hello all! I am just beginning my 2009 trip planning. Last night I found myself at a bookstore reading about Ischia. 24 hours ago I had never even heard of the island! Now I think I want to go!! Curious to hear people's input on Ischia vs Capri. I have started to learn of some differences but would love to hear of first-hand experience and opinions. I will be travelling in May. I realize they are fairly close and I can probably do both but maybe I base myself in one for the bulk of the stay and do a day trip to the other? Interests for this part of the trip would be: BEACH, relax and some nightlife. Thanks!
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Capri is much more expensive - the hotels, the shops and the restaurants. Ischia is very low key and has better beaches.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Christy,
Capri is beautiful, but as mentioned in a previous post it's VERY expensive. If you have a large budget and are interested in lots of shopping in "high end" shops like Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, etc. then you're in the right place!
If you want something a bit less "touristy" then certainly Ischia would be an option. Another nearby location you might also consider is the beautiful island of Procida.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I love Capri after the day tourists leave and to walk the hills and gaze at the vistas is extraordinary. It can be more expensive I stay at El Gatto Blanco.
Posted by
boulder, colorado
192 posts
I second Ken's recommendation. We stayed on Procida for a week and had a great time. Very few tourists and no Americans - our hotel owner said we were the first Americans to stay at his place. Nice beaches and great food. Ischia is within eyesight of Procida. Capri is about a 30 minute ferry ride.
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
26 posts
Capri is a great if you have it on your "must see" but i would stay away from it as it has become a very touristy island. Ischia is my bet. its beautiful and less expensive than Capri, plus alot of Italians go there to holiday rather than capri.
Posted by
OP
Laguna Beach, CA, USA
272 posts
thanks to all for the replies. now i need to check out procida as i hadn't even considered it. this is one reason i love this board - get a comment from a fellow traveler, research it further and i may very well be on my way to procida (or wherever the case may be) even though it's not something i originally considered (or even knew about!). thanks.
Posted by
Washington, DC
2 posts
Go to Ischia and stay in Sant'Angelo, it's where all the Italians go on holiday. Water taxis take you to the beach and the water is amazing. Can't say what it'll be like in May though. Capri is worth a day or two. If you want to get off the beaten path (and spend less money) stay in Anacapri. It's the quiet side of the island and isn't overrun with tourists. Buses run back and forth all day as do the open top taxis so you can pop into Capri during the day to visit the shops and the Piazetta then go back to Anacapri in the evening. Via Krupp reopened on Capri recently and now you can take a nice stroll down towards the water. Once you reach the road go down the steps to Marina Piccola. If you're into hiking you can hike from Capri to Anacapri (and all the way up to Monte Solaro if you're so inclined) by taking the Passetiello, an old hunting trail. Ischia also has hiking trails up to the top of the island though I have yet to walk them. I guess what I'm trying to say is visit both. :)