For travelers who want both to relax by the sea and enjoy cultural opportunities, a trip to the lovely islands in the Gulf of Naples, Procida, Ischia and Capri, could be really a nice holiday.
The smallest island, PROCIDA, has been the ideal setting for several cinematic masterpieces (like “il Postino). Of volcanic origin, it is also connected to the marvelous little Island of Vivara. Its clear sea and characteristic beaches are not the only attraction of Procida, but also its narrow streets and churches, walks through the town center to admire the architecture of centuries past: worth visiting in particular are the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, which had a central role in Procida’s religious and cultural history.
From Procida in less than half-hour you can reach ISCHIA, the largest of all the Campanian islands, welcomes about 6 million visitors annually. Among the six municipalities that it comprises, it is Ischia Commune that is the most extensive, and thus divided into two parts: Ischia Ponte is its evocative historic center marked by ancient paths and bottegas, while Ischia Porto is a tiny fishing village. The Aragonese Castle in Ischia Ponte, constructed by the tyrant Hiero of Syracuse in 474 B.C., is the most-visited monument on the entire Island. Not to miss also the Cathedral di Santa Maria Assunta where, in 1509, Ferrante d’Avalos and Vittoria Colonna exchanged their vows. In a crypt you can admire old frescoes by some Giotto’s followers. Moreover Ischia is full of natural springs with numerous thermal bath parks and spas, appreciated all over the world.
CAPRI, the last Island, the last but not the least, a summer residence since Roman times, is really a charming place attracting poets, writers and legendary personages. The famous Piazzetta di Capri is known all over the world. Everything in Capri is full of ancient and modern splendor: from the spectacular Gardens of Augustus (from the 1930s), to the Certosa di San Giacomo, and the marvelous villas, like Villa Jovis, the ancient residence of Emperor Tiberius that dominates Capri’s position in Naples Bay. For those in search of a clean, clear sea, the Grotta Azzurra at Anacapri is and the Faraglioni, are the best places to visit.
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