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Amalfi Coast Italy
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Ischia |
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Covering an area of 46.33 square kilometers Ischia is the eighth largest
Italian island and the largest in the Bay of Naples. Neighbouring islands are Capri,
Procida and Vivara. The island is divided into 6 boroughs each with its own administration, Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Barano and Serrara Fontana. The resident population of the whole island is 50,000. A volcanic island predominantly hilly, it still bears the scars of volcanic activity. The last volcanic eruption was in 1301. The Lava flowed down the mountain side from Fiaiano to Ischia Ponte destroying everything in its wake and more recently the devastating earthquake of 1883 in Casamicciola which claimed many lives. The circumference is approximately 35 kms (18 miles) and its geographical position allows for a mild climate, which attracts hundreds of visitors annually. The tourist season starts at the beginning of March until the end of November.
The island appears to be divided in two by a line of longditude, which starts at Forio and ends at Ischia Ponte. The northern section, including the zone to the west of Forio is characterised by two elements green hills and whitewashed houses clusteres together inland.
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The
Amalfi
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(43 miglia) 
The thermal waters of Ischia have really become the gold mine of
the island. Angelo Rizzoli (Cavaliere del Lavoro 1888-1970) launched Ischia
onto the international tourist circuit in the 1950's and 60's by building luxury hotels
with spas included creating the slogan "Ischia the island of eternal youth".
Therapy for rheumatism, arthritis, obesity, ginecological conditions and the nervous
system are available on the island. The hotel structures have recently developed a
tourism of health and beauty with health, disintoxication and beauty centers which have
created much interest in the American market. It is only on Ischia that one can find thermal
gardens with pools at different temperatures, from 28 to 40 degrees centigrade, close
to the sea and allowing one to have various treatments.