Walk Along the Maronti Beach

From the Aphrodite Apollo Thermal Park, I descended to the beach of Maronti (Spiaggia dei Maronti), which stretches along the southern coast of the island. Its length is more than two kilometers, it is the longest beach in Ischia. Thanks to its long length, you can find privacy here even in high season. Historians claim that the name comes from the Greek "quiet coast". In ancient times, the beach was a haven for pirates who set up their bases in numerous caves.

Several hotels have been built along the entire beach, which has access directly to the sand strip. These are mostly small guest houses that will appeal to those who enjoy a relaxing holiday, as well as for those who like to take mountain walks - the southern coast of the island is full of hiking trails. One of the boarding houses is called Ferdinando and it is not accidental. This is the name of one of the members of the Aragonese dynasty, which owned the island, he gave this section of the coast to the inhabitants of the surrounding villages for faithful service, allowing them to conduct economic activities here.

Walking on the sand was not very comfortable, so I returned to the path that runs along the high bank. From the road you can see the peak of Monte Epomeo, the slope of which cuts through a deep picturesque gorge. This gorge has a trekking trail that descends from the town of Serrara, this route is worth highlighting a separate walk. I met a lot of people who were equipped for walking on mountain trails.

After a while, civilization ended and the road turned into a donkey trail, running along the cliff, fenced for safety with a log barrier.

I soon found myself over a rocky cliff that divides the beach into two parts and opens out to the sea, so that you can't walk along the shore here. There is a playground with a wonderful view of Sant'Angelo (on the map).

At the Vittirio Hotel, the road goes through a narrow tunnel cut into the tuff rock, and then goes very steeply down. So cool that I even forgot to take a picture of such an interesting place and was once again glad that I was not too lazy to carry trekking poles all day. After a few sharp turns, I found myself at a crossroads - one path going up again, the other going down to the beach.

The GPS showed the presence of a path running above the beach, but what was its relief and condition, it was impossible to find out. The sun was setting, and darkness comes very quickly here, so I didn't push my luck. The prospect of finding myself in a completely unfamiliar area in the dark didn't appeal to me at all - although the path was well-trodden and well-maintained, I didn't notice more than one light fixture on it.

So I headed out on the sand, hoping to meet the sunset on the island's most beautiful road, the serpentine Via Maronti, which rises to the village of Testaccio on the slope of Monte Cotto.

But when I reached the Olympus Thermal Park, I had no desire to go up the mountain road - a kilometer of loose sand took all my strength , and I was glad to see the bus stop. There is a line 5 bus from Ischia Porto to Olympus Park (bus route map), and it was just going down the serpentine. From the window of the bus to admire the views of Via Maronti also did not work, so the bus famously laid bends that you had to hold on with both hands.

And finally, a tip for those who decide to take this route - it is better to take it in the opposite direction and spend the whole day: take the bus to Barano, walk there, walk to Testaccio, then go down Via Maronti. Well, then you already know.