You will enjoy Ischia, it's such a lovely place. Sant' Angelo is indeed beautiful, but it's very small and out of the way - much better as a place to spend the day rather than a base for a week. Forio is also good for spending a day and gives easy access to other parts of the island, but it's very busy and filled with tourists.

The hotel you link to, Hotel Aragona, is actually in Porto, not Ischia Ponte. While they may look close on a map - and when you're standing in Porto, you think you could easily walk to Castello d'Aragonese, which is in Ponte - but actually it would be a long walk on a narrow and very busy roadway. It's at least a 10-minute drive from Porto to Ponte, possibly more depending upon traffic. I wouldn't recommend staying in Porto, it's filled with daytrippers and the beaches aren't very clean.

I stayed above Ischia Ponte a couple of years ago at Giardino delle Ninfe e la Fenice and enjoyed the location very much. The room opened onto a small private terrace overlooking the Castello, Vesuvius and the Bay: http://gardentouring.fotopic.net/p56280177.html I was there in late September and the terrace was a lovely place to sit and enjoy a morning cup of coffee, watching the sun rise behind Vesuvius http://gardentouring.fotopic.net/p56280175.html - or an evening limoncello, watching the moon rise behind Castello http://gardentouring.fotopic.net/p56280170.html

Breakfasts were ample and good and the people running the hotel were very helpful and kind, they even welcomed us with a bottle of the local wine to enjoy on our terrace. The hotel sits at the end of a small road, in a cul de sac, and there are a couple of other small hotels there also, with outdoor bars where you can get a little 'nightcap', for variety. Across the cul de sac is a path with steps leading down to a small rocky beach.

Actually, we never used the beach, preferring instead to set out each morning and explore a different part of the island, although we returned to the beach at Maronti, near Sant' Angelo, several times. Buses stop frequently right in front of the hotel, which makes it easy to get around the island. One route travels in a clockwise direction and another counter-clockwise around the island, so you just select which bus to take depending upon where you want to go. The buses leaving from Porto are often jammed with daytrippers.

The hotel has its own pool filled from hot mineral springs which was a delight to use. It's refilled several times each day to keep the water hot. The water looks dark and not very inviting at first glance, but that's because of the high iron and mineral content.

It's about a 15-minute walk down the hill to Ischia Ponte, where there are shops and restaurants, overlooked by the Castello: http://jmstudio.fotopic.net/p56231949.html We ate there almost every evening and had some memorable food and wines. There is a small causeway, the 'ponte', leading out to Castello and there are a few small places to eat on that side also. It's an inexpensive taxi ride back up the hill (and down the hill also if you wish).

When you are on Ischia, make sure to visit Lady Walton's garden of La Mortella, which is near Forio. I believe it's open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays-Sundays. Here are some photos of the garden, as well as a little about the Waltons: http://gardentouring.fotopic.net/c814381_1.html

If you haven't been to Procida, you can get there easily from Ischia, about 30 minutes by ferry. It's really worth a visit, a lovely, lovely place, still gritty and down-to-earth and filled with real Italians. Corricella, especially. Parts of the film Il Postino were filmed on the front at Corricella. Here are images to whet your appetite for a daytrip to Procida: http://gardentouring.fotopic.net/c1544804.html

I Spent one week in Ischia February 2008, based at Hotel Terme Cristallo Palace(with swimming pools) on Casamicciola Terme, it's within short bus ride to ischia Port, some ferries go dircetly to Naples from Casamiccola too, qutie convenient for sightseeing,with plenty of simple but good restaurants too.

I deaytripped to Sant Angelo and Forio, Sant Angelo is really lovely with wide expansive beaches, much quieter than Forio. I couldn't say it's inconvenient as there are buses to the port too, it's just more isolated.

Forio has a lovely old town centre and walks along the coast.

Depends on the weather, for express boat, it takes only 50 minute from Ischia to Naples, it isn't really necessaryto stay at Naples the night before departure.

I meant to comment on getting to the airport from Ischia your last morning. Do consult the ferry tables carefully. I'm not sure how early they run in September. Ferries and aliscafi both land at Molo Beverello. Just across the (very busy, 6-lane) road from the port and up a short distance is Piazza Municipio, where you can catch an airport bus. From the time you leave the ferry, cross the large port/parking area, cross the road and then walk several blocks, trundling your suitcases behind, it will take a good 10-15 minutes. I have done it myself, for an afternoon flight, but as I say, consult the schedules to make sure you can make it on time.

I have also stayed the last night at a hotel overlooking the port in Naples, Hotel Bella Capri. It's funky and small, but I've stayed there half-a-dozen times. Here's a review I wrote: 'This must surely be the best place to stay in Naples! The view out over the harbor and Bay of Naples, with Mt Vesuvius in the distance, is magnificent and endlessly fascinating. We sat on our small terrace, sipping a pre-dinner glass of wine, enjoying all the activity below. There are many restaurants within short distance walk. The traffic from below was noisy during the afternoon, but at night with the windows closed and the air conditioning turned on, it didn't bother our sleep at all. The hotel is actually a pensione on the sixth floor of a large office building, reached by an elevator that takes a 5-Euro coin to make it run during business hours. A short walk from where the Airport Bus stops. The staff were all very welcoming and helpful.'

To watch the sun rise behind Vesuvius and over the port on your final morning makes a perfect ending to a trip: http://gardentouring.fotopic.net/p24617038.html

Many many thanks for the detailed responses.

I looked at Cristallo Palace but they require a meal plan so I have to rule it out. And Julia's hotel got some rather poor reviews and might be a bit inconvenient..but I will keep reading..

This hotel, also very well-reviewed, but quite pricey, also seems to be between Porto and Ponte--should I rule it out based on that location?

http://www.ilmoresco.it/test/test_06/eng/start_eng.html

And this one looks to be on a lovely beach, but might be distant from restaurants..

http://www.hotelparcosmeraldo.com/


Vicenzo--While I am typing this I see that you wrote a response and there is another from Julia.. I will look at the one you mention again--but as I remember, the Vitigno is quite isolated...remember that I will be taking the bus around and have to be near a bus stop..and you know I will certainly want to talk about food once I get the hotel settled..

I know I have lots more reading to do..perhaps I am too focused on location. As long as we are not in an overcrowded area like Porto, and are near a beach and a bus stop, does it matter so much about location? Does anyone know how often the buses run and if they run into the evening, so we could travel from place to place for dinner? (I remember reading the trip reports by Caroline_E. who stayed in Sant Angelo and it seemed that that area was lovely but that they were quite cut off at night..I need to go back and re-read her comments..)

Many many thanks! Julia, your photos are staggeringly beautiful! I read your writing about the island (on SlowTrav,I think) and that was one of the factors in making the decision to visit Ischia.

The elevator actually takes a 5-cent coin, not 5-euro! And the hotel staff provides the coins after the first.

Maybe I already told you but now I cannot remember. Anyway, IMO, the best place for you, as I read your requirements, is a very cute place in Forio, the Agritourism IL VITIGNO www.agriturismoilvitigno.it .
I am sure that you will enjoy it.
By the way, my strong advice is to spend the last night in Naples, befor eyour departure.
If you need also advices for restaurants in Ischia, I am ready to give you.

Ciao.

Vincenzo

Oh, Vicenzo that agriturismo looks lovely! But it is up in the hills--without a car?????

..and then there is this one, but with few reviews that I can find so far:

http://www.puntachiarito.it/indexuk.htm

Ok--last hotel, for the moment; this looks like a family-run place with a nice pool close to the center of Forio:


http://www.melodie.it/eng/home.html

The hotel at Punta Chiarito looks lovely, but it is near Sant' Angelo, with all the inconvenience of being in a somewhat isolated part of the island, without the convenience of actually being in Sant' Angelo and at least near some shops and restaurants.

Hotel Il Moresco looks lovely and the location between Porto and Ponte isn't necessarily a problem, depending on exactly where it is. Walking from the port in that direction, there are some small streets with many shops and hotels and places to eat. You might try Google Earth and see if you can determine what the surroundings are, whether it's within easy walking distance of bus stops, etc., or if it's on one of the busy roads.

I just found these two very helpful responses! Panza is the location of the agriturismo recommended by Vicenzo. I hadn't realized that it was an actual town/village. But again, I am wondering about the bus connections. Where would be the nearest place that would have a selection of restaurants? Would there be any in Panza?

I am asking this, because while we would not mind busing around during the day, we might like to be able to walk to eating spots at night if this is possible..

Bella, I think Punta Chiarita might be too inconvenient if we have to walk 15 minutes to get the bus from the hotel I linked above. Or did I misunderstand? I don't mind walking, but I am thinking of the nighttime after dinner--does anyone know how late the buses run?

There seem to be so many good hotels on the island but it is so difficult to imagine the various locations...on the Amalfi coast, I thought that both Amalfi and Cetara would be ideal bases--I was very glad that we did not stay overnight in Positano. With that info, where would you direct me on Ischia? (Ischia Porto will be avoided!)

I will take another look at Il Moresco because of the great reviews, and try to determine a more exact location.

Meanwhile what do you think of this hotel's location?

http://www.melodie.it/eng/home.html

Definitely stay in Ischia Ponte.

I believe I recommended the Hotel Mareblu to you before...a great hotel

But if you can live without a pool and want to save a ton of money book a room (if available) at the Hotel Noris:

http://www.norishotel.it/eng/hotel_no.html

It's definitely a no frills place but it's in a great location.

Jim:
What would be the advantage, for example, of staying in Ponte rather than in the Forio area? Is that area very busy with daytrippers?


The Noris looks lovely--what is the beach like nearest the hotel? Many thanks for taking the time to patiently answer my many questions!

I personally would stay in Naples to catch that flight.

The ferry services during non-peak season as I was told by the ticket person sitting in the booth in Naples is irregular and nobody really knows the schedule.

I remember I did wait for a long time walking back and forth before I could board a ferry. The most frustrating part is not knowing how long I had to wait. That was end of March. I think Sept is considered as shouldered season so the ferries might be more frequent but still..

But once I got to my hotel( can't remember the name), all the frustrations were washed away by the thermal water. That stuff is seriously relaxing and addictive.


I also read from some guidebooks taking buses was easy but once I was there it did not seem to be as easy and time-effective. So i asked the receptionist in the hotel to get me a rental car. The rate was v. reasonable. it's good to know that is an option.

I didn't seek out any tourist spots except the beach where the movie "the talented Mr. Ripply was filmed. Was unimpressed.

Apart from that, Ischia was full of charm and had exceeded my expectation.

Thanks again!

Here is the other hotel that Jim recommended; it looks lovely; do the rest of you like the location?

http://www.hotelmareblu.it/italiano/index.php#


I would not mind having a rental car but neither of us can drive standard shifts; that is why I am stressing the bus issue..

I will definintely spend the last night in Naples!

Please give me your thoughts about this hotel in Citara, too; website says it is 1km from Forio:

http://www.melodie.it/eng/home.html

Finally,here is the Moresco again; it is not on a busy road--can you all advise on location; I am very confused because it looks as if ferries do not leave from the area marked Porto on the maps--

http://www.ilmoresco.it/test/test_06/eng/start_eng.html


Many thanks to all of you--sorry for the confusion on my part!

I admit to having a bias towards Ischia Ponte...my family is from there.

But I think it has a more vibrant night life...if that's to your liking. It just seems more spread out and easier to navigate than the smaller areas.

The beach closest to the Mareblu (right across the street), is ok, but a bit rocky. It is good, however, for lounging about. This is close to the Noris as well. The Noris is around the corner from the Mareblu.

The best beach, in my opinion, is Maronti Beach (Spiaggia dei Maronti). It's on the opposite side of the Island. About one-half hour from Ischia Ponte. Keep in mind that it only takes about an hour to circle the entire island by car or bus. It would be faster if the roads weren't so twisty & narrow in spots.

Make sure you have a rabbit dinner while on the island...it's their specialty.

Jim, thanks for getting back to me... Now that you mention food: Food is one of my main interests when I travel. So I want to be convenient to good eating spots-I try to avoid places that are jammed with other tourists, and would go far to find a good local place with regional foods, like the rabbit you mentioned.

We do not care at all about nightlife and would probably in bed before any gets started!

I like the idea of being near a good beach; we are both swimmers and hope to do some paddling around while we are there. I don't want to lay around on a lounge chair for hours, but would like to get a good swim in every day if possible. The rest of the time we would hope to just wander around the island, take some walks, visit at least one of the famous thermal baths (not interested in any treatments, just soaking and looking around.)

So now what do you think---I am guessing you are familiar with the area around the Villa Melodie..(link posted above)


Once I get my hotel settled, I will ask lots of food-related questions, you can be certain!!


Here is one trattoria with rabbit on the menu; I hope to be able to eat here!

http://www.trattoriailfocolare.it/index.php?sezione=cucina


and here:

http://www.villagiusto.it/ristorante_en.html

ekscrunchy-- You're probably beginning to realize that it's difficult to find everything you want in one place on Ischia. You'll have to decide what's most important to you. There's a reason why most hotels offer full-board: because their locations offer beautiful views and large grounds with gorgeous pools, etc., but they aren't convenient for walking to restaurants and shopping areas. And if you do stay in the more built-up centers such as Forio or Casamicciola, you have to put up with crowds of Germans and busy traffic circles.

I agree with Jim in having a bias toward Ischia Ponte. There are some good restaurants and the roads are more comfortable for walking to dinner in the evenings. It's also easy to find a taxi to take you back to your hotel afterwards if you don't want to walk. The beaches along this side of the island aren't great, however. For the best beaches, you really need to go to Maronte, Fumarole, Sorgeto. Citara near Forio is also good, but the public areas are usually very crowded. Maronte was my favorite.

As Jim mentions, it only takes about an hour to circle the whole island, but the buses are often overcrowded - I can remember having a seat only twice on dozens of bus journeys around the island spread over three visits to Ischia, one of them for a week.

The ferries and aliscafi do come and go from Ischia Porto. Here is a photo of the port http://gardentouring.fotopic.net/p51942468.html and another http://gardentouring.fotopic.net/p56323337.html There are two areas of docks at the port. It makes no difference when you arrive, but if you are travelling back to Naples, or over to Procida, make sure to arrive at the correct dock. There are also boats into and out of Casamicciola.

We stayed in upper Casamacciola and while our hotel was completely bizarre, I was happy with the location.

Panza is where you can walk down (about 200 stairs!) to the hot springs that bubble out of the cool Mediterranean. I still dream of soaking there...

I agree with bellastarr - don't miss the gardens at la Mortella. We didn't meet Lady Walton, but after we roamed the gardens we attended a concert there; she graciously introduced the wonderful quartet of Irish women who performed chamber music, including works by Sir Walton.

I think it was you, bellastarr, who wrote about the hot springs in Panza; what a great tip!

Thanks, Annabelle! I did find a great looking hotel (#2 on TA for Ischia, I believe: Hotel Gemma) in Cassamicciola, but that area sounds as if it might be less appealing--


I am beginning to get the idea thanks to all of you--I do like the sound of the Melodie Hotel but are all of you in agreement that Forio is less appealing as a base, given my requirements (good swimming, good eating (see above; near to bus stops))? Is it really overrun with Germans,even in the third week of September?

Yes, the island is a favorite with the Germans. But I've been there in September and there are far less than in June/July...so you should be OK, especially the later in September you go.

The beaches in Ischia Ponte are good for swimming, but Maronti has more sandy areas...and actual waves. The beach at Ischia Ponte is protected. You'll love that the water is very salty and it's easier to float...at least that was always my perception.

I can't really fairly say that one town is a better choice over another. I've spent most of my time in Ischia Ponte with just brief stops everywhere else.

In Ischia Ponte, you'll want to spend an hour or so at famous Bar Calise.

Maronti looks beautiful! Another poster here,Caroline E, made two trips to the island and stayed at Sant' Angelo, which looks to be nearby. My guidebook says that that area is a favorite with Italian tourists. But in reading Caroline's reports, I got the idea that Sant' Angelo was kind of isolated and not good for bus touring. So I did not consider that for a base.

I am sorry, by the way, to sound so horrridly obsessive about all of this...

The MarBlu gets very good reviews on TA; the only real negative is from a German man who says they lost his reservation. I always toss out those kinds of reports anyway.

I am SO looking forward to this trip! MAny many thanks to Bella, Jim,Julia,Vicenzo,Judy,and all those who continue to help with this delightful dilemma!

If you decide on booking the Mareblu, try and reserve room 471...what a view!

Thanks, Jim! I am wavering between the Mareblu and the Melodie in Forio.





I am happy to read that the buses run until late in the evening, which means that we could venture to another locale for dinner without having to take a taxi..

I am still wavering between the Forio area and Ischia Ponte as a base for touring Ischia for 6-7 days in September. Please weigh in with comments on both areas, and on the Villa Melodie location. On the map this looks as if it is within walking distance of the center of Forio, but the hotel site mentions a public bus..

I am surprised that the Amalfi Coast and Capri get much attention, while few people on this forum seem to have visited Ischia....

I visited Ischia the last two years in row, both times in May. I stayed in Lacco Ameno (north part of the island), and last year stayed in Forio, or rather on the outskirts. Since I never stayed in Ischia Ponte, I can't provide comments. I did visit it during the day and found it to be pleasant and quaint. I did enjoy the town of Forio and disagree on the negative comments, no offense. The Hotel Melodie (I think) is within walking distance to the center. The interior part of the town has a preserved center, original cobblestone streets and there is a pedestrianized area, lined with shops and cafes. There are several beaches - Citara, San Francesco, Chiaia to name a few. Check out the ischiaonline website (http://www.ischiaonline.it/page.php?selang=EN) which provides descriptions to see which beaches/towns appeal to you. Maronti Beach is really nice, a long sandy beach front with hot springs. Also, I really like the beach at San Montano (north of Forio) which is also adjacent to the Negombo thermal park. I highly recommend Negombo http://www.negombo.it/en - it has a beautiful, botanical garden like setting. I could go on and on about Ischia but this is getting rather lengthy. If you have any additional questions, I'm happy to answer them.

MFK99: Thanks for responding! I keep wavering back and forth and am leaning towards Forio and the Melodie. Both places seem to have their pros and cons...well, very few cons at either!

Hopefully we will be able to visit all of the beaches and baths you mention by bus. That is a very good website--I did spend sometime last weekend reading and looking at the pics..very excited.

Most of our family is in Sant Angelo and some in Forio and Ischia Porto. As much as I have a passion for Sant Angelo I would recommend staying in Forio, Casa, Ponte or Porto for mobility. Definitely don't miss Sant Angelo, though.

As for the flight. Never and I mean never stay in Ischia the night before a flight. You never know what the weather is going to be. If it's rough and the aliscafi don't run, you will have to get on a traghetto large ferry). They run much less and if the sea is rough they will be much slower.

I recommend staying in Naples the night before. I think the name of the hotel we stayed in last that we love is Hotel Piazza Bellini. It's near the archeological museum and Spaccanapoli. We walked to the Palace from there and Galleria Umberto.

We never (and we go to Italy to visit our family once or twice a year) stay far from the airport the night before a flight because of transportation problems like strikes and bad weather. We also usually arrange for a shuttle because they're private and not prone to strikes.

Ann: Yes, I will plan on spending the last night in Naples. Thinking of staying in Vomero since I've never been to that area and I believe airport access is easy from there..

Does anyone else care to give advice regarding my Forio vs Ischia Ponte dilemma? To recap the above,I am looking for a base for a week-long stay on Ischia in September. These hotels have made it through to the final round and I would love to read about experiences at these or other hotels, and anything about Ischia in general. Grazie Mille!

http://www.melodie.it/

http://www.hotelmareblu.it/

Or should I say, Danke Schoen! Well, thanks in any language!

I've read though all this and all I can offer is that we stayed in Ischia Ponte for our 5 nights there and were glad we did. We stayed at the Miramare which was one of the highest rated, but found a super internet rate just before season.

We used public transportation to travel most of the island on several days. Frankly, I don't recall there being more buses in one area than another -- they mainly make a complete circle or a half circle of the island and return, so getting between areas doesn't really depend on where you are -- so long as you are close to bus. However, we preferred being at Ponte -- and we did the walk to the port a lot -- going on a day trip to Proscida (this is a must in my book), and also taking a boat to Capri then Positano then Amalfi to continue our trip.

The hotel in Forio seems a bit far from the town itself. I kind of like to walk out of the door and be in the middle of things.

The Mareblu, is just around the corner from the main street...just far enough away to keep it quiet, but close enough to be "in-town".

Bringing this up in the hopes that CarolineE will see it and comment--

Caroline, I noticed your response on the Assisi thread. I hadn't "seen" you here in a while and hoped all was ok!

Caroline? What do you think??

Still cannot make up my mind! Any other Ischia-philes out there?

Caroline..do you have two free hours (??!!) to read this??

Is Caroline still posting here, Eks? I haven't seen her around lately ...

Steve

Steve: I realize that I seem to be stalking poor Caroline! But she did respond to a thread earlier (about renting from the AE Italian site) and I told her I would top this..however, I can understand if she does not want to involve herself in my obsessive quest for the "perfect" base on Ischia!

Have you been there, by the way and if so, did you enjoy the island?

Yes - I spent about 4 days there, Eks. I enjoyed it very much.

Steve

Hi eks ! Sorry, I'm hardly visiting this site now (as I don't like the new layout). The last time I was on, I did read the other thread where you responded to my question about your trip to London and asked me to look at this thread, but I didn't have the time then and can't find that thread now !! I think you said it's your BIL's play ? So your BIL is Wallace Shawn ! Wow, I'm even more impressed. I'm sure I've seen him in a one man performance here, probably at the Traverse during the Fringe, but can't now remember any more details.

Anyway, Ischia...

I almost booked a hotel in Forio for our first trip until another Fodorite, who'd been visiting family in Ischia since she was tiny, said I'd regret not staying in Sant'Angelo. Whenever we passed through Forio I was glad we didn't stay there - it's quite big and our hotel was probably a mile or two out. And nowhere near a beautiful as Sant'Angelo.

I think I thought Lacco Ameno was the next most beautiful after SA, but that's only from the bus. Everywhere is nice, though.

As you know we've stayed in SA three years running, for a week each time. We weren't cut off at night - there are buses, and of course taxis - we just didn't want to go anywhere else and were happy enough with the eating & drinking opportunities in the village.

However, as you may remember, when we are in seaside mode we tend to do very little and have never visited many other places from Sant'Angelo. (First week there - one day trip each to La Mortella, Ischia Ponte including the castle, Procida. Second week there - none. Third week there - just a day on the beach at Sorgeto.) You seem to be on the move most of the time so if you are planning to do lots of day trips, I'd recommend you stay in Ischia Porto or Ponte, for ease of access to buses and boats. The buses are small, have few seats and get horribly crowded. Sant'Angelo and Ischia Porto both have the advantage at being at either end of the main CS, CD & number 1 bus routes; meaning they are usually the only places you can ever get on an empty bus and get a seat. So just for the ease of getting buses I'd only ever stay at one end of the line or the other. Ischia Ponte IMO is nicer than Porto, but you can the get the local number 7 bus between the two and it was uncrowded when we got it (not used so much by tourists).

I absolutely love swimming from the beach in Sant'Angelo. But SA's is a fairly small beach and you may prefer a bigger one. All the other beaches I've passed looked nice too; although the water is calm in SA and I suppose it's possible it may be rougher in less sheltered situations ? From SA you can get small boats to other nearby beaches, including Maronti and Sorgeto (by Ponza) - I imagine you can do that in the others places too. Personally I'd always prefer to swim in the sea, if reasonably calm, over a pool. We once spent half a day at the Apollon-Aphrodite 'thermal park', at the Hotel Miramare just outside SA, though, and it was OK as a novelty - but I'd rather be on the beach. I think the facilities at Negombo are similar but even more extensive.

Will post again if I think of anything else or if you have more questions, now I've found this !

Caroline: Many many thanks for the carefully considered response! (To end the mystery, BIL is the director, Andre Gregory; we are going in May for 3 nights and will see the play then--3 hours long, by the way!! My sister is leaving this week and will stay in that nice Kensington apartment until the end of May)

Back to the subject at hand: I am so glad you found this! Of course I am now more confused than ever, but that is par for the course--part of my obsessive nature, I suppose.

I looked at the hotels in Ponte but nothing really jumped out at me. I will take another look at MareBlu, suggested by Jim above. You make an excellent point about boarding the buses at the end of their lines when they are not crowded!

Before I saw this response, I had written to Villa Melodie which is just outside Forio. The owner tells me that it is a 2km walk to the center of Forio and only 500 km from Citara beach. There is a bus stop near the hotel, but what you write about crowded buses is a point to consider. The main thing is that they have a large pool, where I can swim my laps! The owner, Gianni, also tells me that we can rent a SmartCar automatic on the island. He seems like a really good guy, from the few e-mails we have exchanged..

The Villa Melodie price, for half board, is 55 euro per night per person and 47 euro per night with breakfast only..


They do request deposit by wire transfer..I have to visit my bank and see if I can manage that!

I did not book anything yet..I am now going back to look at hotels in both Ponte and SA--the idea of calm sea swimming right outside the hotel is truly enchanting! I will return with more questions, you can be certain!!

Do you think Forio is an attractive town?

Many, many thanks for all of your help, Caroline..please stay tuned!

Hi ! I'm sure the play will be great despite its length - anything at the Royal Court is usually excellent.

You were thinking about staying in the castle before, weren't you - what put you off that ? I think it would be great, although a) maybe more for a couple of nights than a week and b) the swimming is obviously not so close - there is a narrow strip of beach near the other end of the causeway but you'd be sharing it with small fishing boats, from what I remember.

From what I've seen from the bus, Forio is an attractive town, as they all seemed to be - just not the one or two *most* attractive. Personally I would want to stay as centrally / near the beach as possible though - not 2km out. I do remember from my earliest research that probably more of the notable restaurants seemed to be near Forio than anywhere else.

If the expense of a car, and being able to drink as much as you want, aren't issues for you, a car would certainly open up more possibilities to you - you could basically stay anywhere as long as you didn't mind driving for dinner etc.

Hey Caroline - Welcome back
I was beginning to think you'd abandoned us ...

Steve

Caroline..many thanks, yet again. I, too, am so glad that you are back; as you can see from my plaintive calls above!

I was not even aware of the rentals in the castle until you just mentioned them! I just took a brief peek and this looks like an intriguing option..

Back to the books!

Oh, it must have been someone else - I thought it was you !

eks and Steve, you are both very kind - but I don't know how much I'll be back. (I'm just checking this thread now.) I really don't enjoy using the new format - it seems to much like hard work

P.S. Just reread my last-but-one reply and had another thought - actually, having a car would open up staying anywhere *except* Sant'Angelo where you have to park about half a mile away (and pay for parking).

Caroline - I thought it was hard work too ... initially.

Then someone suggested clicking first on 'View all of today's activity' (- top left-hand column).

Once you do that, you can just scroll through as before.

[Instead of 'last 50,' now you just scroll back to midnight, then click 'older' for the preceding days threads. It's easier really ... ]

Steve

Thanks for the advice, Steve - I should persevere. It just doesn't seem as easy on the eye somehow. And I miss features like the highlighting of one's own own contributions (or those of anyone else you are looking for).

Caroline - my wife and I are also contemplating a 3-4 day stay in Ischia.

What hotel did you stay in in SA, and do you (or anybody else for that matter) know anything about Gemma Hotel (#1 on TA for Casamicciola Terme)?

I will answer the part about the hotel for Caroline; she stayed here, in Sant Angelo; it looks dreamy!

http://www.casacelestino.it/casa.asp

Thanks eks. As you know, we think SA and the hotel are both idyllic, hence going three years running ! I'm just sorry we can't go this year (both impoverished bank workers )

Nevertooold, the only things I can think of which might put some people off the Casa Celestino are 1) the owner and some of the staff aren't terribly friendly (but we don't really tend to get chatting anyway); and 2) although we don't take half board we've generally eaten dinner once or twice at the hotel restaurant (where the food is quite good), but have sometimes been driven away by smokers at the next table (in the outdoors section but the tables are very close together).

And in that hotel, as in Sant'Angelo generally, you may struggle if you know no Italian or German. According to one of my guidebooks, Sant'Angelo is the only place on the island with as many Italian visitors as Germans. Not that I have any problem with Germans, of course - much better than the place being full of Brits

Sorry, I don't know anything about the one in Casamicciola.

Caroline and EKS - thanks for your quick responses.

Off now for a week & a half now - happy to answer any more questions I can, when I get back.

Have fun! Thanks again, Caroline..

Thanks eks ! Back in Edinburgh now, theoretically not back at work until Tuesday but came in for a bit to catch up on things.

I just found this, with nice pics and good eating info, for anyone planning a visit to Ischia this summer:


http://www.realbakingwithrose.com/travel_adventures/

ekscrunch -

I've been following your post and smiling - I also go back and forth about hotels like you do. Location is SO important, especially when you don't have a car.

We are thinking of spending a week also in Ischia with a day trip to Procida.

Have you picked your hotel yet?

Yes, Wanderer. After MUCH wavering, I ultimately chose the Villa Melodie in Forio. There seem to be pros and cons of every location. The VM has a large pool; that was the deciding factor for me. Also, the beaches on that side seem to be very nice. I had a friendly back-and-forth with he owner of the hotel and he seems to be very helpful. We are going in mid-September.

I was very tempted to stay in Ischia Ponte, but in the end I could not find a hotel that I "clicked" with and that did not cost a fortune. I am thinking that we might rent a car for at least a few days, if I can find one with automatic transmission.

Now: Tell me about your vacillations! Which hotels are you considering and when are you thinking of going?

..I forgot to post the link to the hotel; let me know what you think, Wanderer..and also which hotels you are looking at, if you don't mind further discussions!


http://www.melodie.it/eng/home.html

they offer half board--breakfast and dinner--for 55 euro per person; we are taking the B&B option, for 94 euro (for two people).

I would like tu suggest the Hotel Parco Smeraldo Terme, thaht is located directly at Maronti beach and has 3 thermalpools, outdoor and indoor. It has got private beach, SPA center and it's perfectly for a relaxing holiday. More informations you can find at http://www.hotelparcosmeraldo.com

I am bringing this up again in case anyone has any new information on Ischia; to keep everything together, here is another interesting-sounding restaurant I have found during my research:

http://www.ghiottoni-restaurant.it/

We are looking forward to our trip next month.

Does anyone know where I can find the hydrofoil/ferry schedule from Naples to Ischia for Sunday the 20th of September? I can access the current schedule, but wonder if departures will be curtailed after high season?

Thanks!

Hi Eks - The only way is to check online a couple of days before you leave - but I don't think it'll change much between now and Sept 20.

What with hydrofoils and ferries by several different operators it's a relatively frequent service anyway - and you have a choice between services for Ischia Porto, Forio and Casamicciola.

Steve

Thanks, Steve. I wanted to know which port to head for from the airport. Our flight arrives at NAP 12:40.

Since we are bound for Forio, I will see if I can go there by boat; some of them seem to stop in Ischia Porto and then continue on...

Thanks again!

Services are more frequent from Beverello. If you can make it, your best bet IMO is to catch the 14.30 Alilauro hydrofoil from Bev. to Ischia port.

For a direct service to Forio you'd have to wait till 16.55

Steve

Thanks, Steve.

One further question: As it stands right now, we are planning 5 nights on Ischia and 2 on Capri, departing Capri the morning of our flight. Flight leaves NAP at 13:15, and despite the advice above, I am considering spending our last night on one of the two islands and then taking the early morning hydrofoil, rather than spending last night in Naples as advised above. If the opinion is unanimous that this is crazy, I could change the plan.

The question is: Is the maritime service equally reliable between Capri-Naples and between Ischia-Naples? If I decide to risk the last night on an island, am I advised to choose one or the other; are ferries/hydrofoils from one or the other less liKely to be cancelled for any reason?

Other option would be to spend the last night or two in a location on Ischia other than the one in Forio where we will begin the trip.

Eks - I wouldn't change your plans. Services from Capri are reliable in my experience (- weather permitting). You have the option of going via Naples or Sorrento.

Others may disagree, but in September I think bad weather cancellation is extremely. You could always leave the night before in the unlikely event that the forecast happens to be bad for your departure day. Personally I'd risk it ... JMO ...

Steve

Hi eks. When we went to Ischia the first time, after a week in Naples, we walked down to Molo Beverello the day before to note hydrofoil times. But there were so many I gave up, as I knew that whenever we arrived we wouldn't have long to wait (except I think there was a gap of a an hour or two at lunchtime). So the next day we we walked down when we were ready, looked at the electronic board to see which was next (there are several companies running the Ischia service), went to the relevant office to buy tickets, then had c.30 mins to spare so had a beer until the boat arrived.

The express airport bus goes to Molo Beverello, it's the 2nd stop (the railway station being the first). The bus stop has moved a couple of times but it's basically a case of heading round the castle in the direction of the sea and only a 5 minute walk. I think it would be much more hassle to get from the airport to Mergellina.

If you could get a boat straight to Forio that would be great. But otherwise, the advantage of getting the bis at Ischia Porto is you can wait for an empty bus to arrive & grab a seat. The buses are also very frequent so if there's one waiting but already busy, I'd wait for the next one.

I just want to mention that we experienced quite a few times that aliscali were cancelled in September. I don't know if the traghetti go to Capri like the do to Ischia. If they do and the aliscafi are cancelled you can take the traghetto. Just leave enough time. The Bay of Naples can get pretty nasty in bad weather. I've also been on an aliscafo when they should have cancelled them and that's a ride I never want to take again. I was so scared I sat there petrified. Locals were screaming and throwing up! The Gods could be with you and chances are they will. It could work out very easily for you.

Understand that in September and early October you can have fabulous warm weather. You can also have wet rainy cold weather. Two years ago in early October there was snow on the mountain between Sorrento and Amalfi and snow on Vesuvius. That was a couple of days after sitting on the warm beach.

Ann, thanks for mentioning that caution. I am a bit nervous about spending the last night on either island before our flight, but since the flights leave at 1:15, I am banking on there being enough time to take either the aliscafi or the slow boat--by traghetto do you mean the regular ferry?

I will investigate this issue further once I arrive and if there is any chance that we will be "stranded," I will proceed to Naples for the last night.

I am still torn between (if weather is good) spending the last two nights in another location on Ischia, or proceeding to Capri. Again, I suppose we will play it by ear. We have about 6 days before we leave, so please chime in with any other thoughts!

Thank you to all of you who have been so extremely helpful in planning this trip with me!!

Ischia is a wonderful island. As far as beauty, Capri and Ischia are even. If you have never been to Capri, I think it is a must see. The Blue Grotto is good but you have to be physically able to jump from a larger boat to a small rowboat. Or you can take the bus down from Ana Capri to the little dock. There is plenty to see on Capri. Capri is much.....much more expensive. I feel Capri is for tourists who want American comforts (yes, I'm American) and English speaking people. Ischia is for travelers who love to be involved in everyday Italian life. Plenty of English is spoken there, but nowhere near as much as Capri. You can also take a day trip to Capri. The Capitan Morgan goes from all ports to Capri in the morning and then returns in the evening. So it's a full day. http://www.capitanmorgan.it

I mentioned before that I'm not positive about if there are traghetti (yes, the car ferry) to Capri so if you do decide to stay on Capri, make sure you have two choices of departure. Be sure that if you choose to leave on the day of your flight that you take a direct Aliscafo (jet boat) and not one that stops in Sorrento. That will double the time of your trip.

By the way, I remember someone mentioning the hotel Celestino in Sant Angelo. It is a fabulous little hotel. Every room has a view of the sea. It's very basic. Carla owns it and she's a wonderful host and wonderful friend. You can use the facilities (pool, etc) at her brother and nephew's hotel, the San Michele, a short hike up the hill. My family lives on the piazza which is a short walk from the Celestino. The food at the Celestino is delicious.

Have you gone to www.ischiaonline.com? There are a ton of websites for Ischia, but that one's pretty good.

Wear really comfortable walking shoes. You can't go wrong. Just relax and enjoy. I'll check back again to see if you have any questions.

You must be leaving soon!

If you visit the gardens at La Mortella, see if a concert is scheduled. When we were there, we saw that a chamber music concert was starting, so we bought tickets and enjoyed wonderful music (including some pieces by Sir Walton) performed by a quartet of talented young Welsh musicians. Lady Walton introduced the concert and was very charming.

I am dreaming of soaking in the natural hot springs near Panza as I type this. Something very healing in Ischia's waters. Ahhh.

Have a lovely trip.

Thanks so much, Ann1 and Annabelle2!

I was on Capri many years ago (do not remember too much except that it was gorgeous) but partner has never been there. We are both very excited..leaving this weekend.

CarolineE stayed at the Celestino a few times and it does sound charming. I considered staying there, as San Angelo sounds as if it is the prettiest location. I will be sure to pay a visit and investigate the hotel and restaurant. There is so much to see on the island!!

I will check about the concerts at La Mortella, too. They seem to be only on weekends:


http://www.lamortella.org/

Ok--practical question: Aside from rubber beach shoes and a short cotton robe, is there anything else I should think about packing? I am planning to take two beach towels--is that overkill? I want to be prepared for taking the bus to various thermal baths and to either Poseidon or Negombo...any special kind of clothing that I should bring? We do not care about the medical treatments, but we want to have the experience of visiting one or both of those two baths. Any one better than the other?

There may be some grape harvest events scheduled near Panza, or at least that is the information I read on another site..

The weather report is terrible for this week--I hope the skies clear by the weekend!!

www.dambravini.com This is a good winery. They are near Ponza and the wine and Limoncello are delicious. They could possibly be the one having the harvest event. Their sales office is near the co-op but they take you to the vineyards. There are many wineries on Ischia. Your hotel can probably help you with that.

What hotel are you staying in?

A good restaurant in Sant Angelo is il Pescatore. Get their pizza if you can. I know at the end of Sept beginning of Oct they start to only have it on weekends. The pizza is incredible. We go around the back and order it to go. We walk in, order it, they start spreading the dough, we pay in the front and walk out....it's 5 minutes. The oven is so hot. Ugh, I'm drooling thinking about it.

Sorry we aren't going this September. We are going in March/April. Otherwise we could have met you there. We're upset about not being able to see the family, but there is a possibility my SIL might have back surgery here and we don't want to leave them.

In Ischia Ponte there is a piazza near the water, near where you walk over to the castello (which is really worth seeing). If you're facing the water, to the right is a walkway. I think there's a bookstore on the corner. There is a bread bakery that makes bread "a mano" by hand. Definitely worth trying to find it.

Again in Ischia Ponte is a museum that I can't remember the name of. You can ask about it. It's in the villa Michelangelo lived for a while. Forio village is well worth walking aroud. It's all good. You won't have trouble filling your days.

Bring sun tan lotion and sweaters or a light jacket. You don't need anything special for the baths. Ischia is a very relaxed atmosphere so you don't have to worry. Pack light and enjoy.

Blimey Ann, you must be used to very posh hotels if you think Casa Celestino is very basic !! We liked it (and Sant'Angelo) so much we went for a week three years running, although sadly couldn't make it this year. Tried to persuade eks to stay there but without success But I know she likes to travel about more than we do, so SA not the best base for that I know. The first time we made it to La Mortella (& attended a concert), Ischia Ponte to visit the castle, Procida & the Giardini Termale Aphrodite Apollon - the next 2 times we didn't leave the village (unless you count getting the boat to Sorgeto Bay one day, & we wished we'd stayed on the village beach)

Caroline: Please don't get me wrong! Casa Celestino is my favorite type of hotel. As far as I'm concerned it's the best. We only travel going to small family owned hotels/pensiones/b and b's. I'm used to Americans asking about hotels and they usually want the type of hotels where the staff have their hand out all the time. Please read my post again. I said. "It is a fabulous little hotel. Every room has a view of the sea." By basic I mean that you aren't going to get all the hoopla you will is an expensive hotel. You're going to be very well cared for by Carla and her staff and they do it to make you comfortable not to have their hand out.

We stay in a little hotel in Rome. If we haven't made our reservation when they expect us to come, they e-mail me. My husband was sick one year and we had to cancel. Every time we go they ask how he's feeling. You don't get that in the non-basic (expensive) hotels.

Ann1, I am glad you mentioned the good wine produced on Ischia.

Oddly enough, my hair dresser's name is D'Ambra, and she specifically went to Ischia to try and meet family there. She was well treated by the local d'Ambra winery family (even though they didn't know their exact relationship); her great experience on Ischia is one of the reasons my friends and I went there in 2005!

I am so happy to be getting all of this learned advice, even if I did ignore much of the hotel advice I got here and opt to stay in a small hotel in Forio--prices are good and they have a pool (we are both pretty rabid swimmers and plan on both pool and sea swimming--IF the weather cooperates). This is the hotel:

http://www.melodie.it/




I hope to do lots of exploring. If we can manage to drive a Smart car, we might rent one for a day or two--otherwise we will cruise around on the buses. I am just hoping for good weather, as it seems to be very rainy now.

Please keep the tips coming--and the discussions! I am SO excited!

Fair enough, Ann, but you did also say "it's very basic" - which to me means a hostel-type place, probably with shared bathroom ! I myself would not book somewhere I saw described as "very basic", so I thought perhaps you were doing CC a disservice.

eks - I am so envious !! The Naples forecast for Saturday is 28 and sunny - sigh...

Caroline: No, shared bathrooms and hostils are good for some people but they aren't in my vocabulary. Very basic to me is no frills and wonderful care. No in-room friges, microwaves, coffee pots, ironing boards and irons, etc. In America you get that in most hotels even the cheap ones. So not having that is what I mean by very basic.

You have to understand that I have actually been asked by Americans who are going to Europe for the 1st time, if Europe takes American dollars! Many expect that they (and I don't mean ekscrunchy) will have all of the amenities mentioned above in their room no matter where they stay. From your name I am thinking you are from Scotland (yes, you could be American of Scottish descent). My mind-set is what American's are thinking and not what Europeans understand. Again, not ekscrunchy because I know they are travelers.

Please don't think I'm putting down real American travelers. It's American tourists that don't understand a lot about what they're getting into traveling.

I have a story to explain what I mean... A few years ago.My husband and I were at Fiumicino airport waiting for our flight. Behind us was an American tourist. We were taking Alitalia (my last trip I will ever take on that airline). Now remember and Italian airport and an Italian airline. The husband was saying very loudly, "Why are they speaking Italian? I can't understand what they're saying even when they speak English!!" That's a tourist that doesn't understand traveling and would expect all the amenities in his room. So I always say basic.

Now, I'm off my soap box.

ekscrunchy: It looks like you picked a great hotel. I feel that if you ask for suggestions on Fodors that you can see what people have to say and then do your own research and make your own decisions. You did great.

Dear ekscrunchy,

I've seen many of your posts, and as a reply to one of my posts, someone recommended looking at YOUR information. I was wondering if you could give me some advice?? I've been to Italy 5 ish times. Usually, I choose a place for what it has to offer. IE the Dolomites for hiking, etc. I'm going next June and want to center myself in a place where, as a foodie, I can have incredible meals every day. I know that Italy has great food, but is there a place you could suggest that is particularly GREAT! I like meaty cuisine - pasta with duck confit for example. BUT, I'm not a big fan of cities.

Thanks so much,
Laurie

Hi Ann. I see what you are saying, but I still think "very basic" is the wrong phrase. I don't think that even any 5 star hotel in Europe would have a microwave in the room : I think it would be seen as naff and in fact I think the only place I think you might get one is a hostel You may be interested to know that IME hotels on the continent of Europe never have kettles in the room while all British hotels do - *except* some of the poshest ones (they expect you to order tea from room service) ! Actually the Algonquin in NYC doesn't either. Btw I am English and live in Edinburgh.

Hi Caroline: Ok, I take back "very basic" even though I think it is a high compliment. I realize the majority of all hotels in Europe 1 to 5 star don't have the amenities I mentioned (the expensive ones here don't either), but some Americans who are used to less expensive hotels in the US, expect it there if they haven't been before. I will not use "very basic".....I will use "quaint" .....Peace?

Oh, I never felt anything other than peace towards you Ann But as you probably know, we British cringe at "quaint" Just kidding ! Wonder how eks is getting on - and if she's in the sea at this moment, sigh... (writing this in full winter gear here)

They had heavy rain yesterday. Not a good start

Caroline: I cringe at quaint and cute, also. My first house was quaint and cute and I hated it when people said that because I wanted a bigger, elegant house. Now I have the bigger house and I want a smaller one Life is weird.

Caroline and Steve: As I mentioned before and as you probably know once you hit the end of September the weather is so changable in that area. One year we went from beach to having to buy a bulky sweater to go under our sweater. We had snow in October on Vesuvius and the on our way from Amalfi to Naples. Half of our trip that year was fridged cold and rainy even in Palermo.

I hope it clears up and gets warm for them.

Hi Ann - no, I've only ever been to Campania in June. But I was once in Sicily in September and it rained a lot. I've just changed our trip to Venice next year from June to September so hope it's not the same there

Looks like Naples is a mixture of sun & showers - although still reasonably warm at 27 degrees - for the next 3 days, then solid sun. Hope the showers are short ones. Still, at least we know eks travels with the idea of seeing quite a lot and visiting lots of nice restaurants, so she wasn't expecting to be on the beach all the time.

Caroline: I'm not sure about Venice in September. I do know that March is flooding season. Our last trip there we arrived at the end of March and were very fortunate. The elevated walkways were still up and it rained and drizzled all the time but no flooding.

Hi Ann - I think flooding can start from about November, van't it ?

I've now I checked Weatherbase & September is supposed to be almost identical to June, just one degree cooler - which will do nicely ! But weather is of course weather, so you never know.

Just wanted to say that I am back home after ann absolutely superb trip! I wanted to thank all of you who were so forthcoming with advice about the island. We did have some bad weather but did not let the rain put too much of a damper (!) on our explorations. At the last minute I decided to heed the advice of the experts here who recommended spending the last night on the mainland. We ended up cancelling our planned two nights on Capri and remaining,instead, for 6 nights on Ischia--in two different locations!--followed by one night in Naples. We are already talking about a return to Ischia!

I will buckle down and begin the trip report very soon..right now things are hectic on the home front (renovations) so forgive me for what might be more than my usual tardiness!

I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed Ischia so much. I'm sorry you hit some bad weather, but at least you didn't let it stop you. Can't wait to hear your report.

I'm also really pleased you liked Ischia ! We missed going there this year. Will look forward to reading your trip report when you have time.

Caroline: We loved the island! And I checked out the Casa Celestino and now understand why you found it difficult to wrench yourself away from that spot! I will begin the report as soon as I am able...

ek, now hurry up and do the report!
I look forward to reading it, as I want to include Ischia in my July trip to Italy.

You can't beat Casa Celestino. The sister hotel, the Terme San Michele is a 4 star hotel. If you stay at the Celestino, you can go up and the San Michele's pool and baths as if you are a registered guest there. They are friends of ours and a really wonderful family and wonderful hosts.

Oh, I wish I was soaking in some relaxing Ischian hot springs right now - it's cold outside! I am looking forward to hearing all about your trip...

I want to confirm the choice on Hotel Parco Smeraldo Terme, www.hotelparcosmeraldo.com, lovely situaed alond Maronti Beach the biggest and nicest of the Island. The indoor thermal pool are superb, also the position and all the service.

For those who have lower budget, nearby the Hotel Parco Smeraldo Terme there is the Hotel San Giorgio Terme, www.hotelsangiorgio.co, fully renovated and also with indoor thermal pools from march 2010.

Ekscrunchy,surfing for info on Ischia I stumbled upon your old thread.Now I will to go thru it in detail.I'm in Ischia for only 2 nights from Naples from the 9th to the 11th of Aug'11.Got some quotes from hotels around Forio(I prefer the sunset).Need you to go down the memory lane & give me some tips on what not to miss in Ischia(in 2 days!!!).This is the first time I'm travelling so ill prepared.This was last min.Leaving tomorrow to Italy.3 weeks is what I got.Signing off in Rome on the 14th Aug.Hope to follow your(and the other's here) advise on the move.

You are in for a treat. This is the report I wrote after the trip; it is not complete but has some good info for you. We liked the island so much that we cancelled our two nights on Capri and remained on Ischia. Let me know if you have any questions; I would be happy to revisit my time there by "discussing" our trip.





https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/return-to-campania-ischia-casts-its-spell.cfm

Woah!.That was speed of light.Great thx a zillion.Will spend some time on it.I'll have lots to ask you,as my last time in Italy was in'02.
Been to Capri,way back in '93.So this time a lot older.so sticking to Ischia & I know its waaay to short(had a couple of days out of Naples),guess can only enjoy reading & re-living your experience.Trying to put my feet up after a couple of weeks of business and travelling.Thx once again.

If visiting our island, you may find this useful - a monthly magazine more recently available in bilingual format....

http://www.ischianews.com/it/home/area-download-documenti/category/2.html

Use the green Download button - August's should be there soon, probably at the top of the list... from where today you would get July's!

For a collection of other stuff, try...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/allaboutischia

Hope something will be of interest!

Peter

Thx Peter.One more question.Villa Mafalda has rooms available.Euro 50 pp/day.Sounds good to me.Any idea about this place?Its location in Forio seems good.Would prefer to be 'in town',so I could stroll around & avoid buses every time need to get out of the hotel.Do they have a pool?Since their communications are rather poor and only the Italian version of their website is accessable,the reason for these posers.Kindly bear with me.
http://www.villamafalda.it/
Villa Pitti too has offered Euro50pp/day.Is it far from town?A per the google sat map its south of Forio,in Panza d'Ischia province.I have no idea of distances(just going thru the sat map).Some inputs please.
http://www.villapitti.com/

Forio?

Did you look at these?
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/forio

Villa Mafalda... from what I can see, they've no pool of their own. The Streetview in GoogleMaps will show one end of that little road, with a big yellow and blue sign to the hotel, but it doesn't go up there.

Look closely and you'll perhaps find V.C.Piro marked, in square D1 here...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/129644096

It's very handy for the town, and only the shortest of walks to the headland with the Soccorso church etc, but a bit of a way to the nearest place where you could swim.

People do go in from the rocks along the coast road there - or else the huge beach at Citara is perhaps 10 minutes away on the number 2 bus, which you'd catch from the far side of the port (in E2) - although I've a suspicion that one of the small local buses may go right past the hotel, and they mention there being a stop in the "immediate vicinity"!

We tend to prefer San Francesco - in the other direction (north) - however I'm not sure how badly last winter's storms may have treated the beaches there!

Those buses are the lines 21-24 under the Ischia heading here, and they scurry around Forio and the outlying villages....

http://www.eavbus.it/opencms/eavbus/orari/ordinarie/index.html

I've never yet fathomed their precise routes, even though we've caught them quite a few times!

They're loops and well worth a ride 'there and back' - especially the one to La Mortella, the Visconti Villa (if open) and the Zaro headland, which then comes down to San Francesco on the way back to town.

The site also says there's a shuttle to some of the spas, I guess Poseidon particularly, but those - whilst wonderful - are a fairly pricey outing, probably 30 or even 35 Euro this year?
.....................................................

Panza is one of the villages of the Forio Comune and for some reason we love its little centre:
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/panza

And of course, outside the town there's more space - so, for facilities and its rooms, the villa Pitti does look much nicer... tough choice, isn't it?

I recognise the corner it's near, where one road goes off to the cemetery, one to the coast and another to the unusual crater just to the northwest - which means it's maybe a 10 minute walk from where the bus from Forio would normally drop you in the centre of Panza.... after a ride of some 15 minutes.

Not positive, but I've a feeling that on August evenings they may well close the through road, and divert buses to the far end of the village, another 5 minutes away (so they'd come down Via Ciglio, take the hairpin bend and go past the Il Ritrovo pizzeria to Sant'Angelo, and then back up again).

Looks to be a lovely hotel with lovely facilities but perhaps - for just 2 nights - too much "getting to know the place" would be involved?

Trade-offs about which you'll have to decide.... sorry!

Peter

Some great analysis Peter.My thoughts are geting clearer.Thx.Mafalda's got no pool.So thats out of my radar screen.Vila Pitti in Panza would be an ideal setting but like you've mentioned,for just 2 nights 'getting to know the place'would become tedious.I'm looking for a 'decent' hotel in the E 50-60 range in town,walking distance to restaurants/pubs/bars,with a pool & a room with a sea view.Would also like to stroll around town.Pl suggest a good hotel/B&B.
Like I had mentioned earlier,I've been to some of the best tropical beaches around the world.So swimming in Ischian beaches are not the top priority.
Great links will read them at leisure.

thanks for the link to the Ischian magazine, Peter. As I have perhaps mentioned before, my italian teacher is from Ischia so i will ask her if she is aware of it.

Annhig - it's been going a while but they slipped in the English stuff while I wasn't watching!

There's another new free one they give away at the ports etc - also bilingual - that concentrates on restaurants, spas, bars and shops.

To date in printed form only, with a website that seems to be in "holding" mode at present:

http://www.guidaischiashopping.it/

Similarly only two languages, WITHOUT the usual third!

Peter

inq... Sorry, but we're over on the far side of the island, and I'm not familiar with most of the hotels near Forio.

August is hugely busy, but perhaps a search of venere.com can find somewhere from the 90 or so in that Comune - and I'll try to fill you in with anything I know about them?

Peter

Annhig - it's been going a while but they slipped in the English stuff while I wasn't watching!>>

I'd like to say that I read only the italian, but I'd be lying!

Hey, some of us don't bother with much more than the pictures!

Peter

I've booked it.Its Villa Flavio in Forio.They did'nt respond to my mails so picked up the phone and called them.Eva confirmed availability E 96/day Half board.I'm getting a 'sea view' double.It seems to be off Via Casa Capezza/Via San Vito.
http://www.villaflavioischia.it/
Looking forward to a good time.Grazie mille !!

Wonderful! And if you should feel like having a wander, try this lot for the upper part of town...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/sentinella

and these for the lower...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/casacom

Peter

That looks like it is close to where I stayed outside Forio. (VIlla Melodie)

But I wonder why their website calls it Cassamicciola and not Forio (??)

Should be lovely. Let me know if you have any questions..

There's a simple reason why the hotel website says they're in the comune of Casamicciola - it's because they are!

Google's mapping system may not know it, but fortunately the local A-Z does...

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/136780884/original

Look in square E4, and Via Casa Capezza is near those pink blobs I've added - just along from the Sentinella area, for which there's a picture link in my previous post.

This is how the various comune fit together:
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/110236626

OK now?

Peter

I defer to you, Peter, since you know the island very well.

From those maps, though, it looks like a long way to walk into Forio town. Looks like a nice place, though!

Gosh,Peter,thats not where I thought I'd be staying.Ekscrunchy,thx for pointing it out.My google earth shows Villa Flavio off via San Vito in Forio,which is in Comune di Forio rather than in Comune di Cassamicciola(thats as per the pink blobs).This is a totally different location.Stupid me.Way off target.
I'd prefer to stay in Forio.I'll have to talk to them and cancel bookings.
In the mean while I've got a booking in Villa Primavera on Via Cava di Spinavola.The same price.Now Peter,please tell me this is in Forio!
http://www.hotelprimaveraischia.it/index.php
Phew!!Thanks guys.If it ain't for you I'd probably end up on another island altogether
Feedback please.

It's certainly not where I'd start from if walking to Forio!

However the little buses of route 14 pass nearby, on their way there from Casamicciola - timetable amongst the many here, but see (*) below..

http://www.eavbus.it/opencms/eavbus/orari/ordinarie/index.html

Casamicciola would be the more convenient port to cross to from Naples - look out for SNAV line hydrofoils, or Caremar hydrofoils and ferries. If not going by taxi, take that 14 bus (or a 3 or 4) from its stop on the far side of the main coast road (the lefthand one of the two there), near where you'd see the fountain. Tickets from the bar or newstand.

But if instead you should arrive at Ischia Porto (to where services, including Alilauro's, are much more frequent) do ask at the bus station kiosk for a printed timetable.. as I'm not 100% sure all those on the EAVBus website are up to date!

(Again, see (*) below)

From there then take either a taxi (but further, and even dearer!) or else a 1, 2 or CS bus to the stop at the port in Casamicciola, and one of the buses mentioned above.

What might be interesting, if thinking of going over to Forio, is to walk first to the nearby "La Rita" area - where some of the very earliest of the thermal centres were built, to benefit from the hot mineral waters of the spring of the same name (aka Santa Rita etc etc).

Indeed your hotel says they've an arrangement with the Santa Rita spa there - whose services, hopefully, you'll not need... since such places deal mostly with medical and skeletal therapies, rather than beauty treatments and the like!

If you've the cheek to ask for a look around, we found the people there very friendly - and the whole process of preparing and doing the mud treatments fascinating!
http://www.termesrita1info.com/terme_santa_rita_2.htm

You'll see dozens of towels and wraps drying on the roof in one of the photos here...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/casacom

There's a bar nearby and, from the stop outside it, you can catch the 14 bus on towards Forio - or go elsewhere on the numbers 3 and 4 which also pass by...

Just an idea, but somewhere to which few visitors find their way!

Peter

(*) The best version of the timetables online.... if you've 20/20 vision, and a big magnifying glass.... is here:
http://www.ischia.it/new/orari/Orario_Autobus_Ischia_Estivo.pdf

... but do also have a look at this stuff I've put together...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/beginisc

Errr - that last one of mine's from before your post... shame, an interesting area...

I'll have look at the other place

Peter

No English reviews on TA, but it's hardly necessary to be fluent in Italian to get the gist of these...

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g580210-d1167152-Reviews-Primavera-Forio_Ischia_Campania.html

I've had a quick Google Streetview "walk" up that road, which is indeed in Forio proper (the town's football team have their ground on it!), but can't spot the hotel itself?

Peter