This beautiful hillside garden on the island of Ischia was created by the composer William Walton and his wife Susanna. After entering into a lush tropical paradise, the winding paths through the garden take you on a gradual climb through a rich variety of planting, from semi-desert conditions to the mystical East. There is an open-air amphitheatre, built into the rock face with glorious views across the bay to Forio, which stages classical concerts on summer evenings. When you leave the garden and look back up at the hillside it is scarcely visible – the steepness of the surrounding volcanic hillside makes you realise what an achievement of imagination and structure over nature La Mortella is, whilst suiting its sun-baked and beautiful location perfectly.

Via Tommaso Cigliano, 15, 80075 Forio Naples, Italy
+39 081986220
www.lamortella.org
bit.ly/kZhafW

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In a tiny bay at the end of the path from the village of Sorgeto is a thermal vent which heats the sea all year round. There are small pools marked out by stones and a really great bar where you can buy beer and Ischian food - what more could you want?

Take a water taxi from Sant'Angelo or use the clockwise/anti-clockwise bus and walk down to the sea from Panza.

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It was the most exciting ferry journey I've ever had. Water was crashing atop the very highest deck of the boat and we were holding on with both hands to the guard rails. But in the distance, we could see mainland Italy, and the small island of Ischia where we came from, with its accommodating B&Bs and wonderful hot springs.

We went in the off-season and it was still a fantastic journey. We walked down from our B&B to a tiny cover and watched the water crash on the shore. Arriving back at the B&B to a home-cooked meal every evening was fantastic and so very much appreciated. But the journey back on the ferry is what I'll really remember.

Ferry from Naples to Ischia. Easy to get to from Naples Central Station.

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A small B&B in the centre of Forio whose atmosphere is a sort of Marrakesh meets India (with a hidden garden thrown in). The host is very friendly and knowledgeable about the island, breakfast is generous and there's a small kitchen if you wish to test your culinary skills in situ. Rates are excellent too.

www.pietradonica.it

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