CASTELLO ALTANA

Description:
About more or less an hour over sea from Naples you reach the isle of Ischia, the biggest island in the Gulf of Naples, famous for its many warm (thermal) sources and –parks, an absolutely luscious vegetation and small towns full of life with capital Ischia-Porto, beaches and, almost all through the year, a wonderful climate. Since Roman times the island has been a favorite vacation spot for the nobility.

When the hovercraft or bigger ferry approaches the isle of Ischia you notice, on your left side, a castle that seems to have been sculptured out of rock. An imposing as well as romantic sight. The eldest foundations of the Castello Aragonese date from before our Christian era (around 474 B.C.), but its name is due to Alfonso of Aragon, who in 1438 ordered a complete “overhaul”, with a connection to the island as well. Under the Aragonese dynasty it became a political, cultural and spiritual centre of notable interest. The castle attracts daily visitors and forms a village on its own, with some small churches, viewpoints, antique archways, terraces, gardens, a small hotel-restaurant and an elevator, so that those who stay in the apartments do not have to drag their luggage all the way up. In earlier days, this castle served as refuge for the inhabitants of Ischia. The locals retired to the castle in times of need, tried to continue with the daily struggle for life as well as possible, and gladly left the war-faring to the nobility. This you can, for instance, notice when you walk along the olive- and fruit trees. In times of war, one still had to eat and fruits could, at least temporarily, fill hungry stomachs.

When the Castello closes the gates for the daily visitors, you are “Lord and/or Lady” of the castle; you have your own key to your “Castello-apartment”, so that you can enjoy 21st century evening- and night life in Ischia-Porto and get back when you get tired. Provided, that is, if you can rouse yourself from the indescribably, ever changing view from your terrace: a sea in so many shades of blue, little ships, boats, the fiercely orange of the setting sun, followed by a tender rosy colour…. A beverage, perhaps some mozzarella, olives and tomatoes, and – of course - a cool Limoncello, a lemon liquor locally produced. The mozzarella, a buffalo-cheese, comes from the neighbouring isle of Prodica and the main land around Naples. When you taste it you will agree with us: our supermarkets also sell it, but compared with “the real thing” you will be spoilt forever.

The island of Ischia counts six little towns, all with their own charm, and many thermal sources worth while a visit. The South has the loveliest, sandy beaches, especially close to Sant’ Angelo. The vegetation is in such an exuberance, that it seems as if Mother Nature got intoxicated and lost all control in waving her magic wand with flowers, lovely smells and colours over us, poor mortals. Bougainvilleas, guided over patio’s as flowering sunshades, annuals like impomoia’s covering ugly fences with a waterfall of blue, purple and lilac, jasmines, waves of wisterias, mimosas, hibiscus, oleanders, and so on. In the many restaurants you can chose between delicious but simple, like a pizza, or spend hours enjoying a many-course meal. But, honesty obliges us to say this: all through Italy you can dine well, if you choose well!

This Castello is the most impressive historical monument of Ischia, overlooking the harbor below and the expanse of the sea. Today this location contains four apartments (apartment Castello Altana is one of them), and a small hotel with restaurant. Deep in our heart we are a little bit proud that we have these apartments in our program, because thus is an unusual en unbelievably impressive place to enjoy your vacation. Normally speaking the majority of holiday-makers can only admire this kind of castles from a distance and to the foot of the fortress, but you have the privilege to have your own apartment “within the walls”. It may sound a little bit exaggerated, but if you are sitting on your terrace with a glass of wine and enjoying the view and above you the seagulls, we are sure you will feel very happy………

A lift connects the entrance of the Castello to the top, approx. 80 m. above sea level, where the apartments are situated. Each apartment has its own independant entrance through an ancient courtyard. The four units have been recntly renovated by the owner, son of a famous artist, whose paintings grace the apartments walls, All are different, but have windows antd outdoor spaces with unforgettable views. Guests of the apartments can enjoy many hotel services from the adjacent hotel, including porter and conciërge services, computer with high speed Internet access and lovely terrace dining. The hotel conciërge can give help in booking ferries to nearby Capri of Naples, or renting cars or scooters, as well as information about Ischia’s attractions. Parking is a problem on the island, but frequent busses as well as taxi service makes it easy to get around without a car. Arriving ferries dock at Ischia-Porto, the main town of the island. Its colorfull harbor is filled with shops and restaurants and streches eastwards to the smaller village of Ischia Ponte, where the causeway leading tot the Castello is located.

Our conclusion: a unique experience on a magic island, also suitable for weddings and other events (together with the hotel the Castello can accommodate 40 people). Note that the accommodation is not suitable to people with walking difficulties. The Castello is perched above the water; this can be dangerous for children and they have to be under adults supervision.

Extra information: Nowadays the Castello host some cultural events, such as a movie festival, exhibitions and concerts. This can disturb the relaxing atmosfere in August. Transfer service is highly recommended (taxi from Naples airport or train station to the hydrofoil, the ticket to Ischia, and a taxi from the waterfront to the Castello) and has to be prearranged on the moment of booking.

Lay-out of the apartment Castello Altana (105 m2, 4 pers.):
Living with small refrigerator (no kitchen, but the restaurant is very near!), 2 large double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with shower, 2 furnished panoramic terraces of about 20 m2 and 40 m2. The interior is functional but also tasteful.

Facilities:
Airco, heating, lift, dinner (from Easter till the end of October), possibility for breakfast, lunch and diner in the hotel (not included), use of Internet at the reception.

Possibilities for sports/excursions:
Hiking, swimming, watersports. The Spa’s and pittoresque beaches are the most popiular spots on the island. You can visit vineyards and gardens. Archeological treasures can be found in the museum in Villa Arbusto and in Santa Restituta. Furthermore, there are countless possibilities for trips to the surrounding islands and the mainland of Naples. From Ischia-Porto, there are ferry-connections to Procida, Capri, Sorrento, Naples, Herxculanum and Paestum. Ther is more to do: you can, for example, book a day-trip by boat around the island, inclusive captain and crew. In the months of April, May, June and July, you can also taste what the life of a fisherman is like by booking a day on a fishing ship. You leave at daybreak and return in the (late) afternoon. You experience the casting of the nets, the fishing itself, and the crew prepares a meal with the fish from the nets. You can get your own, personal guide who takes you for a long but very interesting walk to the most ancient parts of the island. You can also visit the Spadara vineyards, taste their wines and explore the wine cellars of the island. The thermal baths are absolutely a must, and you really do not have to be delicate of health to enjoy a visit. For instance the park Negombo, on the West-coast, offers a fantastic thermal bath plus a beautiful garden with many exotic plants. Ask for more guided tours information at the local tourist office.

Distances: (approx. in kms.)
Naples Airport 50, Naples town 33, Procida, island 7, Amalfi, mainland 64, Sorrento, mainland 39, Capri, island 33. The nearest beach 1 km, Ischia Porto 2 kms.