The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most famous coastal regions, stretching along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula in the region of Campania. It's renowned for dramatic cliffs, pastel-colored villages, winding coastal roads, lemon groves, and stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
However, Amalfi's celebrated reputation for glamour and refinement comes at a cost and does require deep pockets. It is also packed with holidaymakers, all eager to capture a photograph, secure a table or book accommodation. Despite its glamour, a trip to the Amalfi Coast undoubtedly has its downsides, previously reported by the Express.
So, what's the solution?
Step forward: Ischia. Delivering everything the Amalfi Coast promises, minus the hordes of visitors and sky-high prices, the island of Ischia could well be paradise on earth.
The island lies in the Gulf of Naples, north of Amalfi. Yet it features beautiful villas, consistent with the area's character, and equally spectacular landscapes.
Ischia is famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters, which have been used since ancient Greek and Roman times. You'll find thermal spas, natural hot springs, and large thermal parks where you can soak in different temperature pools.
The island is made up of four beautiful towns, with each spot having its own distinctive character:
You'll almost certainly economise on accommodation as well. Unlike Amalfi, Ischia isn't controlled by international hotel chains, but independent boutique establishments.
Current hotel rates show deals from around £40–£60 per night, but prices can increase significantly during peak periods. June is one of the most expensive months, with average rates reaching approximately £250 per night.
Perhaps the island's greatest claim to recognition is appearing in the 1999 contemporary classic The Talented Mr Ripley, starring Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow.
A sequence in the film was captured at Ristorante da Ciccio, one of the island's numerous excellent dining venues.
Tourists visiting Ischia have branded it Italy's "best-kept secret". One visitor from Wales described the picturesque island, writing: "Visited Ischia for a week at the end of August/early September and it lived up to expectations. Beautiful island in the Bay of Naples where the experience can be summed up as Sorrento without the noise and bustle and Capri without the rip-off prices.
"Some great attractions including the exquisite La Mortella Gardens created for composer Sir William Walton, Ischia's Casle which is the best I've ever visited and the Negombo Spa Park for some relaxation in hot thermal pools in the most beautiful setting."
The reviewer added: "Don't know why I'm sharing this with you because the best thing about Ischia is that it doesn't cater for the UK visitor market at all so no fast food joints, nowhere doing hair-braiding and fake tattoos and no loud-mouth embarrassing drunks in the bars and restaurants. It is very stylish and very much a destination for Italians."
