Hospitality the Ischia Island way

Ischia, Italy's ancient Green Isle, is a laid-back holiday island in the Bay of Naples that looks across the water to the more famous Capri. A volcanic island, Ischia connects us to the heart of our earth's vitality, its molten core, and Ischia is renowned for its abundant selection of thermal spas and restorative centres. Steam from the fissures below and springs of heated, mineral rich water are used in therapeutic and wellness treatments.

Ischia's volcano now slumbers, yet the island's fertile volcanic soil proffers sulphate-based mud that is excellent for the skin - and body in general. The soil's properties also feed a culture of fresh and tasty gastronomy. The cultivation and preparation of fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy that make up Ischia's typical dishes and local wines are a substantial part of island life and typical of southern Italian hospitality.

Ischia's essential ingredients - its food, its nature, its past - are complimented by modern holiday facilities. Key ports have docking amenities for yachts and public and private ferries regularly run between Naples and the island with hotels offering transfers from the port.

Near the largest harbour of Ischia Porto, the Riva Destra, or right bank, is a waterside strip of restaurants and bars on one side, with their fresh outdoor seafood displays to tempt you in, and on the other, a plethora of boats and vessels at dock during their Mediterranean cruise.

Overall, the island's restaurants and nightspots are lively and various, some creatively cut out of the island's typical green tuff rock while others offer animated piano bar entertainment, Latin American dancing or the clubbing alternative.

Ischia Porto's Via Roma is the island's key shopping district and this central street hosts everything from tourist kitsch to quality stitch. The big names of Italian fashion are all here, but so too are the local artisans, particularly strong in ceramics and anything using the island's fabulous lemons, but also featuring artisanal crafts such as jewellery-making and tailoring.

Indeed, one of Ischia's simple pleasures is a leisurely evening stroll from the island's famous Bar Calise at Piazza degli Eroi, down Via Roma to the Riva Destra, and if you're feeling energetic, back again in the opposite direction. Along the way there's the chance for a home-made gelato or pastry, a seafood dinner or simply a spot of window-shopping and watching the passing parade.