Ischia is the largest of the islands in the Bay of Naples, and many people consider it to be more beautiful even than Capri to its southeast. Ischia is a volcanic island 10 km long and 7 km wide that rises to 788 m  at Monte Epomeo, which divides the island into two zones. The south and the west takes the brunt of hot dry winds from Africa, and cacti, agave and palms thrive in the sub-tropical landscape. In the northern shadow of Monte Epomeo, chestnuts flourish among the typical Mediterranean trees like holm oak, cypress, cork, almond and olives. Citrus groves scent the whole island. Despite of its high population and million of tourists, Ischia still has dozen of deserted beaches and coves for chillin’.People come for its thermal springs and volcanic mud treatments. Ischia has lots its jet-set exclusively since the 1960s when it epitomized the fashionable nation of ‘La Dolce Vita‘, but that has been replaced by a new kind of participatory glamour that draws in visitors. The island matches its towns and resorts to a wide variety of visitors’ expectations. Tranquil countryside walks, cafe-crawling, white sandy beaches, or 24-hour fashionable clubbing co-exist without tears. Ischia really is a holiday paradise.

When to go: March to November. Come at the end of the summer for two weeks of parades, concerts and general carousing. Population: 60, 335 (and six million visitors each year). Getting there: By hydrofoil from Naples Beverello or by ferry from Naples Beverello or Pozzuoli, to Ischia Porto. Photos: Google search.