3 Best Sights in Italy

Most of the hotels are along the beach in the part of town called Ischia Ponte, which gets its name from the ponte (bridge) built by Alfonso of Aragon in 1438 to link the picturesque castle on a small islet offshore with the town and port. For a while the castle was the home of Vittoria Colonna, poetess, granddaughter of Renaissance Duke Federico da Montefeltro (1422–82), and platonic soulmate of Michelangelo, with whom she carried on a lengthy correspondence. The Castello Aragonese itself is a fascinating place to explore, a citadel with atmospheric corners and various exhibition spaces including the stylish Lo Studio art space/craft shop. There are wonderful views amid battlements, gardens, former places of worship and a Napoleonic prison. Plus there's the panoramic Il Terrazzo café and the lofty Il Monastero hotel-café-restaurant. It's all run by the Mattera family who bought the abandoned fortress from the State in 1912: "25,000 lire for 25 centuries of abandoned history" they say. Expect lots of steps but there's a lift if you prefer to avoid the climb. The surrounding area has countless cafés, shops, and restaurants, and a 1-km (½-mile) fine-sand beach.

San Remo's steep and labyrinthine old town climbs upward to Piazza Castello, which offers a splendid view of the town and sea below. Some lovely old palazzi and squares have been restored, and the neighborhood gives you a sense of what it was like to live in San Remo centuries ago.

A walk through Caltanissetta's historic center offers a glimpse into its noble past. Start your walk at Piazza Garibaldi and follow Corso Vittorio Emanuele, where you'll find the elegant Teatro Regina Margherita, which is worth visiting if a concert or opera is playing during your stay. Continuing along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, you'll encounter the Church of Santa Croce, built on the site of a 16th-century Benedictine monastery. This partially pedestrianized wide avenue offers a pleasant stroll with many shops, bars, and restaurants.