Ischia Island

Largest of the islands in the Gulf of Naples (and considered the most beautiful), Ischia is famous for its healing spas. Ischia is also one of the most ancient inhabited islands in the world, with a long and varied history.

The island has been home to humans since the Neolithic era, and its strategic location in the Gulf of Naples made it a target for various conquerors over the centuries. The Greeks colonized the island in the 8th century BCE, and it remained under their control until the Roman conquest in the 3rd century BCE. The Romans used Ischia as a place of exile for political prisoners, and the island was also home to a number of luxurious villas belonging to wealthy Roman citizens.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Ischia came under the control of the Byzantine Empire, and then the Arabs. The island was finally conquered by the Normans in the 11th century CE, and it became a part of the Kingdom of Sicily. Ischia was ruled by a number of different dynasties over the centuries, including the Anjou and Aragonese families.

The island has a long history of volcanic activity, and its most recent eruption occurred in 1301 CE. Ischia is still an active volcano, and there have been a number of small eruptions and earthquakes in recent years.

Despite its volatile history, Ischia is today a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, and therapeutic hot springs.