Casamicciola
Casamicciola, or Casamicciola Terme, is located on Ischia’s northern coast and is renowned for its thermal springs. After visits by the Greeks and pirates (the locals are said to have hidden in a nearby cave), the town’s renown as a spa spread in 1607, when a free thermal spa centre was set up for the poor. The thermal springs, along with a modern marina, are the town’s greatest attractions.
Casamicciola is divided into two parts; with one centre by the sea and the other up the slopes. More than any other town on Ischia, Casamicciola was devastated by the earthquake of 1883, and was subsequently rebuilt. From Piazza Majo, in the upper town, energetic visitors can head upwards towards Monte Epomeo, the island’s highest mountain, and admire panoramic views.
The area’s sights include Casa Ibsen, where the playwright stayed, and the Castiglione, once a Greek fortress and now a thermal spa centre.