Ventotene & Ischia

VENTOTENE

Ventotene is an island that is just 2 hours from Ponza.  We traveled at night by moonlight and calm seas.  Even though the sea was calm, the boat was traveling so fast that it felt like there were waves hitting from every direction.  Needless to say, I was at the back of the boat waiting for us to arrive so I could sleep.

In the morning, I woke early to find us anchored down in the Port of Ventotene.  We ate breakfast on the boat, and afterwards we went to see the town.  We looked at the little shops and buildings.  Once we finished our little morning tour, we headed back to the catamaran.  We left the port to find a little place on the island where we could anchor down and enjoy the sun.  The island is amazing.  The rocks were darker than those at Ponza and Palmarola, so the water seemed to be darker but still crystal clear.  We spent the day jumping off the boat, and trying to teach the boys how to dive.  It was quite interesting, and they didn't learn how to dive.

Port of Ventotene

We had happy hour on the catamaran as we went around the island to return to the Port of Ventotene.  We had dinner in a restaurant called, Aphrodite.  It was on a balcony that overlooked the port.   Dinner conversation consisted of horror movies.  I didn't know much, but I was able to answer the question about the author who is associated with scary books, Stephen King.  That was my come through moment.  Anyways, dinner was delicious.  I had Spaghetti alla Vongolle (Spaghetti with Clams).  Generally, the meals come with many plates.  You will have an antipasti (appetizer), and then generally another dish or two.  They are usually quite filling.  Even on the catamaran, our lunches consist of a antipasti and a pasta.  Needless to say, the food has been absolutely amazing!

Happy Hour!

Port Ventotene in the evening

Moon over the prison (Italy's Alcatraz)

ISCHIA

Ischia is the fourth island we went to, and it is about 2 hours from Ventotene.  Two hours means it is about 20 miles away.  The islands are pretty close together, and it is always a wonderful cruise.  Ischia was a large island.  We arrived at the island around noon, leaving after breakfast.  We spent the early afternoon on the catamaran swimming and snorkeling.  

Ischia

Ischia

After lunch we went to the island.  There were many beautiful shops, and we took a tour of the island to see the different spots.  Alfredo shared with met that Ischia is a thermal island.  There are certain places you can go to where the mud is warm you can use it as a facial.  There are also hot springs.

Ischia

Ischia

Ischia

After the tour we headed back to the catamaran to get ready for dinner.  We had dinner on the island at a place called, Gennaro.  Our little dingy boat dropped us right off in front of the restaurant.  There was some dinner entertainment.  A clown decided to give us a show using all of the pedestrians.  After dinner we walked the town of Ischia, then headed back to the catamaran for a good night's sleep.

Ischia Sunset

In the morning, we woke in the port of Ischia and had breakfast.  From Ischia, the next stop was Capri!