs formed by the stratification of different geological eras, displaying enchanting colors from ochre yellow to purple red. This beauty is set against a crystalline sea with emerald green seabeds, thanks to vast meadows of Posidonia seagrass. It is a must-see location.
While accessible by land, its challenging route leads many tourists to prefer reaching it by sea.
· 20 min
- 8
San Pancrazio
And now, it's time for lunch!
Before savoring our traditional Neapolitan cuisine, we will take an excursion to the 'Grotta Verde' (Green Grotto), located in the bay opposite 'Punta della Cannuccia', near 'San Pancrazio'.
(Please note that the lunch location may vary depending on weather conditions, and the excursion to the 'Green Grotto' may also be subject to change).
San Pancrazio: what is it?
This refers to the small lake that forms behind the rocks near the green cave, also known as the earth cave. To access this cave, one must dive in, and once inside, the water illuminates with a green light, appearing phosphorescent. This location is only reachable by sea.
We will also observe a restaurant that now lies in ruins, destroyed by a landslide about twenty years ago in the bay of San Pancrazio.
· 1 h
- 9
La Spiaggia e la Baia di Cartaromana
After exploring the 'wild area', we head towards 'Cartaromana beach', situated in the bay of the same name.
Its most striking feature is the wonderful view of the Aragonese Castle. The beach has very fine sand and crystal-clear waters, with a seabed rich in archaeological and faunal treasures.
Erosion has also impacted this area, significantly reducing the beach stretch. However, it is still possible to enjoy the sun on the black rocks.
A unique characteristic of this beach is the 'hot bath' effect, a result of natural hydrotherapy in the sea.
While reachable on foot via a somewhat strenuous path, arriving by sea offers the most evocative way to admire its beauty and capture the bay like a nativity scene.
· Non-stop passage
- 10
Castello Aragonese
And here we are at the majestic 'Aragonese Castle'!
(A stop here is planned, subject to program changes or the Captain's decision based on sea conditions).
The Aragonese Castle is a fortification built on a tidal island of trachyte rock on the eastern side of Ischia. It is connected by a 220-meter masonry bridge to the ancient village of Celsa, known as Ischia Ponte. The islet itself originated from a synactic eruption over 300,000 years ago. It rises 113 meters above sea level and covers an area of approximately 56,000 square meters. Geologically, it is described as a magma bubble that solidified during eruptive phenomena, referred to as a 'stagnation dome'. Access to the castle is through a rock-hewn tunnel commissioned in the mid-15th century by Alfonso V of Aragon. Prior to this, access was only possible by sea.
The castle is accessed through a tunnel dug into the rock and commissioned in the mid-fifteenth century by Alfonso V of Aragon. Before then, access was only possible by sea.
· 20 min
- 11
Spiaggia degli Inglesi
We now head towards the Casamicciola-Ischia port area to reach the beautiful bay of 'English beach'.
The English beach is a small volcanic beach with pebbles and dark sand, located on the island's north coast and sheltered by a cliff. This secluded beach earned its name during World War II when British forces used it as a landing point during an attack. Discovering this hidden gem, which is not easily found, adds an element of adventure to a pleasant walk. It's best to visit early in the morning when the beach receives more sunlight before being shaded by the cliff. Arriving by boat might be the most convenient option.
You will need to find the cobblestone path near the pier at the far end of Ischia Porto, marked by vibrant bougainvillea that guides the way. It is advisable to go early in the morning when the beach receives more sun before ending up under the shadow of the cliff. Perhaps arriving by boat is the best option?
· 20 min
- 12
Fungo Di Lacco Ameno
Among the many places to explore, we find one of the island's small symbols and a highly characteristic spot: the 'Fungo di Ischia' (Ischia's Mushroom) in the charming Lacco area.
The town unfolds in a natural amphitheater overlooking the sea. Notable sights include the town hall tower, the Basilica of Santa Restituta, the Parish of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the museum, and the excavations of Santa Restituta.
The 'Fungo' is situated in the sea, near the edge of a small cliff. It is essentially a green tuff rock, about ten meters high, which erupted from Mount Epomeo centuries ago. Upon falling into the sea, it cooled, and over time, wind and waves have shaped it into its distinctive form.
· Non-stop passage
- 13
Madonna Di Zaro
We are nearing the municipality of Forio, but first, we will observe the mountainous coast of Zaro, adorned with luxurious and beautiful residences.
Zaro holds an even greater peculiarity: on the 26th of each month, there is an apparition of the 'Madonna of Zaro'.
What we know:
In 1994, prayer groups formed in the home of two brothers, Paolo and Luigi, after they claimed to have seen the Madonna, and some families began to participate.
On October 8, 1994, Paolo and Luigi, along with sisters Imma and Marianna, went for a walk in the woods of Zaro after lunch. After a while, they climbed a hill and found themselves before two rocks, the only clear space amidst dense bush. There, they recited the Holy Rosary, and the Heavenly Mother appeared to Paul, saying, 'This is a blessed place'.
That same evening, during the rosary at home, Our Lady spoke to Luigi, telling him, 'Zaro will be a place of pilgrimage'.
· Non-stop passage
- 14
Spiaggia di San Francesco
The last beautiful sight we will admire before entering the port of Forio is the beach of 'San Francesco'.
(A stop here is planned, subject to program changes or the Captain's decision based on sea conditions).
The beach of 'San Francesco' in Forio is undoubtedly a destination for romantic souls, nestled between the 'Punta Caruso' promontory, dotted with cacti, and the ancient town of Forio, watched over by its sacred sentinel: the Church of the Rescue.
The sea here at San Francesco also possesses a special color, characteristic of calm waters: it is emerald, teeming with colonies of small fish that dart around the protective reefs or within the cave that opens into the mountainside.
· 20 min
- 15
Forio
Our journey concludes as we sail towards the port of Forio.
· Non-stop passage
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