Scogli degli Innamorati, Ischia
The vivid imagination of Greeks, who came to Ischia almost 3 0000 years ago, made the island the playground of Gods, semi-gods and other supernatural heroes.
The island itself became the prison of Typhon, the giant who once rivalled with Zeus to the throne of Gods. The rebel never accepted his fate, the angry Typhon’s moves caused the local earthquakes, the breath came out of mountain Epomeo boiling the water in numerous mineral springs around the mountain.
The last eruption came out at the beginning of 14th century, well either the giant finally gave up, or just thinking up better plan for the future.
The water remains hot, in some places reaching 86°C , but most of springs feature nice water temperature between 30°C and 40°C enjoyed already by Greeks and Romans, and many of following visitors, like Ibsen, Berkeley and Lamartine. Today about 6 million of visitors came to Ischia, the mineral springs are still the main reason of visit. There are 109 sources of water of 69 different characteristics, making Ischia one of the most diversed hydrothermal area in the world.
The oldest thermes in the island Terme Cavascura feature the Roman system of water movement, the springs Negombo are surrounded by tropical and exotic plants, while free for everybody Baia di Sorgento offers spectacular views of the gulf.
The small island within 34 km of its coastline offers variety of activities, both for crowd lovers and privacy seekers. There is a night life and numerous feasts in small Ischia towns, there are several crowded beaches, but also the ones , where hardly you can see anyone around. There are several small sanctuaries and large fortress to visit Castello Aragonese , and the volcanic area tempts to hike among the blocks of tufa scattered around the island and popping out of the sea, like Fungo ( mushroom ) , and Scogli degli Innamorati ( Cliffs of Lovers ) two blocks in the shape of lovers looking at each other.
The ferry boat from Naples reaches Ischia within 40 minutes up to one hour.
[ photo courtesy of agharti]
