Hotels in Amalfi

Ischia Porto is the biggest of Ischia’s six towns, situated on the north coast. With its high-end shops and the horseshoe-shaped harbour bobbing with flash-looking yachts, Ischia Porto has more than a whiff of Capri about it! However, there’s much more to Ischia Porto holidays than just some high-end retail therapy, and you’ll find everything from golden beaches and bustling bars to the natural springs in the town’s thermal parks and gardens.

Head to the Castello Aragonese castle to discover more about Ischia Porto’s past, or explore the medieval churches that are dotted around the town. If this destination looks a bit familiar, it might be because it’s acted as the backdrop for several films including Cleopatra, starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, and The Talented Mr Ripley, starring Matt Damon. Whether you’re whisking your better half off for a romantic break or travelling with the family, Ischia Porto holidays offer a little slice of paradise.

Things to do

While it’s very easy to spend your holidays soaking up the rays on one of the island’s golden sandy beaches, there are plenty of things to see and do. If you’re on a romantic break, sip on a glass of limoncello from a harbourside restaurant and watch the fishing boats, expensive yachts and pleasure boats come and go. If there’s a shopper in your ranks, head to the main street’s trendy stores, where you’ll find everything from high-end fashion brands to quirky, backstreet boutiques selling handmade goods and souvenirs.

For a dip into the island’s past visit some of the town’s spectacular medieval churches. Alternatively, take a walk along the 22-metre-long bridge to the island’s iconic Aragonese Castle, before heading to one of the many open-air springs and spas to soothe your skin and relax those muscles.

Great attractions

Ischia is known for a number of things, not least its spectacular castle that rises up on a small islet from Ischia Ponte. The island’s also famous for its thermal springs which are said to have healing properties, whether you relax in the water at a public baths or find a little stream that trickles out along the beach.

Beautiful beaches

If you love spending time at the beach, there are some fabulous ones to choose from across Ischia. Bask in some golden sunshine at any number of inviting beaches, or sit back in bath-like rock pools in the shadow of plunging cliffs. Whether you catch the bus, take a water taxi or hire your own boat, there are plenty of ways to explore the highlights of Ischia’s picturesque coastline.

Adventurous island

When you feel like being active, Ischia is home to a selection of super walking trails. You can climb mountains to reward yourself with incredible views down across the island and out over the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. After an adventurous day out, settle down for a long dinner at one of Ischia Porto’s many restaurants. Tuck into some famous Italian cuisine and try local specialities like the freshly caught seafood.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

Lake Garda holidays are wild and wonderful. The sweeping lake sits between Milan and Venice, in the foothills of the Italian Alps, where colourful portside towns are backed by rolling vineyards and towering peaks. The best time to visit is during the summer when the weather rarely dips below 25°C. You can soak up the sunshine on the lakeside beaches, or take a dip in the refreshing waters. That's when you're not exploring the majestic castles and bustling café culture. And with scenery straight out of a storybook, it’s no wonder that holidays to Lake Garda are so sought after among nature lovers. 

The northern shores draw in adventurers, with hikers and cyclists taking to the mountainous trails of Monte Baldo. The breezier climate is also perfect for kite surfing and sailing, while kayakers and paddleboarders can take advantage of the lighter winds in the afternoon. The south on the other hand, is the land of lemons and olive groves. Here, the sun-soaked villages and sprawling wineries invite you to take things down a notch. 

Crisp air, dazzling scenery and enchanting towns - holidays to Lake Garda are anything but ordinary.

Things to do

A holiday to Lake Garda is like taking a walk back in time, with so many Venetian villas and ragged ruins lying untouched in this region. If you’ve got the kids with you, make sure to set aside some time for a visit to the best-known amusement park in Italy: Gardaland Resort.

The coastal paths east of the lake make for easy and superbly scenic walks. Those who want more of a challenge on their Lake Garda holidays might fancy mountain climbing on the northern shores. Or, take a leisurely amble through the centre of Garda and watch the world go by from the lakefront cafes.

Excellent beaches

Lake Garda holidays are just as suited for lounging. Soak up the Mediterranean sunshine along the golden bays where soft sand shelves into the glistening, turquoise waters. One of the most spectacular beaches is Baia Delle Sirene (Mermaids’ Bay). Its shores are backed by fragrant orange and lemon trees. Enjoy views over the lush olive groves that roll up the hillside. The combined winds from the surrounding mountains lend the area to windsurfing and sailing, as well as kayaking and fishing. Enjoy a day on the water, then relax in one of the coastline bars, cafes or restaurants when the sun goes down.

History and culture

There is so much more history to uncover amongst the mountainous landscapes and luscious valleys. Poke your nose around the Gothic and Renaissance-inspired villas, churches and medieval castles that adorn the skyline. Visit the historic town of Sirmione to see the ancient ruins of the Grotte di Catullo grotto, or take a dip in the hot springs to soak up the natural therapeutic minerals.

Nightlife

Lake Garda has a whole host of entertainment to suit all tastes both day and night. The after dark scene in particular has quite a reputation. As well as having a huge amount of vibrant bars and clubs, which stay open till the early hours, the region comes alive with concerts, beach parties and theatrical events throughout the summer months. Book your stay during the summer firework season to watch the iconic displays on a boat trip.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

You find Limone on the north-west side of the spectacular Lake Garda. A quaint and peaceful town, it sits at the base of towering cliffs, which keep it sheltered from the winds. With secluded beaches and pretty harbours, holidays in Limone are perfect for families and couples who want to get away from it all and enjoy some quality downtime together.

You’ll get a good sense of the town’s medieval past by wandering through its narrow streets, dotted with lemon-coloured houses. Despite the area’s fame for growing excellent lemons, Limone’s name is more of a happy coincidence: the name stems from an ancient Latin word meaning ‘boundary’. Lake Garda is shared by three Italian provinces and sits on the boundary of Brescia. With plenty to explore and a plethora of attractions within easy access, you can make your Limone holidays exactly what you want them to be!

Things to do

Porto Vecchio is the little harbour in the heart of the old town with lots of shops and terrace cafes dotted around it. Stop for a spot of lunch and admire the beautiful views of the lake. The churches around here have some stunning frescos, so make sure you stop by. Take a tour of the old lemon and olive groves, and visit the local oil press to see olive oil made in the traditional way. For a relaxing day in the Italian sunshine, head to the pebble beach by the lake. A boat tour of Lake Garda is a great way to see the area and soak up the scenery.

Old-world Charm

With its incredible cliffside setting sandwiched between lake and mountain, Limone could only be reached by boat until the first road was built to it in the 1930s. The town has retained its old-world charm to this day, and it’s the ideal place to come if you want to enjoy a relaxing, peaceful holiday. Go for walks in the mountains, sit down for a long morning coffee in a tight historic street, or laze around by the lake as you soak up some sunshine.

Water Sports

Don’t be fooled into thinking there’s not much going on in Limone though. Lake Garda is renowned for its action-packed water sports, and Limone’s no different. Whether you take to the water to try out a new activity, or you’re a dab hand at things like windsurfing, there’s plenty of fun things to have a go at.

Charming Sights

When it’s time to explore, Limone has some wonderful attractions that you can visit. From stunning churches filled with history and character, to interesting museums, you’ll invariably have incredible views of the scenery while you’re making your way between the sights. There are some fantastic spots where you can make the most of this over dinner too, with bars and restaurants serving authentic home cooked Italian food with breathtaking panoramas of Lake Garda.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice