The fascinating collection of cactus, succulents, citrus and exotic plants at the Ravino Botanical Gardens, including a rare specimen of one of the oldest plants on earth, the Wollemi Pine, have been lovingly curated and nurtured over the last 35 years by Giuseppe d’Ambra. The colors and shapes of the plants are complemented by carefully placed artworks, sculpture and artisan crafts, creating a delight...

Lush, lovely and lovingly cared for, La Mortella Gardens is one of Ischia’s finest attractions. Myrtle bushes, le mortelle, gave the garden its name, but it was the life-long love affair of a composer, Sir William Walton, and his Argentinian wife Susana, that gave it life. The garden’s original design is owed to British landscape artist Russell Page, but it was Susana...

There is an old grotto on the south side of this lake. It was from here that Aeneas left on his quest to find Hades, thanks to a bit of guidance from the Cumaen Sibyl. A stairwell inside this cave, we are told, leads to the river Styx. Up until recently you could arrange to see inside, but sadly, the...

When you’re ready for a bit of respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the Lungomare, Naples seafront promenade, to breathe in the sun, the sea and the views. Towards the sea, the iconic double humped shape of Vesuvius dominates the bay and stretches out towards Sorrento, Capri and the promontory of Posillipo. Towards the city, a patchwork quilt...

Blanketed in dense foliage and vineyards, Monte Epomeo is Ischia’s highest mountain. Its summit sits at 789 meters above sea level. A welcoming sight from points below, Monte Epomeo offers nature lovers and trekkers a pathway to see the island from a different perspective. If you love the outdoors and are reasonably fit, you will love this hike! Several trails...

Mount Vesuvius is a national park, UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and the only active volcano on mainland Europe. The lush soils of this 25,000 year old geological marvel (perhaps even older) give life to the world’s best tomatoes – San Marzano – and the vines that produce Lacryma Christi (Tears of Christ) wine. A trek to its peak is a must-do on any Naples...

Hidden behind a church, this quiet little park climbs up the side of Posillipo hill, a switchback walking path follows the contours of the park’s terraces. Enshrouded within an encroaching urban landscape – the nearby train station and a heavily trafficked car tunnel – it’s a (quasi) quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The views of Vesuvius and the...

Like fire from a dragon’s mouth, fumaroles exhale their scorching, sulfuric, rancid steam in wisps of smoke that blanket the air with the sickly smell of rotten eggs. Rocks glow in shades of copper and gold and mud pits bubble and gurgle as they expel their gasses. This is the Solfatara, the mythical home of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and it’s unlike...