Italy Travel & Hotel Guide

Ischia Porto’s helpful tourist office is right by the quayside ferry ticket offices (Mon-Sat 9am-2pm & 3-8pm; tel 081.507.4211, www.ischiaonline.it ); the bus terminus , with buses going to all other parts of the island, is just behind here. There are plenty of accommodation options, though bear in mind that many close in low season. The Monastero , high in the castello in Ischia Ponte (tel 081.992.435, www.castelloaragonese.it ; L90,000-120,000/¬46.48-61.98), is perfect if you fancy a bit of seclusion and has tremendous views; it’s due to be renovated, though the owner, an accomplished painter whose work adorns the walls, plans to maintain the simple austerity of the rooms, which once were the nuns’ cells. Ischia Porto is better for access to the island’s nightlife: the Rosita , Via Quercia 38 (tel 081.993.875; L60,000-90,000/¬30.99-46.48), is a good-value choice a large place in a lush garden, two minutes from the bus terminus - as is the clean and appealing Antonio Macri , off the portside at Via Jasolino 96 (tel 081.992.603; L90,000-120,000/¬46.48-61.98). Towards the pricier end of the scale is the Hotel Continental Mare , west of town at Via B. Cossa 25 (tel 081.982.577, fax 081.992.505, http://contimare.leohotels.it ; L150,000-200,000/¬77.47-103.29) which enjoys a splendid location above the sea and its own stretch of beach. Best of all though, is luxurious Il Moresco (tel 081.981.355, fax 081.992.338, www.ilmoresco.it ; over L400,000/¬206.58), Via E. Gianturco 16, where Gwyneth, Jude et al stayed during the making of The Talented Mr Ripley . Housed in an elegant 1950s villa in the heart of Ischia Porto, but still managing to feel secluded, it boasts lovely swimming and thermal pools, comfortable rooms and friendly, attentive service.

For eating , Mastù Peppe , right by the tourist office and ferry quay (closed Mon), is cheap and quite good though the service can be slow; with a little more money, try Gennaro , crossways the harbour at Via Porto 64 (no closing day) where the food can be terrific but is rather hit or miss. For a real splash-out option, go for the superb Alberto , right on the seafront on Viale C. Colombo - the pretty restaurant, on stilts, over the sea, has immaculate service and beautifully presented seafood. In Ischia Ponte, Cocogelo Alberto (open daily), just to the right of the causeway which leads to the castello , has lovely sea views and dishes up great seafood.

As for nightlife , head for the lively run of late-night bars and cafés along Via Porto; best is the Millennium Bar which has a free dancefloor as well as serving during the day as a café with Internet access (2pm till late).

Category: Ischia Porto And Ischia Ponte