| The largest of the Neapolitan islands, the Isle of | | | | connection between music and gardening. The |
| Ischia, is the perfect place for both relaxing and | | | | gardens, open between April and November, have |
| walking in Italy. Just a few miles away from | | | | several sections including The Valley, The Lower |
| Naples, this volcanic island is made up of | | | | and Upper Gardens and The Hill. With stunning |
| statuesque mountains, and beautiful beaches, | | | | views and winding paths, there is plenty to see. |
| attracting visitors from both Italy and beyond. | | | | After your walk you can treat yourself to a |
| With a pleasant climate all year round, Ischia's | | | | snack in the tea shop or a souvenir from the gift |
| hospitality and vitality makes it a particularly | | | | shop, or perhaps even an evening concert. These |
| inviting place to visit. | | | | are held regularly in a Greek amphitheatre |
| Mount Epomeo | | | | throughout the summer, and in the cooler |
| The highest mountain on the Isle of Ischia at 787 | | | | months, take place every weekend in the recital |
| meters, Mount Epomeo is a real highlight of | | | | hall. |
| walking in Italy. The mountain was once an active | | | | Thermal Baths |
| volcano, and has been known to shake the quiet | | | | The thermal baths of Ischia are a long-standing |
| island from time to time. However, now inactive, | | | | tradition on the island, dating back to the Roman |
| there are fruit trees and vines growing on its | | | | Empire. Remains of Roman baths can be found in |
| picturesque slopes. If you do not fancy tackling | | | | the National Archaeological Museum, along with |
| the entire climb in one day, it is possible to be | | | | various artefacts that suggest that the spring |
| driven up to a certain point via the asphalt road | | | | water from the island was once believed to cure |
| that has been put in place. Having been dropped | | | | various physical conditions. These days, the baths |
| off, there are still 3 kilometres worth of mountain | | | | are used by many to cure the mental maladies of |
| to be enjoyed before you reach the summit. | | | | modern day life, and can be a wonderful respite |
| Once at the top, you will be stunned by the | | | | while walking in Italy. Many Ischia hotels feature |
| spectacular panoramic view before you. With a | | | | thermal spa pools in which you can relax and |
| view stretching straight out over the entire island | | | | even treat yourself to a massage. However, if |
| and the Gulf of Naples, including the fascinating | | | | you prefer to stay outside in the fresh air, you |
| submerged archaeology of the Phlaegrean Fields, it | | | | may wish to explore the island's natural thermal |
| is well worth the climb. | | | | spas. Feel your stresses and strains soak away |
| Mortella Gardens | | | | with the salt water that mingles with the hot |
| To enjoy the gentler side of walking in Italy, take | | | | thermal waters at various points along the |
| a stroll through the botanical park in the Mortella | | | | coastline. For the best spots, take a stroll down |
| Gardens located at Forio d'Ischia. Known as the | | | | any one of the Cartaromana, Maronti or Citara |
| 'Green Island,' Ischia has many gardens, but these | | | | Beaches. Alternatively, if you don't fancy soaking |
| are by far the most impressive. The beautifully | | | | in a spa, but would prefer a simple swim, the |
| kept gardens originally belonged to British | | | | shallow waters at Baia di San Montano are |
| composer, William Walton, and his wife. Walton | | | | uncharacteristically warm, allowing visitors to take |
| spent 35 years composing in the garden, strongly | | | | a dip all year round. |
| believing in the inspiration of nature, and a | | | | |