Mezzatorre Resort in Ischia?
Mar 28th, 2006, 03:35 PM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
JES, I don't know the resort but I spent 4 nights in Ischia last late-May and really enjoyed it. If you click on my name and look for posts about Ischia, mostly from last spring, you will find some good information other fodorites gave me.
Mar 30th, 2006, 08:40 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 688
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Anabelle, thanks so much for sending me to your link.
I'd love to hear what your thoughts were after your trip. Were you pleasantly surprised? Did you find it too touristy or disappointing due to the German talk and menus (no offenses, I'd just like to be surrounded by only Italian when in Italy)....
I'd love to hear what your thoughts were after your trip. Were you pleasantly surprised? Did you find it too touristy or disappointing due to the German talk and menus (no offenses, I'd just like to be surrounded by only Italian when in Italy)....
Mar 30th, 2006, 10:57 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
JES
here is another good source for information: ischiaonline.com
We were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed Ischia. In May (we were there at the end of the month) it was not too touristy. At our hotel, in Casamacciola (sorry, can't remember the spelling) the other guests were Italian, Canadian, and some Germans. Most signage around the island did seem to be in German (besides Italian of course) and since the Canadian friend w/ us speaks fluent German, it was kind of fun for her.
I didn't stay in Forio, but we went through there on our way to the hot springs near Panza (I am going from memory here, but this cool place is mentioned in those other posts you saw). It seems like a nice area; the friend of mine here in the US who first told me about Ischia (her family is from there) said on her next trip she wants to rent an apt. in the Forio area.
We did like the town we stayed in; we were way up on a hilltop; amazingly winding streets and a good view. We had to take the bus (or locals gave us rides) down into lower Casamacciola, where restaurants etc were. The island is small and you can take the bus (on strike some of the time we were there, but still ran on and off!) around and see the whole place.
I think it would be nuts there in July and August, things felt relaxed, with nice weather and friendly locals when we were there...
If you can be there during a festival --we were there for Corpus Christi-- you'll get a chance to see the local people enjoying there island and customs. My memories of the little schoolgirls in their tennis shoes and angel wings, the processions in the streets with everyone from the priests to the slightly rusty brass band, and the flower-petal "paintings" on the sidewalks, are some of my favorites!
here is another good source for information: ischiaonline.com
We were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed Ischia. In May (we were there at the end of the month) it was not too touristy. At our hotel, in Casamacciola (sorry, can't remember the spelling) the other guests were Italian, Canadian, and some Germans. Most signage around the island did seem to be in German (besides Italian of course) and since the Canadian friend w/ us speaks fluent German, it was kind of fun for her.
I didn't stay in Forio, but we went through there on our way to the hot springs near Panza (I am going from memory here, but this cool place is mentioned in those other posts you saw). It seems like a nice area; the friend of mine here in the US who first told me about Ischia (her family is from there) said on her next trip she wants to rent an apt. in the Forio area.
We did like the town we stayed in; we were way up on a hilltop; amazingly winding streets and a good view. We had to take the bus (or locals gave us rides) down into lower Casamacciola, where restaurants etc were. The island is small and you can take the bus (on strike some of the time we were there, but still ran on and off!) around and see the whole place.
I think it would be nuts there in July and August, things felt relaxed, with nice weather and friendly locals when we were there...
If you can be there during a festival --we were there for Corpus Christi-- you'll get a chance to see the local people enjoying there island and customs. My memories of the little schoolgirls in their tennis shoes and angel wings, the processions in the streets with everyone from the priests to the slightly rusty brass band, and the flower-petal "paintings" on the sidewalks, are some of my favorites!
Mar 30th, 2006, 12:02 PM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 688
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Annabelle!
I do speak German so I might like that too.
What did you think about Forio when you drove through?
Where did you stay? It seems there were a lot of recommendations for Sant Angelo. Maybe we should rethink where we stay.
Have you been to Capri? If so, how does it compare to Ischia?
Thanks for all of your help!
I do speak German so I might like that too.
What did you think about Forio when you drove through?
Where did you stay? It seems there were a lot of recommendations for Sant Angelo. Maybe we should rethink where we stay.
Have you been to Capri? If so, how does it compare to Ischia?
Thanks for all of your help!
Mar 30th, 2006, 04:34 PM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have not been to Capri, but I think there are posts here about the differences of these islands. Ischia and, I think, Procida, are thermal volcanic islands and from what I know, Capri is geologically different. The thermal waters were a big draw for us, because we love hot springs.
I don't have a real impression of Forio, but as I mentioned it is near Panza, where we walked the 200 steps down to the sea and soaked in hot springs that rose out of the cool Mediterranean...ahhhh! lovely.
Then since the busses were on strike we actually walked (it probably took an hour, but we enjoyed it) to Sant' Angelo for dinner.
Sant' Angelo is very picturesque and we had a delicious dinner there (I'll have to search for the name of the place, it's the one where the owners and staff sing and play instruments, very fun -- except for the lecherous chef, but that is another story). We actually thought it seemed a little more tourist-oriented in a quaint, upscale kind of way.
My impression, having only been there this one time for 4 nights, is as long as you aren't there in the dead of winter or the height of summer, anyplace you stay on this little island will probably be fine!
We actually took the ferry back to Naples one morning and then took the train to Pompeii for the day, and then train/ferry back to Ischia in time for dinner. Long day, but the closest we were going to be to Pompeii on that trip and SO worth it, for us.
We stayed at hotelbeltramonto.it. I'm not actually recommending the place because, frankly, it was a little wacky. We ended up loving it, since it worked for us in a twilight-zone kind of way...the webstite, however, is very fun! Some of my favorite English-translations ever. Still trying to figure out what "animals of small ransom" might mean; if you know, you can bring yours, they are welcome at the hotel!
I don't have a real impression of Forio, but as I mentioned it is near Panza, where we walked the 200 steps down to the sea and soaked in hot springs that rose out of the cool Mediterranean...ahhhh! lovely.
Then since the busses were on strike we actually walked (it probably took an hour, but we enjoyed it) to Sant' Angelo for dinner.
Sant' Angelo is very picturesque and we had a delicious dinner there (I'll have to search for the name of the place, it's the one where the owners and staff sing and play instruments, very fun -- except for the lecherous chef, but that is another story). We actually thought it seemed a little more tourist-oriented in a quaint, upscale kind of way.
My impression, having only been there this one time for 4 nights, is as long as you aren't there in the dead of winter or the height of summer, anyplace you stay on this little island will probably be fine!
We actually took the ferry back to Naples one morning and then took the train to Pompeii for the day, and then train/ferry back to Ischia in time for dinner. Long day, but the closest we were going to be to Pompeii on that trip and SO worth it, for us.
We stayed at hotelbeltramonto.it. I'm not actually recommending the place because, frankly, it was a little wacky. We ended up loving it, since it worked for us in a twilight-zone kind of way...the webstite, however, is very fun! Some of my favorite English-translations ever. Still trying to figure out what "animals of small ransom" might mean; if you know, you can bring yours, they are welcome at the hotel!
Mar 30th, 2006, 05:22 PM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 688
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks again. The hotel looks adorable--I was laughing out loud at the translations. So cute!
I'm going to be staying in Revello as well...is there a closer spot to get to Ischia from the Amalfi Coast or do you have to go from Naples?
I'm glad you made it to Pompei. I found it fascinating.
I'm going to be staying in Revello as well...is there a closer spot to get to Ischia from the Amalfi Coast or do you have to go from Naples?
I'm glad you made it to Pompei. I found it fascinating.
Mar 30th, 2006, 07:06 PM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I actually have the Bel Tramonto website bookmarked so I can chuckle over it and enjoy the crazy memories while I am at work...
I am pretty sure you can get to Ischia from Sorrento, and possibly from Positano; I don't have any of my Italy stuff handy, but I do remember we were considering going on to Sorrento (but we quite liked Ischia and were at the end of the Italy portion of the trip, so we stayed put!) I think your question has been asked here before, so I bet if you do a search here for ferries Ischia or something to that effect, you'll get some info. I think Lonely Planet had some info on how to get to Ischia. Also check the ischiaonline site. There are hydrofoils as well.
If you've seen the movie The Talented Mr Ripley, the island scenes were filmed in Ischia (and on neighboring Procida, I think?).
Yes, after 5 trips to Italy, I finally made it to Pompeii and it exceeded my expectations. Where else are you going on this trip?
I am pretty sure you can get to Ischia from Sorrento, and possibly from Positano; I don't have any of my Italy stuff handy, but I do remember we were considering going on to Sorrento (but we quite liked Ischia and were at the end of the Italy portion of the trip, so we stayed put!) I think your question has been asked here before, so I bet if you do a search here for ferries Ischia or something to that effect, you'll get some info. I think Lonely Planet had some info on how to get to Ischia. Also check the ischiaonline site. There are hydrofoils as well.
If you've seen the movie The Talented Mr Ripley, the island scenes were filmed in Ischia (and on neighboring Procida, I think?).
Yes, after 5 trips to Italy, I finally made it to Pompeii and it exceeded my expectations. Where else are you going on this trip?
Mar 30th, 2006, 08:17 PM
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
JES, we stayed five nights in Ischia and then travelled to Ravello for a stay of several days. All the planning in advance couldn't tell me any way to get from Ischia to Ravello without going back to Sorrento or Naples. When we got to Ischia I was finding the same problem.
But I saw several day trip boats from the harbor at Ischia which do day trips to Amalfi and Positano. I talked with one of the sales people and for something like 10 euro each they booked the two of us on one of those day boats for just one way transport. We left in the morning, the boat stopped at Positano for a couple of hours where we got off and had lunch (leaving our luggage on the boat docked off shore) and then went on to Amalfi, where we got the bus up to Ravello.
Don't let the tourist offices tell you there is no way to get to Amalfi. This was actually cheaper than the multi transportation options of the regular services.
But I saw several day trip boats from the harbor at Ischia which do day trips to Amalfi and Positano. I talked with one of the sales people and for something like 10 euro each they booked the two of us on one of those day boats for just one way transport. We left in the morning, the boat stopped at Positano for a couple of hours where we got off and had lunch (leaving our luggage on the boat docked off shore) and then went on to Amalfi, where we got the bus up to Ravello.
Don't let the tourist offices tell you there is no way to get to Amalfi. This was actually cheaper than the multi transportation options of the regular services.
Apr 4th, 2006, 07:02 AM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 688
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Can any of you tell me if the first week in May is too risky with weather? Especially if we're going to the island?
It's a possibility to wait until the end of May, though I'd rather not if possible.
It's a possibility to wait until the end of May, though I'd rather not if possible.
Apr 12th, 2006, 03:54 AM
#15
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Neapolitan, so glad to hear of your easy way of getting from Ischia to Amalfi. We will be travelling from Ischia to Positano in June & I'd hoped we might be able to get a tourist boat direct. What time of year were you there ?
Apr 12th, 2006, 04:10 AM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,021
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Caroline - 'Capt Morgan' runs excursions from Ischia to the Amalfi Coast 3/4 days per week. He's your best bet:
http://www.capitanmorgan.it
Hope this helps ...
Steve
http://www.capitanmorgan.it
Hope this helps ...
Steve
Apr 12th, 2006, 04:25 AM
#17
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Steve. Thanks very much, that's ideal.
The leg of the journey I'm least looking forward to is Positano back to Naples airport which we'll be doing on Saturday June 17th, having first got to Positano by boat. I considered the buses option last year but thought it would just be too much hassle, hot & tiring; walking from the dock up to the piazzetta then getting 3 buses (including the little local one). We'd hoped to get the Metro del Mare but it didn't start running until July, after we'd left. In the end we got a car but really don't want to do that again at a cost of €80-100. If the Metro del Mare isn't running, I wondered about getting a tourist boat to Capri then on to Naples ? Any advice gratefully received.
The leg of the journey I'm least looking forward to is Positano back to Naples airport which we'll be doing on Saturday June 17th, having first got to Positano by boat. I considered the buses option last year but thought it would just be too much hassle, hot & tiring; walking from the dock up to the piazzetta then getting 3 buses (including the little local one). We'd hoped to get the Metro del Mare but it didn't start running until July, after we'd left. In the end we got a car but really don't want to do that again at a cost of €80-100. If the Metro del Mare isn't running, I wondered about getting a tourist boat to Capri then on to Naples ? Any advice gratefully received.
Apr 12th, 2006, 06:19 AM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,021
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Caroline - The Capri route would be expensive.
A cheaper option would be to get the Sita bus to Sorrento - from where Curreri run an airport shuttle service:
(Deps. at 06.45 - 08.30 - 10.30 - 12.00 - 14.00 - 16.30)
www.curreriviaggi.it
Or ... Circumvesuviana from Meta, and shuttle bus from Naples.
If you prefer to go by sea and the Metro del Mare service isn't running ... you could get the ferry to Salerno, then train to Naples, then airport shuttle bus from Naples station.
(But the earliest ferry is usually about 10.00 - so it's not an option for a morning flight).
Hope this helps ...
Steve
A cheaper option would be to get the Sita bus to Sorrento - from where Curreri run an airport shuttle service:
(Deps. at 06.45 - 08.30 - 10.30 - 12.00 - 14.00 - 16.30)
www.curreriviaggi.it
Or ... Circumvesuviana from Meta, and shuttle bus from Naples.
If you prefer to go by sea and the Metro del Mare service isn't running ... you could get the ferry to Salerno, then train to Naples, then airport shuttle bus from Naples station.
(But the earliest ferry is usually about 10.00 - so it's not an option for a morning flight).
Hope this helps ...
Steve
Apr 12th, 2006, 07:19 AM
#19
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Steve and thanks for your prompt and helpful response. My main concern is trying to avoid leaving Positano by bus as that would involve a walk uphill + 3 buses or walk uphill + 2 buses & a train.
But the boat to Salerno + train option sounds like a goer - our flight is not until 15.55.
Thanks again.
And JES, sorry for hijacking your thread !
But the boat to Salerno + train option sounds like a goer - our flight is not until 15.55.
Thanks again.
And JES, sorry for hijacking your thread !
Apr 12th, 2006, 07:38 AM
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Actually your comment about "a tourist boat to Capri and then to Naples" is a good one. That sort of idea is how we got from Ischia to Amalfi. You should be able to go to the tourist day trip boats that leave Positano to Capri a day or two ahead and ask what it will cost just to take it to Capri. That shouldn't be expensive at all, and in June they'd probably be happy to take you for a few euro. Then in Capri you can get a fast boat to Naples.
The only part is, you can't really prebook this option way in advance, and I suppose there's always the possibility that the seas are rough and that morning the day boats to Capri will cancel.
The only part is, you can't really prebook this option way in advance, and I suppose there's always the possibility that the seas are rough and that morning the day boats to Capri will cancel.
