Ischia or Capri?
#2
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We visited both islands while on a cruise in summer of 2000. We spent only a day on each island, so my opinion is based on short impressions and people who have stayed on both will likely have more insight. We found Capri to be extremely commercial and expensive. We passed on the touristy Blue Grotto and spent our time in Annacapri. While pretty, we thought it was nice to see but wouldn't stay there or return. Good shopping for high end designer wear and leather and jewellery, but no bargains to be had.<BR><BR>We really loved Ischia. We drove around the island and loved the peacefulness once out of the port area. It's very beautiful. Many German tourists and German seemed to be the second language spoken everywhere. We enjoyed a wonderful and most memorable lunch at a family run restaurant called Neptune. The restaurant is nestled high up in the hills with exquisite ocean views. We had fresh fish, wonderful pasta, fresh fruit, great wine. After lunch the owner and staff brought out musical instruments and began an informal sing-and dance-along. Everyone got into it, including the chef. It was as if we were in someone's home and they "let loose". It actually brought tears to my eyes. We had a blast. And so, my fonder memories are of the unique and rustic experience on Ischia.<BR>
#3
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Agree with Gayle's recommendation. One slight correction, the restaurant is called Neptunus and it is in the town of Sant'Angelo which is more or less at sea level (it does have a beautiful view overlooking the water). But I agree, the restaurant is fantastic, as is Ischia. Thanks Gayle, your comments brought back some of my own memories : )
#5
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Have you thought of Procida?<BR>it's the little sister of the other two, right off Ischia.<BR>It is a quiet, lovely island, <BR>and it is easy and cheap to take a traghetta to the other 2 islands.<BR><BR>I thought Ischia was nice for a day trip, but really crowded!!!<BR><BR> I guess it depends on what you are looking for on your trip.<BR>
#7
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About a year after our trip, someone gave me this book, "An Italian Affair", by Laura Fraser. A quick and light read, the chapters which take place on Ischia are magical and brought back lots of memories. <BR><BR>Here is an excerpt of a review (not mine):<BR>"When her husband of one year left her for an old girlfriend, Fraser (Losing It: False Hopes and Fat Profits in the Diet Industry), in her mid-30s and suddenly alone, was devastated. In a state of shock, she decided to take a trip to Italy. Finding no solace with friends in Florence, she traveled to the island of Ischia, where she met M., a married university professor from France with whom she began a casual affair that continued on and off for the next two years. In this gentle memoir, she tells of her rendezvous with her lover in Milan, Lago Maggiore, London, the Aeolian Islands, Morocco and her own city, San Francisco all the places where they carried on their fairy-tale romance, enjoying beautiful scenery, languorous days in the sun, fabulous meals and good sex. The professor, a man of the world who took such liaisons casually, had an easy, humorous, slightly mocking manner that was just what she needed to help her recover from her broken heart. There were no expectations beyond having a good time. What M. offered Fraser was far more satisfying and restorative than the psychologically complicated relationships she found in the San Francisco singles scene. Writing in the second person, Fraser steps back and looks at the experience without sentimentality, recounting a tender story that gives hope to women with broken hearts." <BR>
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tripgirl
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Aug 6th, 2006 08:45 AM