Traveller's Guide: The island of Ischia,Gulf of Naples, Italy

Getting there

The nearest international airport is Naples, which is served by a variety of airlines from the UK. The writer travelled with easyJet (0905 821 0905; www.easyJet.com), which flies daily from Stansted.

Capodichino airport is approximately 20 minutes from Harbour Beverello port by taxi or public bus line Alibus, where several companies provide transfer to Ischia via hydrofoil (approximately 30 minutes) or slower car ferry. For timetables and costs for Snav hydrofoils check on www.snav.it and ferries on www.caremar.it or www.traghettipozzuoli.it.

Staying there

L'Albergo della Regina Isabella, 1 Piazza Santa Restituta, 80076 Lacco Ameno (00 39 081 99 43 22; www.reginaisabella.it).

The Thermal Spa is open late-March to mid-November as well as a fortnight from the end of December. Standard single room rates start at €118 (£93) per night and doubles at €190 (£158), including breakfast, the use of three swimming pools, beach, fitness centre, solarium and tennis courts. Junior suites start at €618 (£515) per night.

Seeing the island

Captain Morgan's boat offers a three-hour tour stopping off at Sant'Angelo for €15 (£12.50). Tel: 00 39 081 98 50 80.

Trips around the island or to nearby Capri and Procida can also be organised with the Linee Rumore Marittima (www.rumoremarittima.it; 00 39 081 98 36 36).

Tickets for the regular local buses which travel clockwise (CD) and anti-clockwise (CS) around the island can be bought from local shops for €1.20 (£1) valid for 90 minutes travel. An all-day, multi-use ticket costs €4 (£3.30).

More information:

Visit www.ischiaonline.it for English-language information and links about the island.