On your visit to Ischia, walk along charming Corso Vittoria Colonna. This road with its bountiful collection of stunning shops, exquisite restaurants and lavish hotels cuts through Ischia’s main town, Ischia Porto. It ends at a 15th-century castle, Castello Aragonese.
Ischia Porto is the island’s primary entry point from the mainland. Corso Vittoria Colonna runs most of the town’s length. Walk along the roughly 1-mile-long (1.5-kilometre) distance. It may feel much shorter with so much to see and do. Shop for renowned Italian clothing and shoe fashions and eat dishes that have made Italy famous in the culinary world.
At the port end of the street, visit Riva Destra for its high concentration of restaurants and bars. At the eastern end of the street continue a short distance to tour Ischia’s landmark, Castello Aragonese. This medieval fortification was strategic in fighting off local warring factions, pirates and invading armies of France and Spain.
Beyond the castle, the islands of Vivara and Procida make a splendid backdrop for taking photographs of the fortress. Look for a nearby structure known as Michelangelo’s Tower or Guevara’s Tower. The famous artist is believed to have lived here for a period. Step inside to see some of the frescoes that are thought to be his, although this has never been verified.
Spend part of a day east of the castle at Cartaromana Beach with superb views of the fortress and rock formations known as the Rocks of Sant’Anna. Make sure you go to the correct beach as there are two with the same name and the signage may be confusing. Look for the vecchia (old), not the nuova (new). This lovely beach is about a 30-minute walk from the castle. You can also stop at Fisherman’s Beach, which is closer to the town.
As you explore Corso Vittoria Colonna, think about how it got its name. The lady Vittoria Colonna was a poet and the wife of a Spanish marchese. Michelangelo is believed to have fallen in love with her. After seeing this street, you’ll likely want to visit the rest of this romantic island.
