Hello Paolo,
You wrote the blog I was going to do, but you said it all...
We just came back from Albergo San Montano, the Mezzatore Resort and Naples. Both places on the island of Ischia were delightful
The 360 degree view from the Albergo San Montano is out of this world. Lacco Ameno and the harbor were at our feet, Mount Epomeo was straight ahead of us and the Mezzatore Resort was just across the bay. It looked beautiful by daytime and was dazzling at night. Accommodations were nice and service very good. We also enjoyed the many pools, but we did not go down to the beach.
The Mezzatore Resort itself is lovely and we enjoyed swimming in the cool Mediterranean Sea which was so refreshing and then coming back to the heated saltwater pool. The food was excellent and the service, both at the restaurant and the bungalows was very attentive. We had only one regret and that was that the spa prices at the Mezzatore Resort were exorbitant. (We were told that the Spa is independently run and not part of the resort???) The charge for the use of the sauna or steam room was about 25 Euros for 15 minutes, that would have been 100 Euros for an hour, which is ridiculous.
There is plenty to do on the Island of Ischia. Both resorts shuttle you into town for free or you can walk. For very little money you can get a day ticket for the buses that run in either direction around the island. We visited the City of Fontana Serrara and Sant'Angelo d'Ischia, an ancient fishing village. Sant'Angelo d'Ischia is actually the jewel of the Island of Ischia and is famous for its square, its streets and its charm.

We also visited the Castello Aragonese, a MUST SEE attraction. Castello Aragonese is a medieval castle located in Ischia, at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples. The castle which stands on a volcanic rock, is the most impressive historical monument in Ischia, built by Hiero I of Syracuse in 474 BC. It was fun to wander around the old ruins and it has an excellent little restaurant with light fare up there, and excellent views of the sea and the neighboring islands.

We actually did stumble onto the La Mortella Garden - Lord and Lady Walton's tropical eden in Forio d'Ischia. What a delightful, peaceful place it was, with its wonderful views of the city and harbor of Forio. It was indeed a magical place and we happened upon it by chance.

Since Mount Epomeo is the highest mountain and towers over the rest of Ischia, we decided to hike up there. If you’re physically capable, a trip to Ischia is not complete without hiking Mount Epomeo. It affords a beautiful vista over the entire island, from Forio in the west to Ischia Ponte in the northeast and Sant’Angelo in the south. The hike is approximately 3km from the town of Serrara Fontana, and is relatively easy. The peak is about 789 m above sea level. It took us roughly an hour to complete the hike, which began at the town bus stop since we did not have a car. It was well worth it.

This is great! Thank Paulo and LL_travelfan for posting this. I definitely plan on making it to Ischia one day Love the pics and tips. Thanks!

To Paolo Vinci, Luxury Link Account Manager & Resident Italy Expert
Paolo, I enjoyed your blog on Ischia having just returned from Ischia. Now, since you are the "Resident Italy Expert" what can you tell me about Sicily and the Aeolian Islands. We just purchased the Marina di Ragusa, Sicily, Italy . What is the best way to get there? We also purchased 4 nights at La Moresca, at Marina di Ragusa, Sicily, Italy from where we intend to make side trips throughout Sicily and possibly take a ferry to Malta. How do we get best from one place to the other? or is a car necessary. I checked ferry services from Naples to Vulcano Island. It is a 6 hr 10 minute ferry trip, leaving Naples at 2:30 PM. This route takes most of the first day, arriving at 8:40 pm the first night at the Therasia Resort. Can you come up with a better solution to get there or give me any helpful hints. I would greatly appreciate them.
Kind Regards
LL_Travelfan

Hi LL_Travelfan,

Apologies for the delay but Paolo got back to me with some great advice on Sicily...

He says:
Depending on where you will be flying into (Catania or Palermo where there is more frequent air service, but Catania is closer to Marina di Ragusa), I would most
definitely recommend renting a car which will allow easier access to the island and out of the way spots you may chose to visit on the way. Although Sicily appears
to be very large you can drive around the entire island in just a couple of days….I did it probably 20 years ago.. Also, most ferries to the outer Aeolian Islands allow
for cars (additional charge of course) to be boarded. All I know about the Aeolian Islands as I have never been there is they have been the destination for the rich
and famous around the world with many arriving in their private yachts! The scenery and water is magnificent..but the hotels are mostly seasonal and usually close
in late September and open again in April or May.

This type of Italian destination not usually for first-time visitors but certainly the more seasoned and experienced traveler getting off the beaten track….not too
many Americans. Anyhow, hope this helps a bit but feel free to call the properties directly with the toll-free numbers we provide to seek out any additional
information as they are the experts in their own individual space and can probably make some suggestions….Buon Viaggio!!...and by the way I trust one of your
side trips will be to Agrigento in what was one Magna Graecia…to see the Valley of the Greek Temples!!!......it’s a must see!

TravellerBen_ll and Paola, thank you for your input. I think we will fly mid-June to Malta and stay 4 nights at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Valetta. From there we can take a hydrofoil to Marina di Ragusa and spend 4 nights at La Moresca, at Marina di Ragusa. We will probably rent a car there to be able to explore the immediate vicinity of Ragusa and also see the Valley of the Greek Temples, before heading North to Toarmino and then to Milazzo. Milazzo has a passenger only hydrofoil to Vulcano where we booked 4 nights at the Therasia Resort Sea & SPA - Luxury Hotel Aeolian Islands Sicily - 5 stars hotel Sicily with a LL package. On our return from the Vulcano island we will take another ferry from Milazzo to Naples, spend a couple of nights there to go back to our favorite hotel and restaurant and then fly back from Naples to Munich, Germany. I am still working on some of the details, but the trip is beginning to fall into place.
Again, thanks for your suggestions.

Luxury Link just got a new hotel in Ischia. Hotel Delfini ( Hotel Delfini in Ischia, Italy - Hotel Travel Deals | Luxury Link) Under $100/ night.

I saw this new edition to LL. The hotel looks great and the price is very reasonable. The access to the meditereanean waters is lovely. We toured the hotel Delfini while we were visiting the Castello Aragonese. The view from the Delfini Hotel to the Castello Aragonese is terrific. What a landmark!