If you dream of the spectacular landscapes of the Amalfi Coast, but not the crowds and high costs, there is an alternative that is increasingly appreciated by tourists. The island of Ischia, located in the Gulf of Naples, is described by many travelers as one of the most beautiful and still under-discovered places in Italy, offering beaches, thermal waters and accommodation at more affordable prices.
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The Amalfi Coast remains one of the most sought-after destinations in Italy, thanks to its spectacular cliffs, colorful villages and panoramas of the Tyrrhenian Sea. However, the popularity of the area comes with expensive hotels, popular restaurants and a large number of tourists, especially in the summer season, Express reports.
Just a short ferry ride from Naples, the island of Ischia offers a similar Mediterranean landscape, but in a much more relaxed atmosphere. The island is famous for its lush vegetation, fine sandy beaches and natural hot springs, used since Antiquity for their therapeutic properties.
Tourists visiting Ischia have called it Italy’s “best kept secret”. A visitor from Wales described the picturesque island by writing: «I visited Ischia for a week at the end of August / beginning of September and it lived up to expectations. A gorgeous island in the Gulf of Naples, whose experience can be summed up like this: Sorrento without the noise and bustle and Capri without the exorbitant prices.».
Visitors can choose from numerous spas, thermal water pools and geothermally heated natural springs, attractions that have made Ischia one of Italy’s most popular spa destinations.
Four cities, four different experiences
The island is divided into several towns, each with its own charm.
Ischia Porto is the main gateway to the island and concentrates most of the restaurants, shops and the tourist port.
Forio is preferred for its long beaches, spectacular sunsets and historic center with narrow streets.
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Sant’Angelo, a former fishing village, is known for its quiet atmosphere and the fact that access to cars is restricted.
Lacco Ameno attracts visitors thanks to the famous mushroom-shaped rock formation, one of the symbols of the island.
More affordable holidays
Another advantage is the costs. Compared to the Amalfi Coast, where hotel rates rise significantly in season, Ischia generally offers more budget-friendly accommodation options. Family hotels and boutique establishments predominate on the island, which contributes to both more competitive prices and an authentic atmosphere.
The island’s spectacular scenery has also attracted the film industry. Ischia was one of the locations used for the filming of the production “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999), which starred Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow. Some scenes were shot in a local restaurant, which later became an attraction for fans of the film.
For tourists who want the charm of southern Italy without the crowds typical of famous destinations, Ischia is increasingly becoming the preferred choice, combining spectacular scenery with a relaxed atmosphere and lower costs.
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