Here’s a little post from our Italian Honeymoon- Ischia, Sorgeto Bay. We planned our honeymoon in a flash as our precious little time was taken up with wedding planning and work -given our distinct lack of research and somewhat hastiness in booking– boy did we luck out!
Our honeymoon wishlist went something like this: peaceful location, sunshine, good food, short flight from UK. Ischia fulfilled our brief by the bucket load and left us feeling very thankful that we discovered such a magical little island.
Arrive in Ischia: The day after our wedding we flew to Naples and caught the ferry across to Ischia. Our trip was early October and the sun was very much still shining. Our first impression approaching the Island was just ‘WOW’, after hopping off the ferry it became clear that Island life is way more colourful, friendly and relaxed than that of mainland Naples (understatement)
Ischia is a picturesque Island in the bay of Naples and attracts a small numbers of day-trippers and tourists in comparison to neighbouring Capri meaning it’s successfully retained its unspoiled, authentic Italian charm (don’t expect everyone to speak English) Most of Ischia’s tourism is from returning Germans who visit every years to take advantage of the healing properties of the thermal springs.
Pretty Panza: We stayed in a cute little airbnb just above Sorgeto Bay, nestled amongst the vineyards of Panza (a small town in the Hamlet of Forio) Down a rather winding, steep hill from Panza you’ll reach the famous hot springs of Sorgeto Bay.
Stop for lunch: Along the short walk down the hill you’ll pass a small collection of mom ‘n’ pop style hotels all growing food to serve in their restaurants and grapes to make the wine that they sell.
The path to Sorgeto Bay is lined with vineyards and beautiful fruit trees growing lemons, peaches, limes and figs. There’s an abundance of vegetables and of course olive trees. If you look out for a sign on one of the gates you’ll find a lovely lady selling homemade peach jam, limoncello and wine. Talk about food heaven!
We stopped in several restaurants along this route during our trip and would recommend each one of them, particularly Hotel Villa Bernadina– there’s nothing like seeing the food you’re about to eat grow around you or smelling the tomatoes, garlic and onions strung up, drying out ready to be eaten.
Sorgeto Hot Springs: The natural hot springs at Sorgeto are one of the biggest attractions in Ischia. The island’s underground volcanic activity bubbles up from beneath and naturally heats a series of rock pools. Some pools are so hot you can boil an egg in them! The hot springs are said to contain healing properties due to the mineral content of the water.
To reach the hot springs there’s a stairway carved out of the hillside. On the shoreline there’s also a little restaurant serving hot and cold food, drinks and ice creams at very reasonable prices- there’s also plenty of sun loungers to top up your tan.
We spent many a day bathing in the hot springs (imagine a naturally occurring Jacuzzi with the occasional wave of cool water from the tide to cool you down- bliss) the mud from the seabed can also be used as a face pack- it really is like natures spa! We bathed until sunset before heading back to change for dinner.
I can’t recommend Sorgeto Bay enough!
Stay fabulous
Christine
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