Introduction to Ischia

42km (26 miles) NW of Naples; 20km (13 miles) W of Pozzuoli

When the Greeks arrived on this coast more than 2,500 years ago, they first landed in Ischia. They felt that Ischia was a perfect base from which to dominate the mainland. Yet they quickly changed their minds and moved to nearby Cuma, by modern Pozzuoli, because of Ischia's very active volcano, which erupted violently and repeatedly throughout the 14th century. Only then did the island's population start growing, laying the base for the development of the spa industry we see today. The first thermal establishment opened in Casamicciola Terme in 1604, destination of the upper crust of society. Today Ischia is where savvy travelers come for fabulous spa vacations: The inactive volcano -- 788m-high (2,585-ft.) Monte Epomeo -- feeds the mineral hot springs and therapeutic muds that are used by the more than 150 spas on the island. Yet the atmosphere still remains quieter than on Capri, partly because of Ischia's larger size, but also because its large beaches are an attraction to families, whose presence helps deter partiers and preserves its calm and bucolic character.