Cava dell Isola Beach, a public beach with gorgeous white sand, cliff jumping, and a reasonably priced restaurant at the entrance.


Everyone has memories of their "first times." There's your first kiss, your first speech, your first time on stage, your first new years, your first taste of freedom. For me, Ischia was an island of many firsts. Ischia is an island located on the western edge of the Gulf of Naples. While prices on the island can be a little steep, I would say that Ischia is a must for any traveler. After spending two weeks travelling down from Northern Italy, stopping in all of the top Italian cities, I was eager to spend some time with nothing but beach, sun, and ocean. On June 27, 2010, I said goodbye to my two friends in Naples and boarded a ferry that would take me away on my own. This was my first venture alone in Italy and though I was beyond excited, I couldn't help but let myself think of all the what if's running through my mind. By the time I stepped onto solid ground, my hands were shaky and all I could think about was that I had no idea what to do next. Backpack strapped to my back, I stood in the middle of the port for a good fifteen minutes before walking.

While Ischia will always be one of my favorite adventures, it was an adventure that started off pretty overwhelming. Finding the hostel was an experience in itself. After getting lost trying to find the bus stop, completely forgetting to buy a bus ticket resulting in the bus driver yelling at me in angry Italian in front of the other fifty bodies squished in amongst me, and spending another hour wandering through back alleys in search of The Ring Hostel, I finally arrived. I was greeted before I even stepped through the doors by a young, charming Italian man who goes by the name Lorenzo. His firm handshake, comforting smile and laid back persona made me feel instantly relieved and put me in a much better mood. The Ring Hostel, in Forio, is one of the best hostels I've been to. Run by Lorenzo and his two brothers, the hostel is geared toward young budget travellers and is within walking distance to beaches, restaurants and bus stops. Every evening, Lorenzo or one of his brothers would pick up those of us staying in the hostel and drive us to their family's restaurant. Be warned if you do accept a ride: you will want to close your eyes and hang on for dear life, but it's an exhilerating ride none the less! If you are someone looking for interactive hosts, clean and comfortable budget accomodation, and a place that simply feels like home in a foreign country, I would highly recommend The Ring Hostel.

As I was walking up the stairs to my room, something written on the wall caught my eye. This is what it read:

To whoever you are,

When you first arrive in this place, take a moment to read what was written

by those before you, as you will soon relate to them. Put away your watches

 and alarm clocks, time here is as irrational as the sky above you. Nationality,

 political affiliation and religious bias are insignificant here, but open your ears

 and listen to what those you meet have to say. Drink the wine, if you can

 count the bottles you haven't had enough. Gain courage by cliff diving and

submitting to Lorenzo's driving, but become humble enough to accept that a

 scooter ride is a bad idea. You are in a unique place, so take it in with a clear

 mind and open arms while this place is still here, unchanged.

Those words embody everything that Ischia is. It was on this island that I had many of my own "firsts". My first time swimming in the ocean, my first time being passenger in a small, overcrowded car speeding down the narrow alleys, my first time drinking red wine, my first experience in a volcanic hot spring(Sorgeto Hot Springs in Forio), my first beach bonfire. The list goes on. Although many young travelers come here because Ischia is so eloquently nicknamed the "Party Island," there is so much more to it than that. People of all ages could find something of interest here. Unfortunately, everything exciting costs money, and money was not something I had at the time, but there are endless possibilities. Renting boats, sailing, exploring gardens and mountains and beaches. The locals are friendly and inviting, willing to help you the best they can with the language barrier. The men, for example, are much more polite than the ones I experienced in the big cities.

The Sorgeto Hot Springs are a must if you are thinking of travelling to Ischia. After a huge Italian meal with new friends, seven of us made our way down the many stone steps to the hot springs. At 2AM, the water is still comfortingly warm, with the odd areas of cold and scorchingly hot. During the day, some areas of the spring are unaccessible due to the overwhelming temperatures. With six bottles of wine floating amongst us, the hot springs were a wonderful way to spend the late hours of the night! Best of all, access to Sorgeto Springs is free! I will always have the fondest memories of Ischia. It's an island that makes one rethink their plans, their life, their priorities and importances. For me, Ischia was a life changing place filled with great food, delicious wine, and wonderful people. It's a special piece of the world that welcomes you with open arms and changes lives one traveler at a time.



Beach in Forio full of locals!