Country Vacations & Resorts

For our “I” destination research, how about an island in Italy called Ischia?

Outside the fact that it fulfills the “I” requirement three times in one sentence, Ischia is an island paradise for those looking for a destination that is: near urban centers, a favorite of locals, quaint and somewhat rural, full of hot springs spas and thermal resorts, and easy to visit. Ischia has all this and more.

Where is Ischia, Italy?

The more people who don’t know Ischia’s location, the better for the rest of us contemplating a visit but we’ll spill the beans just for this post.

Ischia is located in the Campania region approximately 17 miles from Naples and is a volcanic-based island located at the northern end of the Bay of Naples. You’ll recognize it from it’s expansive 21 miles of pure coastline! Plan on getting to Ischia from Naples – the easiest route. Your choices are varied as to transportation either via the Italian railway system, or by boarding a ferry or hydrofoil. Let speed and necessity be your guide. Some ferries can also take you to points further in the Bay of Naples should your vacation include visiting other islands such as Ponza. I believe the Roman Emperor Tiberius used to banish people to Ponza, but don’t let this stop you from planning a visit.

The island’s resident population is 55,000 but this number swells in July and August when many Italians and their families take their vacation on Ischia. For lower hotel rates, greater availability, and less crowds to deal with – go outside this July and August timeframe.

The island is comprised of 6 different administrative areas or towns – Ischia (main point of origin for many travelers), Barano, Forio (the busiest town), Serrara Fontana, Casamicciola Terme and Lacco Ameno – each with their own level of charm, scenic, spa, and beach areas and activities.

Beaches

With 37km of coastline, choosing one will be your toughtest call. Many beaches on Ischia, unlike Grenada are owned by businesses who charge you to use them – with charges for beach accessories such as towels and chairs. There are also plenty of “spiaggia libera” or “free beaches”, but you may have to walk a bit or hire a water taxi to find you a more secluded and free location.

But who cares? With beaches like this, I’ll walk a bit.

One of Ischia’s premiere beaches, the Spiaggia dei Maronti, is located Sant’Angelo and Barano – and so the rumors go – might be a good place to check for pirate loot! For a truly unique beach day, visit the nearby natural thermal spring at Cava Scura. Rock-based open-air pools contain therapeutic waters…

Take a thermal spa again (travel is such hard work), at Spiaggia Citara beach where the Giardini Poseidon terme (spa or hot springs), offers a nearly ancient Rome thermal spa experience. Other beaches include Spiaggia Mandra and Spiaggia dei Pescatori between Ischia Porte and Ischia Ponte, and Spiaggia degli Inglesi or “Beach of the English.”

With it’s scenic landscapes and small fishing and boating ports, Ischia has a lot to offer just by being there. However, don’t miss a chance to see the Castello Aragonese fortress at Ischia Ponte the landscape garden at La Mortella, the island’s history museum and “Nestor’s Cup” located at Lacco Ameno, and the and the stunning views from Mt. Epomeo, the island’s highest point. Due to the island’s natural hot springs, spas abound and are seemingly limitless in size, temperature, and therapeutic purpose. Some research will be in order to make sure you choose just the right location should you find yourself in need of spa rejuvenation.

Five-star destination.

There are several luxury accommodations to chose from on Ischia which is to be expected since nearly every resort has a hot springs pool or thermal spa, wellness centers, and concierge-level attendance to your needs.

Among these are the Hotel Mezzatore – just outside Lacco Amerno, Miramare e Castello with is Ischia Ponte view of the Castello Aragonese, the Hotel Europa, also located in Ischia Ponte and last but definitely not least, the Terme Manzi Hotel and Spa in the nearby Casamicciola. But don’t overlook other smaller hotels where customer service is exceptional.

The letter “B” favorite destination is for Brisbane.  This time it is more than a “wish” since I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent two weeks there…

On Australia’s Gold Coast is the city of Brisbane, state capital of Queensland, with a population of about 2 million – making it the third largest city in Australia.

Climate

Brisbane has a sometimes humid, sub-tropical climate with southern hemisphere winters that are mild, but prone to rather violent thunderstorms from November through March. December through February can see temperatures at or over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees+ Celsius), so make sure you are in-tune with the climate before planning your travel to Brisbane.

Shopping and Entertainment

Although mainly seen as a resort and beach destination, Brisbane’s shopping has a distinctive and cosmopolitan attitude. The pedestrian-only Queen Street Mall has a huge variety of cafes and restaurants, theaters and arcades, and shopping, shopping, shopping. Although this is the most well-known and urban shopping center, the area boasts several others in fairly close proximity.

More info: Queen Street Mall

Tourist Attractions

Popular recreation areas and tourist attractions include the South Bank and Roma Street Parklands, the City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane Forest Park, and Portside Wharf. Visit the world’s first koala sanctuary, The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which has been open since 1927.  Also, don’t miss the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium housed in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Fishing, boating, rock and adventure climbs, and nearly 17 miles of bicycle paths will surely give you plenty to do with your active time in Brisbane. Rest yourself for a bit by the area’s beaches…you will not be disappointed. But beware! The beaches are so beautiful and the water so inviting…a mid-winter (for you), sunburn may be in your immediate future. Take it easy your first few days at the beach. (Speaking from experience here…)

My favorite beach along the Gold Coast: Surfers Paradise.
More info: Surfers Paradise Alliance

Getting Around

I arrived in Sydney via New Zealand and caught a quick flight north to Brisbane – about 90 minutes as I remember. Current carriers at Brisbane International airport are: Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue, Quantas, and Jetstar.

Although the majority of locals travel by private car, I had no problem getting around Brisbane without one. Buses, taxis, rail, and the cool CityCat catamaran ferry will get you most places you want to go. Grab the CityCat without any destination in mind for a scenic ride along the Brisbane River.

More info: Brisbane International Airport (BNE)

More travel info: Brisbane, Brisbane maps, and Australia