Walking tour of Ischia

The excursions organized by 'Ischia a piedi’ (Ischia on Foot) include a range of walks aimed at understanding the island and its close harmonious relationship with nature. When hiking, we put you in direct contact with the culture, nature, wealth, traditions, tastes and history of the Island of Ischia. During the excursions you will have the opportunity to learn about plants, flowers, fruits and their different uses; there are also visits to ancient wine cellars and traditional vineyards.

You will learn about ancient crafts and artifacts of rural and historic buildings enabling you to understand the landscape of the island.

All excursions will be nature-orientated and you need to be in adequate physical condition: the walks last 4 hours minimum.

The guide, with diplomas obtained as a hiking guide in Innsbruck, is currently part dell'AIGAE (Italian Association of Environmental Hiking Guide).

She is passionate about plants. Born into a rural family she strives to give visitors a real appreciation of what the island has to offer by using all the "senses".

Cost per person € 15.00

Program
MONDAYS - The Magic of Small Villages Departure point; Panza centre (bus-stop Bar Lina) - km circa 7.5 - Altitude + 60m “Picnic” Crossing a narrow pathway amongst vegetable gardens, we come across 9 cantinas in a single block of green stone (hence the name Via Pietra; Stone street). Around the crater of Campotese we then reach the headland of Punta Imperatore rich with coastal flowers. Coasting the path overlooking the sea we then Monte di Panza: the natural hill which in the month of May is tinted yellow by the broom flowers present all over the hillside. Return to the centre of Panza. End of hike.

TUESDAYS - The Secrets of The Countryside Departure point; Piedimonte (bus-stop; cemetery of Piedimonte) - km circa 5..6 - Altitude + 190m By walking halfway around the Vatoliere crater, walking across the hamlet of Chiummanno, we pass the church Madonna Montevergine. Descending from the church are present lush vine-yards of the Piano Liguori planes, before descending towards the backdrop of the spectacular Aragon Castle, eventually arriving in the area of Campagnano.

WEDNESDAYS - Nature…With All the Senses Departure point; Casamicciola (bus-stop Castiglione spa gardens) - km circa 7.6 - Altitude + 305 m - 225 m Picnic Leaving from Casamicciola, amongst the Mediterranean vegetation of Montagnone we reach Fondo d’Oglio, a stunning area dotted with fumaroles and delicate Cyperus polystachyos fragrant pines, oaks and chestnuts. We will make our way to the spring of Buceto and drink from its springs, before proceeding to Piano San Paolo where lies the statue of the Virgin Mary, from the costa Sparaina is a magnificent panorama; at the end of the excursion we will give a touch of beauty to our skin from famous Nitrodi spring.

FRIDAYS - “Towards the Peak Along the Panoramic Pathway” Departure point; Serrara Fontana (bus-stop Serrara Fontana cemetery) - Km. approx. 8.7 - Altitude + 387 - 587 m. From the town of Serrara, also known as the Switzerland of Ischia, crossing the Calimera canyon we can take in the enchanting views sweetening the ascent to the highest peak of the island; the effort is worth it as the views are simply stunning. After a well-deserved break, we will descend towards the town of Buonopane.

SUNDAYS -“The Stones Tell All” Departure Point, Serrara Centre - approx 7 km - Altitude + 110m - 510m “Picnic” From Serrara we will ascent to Bocca di Serra, passing the forest of black locusts, where in spring the area becomes a carpet of cyclamens (the area is also where the vineyards of Frassitelli wines are cultivated) before entering the magical forest f the island, La Falanga. In the shade of the chestnut trees are situated the stone carvings, a result of the passion and hard-work of our ancestors. Passing the rocky Church of Santa Maria al Monte, with its stunning views, we will arrive in Forio.

Information:
- Collection at hotel on request and with supplement cost, minimum 4 participants required
- Comfortable shoes should be worn, suitable for uneven roads
- The excursion "Ischia on Foot" is guaranteed with a minimum of 2 participants
- Participants are required to be on time