Barano d'Ischia

Barano d'Ischiafeatures the largest of the island's beaches and some of its oldest thermal founts. The splendid beach of Maronti is one of those beaches stretching almost three kilometres.

The sand here is constantly warm, heated by the volcanic fissures below. In fact, at certain key spots during the cooler winter months the locals continue the traditional picnic chicken roasting custom. Their ancestors had ingeniously discovered the process whereby they deliberately bury the fresh meat (wrapped in foil of course!) deep below the upper level of sand. A steep, winding road to the beach, via Testaccio, offers a breath-taking panorama looking towards Sant'Angelo.

From Maronti cute and cosy water taxis shuttle bathers back and forth. You may also hire boats that take you on a tour of the island by sea. The Barano coastline to the east features dramatic crags and cliffs, hiding a handful of small, secluded coves and grottos only accessible by boat.

In Barano d'Ischia you will also find the natural springs of Nitrodi and Olmitello, ancestral bathing establishments, as well as the powerful font of Cava Scura, towards the border of neighbouring Serrara Fontana. Whether you wish to indulge in a bath of sweet water or to drink from its source, these springs have long nurtured and cured visiting guests for countless generations.

The men of Barano, on the other hand, have kept fit and healthy through the ages performing the lively, energetic local dance known as the 'Ndrezzata'. This folk dance has classic origins in the universal tale of two men fighting over a woman. The 'Ndrezzata's "secrets and trickery" are passed down faithfully and strictly between fathers and sons of Buonopane, a small town of Barano.

In addition to its folk festivals, Barano d'Ischia offers many insights into the daily life of its ancestors. The medieval tower at Testaccio has been converted into a civic museum and the council has created four "Lizard Trails" – well signposted walks – for visitors to explore.

The red lizard trail leads past an old ice storage centre. Along the yellow lizard way you will encounter one of the area's ancient wine cellars, just don't get lost in the enchanting Faiano pinewood on the way home!