Rest assured: you will definitely need a map of Ischia Ponte and its nearby attractions. The island, just 10 km long and 7 km wide, holds many surprises.
Start your visit with the Aragonese Castle. It, along with the bridge leading to it, is the main attraction of the area. It’s an island museum connected to Ischia Ponte by a causeway. The castle is open from 9 a.m. until sunset. Entrance fee — 13 EUR. A map of the highlights of Ischia Ponte will come in handy — you can get one at the castle ticket office. You’ll be able to explore several chapels, faded frescoes, lovely gardens, an ancient prison, and an art gallery.
Looking at the map of Ischia Ponte and the entire island of Ischia with its attractions, we find the botanical garden called La Mortella. The garden was founded by William Walton, an English musician, and his wife. It is open for visits from April to November, from 9 am to 7 pm. The entrance ticket costs 15 EUR.
Symphonic music concerts are held in the museum building or in the open-air Greek theater. The paths of the garden lead up to the summit of Monte Caruso, from where you can enjoy a view of the town of Forio. Be sure to visit the orchid pavilions and “Victoria”, a tea house where you can sit surrounded by lemon blossom trees.
The attractions of Ischia Ponte and its surroundings include the archaeological museum of Pithecusae (Museo archeologico di Pithecusae). It will be interesting for anyone interested in the history of the island. Here you can find objects made of bronze, terracotta, and painted pottery.
Also intriguing is the Museum Luchino Visconti at the summer residence of Villa La Colombaia (Museo-Fondazione La Colombaia di Luchino Visconti) in Forio. It is dedicated to the work of the famous director and showcases a wide collection of stage costumes for films and photographs.
But Ischia's main asset is its hydro-thermo-mineral springs with a large number of different types of mineral water. There are 29 groups of springs, more than 100 independent springs and 69 fumaroles or furnaces. Most of them are located in thermal parks.
