On the northern coast of the island of Ischia is the large tourist harbor and the town of Casamicciola Terme. Casamicciola is known as a spa town with thermal springs, which is probably the oldest on the island.

Its alkaline bicarbonate hot springs, that were thoroughly examined by the doctor Iasolino, are rich in minerals and it was once believed that they can cure every disease. They are used for baths, mud wraps and various medical treatments.

Beach in Casamicciola Terme, Ischia, Campania, Italy by Stefano Brivio

Among the best-known and most effective springs are Rita and Gurgitello, of which the water temperature reaches over 60°C.

The island was inhabited by Greek colonists, who had to face numerous volcanic eruptions, continual attacks of corsairs and various natural disasters. In 1882, Casamicciola was affected by a very strong earthquake, and most of the city was razed to the ground.

Casamicciola during the night, Ischia, Campania by Giovanni Bassi

It was later rebuilt and even became a place where prominent musicians and writers used to spend their holidays. They loved the local peace and quietness and were able to concentrate on work.

Among the frequent guests were, for example, a major 19th-century Norwegian playwright, theatre director, and poet Henrik Johan Ibsen as well as an Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi. They had to stay in the villas of locals, since there were no hotels at that time.

Casamicciola, Ischia, Campania by Giovanni Bassi

Today there are lots of hotels, guest houses and apartments in this resort town. At each step you will find restaurants, bars, cafes and pastry shops that will entice you to sit and taste local specialties.

Shopping lovers will enjoy the tiny shops with all sorts of souvenirs. If you want to buy food, fresh fruit, or other merchandise, visit the local minimarket.

Coastline around Casamicciola, Ischia, Campania, Italy by Roberto De Martino

Swimming is allowed in the warm waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The beaches are smaller, sand-gravel, and in addition to the main beach you will find a lot of other quieter places to swim.

Also the seawater is full of iodine, which benefits not only the skin but also the nervous system. Casamicciola is an ideal starting point for hiking lovers. More active people can climb the mountain of Monte Tripodi, which is an old volcanic crater covered with pine trees.

Try local specialities in Ischia, Campania by Diego

Typical product of Casamicciola is a hand-painted ceramic. It is here where you can find a famous ceramic factory of the Menella brothers – Fabbrica delle Ceramiche Menella.

Other places worth a visit include Geophysical Observatory, Piazza Marina and Piazza Bagni.

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