Ischia

Sprouting from the cobalt-blue waters of the Gulf of Naples, rugged Ischia is a mass of mountains and pastel-painted fishing towns that offers to balance out the hectic fray of life on the mainland. It's been inhabited since the times of the Greek seafarers, who established a tentative colony here and even raised fortifications. Later decades saw barbarian invasions and battles with the Romans, while Alfonso V is responsible for the muscular outline of the mighty Aragonese Castle – now the isle's most fascinating historical relic.

However, what really puts Ischia on the map is its bubbling geothermal spas. These draw health tourists from all across Europe and the globe to their natural warm pools heated by steam vents peppering the island, promising healing minerals and soothing mud baths.

Ischia tour guides can also take you through the immersive towns of Ischia Porto, Ischia Ponte, Forio and Lacco Ameno along the coastline, boasting a more cosy and laidback vibe than the more popular Capri. In between, the landscape sits dressed in vineyards and woods with trailheads that lead to Mount Epomeo, looming 789 meters above them all.