The unofficial start of the Canadian summer season is the Victoria Day long weekend towards the end of May. Since we get a day off when most Italians don’t and are also keen to get a jump on summer, we planned a fun and novel few days on the iconic vacation island of Ischia.
Last Victoria Day, we took our first proper trip in Italy and went to Venice for the first time. It was a magical time when tourists hadn’t yet reclaimed the city and we enjoyed mostly good weather. This year we turned our attention more firmly towards the coast, it’s crystalline waters and gorgeous islands.
Ischia features somewhat prominently in the Neapolitan novels of Elena Ferrante (maybe my favourite fictional series of all time), and even though the island may have long passed its peak as a summer destination, it offers all the charm, island pace and scenery of its more famous Amalfi neighbours and with less pretentiousness and unnecessary cost.
Our lovely hotel lent for easy postcard perfect photos, especially in our toddler induced early mornings. The light was exactly the reason people come to Italy from all around the world. Because it’s pretty much as heavenly as it gets.
The main tourist worthy stop in the town of Ischia is the incredible floating Castello, which really blew both our expectations and minds. The challenge of leaving the stroller behind notwithstanding, it was easily one of the most scenic, impressive and engaging sites we’ve ever visited in Italy.
Otherwise, Ischia proved to be a compact, interesting and not yet over populated weekend destination. We walked, we ate, we ran after our child in the streets! He was happy to kick his ball, run near the water and climb all stairs he could manage.
On Sunday, we decided to take a quick ferry ride to the nearby island of Procida for a day trip. We had initially debated whether to stay in Procida for a night but we’re happy we didn’t. It was even smaller than Ischia, less stroller friendly and full of (mildly annoying) day trippers like ourselves. That being said, the views did not disappoint and again reminded us of how lucky we are to live to such world class beauty.
Our beautiful first summer long weekend passed in a beautiful flash. We were happy to have discovered this long enjoyed gem of the Italian sea and started thinking about where to next (ie the South of France!). We managed to sneak in a Neapolitan pizza on our way back to Rome – at a restaurant we dined at on our honeymoon five years ago.
Italy is truly endless with inspiring, gorgeous and accessible travel options – something you can dig into even deeper from within the country. We’re always grateful to discover new places, create family memories and share this wonderful experience with Aleksander.
Alla prossima Ischia!
Dad In The World 