Jewels of the Bay of Naples

This morning you’ll have some more time to discover the northern side of the island or visit the small island of Vivara. Or you could just have one final stroll and a drink at the colourful harbour! Then you are brought to the harbour to get the boat for the short crossing to Ischia, known as the ‘Green Island’, the largest island in the Bay of Naples. A taxi transfer to your hotel is organised for you, but we suggest you leave just your luggage with the taxi driver and wander around a bit in Ischia Porto, before doing the short walk from the harbour to the hotel, through the pretty streets of the old town centre. The last short stretch on the fortified island itself is very scenic and has beautiful viewpoints. You sleep in a beautiful hotel, inside an old medieval castle, built on a rocky island off-shore, which certainly deserves to be explored as well. In the evening you can choose to dine on some local fish specialty in the colourful harbour of Ischia or opt for a great dinner, with spectacular views, on the terrace of the hotel.
Day 4: Along the South Coast of Ischia (approx. 15 km; approx. 5.5 hours; +/- 500 m)
From your castle hotel you walk down through the intriguing alleys of the fortified island to the bridge which links the castle to the old town centre. From here you start a linear walk along the beautiful southern coast of the island, through a spectacular landscape of terraced vineyards and fantastic lava sculptures, with unforgettable views over the Bay of Naples and Capri. The first part of the walk goes over the cliffs, through vineyards sculpted like Asian paddy fields, and small hamlets. Then you pass the little hamlet of Testaccio, where you descend to the large sandy beach of Marina dei Maronti. Just behind the beach there are several narrow canyons with thermal springs, known about since Roman times. If you have time you can go for a dip! You then walk along the beach to the charming fishing village of Sant’Angelo, where you get the bus back to the hotel.
Day 5: Along the highest peak of Ischia to charming Forìo (approx. 13 km; approx. 4 hours; + 500/- 700 m)
Today you’ll discover the island’s mountains – a chain of extinct volcanoes which occupy the whole central part of the island. First you gain some height by bus to start your walk either in the hamlet of Fiaiano or the small village of Fontana (several longer/shorter options possible), where you have time for a coffee. From here you walk up to Mt. Epomeo, the highest mountain on the island, and then to the Capo dell’Uomo, Ischia’s second highest mountain. All this is along easy, comfortable paths. Through forested areas and vineyards, past rock dwellings of monks and hermits, and always with incredible views over the sea, you walk down to Ischia’s westernmost village, Forio. After a stroll through its pleasant town centre, you take the bus along the northern coast back to Ischia Porto. If you still have some energy you can make a short walk to one of the island’s most interesting volcanoes, the Fondo dell’Oglio.

In the morning your taxi brings you to the harbour, where you take the boat to the rightly famous island of Capri, which the Roman emperors used to like to come and visit as tourists many centuries ago and has never since lost its fame (off season you travel through Naples). You settle in at your hotel in the less touristy Anacapri, more rural and mountainous. Then you have various options to discover the western side of the island: you can take the chairlift (‘funicolare’) up to the Monte Solaro, from where you descent along a spectacular path along the ridge all the way down to the ‘faro’, the lighthouse at the westernmost point of the island. In alternative you can walk directly to the lighthouse, along well-maintained footpaths. From the lighthouse, the walk continues along the coast, along a superb ‘botanical’ hiking trail, which passes a series of recently restored fortresses, partly built by the English troops to defend the island from Napoleon’s fleet. There are several places along the route, where you can perhaps enjoy the clear seawater or just relax at one of the small beaches. The walk ends at the world-famous ‘Grotta Azzurra’ (‘Blue Grotto’), from where you travel back by bus to your hotel (optional extra walk possible). In the evening you’ll have the choice of many romantic restaurants.
Day 7: Anacapri, the other side of Capri (approx. 13 km, approx. 4-5 hours; +/- 750 m)
The last walking day is dedicated to the more famous side of the island of Capri to see the places that have inspired so many over the centuries and always attracted the global jet set. Of course you don’t just see the ‘touristy’ highlights, you also make a beautiful roundwalk along the almost pristine southern coast. First you pass the ‘Piazzetta’ and the charming backstreets of Capri, with their clear Moresque influence, before walking up to the ruins of one of the most impressive Roman villas in the area, Villa Iovis, which is in an exceptional location with world-class views. On your way up you also pass the wonderful Villa Lysis, rather unknown, but one of the best spots in Capri! Descending towards the untouched coastline of the southern part of the island, you come across the Arco Naturale, a natural bridge, many grottos and finally the famous Faraglioni, three small uninhabited islands, just off the south coast. Through the Gardens of Augustus and the impressive Via Krupp, perhaps the world’s most beautiful pedestrian way, you descend to the charming Marina Piccola, where you travel back by local bus to your hotel. This walk can be extended or shortened in many ways, depending on how much time you want to dedicate to walking, relaxing or shopping.