Our ascent to the island’s highest mountain takes us away from the crowds of tourists along shaded forest paths. Our ascent begins with a panoramic trail that offers us breathtaking views of Forio. We will pass through a field of boulders and by interesting rock formations on our way to “Pietra dell‘Acqua.” Along the way, you will learn what secret is hidden behind the green rocks at the side of the trail and that Mount Epomeo is not a volcano. It is a block of the Earth's crust that has been uplifted by tectonic forces. The hiking trail finally takes us over a wide ridge to Mount Epomeo. At its summit, 789 m above sea level, we will be rewarded with a wonderful 360° panoramic view. After our lunch break at around 1:00 p.m. in the summit restaurant, we will descend for 30 minutes towards Fontana, where the transfer bus will be waiting to take you back to the hotel.

This hike is also very doable in the height of summer, as it is much cooler at the higher elevations in the mountains than it is on the beach! We will walk through breezy altitudes and forests, so we will not be exposed to the blazing sun. Last but not least: Wear well-fitting shoes so that walking is more comfortable, and bring plenty of good cheer as well as a light jacket.

Insider tip: In the rustic summit restaurant, which has been hewn into the rock, you will find a sunny panoramic terrace and the delicious specialities of the talented chef Teresa, such as Spaghetti “Epomeo” with garlic, hot peppers, nutty pine nuts and mild-sweet raisins. Or, of course, the classic: bruschetta with the restaurant's own Epomeo tomatoes and the flavourful basil from the summit herb garden!

Geologist's tip: Take a closer look at the tuff rock along the way! Can you see their green colour? Green Epomeo tuff is the typical rock of the island of Ischia. It consists of solidified volcanic ash deposits. The tuff owes its green colour to the iron-bearing silicates in the rock, which were formed under the influence of seawater.