Gulf of Naples, the islands of the Campanian archipelago: Capri, Procida, Ischia

After the brightness of the Amalfi coast, the navigation that heads north from Salerno, passing the Sorrento peninsula, touches another corner of paradise. Or better, three: Ischia, Capri and Procida.The main islands of the Campanian archipelago, in the Gulf of Naples, are very different from each other and yet equally capable of captivating the eyes, heart and soul of those who visit them. It is therefore impossible to imagine not stopping there, discovering its treasures.

Capri, not only shopping and the Piazzetta

About 12 miles from Positano and 2 miles from the marine protected area of Punta Campanella, we meet what is rightly considered the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Already known to the Greeks and mentioned by Virgil in the Aeneid, Capri has been an exclusive destination since Roman times. Not surprisingly, the Emperor Tiberius had twelve villas built there, of which only the ruins of one remain: Villa Jovis. Synonymous with elite holidays, Capri enjoys an international reputation for both its exclusive atmosphere and its breathtaking landscapes. Of the two towns on the island, Capri and Anacapri, the former is the best known and the most popular, where the beaches, the famous Piazzetta, the luxury boutiques, the harbour and the main clubs are located. Anacapri, on the other hand, is a quieter little town, suitable for those who prefer to spend their days at a slower pace and away from the crowds. Among the many things to see, it is impossible not to mention the Faraglioni. Among the symbols of the island and the whole Gulf of Naples are three large rock formations that emerge from the waters at a height of about 100 metres. They can only be reached by boat, but if you want to swim nearby there are two bathing establishments right in front: La Fontelina and da Luigi. Another destination not to be missed is the Arco Naturale (Natural Arch). A rock formation dating back to the Palaeolithic age that time has moulded into the shape of an arch, it is located on the easternmost tip of the island and can be reached on foot from the Piazzetta or Punta Tragara. In this case, you will follow the Pizzolungo, a coastal path with a splendid view of the Faraglioni rocks. At the opposite end of the island, in the municipality of Anacapri, there is another natural wonder that made Capri legendary: the Grotta Azzurra (the Blue Grotto). Access is for a fee and is only on a small boat that passes through the small arch. The stay is minimum and swimming is forbidden. Finally, those who love walking cannot miss the excursion along the Sentiero dei Fortini, so called because along the path are the three forts that once defended Capri: Orrico, Pino and Mesola. Among the most spectacular walks, it runs along the sea from the Grotta Azzurra to the Lighthouse of Punta Carena between rocks, headlands and bays with turquoise waters.

Ischia, the Green Island between spas and parks

Colonised by the Greeks, it became a prosperous trade little town; despite its millennial history, Ischia remained an island of fishermen unknown to most people until the middle of the last century, when it became an international tourist destination. Called the Green Island because of its unspoilt nature and itineraries that are particularly popular with trekkers, it covers an area of around 46 square kilometres and comprises six municipalities: Barano d’Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Forio d’Ischia, Ischia, Lacco Ameno and Serrara Fontana.

Popular for its numerous and often spectacular thermal baths, which together with its gardens, parks and mild climate attract thousands of tourists all year round, the island also does not disappoint with its beautiful beaches. The best known is Maronti, which stretches for about three kilometres, has sand and pebbles and crystal-clear waters. Located in the municipality of Barano, it can be reached through a winding road with a landscape view or by sea. The Bay of Sorgeto, in the municipality of Forio, is an inlet where sea water mixes with thermal water. Sheltered from the winds and sunny in summer for most of the day, it offers the possibility of safe bathing even in the coldest months of winter. It can be reached through a path from the village of Panza or by sea.

Small and not too well known, the beach of Cava Grado is located near the entrance to the village of Sant'Angelo d'Ischia. It is a short stretch of sand protected by high tuff cliffs and is characterised by shallow sandy bottoms and a clear blue sea. Finally, those in search of unspoilt, little-visited places will not miss the beach of Varulo, in Lacco Ameno, and on the opposite side of the island, to the south, the beach of Scarrupata. The first can only be reached by sea, while the second can be reached not only by boat, but also through a steep path, which at the end provides a transparent sea and a pebble beach.

Procida, the Island of Arturo and del Postino (the Postman)

The third jewel of the Campanian archipelago is the small and less known Procida. An island of volcanic origin with picturesque, colourful houses, it enchants visitors with an old fashioned charm, far from mundanity as well as hit-and-run tourism. To be experienced quietly, savouring the Mediterranean atmosphere of fishing boats and villages perched on hillsides, it offers beautiful natural landscapes with historical sites and beaches with crystal-clear sea. Many of its small beaches can only be reached by boat, hidden in bays and inlets surrounded by high cliffs: a guarantee of tranquillity, crystal-clear waters and transparent seabed. The best known and most popular beaches are still worth a visit. As in the case of the Chiaia beach, in the eastern part of the island. Beautiful, with transparent and shallow waters, it can be reached not only by sea, but also through a panoramic staircase of 182 steps. Also called del Postino because some scenes from the film of the same name with Massimo Troisi were filmed there, the beach of the Pozzo Vecchio is one of Procida's most picturesque beaches. Its dark sand, reminiscent of the island's volcanic origin, creates a fascinating contrast with the deep turquoise sea. It can be reached by a staircase down from the cemetery or by a walk of about 20 minutes from the port. On the other hand, pebbles and blue sea for the Lingua beach, considered one of Procida's wildest and most unspoilt beaches. Connected to the small Asino beach described by Elsa Morante in “L'Isola di Arturo” (Arturo’s island), it is surrounded by a high cliff covered with lush vegetation. A striking destination both when the sun is shining and when the sunset colours it with unforgettable shades of pink.