The highest municipality of the island is also the least populated. With a peak of 789 metres the area is predominately hilly and big parts of it are used for agriculture. The municipality in the south of the island is divided into the villages of Serrara, Fontana, Noia, Calimera, Pananto, Ciglio, Succhivo and Sant’Angelo. From the village square of Fontana one can climb on top of the Monte Epomeo, the highest peak of the island. But the municipality has also its own seaside resort: pretty Sant’Angelo, in the south of the island.

THE PLACE: Serrara Fontana is a chain of tiny villages following winding lanes through green hills and rocks. In old times the peak of the Mountain was home to a group of hermits. The coastline is limited, but has some small beaches in Sant’Angelo and Cava Grado. The last part of the long Maronti beach with its steam geysers and hot thermal seawater can be easily reached from Sant’Angelo by boat. Nearby the oldest spa of the island, which dates back to Roman times: the Cava Scura.

SPECIAL BECAUSE…: The genuine, wild beauty of Serrara Fontana, far away from the hectic of modern life, attracts artists and dreamers with its breathtaking views and lovely walks. Very special the pretty little village of Sant’Angelo which unites in its centre the elegance of a historical centre with the charms of a fishermen’s harbour.

THE HOUSES IN THE ROCKS The stone houses can be found in various areas of the island, but mainly in the area between Serrara and Forio along the slopes of Epomeo. These grottos cut into the rock or blocks of stone hollowed and transformed into houses were initially used as shelters from attacking pirates, but some are still inhabited today or used as wine cellars. The houses in the rocks are a curiosity that is hardly ever seen in other places and they testify to the spirit of initiative of the local population. Some of the most beautiful examples can be seen in the village of Ciglio, near the rock of “Noa’s ark”. The high area of Pietra dell’Acqua (Water stone) has basins cut into the rocks.

MONTE EPOMEO: Ischia’s highest peak offers unforgettable walks and great views. The best starting point is the village square of Fontana, longer walks start from Forio or Casamicciola. Those who want to avoid the walk can rent a mule near the church of Fontana in the early morning. From the peak you can admire not only the entire island, but also the Bay of Naples, the Peninsula of Sorrento and the island of Capri. The beauty and the silence of the mountain have attracted hermits throughout time. A tiny chapel dedicated to San Nicola was cut out of the rocks in the 15th century. In the 18th century an ex commander of the Aragonese Castle chose to live here with 12 companions praying but also observing the sea and warning the island’s population in case of danger.

Peasants, who hid there during pirate attacks, have carved several caves and grottos out of the green tufa rock. In some of these grottos snow for drinking water was conserved.

SANT’ANGELO This lovely fisher village is the most southern point of the island. Built into the hill it is completely closed for traffic. The islet “La Roja” with the romantic ruin of an old watchtower connected to Sant’Angelo by an isthmus forming the beach and the harbour of the village. The narrow lanes and the central square around the harbour with elegant bars and restaurants make Sant’Angelo meeting point of the national and international jet set.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY DEL CARMINE : Interesting the paintings of Our Lady and Saint Lucy, but also the marble altar from the 18th century. From the square of the church one can admire a fantastic panorama.

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