Welcome to the Gulf of Naples, home of pizza, limoncello, and Mount Vesuvius! Today, we're going to explore the delightful trio of islands - Ischia, Procida, and Capri. Get ready for a dose of sun, sea, and stunning scenery.
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Ischia: The Thermal Hotspot
First stop, Ischia! Known for its natural thermal springs, this large Italian island is like the Jacuzzi of the Mediterranean! In the free thermal spring of Sorgeto, one can find an old pot-bellied Italian man named “The Pirate” painting tourists with a green volcanic mud mask before they go soak in the bubbling pools. Certain areas of the springs can reach such high temperatures; you can even boil an egg. If your seeking something a bit nicer you also have the option of two beautiful thermal spa parks: Poseidon and Negombo.
A hidden gem in Ischia is Sant’Angelo, a postcard-perfect Mediterranean village known for its charming Greek-influenced architecture, scenic restaurants, and tranquil atmosphere. This village is a favorite amongst Neapolitan’s looking for a classy weekend getaway. In Sant’Angelo, be sure to try the Cornetto all’Ischitana, the local brioche crossaint at Dolce E’ La Vita Bar. For a memorable lunch or dinner, take a water taxi to the restaurant of Pietro Paolo. Come hungry with space in your belly for their famous Bucatino con Coniglio, a mouthwatering rabbit pasta.
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Procida: The Pastel Perfection
Next up, Procida! This island is a pastel-colored dream come true. It is said that back in the day, all of the houses were painted slightly different colors, so that the fishermen could identify their homes after returning from a long voyage out at sea.
For a sweet breakfast, order La Lingua di Procida, a typical pastry, at one of the local bars. I recommend choosing the one filled with a cream made by the island’s lemons. Enjoy the view from Belvedere Piazza Dei Martiri, visit the quaint yellow church, and then make your way down to Marina Corricella. For lunch, try an antipasto of fried alici, along with a primo of delicious seafood pasta at Caracalè or La Lampara. For dessert, cool off with a delicious sorbet or gelato at Chiaro di Luna Gelateria.
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Capri: Glamour and the Grottoes
Last but not least, we have Capri, the luxurious island known for its bright blue waters, celebrity sightings, and overpriced pasta. The best way to experience Capri is by boat, where you can sip on a limoncello spritz as you cruise through the famous Faraglioni rocks. You can visit the Blue Grotto, or try some of the other less trafficked but also stunning grottos: the Green Grotto, the White Grotto, & the Three Sisters Grotto.
On the land, you can visit Villa San Michele, stroll through Anacapri, and get custom made sandals from the little shop of Capri Pride. For a budget-friendly meal, try the Ravioli Caprese at Ristorante e Pizzeria Verginiello or Margherita Pizza at Pizzeria Aumm Aumm. Da Aldo deli makes a good panino to go, and Buonocore makes delicious gelato.
For a fun night out, you can check out The Taverna Anema e Core, a popular classy night club. For a less posh option, you can grab a beer and groove at Qube Cafe.
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In conclusion, the Gulf of Naples is a treasure trove of scenic views, delicious restaurants, and lemon-flavored dreams. Ischia, Procida, and Capri each offer a unique and memorable experience. So, grab your swimsuit, your sunglasses, your appetite for adventure, and get ready to explore these fabulous islands. Buon viaggio!
XO,
Amby
IG/ TikTok/ YouTube: @ambymathur