Ischia, Capri, Procida and Vivara are known as the Partenopean Islands, and lie in the Bay of Naples. Ischia, Procida and Vivara lie to the north of the gulf, while Capri lies at the south, facing the Sorrento Peninsula. The typically Mediterranean climate of Ischia is dry and warm, with temperatures sometimes reaching 35° during July and August. Ischia is compact and round, with a varied geography. Dominated by Mount Epomeo (789m asl), the island is scattered with hills, separated by valleys and gullies that create a pretty and sinuous landscape, enriched with both chestnut and oak woods and low vegetation.
[Local map] [Region map]
Ischia is famous for its spa waters and hot springs, with spa mineral water obtained from underground tanks which collect the rain waters. The rainfall seeps into earth and collects in tanks which are warmed from hot springs lying in the depths of the ground. Water turns into steam and rises to the surface where more tanks are thus warmed, creating what is known as thermo-mineral water. The temperature of these mineral waters ranges from 15C° and 86C°, from cold to hyperthermal. The hot baths at Negombo, in the Bay of San Montano, near Lacco Ameno in the north-west of the island, are particularly chic: the facilities are well cared for and there are many different pools, as well as an attractive bay, surrounded by almost African flora, with palm trees and a wealth of flowering trees and bushes, and open from April to October.
Cars cannot be taken to Aragonese and need to be parked on Ischia (200m away). Please note that Castello Aragonese is not suitable for children under 10 years. They are allowed, but parents have to be aware that the location could be dangerous: there are stone steps and sheer drops.
Castello Aragonese is now host to several cultural events - there are art exhibitions, concerts and a disco. The most peaceful apartment at this time is Campanile. If you are travelling in a larger group than the apartments can cater for, you can take rooms in the hotel (situated in the former castle monastery).
And, as well as simply relaxing, there is plenty to do while you are here. Your hosts can arrange boat trips around the island with a skipper and his mate: a whole day trip is €155 for a maximum of 4 people. Or enjoy a boat trip including fishing and dining on your catch. From dawn until early afternoon during the months of April to July, this is €250 for a maximum 4 people. Take a visit to the Spadara Vineyards and the cellars of Pararazzo Wines of Ischia, including wine-tasting. A half-day trip is €155 for a maximum of 4 people.
There are half-day guided country walks, to discover the most ancient dwellings on the island. There are 3-hour guided visits to the Archaeological Museum at Villa Arbusto, or 3-hour guided visits to the archaeological site at Santa Restituta. All are €95 for a maximum of 4 people. Car hire is available from €40 to €60 a day, according to car type, plus €10, optional insurance.
There are also day trips available to Capri, Procida, Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Paestum, the Amalfi coast with stops in Sorrento, Positano, Ravello, Vietri sul Mare and Salerno, and there is good hiking around the castle. The nearest beach is 1km away and the nearest restaurant 250m.
In a breathtaking location and with more to do than you could fit in a dozen holidays, this is a simply unbeatable vacation in Italy. To find out more about availability of this castle on Ischia, simply click below.
