Ischia Castle at day break

Ischia island,nestled in the Gulf of Naples, is one of the only island holiday destinations off the coast of Italy that offers reasonably priced, comfortable and safe hostel-type accomodation to the young traveller wanting to get some time out from work or studies and experience the fruitful lifestyle of the summer in the mediterranean: Sun, sea, beaches, boat trips and much more.

Situated amongst the hillside town on the port of Forio, lies a little gem – Ring Hostel – the only hostel amongst an abundance of hotels and villas sharing the very same Mnt Epomeo backdrop on the island of Ischia. For the lonestar traveller or the group of friends wanting to exprience the essence of Italian island living without breaking the bank to be there, Ring Hostel is the way to go.

Ischia in the summer is indescribable: long, hot, sunny days allow for even the shortest of stays to be filled with plentiful activities such as lazying on the beach until 8pm, snorkeling amoungst the boulders along the shoreline, rock jumping, hiking up Mnt Epomeo, soaking in the natural hot springs, treating yourself to a day at the spa where one entrance fee allows you access to 18 different pools, baths and springs, a private beach and an enchanting garden, the Ischia Castle as well as the scatterings of castle ruins in and amoungst the new and old buildings all over the island are worth a see. Days trips to the other family of islands in the gulf such as Capri and Procida are also an option.

Forio from the top of Mnt Epomeo

In July, the Ischia Film Festival takes place from the 5th. The Talented Mr Ripley was filmed on the island and since, the secret of Ischia has been shown to the world. (Keep updated on events by checking the blog.)

Accomodation at the hostel starts from €17 pp/night.

If however the financial crisis is not hitting you in the pocket, then you may be interested in having a look at spending your time in Ischia in a self-catering apartment overlooking the sea and Forio port, or splashing out on a couple of nights in a hill top hotel overlooking the town and bay of Forio.

Contact Giuseppe: +39 333 698 5665 for more info

Fresh bean and tomato bruschetta, melanzane parmigane, fresh pasta making: including ravioli and gnocchi; from creamy bacon to spicy tomato learn the secrets of great sauces to accompany any pasta dish; delicious pizza making from the perfect dough to the final wood fired pizza; learn how to make Braciola (a delicious rolled and seasoned veal cut) and Ischian Coniglio (seasoned fresh rabbit).  Then on the final days learn a simple but delicious Tiramisu and liqueurs.

Immerse yourself in the local culture visiting the food markets and selecting the freshest herbs and spices from the families garden.

Classes are limited to six people and are designed for those with a passion for cooking great fresh foods.

Our Cooking Program runs March 25-31, April 8-14, May 6-11.  If these dates don’t suit, register your interest and we will try and accommodate your requirements.

Day 1

Arrive at Hotel, welcome drinks and dinner from 8:30pm

Day 2

Breakfast from 8am

9:00am-1:00pm Cooking Class

1:00pm-2:30pm Family Lunch

8:30pm Dinner

Day 3

Breakfast from 8am

9:00am-11:00am Visit to seafood/vegetable market

11:00am-1:00pm Cooking Class

1:00pm-2:30pm Family Lunch

3:00pm-6:00pm Island tour

8:30pm Dinner

Day 4

Breakfast from 8am

9:00am-12:30pm Cooking Class

12:30pm-1:30pm Family Lunch

2:00-7:00pm Afternoon relaxing at Negombo Thermal Spa

8:30pm Dinner

Day 5

Breakfast from 8am

9:00am-1:00pm Cooking Class

1:00pm-2:30pm Family lunch

6:00pm-8:30pm Wine tasting and appreciation

8:30pm Dinner

Day  6

7:30am-9:30am Visit to Pasticceria

9:30am Breakfast, guest departure

Price includes accommodation in the families hotel (or hostel in the case of dormitory accomodation), all meals, all cooking classes, entry to Negombo Thermal Spas, Island Tour, and Wine Appreciation night.  Prices are per person.

Single room: Euro 525

Double room (twin or double): Euro 490

Dormitory: Euro 400

Island of Ischia the thermal wellness capital of Europe. A wild oasis created by nature, history, and heart. Visitors from all lands now bask in pure minerals of the thermal springs, its therapeutic properties founded by the Romans. The tails of Typheus’s rage fuming the hot springs, are whispered about, passing on the legend for eternity. Dolphins and jellyfish attracted by the crystal clear ocean are easily seen by passing boats. Flocks of birds from Africa in the spring time flaunt their majestic colors as Sheppard’s guard their sheep and fish are cooked in steam of the hot springs on the seashore.

Walking through history with the stories of extinct cultures dating back to 800 B.C.. with the lime light of a major hub of famous artists, poets, and natural psychophysical beauty and heath treatments. So primitive and modern Ischia’s diabolical seductive flavors make for a magical island paradise. More…