Southern Italy harbors a secret that is rarely shouted in major advertising campaigns. It stretches over transparent waters and rocky shores, among the remnants of ancient civilizations and thermal gardens. That secret has a plural name: Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Three islands, each with a distinct character, yet united by the same promise: offering a different way of looking at the Mediterranean, without embellishment. Let’s explore the unique charm of each one. This year, they’ve become must-visit destinations for travelers who love natural landscapes and well-being.
Procida: a place full of charm
Procida is the smallest island and perhaps the prettiest. From a distance, its profile looks like a child’s drawing: faded colorful facades, stranded boats, laundry strung between cracked walls. But as soon as you step ashore, it becomes clear that this apparent simplicity hides a beauty that doesn’t rely on decoration. Its narrow, picturesque streets lead visitors through shaded patios and small squares where the island’s daily life unfolds—card games, lively conversation, and excellent coffee.
The port of Marina Corricella, with its waterfront restaurants, offers delicious cuisine made from fresh local ingredients. Here, authenticity isn’t promoted—it’s lived. That’s why those who come to Procida don’t seek luxury, but rather the rare feeling of having found a place where time doesn’t push you forward.
Ischia: nature and thermal waters
Ischia is larger, more complex, and therefore more unpredictable. Known as the Green Island for its lush volcanic vegetation, its hills are painted with vineyards, its beaches lie beneath cliffs, and its villages have learned to coexist with tourism without entirely losing their identity. But there is one feature that sets Ischia apart from any other island in the gulf: thermal water. The springs emerge in hidden gardens, in spas integrated into quiet hotels, in pools carved from stone. For those seeking deep, even mineral, rest, there’s the option of staying at an Ischia spa hotel, where treatments are woven into the hospitality for a rejuvenating cure.
One of these places offers wellness experiences surrounded by palm trees and sea views. The island also features hiking trails—such as the one leading to Mount Epomeo—that reward the effort with sweeping, silent views. The southern beaches, like Maronti or Citara, let you alternate sunbathing with thermal dips. And at the eastern edge, the Aragonese Castle still seems to guard the entry of seafarers.
Capri: a fascinating natural setting
Capri needs no introduction, but neither does it easily fit into clichés. Its fame has been recounted so often that it’s hard to tell myth from truth. And yet, walking along Via Krupp, gazing at the Faraglioni, or entering the Blue Grotto, there’s a feeling that transcends tourist saturation: the sensation of witnessing an unrepeatable spectacle. White villas cling to the rock, terraced gardens bloom on impossible slopes, and pedestrian paths are scented with lemon trees and warm stone. In Anacapri, higher and quieter, the pace slows, and the air feels lighter. All of this is wrapped in an elegant and welcoming atmosphere.
Undoubtedly, the islands of the Gulf of Naples have become a major draw for international tourism, offering the chance to enjoy incredible holidays in a truly natural setting. You can visit each one individually or take a boat tour covering all three. A fascinating experience for any traveler in search of the perfect blend of sea, nature, and well-being.
