Forio is Ischia’s largest town, covering 12.9 square kilometres, and one of its most populated, with almost 12,000 inhabitants. It extends across the whole of the western side of the island, bordered on the northside with the towns of Lacco Ameno and Serrara Fontana in the south-southwest. It has a varied landscape, ranging from the hamlets situated almost at the top of Epomeo, Panza and Cuotto (both well-known due to the excellent wines they produce), to places such as Citara, Chiaia and S Francesco, where splendid white beaches frame a crystal-clear sea.
The etymology of the word ‘Forio’ is very varied. One theory is that it comes from a dialectic expression once used by an inhabitant of the Aragonese castle who, tired of the overcrowded place, decided to go to ‘Forio’ from there. Another explanation is that it comes from the classical languages meaning ‘fertile’ or ‘land of flowers’.
Whatever the derivation of the word, Forio is certainly one of the most charming spots on the island both due to the beauty of its varied and colourful landscape and the splendour of its architecture. It is enough to go and visit the church of Santa Maria del Soccorso, built in the XVIth century and successively added to - the Moorish style stands out amongst others. The church stands on a cliff of the same name - a fantastic spot from which you can go and watch the sun set. Visit Forio’s towers (12), most of which were built in the XVIth century and used as sighting and defence towers during the attacks of the Saracen pirates. Notice the ‘Torrione’’s cylindrical shape (XVth century) set in the middle of the town rising majestically over Forio harbour.
The beauty of the splendid villas built all over the town - especially at Punta Caruso - helps attract the tourist to Forio. Of particular note is ‘la Mortella’, the splendid residence of the famous English composer, Sir William Walton, which can be found near Zaro next to Punta Caruso. Sir William passed away in 1983 and his wife turned the house into a museum. It is surrounded by over 300 rare plants of extraordinary beauty in the unforgettable botanical garden outside.
Hotel Il Nespolo The hotel offers a solarium-terrace with a very modern hydromassage-bathtub. It is also in an excellent position, by the thermal center of Gurgitello, the oldest in Ischia and famous worldwide ...
Alto 115 metri vi si accede attraverso una strada scavata nella roccia e voluta da Alfonso I d'Aragona intorno al 1447. Fino ad allora l'accesso al castello era costituito da una scala esterna, di cui si può ancora ... (Il Castello Aragonese)
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