Ischia - Campania

The island of Ischia is another island in the same chain as Capri and Procida, but it's actually the largest in the Gulf of Naples. Greeks first colonized the island in the 8th century B.C. Some of the island's many highlights hot springs and healing muds, ancient ruins, vineyards, lemon groves, and a dormant volcano. In fact, its hot springs are mentioned in the Iliad and the Aeneid for their curative powers. The island is less crowded than nearby Capri, and its prices more reasonable.

Sights
The largest town—and the one you'll arrive in—is Ischia Porto, but there are many other small towns and beaches throughout the island, including the tourist-ridden Forio, Casamicciola Terme's thermal waters, and others. Ischia Ponte is one of the most beautiful and least crowded of the towns. Sant'Angelo is also recommended because no cars are allowed in the town. The Castello d'Ischia is a group of castles on an tiny island near Ischia, including several churches dating from the 14th century. The islands are a short hop from Ischia Ponte. Many visitors take the challenge of hiking up the island's tallest mountain, Monte Epomeo. The most popular beaches are Maronti, Citara, and Sorgeto, the latter two of which have hot springs with supposedly healing properties.

Transportation
To get there, take a hydrofoil or ferry from Pozzuoli or Naples.