Ischia is a small island and we’re here for four days. Like an unemployed Joey (if you pardon the Friends reference), we have to space things out. We get to be lazy.
Today we’re visiting the 📍Aragonese Castle. It’s located on a volcanic islet that’s connected to Ischia by a causeway: a bunch of rocks and cement made into a walkway. What attracted us is both its rich history, dating back to 474 BC when it was first built by Hiero I of Syracuse, and its mixed architecture. It’s been built and rebuilt over the centuries as it had a significant defensive position. In the 16th century, it became a cultural center, hosting notable figures like the poet Vittoria Colonna and artists such as Michelangelo. We assume that it’s during that period that multiple churches were built on the mount of rock turned fort turned cultural center.
Under a clear sky and sunny but strong winds, we went through the visit of the castle. Instead of exiting through the gift shop, they had the great idea of having multiple stops with coffee shop. Let me tell you it’s much better than a gift shop. Would you prefer a crowded space with rows and rows of themed junk or terraces in the sun with espresso and wine served at tables with majestic views? It doesn’t take a MBA to figure out which is the most likely to get our money.
After the castle we hunted for a spot for some lazy time with an apéro. We followed the beach until we found a spot that would serve us a lemon spritz next to the sea with a view of the castle. We could get picky as there were dozens of deserted beach bars, probably usually very busy with people going to the beach. It was red flag galore (telling you it’s dangerous to go in the water), because of the wind and the chilly 21°C. All of it didn’t make getting half naked and baking in the sun weather as much as let me put on a sweater and sit with a view weather.
Not having sweaters with us we headed home where we relaxed and chilled. We tried the terrace for a while but the wind made it too cold and we retreated inside. Just in time too, as barely half an hour later the rain started. It rained on and off all evening including when we went for dinner. Of course that’s the dinner we had reserved along the beach, near the castle, with a 20-minute walk to get to. It’s partly our stomach and partly our credit card-guaranteed reservation that got us there. Lucky for us as, other than the dreadful weather, we had a good meal at 📍Auras.
Places
Castello Aragonese d'Ischia · Castello Aragonese d, 80077 Ischia NA, Italy
★★★★★ · Castle
maps.app.goo.gl
Restaurant Auras · Lungomare Aragonese, 26, 80077 Ischia NA, Italy
★★★★★ · Restaurant
maps.app.goo.gl
