Ischia ... last destination

Well, folks, Ischia was the last destination of our trip to Naples. We saved it for last and it was the best decision. We had a wonderful Sunday afternoon walk on the tiny streets, beautiful piazzas and sunny beach. It was just perfect for our last day in Italy.

We left Napoli in the morning and reached the island around one hour and a half later with a speed boat. The ride was quite rough as the sea was troubled after a storm, so we got there a little dizzy, but safe and happy to set foot on the island that the Greeks first discovered over 2.500 years ago.

... leaving Naples with the speed boat...

volcano and the castle - view  from the sea

Ischia is the largest island of the Campania region – its velvety slopes green with pine woods and vineyards – hence its nickname Isola Verde (Emerald Isle). Mount Epomeo – the volcano – has long been dormant, but the island shows significant volcanic activity with its many hot springs, mineral waters, and steam and hot mud holes. These are extensively used by the island’s many spas; hence Ischia’s other nickname , Island of Eternal Youth.
 

The island’s shore alternates between rugged cliffs and beautiful beaches.
With over 150 spas on the island, plus open-air facilities, including natural pools and steam holes, Ischia is a huge thermal resort.

 

Ischia knew little development during antiquity and the Middle Ages because of its very active volcano – Monte Epomeo – which erupted for the last time in the 14^th century.

That is when the island’s growing population led to the development of the spa industry with the opening  of the first thermal establishment in Casamicciola Terme in 1604. The island itself, however, went relatively undiscovered by tourists until the 1950s, when well-to-do Italians came here in the hopes of finding an alternative to overcrowded Capri. 

Although Ischia is more popular now than it was then, the atmosphere is quieter than on Capri – partly because people who come here usually stay for several stay and are looking for quiet, not celebrities.

 

 

 

 

It is time to say goodbye to Napoli.....!

Pizza - Pasta - VESPA

The first thing it comes to my mind when I think of Italy is: pizza, pasta, Vespa. In this exact order. 

There's no need to tell you much about pizza and pasta because I'm sure you eat Italian cuisine as often and as much as I do, so  for this last post about Italy I left all my attention focus on the Vespa. 

The Vespa: an Italian symbol of a fresh start at the end of World War II; a picture of optimism and of growing wealth; an emblem of the family; and the witness of many love stories.

Exactly 67 years after its arrival on the scene, the Vespa is still a cult object worldwide for young and old, a vehicle capable of changing its look while keeping its own familiar design. A mere scooter, it has remained in vogue for no less than six decades. Its story runs parallel with the history of Italy and Europe from the end of the war until present day.

Vespa witnessed so many adventures and love affairs both in movies and in real life. Maybe the most emblematic scene is the one in Roman Holidays (US - 1953), by William Wyller. 

 

 

There's also La Dolce Vita (1960 - Italy), by Federico Fellini, with Marcello Mastroianni, Austin Powers, An American in Paris (1951 - USA). The Gene Kelly classic, Rebel Without a Cause (1955 - USA) by Nicolas Ray, Alfie (2004 - USA), The Italian Job (UK – 1969), The Talented Mr. Ripley (USA – 1999), by Anthony Minghella - tons of vintage scooters in it.

  credit: imdb, whoridesavespa, leblogdebetty, wikipedia

  

I wish you the loveliest weekend!

Capri ... e poi mori...

 

Do you know the saying "Vedi Napoli e poi mori!" ? I would say "Vedi Capri e poi mori!" 

If Napoli is beautiful I consider Capri to be poetic and exceptionally amazing. By the end of this post you will tell me if I am right or wrong.

Our trip to Capri was nothing short of amazing. Italy’s most beautiful and chic island, Capri is a dramatic rugged mountain soaring out of the sea at the tip of the Sorrento peninsula. A haunt  for eccentric characters since antiquity (Roman Emperor Tiberius had his villa of pleasures, the villa Jovis), Capri has been the preferred retreat of artists, movie stars, and other VIP’s in modern times. 

The Ancient Romans especially loved this part of Capri and built panoramic residences in the area. In more recent times, the sunny southern coast of the island has been elected the favorite retreat of artists and writers from every corner of the globe, and it is here that a great number of Capri's most exclusive hotels and elegant private villas have been constructed. 

Giorgio Armani's House

 

Sophia Loren's House 

Marina Piccolla

This is the entry to the Grotta Azura. Because the sea was too angry to let us get in, I invite you to see the outstanding beauty of it. A magic no word or image could ever describe.

The Faraglioni are three immense, 80-100 meter high stacks, the impressive forms of which have been created by the erosive action of the wind and sea.It is said to be of great luck for lovers to kiss while passing through the middle Faraglione.

 

Capri extends east-west with its major town, Capri, on the eastern half, and its second town – Anacapri – on the higher western half. They are separated by the highest peak on the island, Monte Solaro. From the town of Capri you can descend to Marina Grande (the harbour with the ferry and hydrofoil docks) on the southern shore.

 

You can notice how the weather gets from sunny to rainy and then sunny and then rainy again in a matter of hours or even minutes. You never know how to get dressed in the morning and it's recommended to be cautious and wear sunnies but also an umbrella, just in case.

The picturesque town of Capri is the heart of life on the island, with extensive shopping as well as numerous hotels – many of them among the coast’s most glamorous – and a wide variety of restaurants and clubs. Social life radiates from the famous Piazzetta, a preferred spot for seeing and being seen. 

  

    

There is much that you can do here on foot by taking the old footpaths which were the only way to get around until very recently. They afford unique views and quiet. 

Have you noticed me? :)

In 1900 the German magnate Krupp financed a street for travel by foot that joined the Quisisana, where he lived, to the Marina Piccola. Built with admirable skill by the engineer Emilio Mayer, it has been called "the world's most beautiful road", thanks to the manner in which it hugs the rock and the appropriate use of local construction materials .

It proves "that even a road can be a work of art".

Beyond our imagination and hope that the weather will turn into anything but pouring rain, by the time we reached the top of the hill, God smiled at us and gave as the most stupendous sun. How surprising is that?!

 

Alla prossima!