we are nuts for thermal water. we are planning our first trip to ischia and want a hotel where we can soak in the thermal water. would love a sea view-- but don't need a beach. it's all about the thermal water.

what are our best options for hotels with thermal pools? have looked at "giardino Ninfe" and it is in our price range-- which is as far under $150 E that we can get. any other hotels recommended that have thermal pools on property?
thanks much-- just starting our search--
kawh
sebastopol, ca

Hi again!

Although Ischia is only about 2/3 the size of Manhattan, there's are considerable differences in the mineral content of the various thermal springs - as they try to explain here....

http://www.terme.ischia.it/uk/

Those subtleties and individual benefits are lost on we English, however the two of us enjoy a good soak in the thermal waters - at either Negombo or one of the other gorgeous spa gardens when making a day of it!

Haven't stayed at that particular hotel, although we rented an apartment within only a short walk away one September. The main drawback for us was the location - very pretty but a fair bus ride from Ischia Ponte and its restaurants etc - although it's certainly popular amongst TA members....

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_R..._Campania.html

You might take a look at one that's much handier for Ponte - and if exploring the island further - the little Hotel Europa...

http://www.hoteleuropaischia.it/home/index.php?lg=uk

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_R..._Campania.html

There's a nice video taken in their pool - similarly fed by the iron-rich waters found on this side of the island - that always makes me smile....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsCeqpBi5WE

That would probably be slightly less expensive, leaving you well able to afford one of the spas - the most convenient of which, the 'Parco Termale Castiglione', you could get to in about 10 minutes on the hourly number 15 bus, whose route passes by the hotel....

http://www.termecastiglione.it/eng/index.htm

Is that the sort of place, or combination, you had in mind?

Peter

I stayed outside Forio at Villa Melodie. They have a large swimming pool and a thermal pool in a grotto. The price is within your range and the hotel is very clean and quite charming. I am sure there are many options, but you might want to check this one. There is no sea view, however. If you are interested, I will give you further details.

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

Thank you Peter for all the wonderful information, you are always so helpful!

I loved Ischia so much I'm considering another trip next year. 3 nights was not enough time for me.

I'm thinking about staying in Ponte (maybe the hotel you suggested, Europa). If we stay in Ponte would we always have to take the little bus to/from the main bus station back to the hotel or do some buses go directly to/from Ponte to other parts of the island?

Deb, my pleasure - and it's good to hear that you enjoyed yourselves!

Several buses pass through Ponte, although none of them go very far - as well as the various shades of the 7, the 12 and 15 serve other nearby areas.

But from the Europa it's only 5/10 minutes walk to the Piazza dell'Eroi roundabout - from where you can catch the 5 to Maronti Beach, the 6 to Fiaiano (a nice upland village, the start of some pleasant walks) or the CD - one of the two round-island buses, and much the quieter!

Obviously for the north coast it makes more sense to go back to the bus station, and change there - but, for a better idea, see the route map here...

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/beginisc

And of course Ponte and the Europa are handy for the port, if you want to explore off-land - these are all within daytrip range, although an early start is necessary with some...

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/tele

If you have any difficulty deciding when to come again, you might try...

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/iscpics

Regards,
Peter

Thank you again Peter! It looks like staying is Ponte could be a good choice for us.

haven't been on this in a while-- but just got a look at your link, http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/beginisc
it is really, REALLY helpful. wonderful. thanks!
kawh