In depths of the pandemic, I thought of nice places I would like to be when we get back to normal. One place on top of my list was a trip for a summer holiday to Italy! I still have buckets full of places I would like to visit in Italy. I know I have just returned from the USA but that was partly professional travelling and development, with some time spent with family in relaxing Boston – it didn’t feel too overwhelming, urban and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. The last couple of weeks spent in Italy was different for me as I did not take any work with me, and it was a holiday. It was slightly different too as it was mainly my husband and I, as we do often go away with family in the past. So here is a recap on how I relaxed and thankfully it all went very smoothly.
My husband is Italian and had visited Ischia before in the 1980s but I have never been and was looking forward to it. I booked the trip in early Spring so I knew I had something to look forward to even though I have been ‘burning the midnight oil’ with professional commitments. Getting to Ischia was fairly straightforward from flight to airport in Naples then to the port to catch the ferry to the island. From door to hotel, it took about 12 hours but it was good to enjoy the ferry and sights on the way there. It was spectacular to see the Bay of Naples as the ferry left the port with the city buildings covering the hillside, and to the right you can see the volcano Vesuvius in all its magnificence. As we left the bay of Naples, there are a few islands to spot, such as Procida, before we got to Ischia’s port. The ferry trip like I had started my holiday already with the trip past the islands. One aspects I must mention is the colour of the blue skies and the Mediterranean Sea were beautifully blended to a bright blue canvas and it truly was a vision to behold!
We stayed in a great hotel about 20 minutes from the Port of Ischia and even the taxi ride had me excited as I saw the shops, cafes and places to enjoy great Italian cuisine on the way to the hotel. The floral promenades and typically Italian island streets made we so happy as I knew I can truly take it ease and gear down to slower pace whilst on holiday. I had no choice to take it easy as it was a lot warmer than London and you literally have to have a rest if you are not working as it is too hot to spend time out in the heat of an Italian summer.
From the first evening, the views across the sea and the nearby hills were amazing. The food was great as usual and it was amazing to savour the local ingredients that definitely tastes better in Italy. It was great to have lots of seafood, regional mozzarella, ice cream and pasta obviously. The nights were cooler for a pre and post dinner or passagiata as the Italians call it. At times it felt like we were straight out of our film set with local children splashing around in the water whilst a few hundred metres away, diners were have meals on the seafront whilst the sun was setting. There was a nice walk after the restaurants to the Aragonese Castle or to the Port at night.
During the day, we mainly stayed around the pool as all the beach clubs were mainly booked in advanced. In the afternoon we went to the parts of the beach that were free for you to pitch your own spot. It was great to be around local or holiday makers. We did venture out on a local bus to Moronti Beach, which one of the island’s largest beaches. It was close to the picturesque Sant’Angelo area and beach. The volcanic beach sand was so hot, you had make sure you wore your beach shoes as I am sure you could burn the sole of your feet. The beach itself was beautiful and was inspired seeing so many people swimming and making the most of the good weather, sunshine and warm water. The bus was not expensive at all but it was a small bus as the streets leading to the beach were sometimes very narrow. I realised then that I probably won’t drive on the island even if I had planned to.
Ferragosto is a holiday that is celebrated annually on the 15th August and I was looking forward to see how it would be whilst on the island. We spent the day around the pool and beach but in the evening, we booked into our hotel’s rooftop restaurant for a special taster menu for the celebration. Whilst there was a DJ and great ambience and amazing views, we could also here the service from the nearest church and the choir singing. It truly was a special way to spent the night and close to midnight there were fireworks around certain parts of the island.
For the next couple of days, we mainly relaxed, went for walks and the hardest decision was where we should go to eat that evening. All in all, I loved Ischia and would to visit again in future years. I still have some other part in my list to see. The hotel was very friendly, welcoming, and we felt really relaxed and rested. I would certainly recommend you visit the island if you have already been to mainland Italy.
Our adventure, as my husband called it, continued to the mainland. We got the ferry back to Naples and then took a train from Naples to the little hillside village on our next stop for a few days. We stay with some family who were also on holiday in the Campania region but the Salerno Province of Italy. The location was so stunning with views from the hills overlooking the coast along the Mediterranean Sea. It was relaxing to sit and admire the view. The first two nights were stormy with a lightening show in the sky and over the sea but during the day it was sunny and hot.
We spent some time around the little village where other were also holidaying and it was nice to see the typical narrow roads and hillside architecture. It really was a coffee culture in the morning and evenings and a great way to get to meet everyone. In the day we also spent some time at Acciarolli beach – it was great and it reminded me of Maracas – a beautiful beach with similar waves in Trinidad. It was good to spend time chatting and enjoying the seaside. The beach clubs were useful if you wanted a cold drink, snack or to use the toilet. They also played music which created a nice beach vibe. I am grateful to our relatives who invited us to this beautiful part of the country and for their hospitality and kindness during this time.
This was exactly the type of holiday I was looking for – where I can just enjoy the views, local delights, rest and relax. I did have a few days in London before I went back to work. I felt so relaxed – I didn’t look at my email until the night before I return to work. When I think back to the lockdown days – I am pleased I had this holiday. I have also since heard my husband say that it was a “really good holiday” and we had an amazing time. I totally agree with him and I look forward to another time when we visit another beautiful part of Italy.
Connecting the Dots 