We left early for Sorrento Port to catch a Hydrofoil to Isola Ischia, the largest of the 3 islands in the Bay of Naples and Tyrrhenian Sea. It is famous for its mineral springs, of volcanic origin. The rumour is, that the giant Typhoeus, struck by Zeus' thunderbolt, was buried under Ischia, the cause of the occasional groanings and shakings that have marked Ischia's long history. Compared with its neighbour island, Capri, Ischia is larger, wilder and considerably less manicured than its chic but more touristy neighbour. Ischia Porte is such a pretty harbour to cruise into.
Colourful buildings backdropped by some wild hills
And on looking back to the beginning of this harbour, we saw a rather large cruise ship moving across this entry.
Our game plan for the day, was to have a good look around Ischia Port, and then make our way over to Ischia Ponte to check out Castello Aragonase, followed by finding a Trattoria to taste some good local seafood, before catching the hydrofoil back to Sorrento.
We decided to wander around their beaches - Ischia prides itself on these.
Colourful little numbers, with a volcanic grey sand
Kids playing soccer
Little boats everywhere
And the sun lounges waiting for some early season occupants
Just alive with colour, and getting ready for the start of their summer season
We then wandered along the main street
The buildings are so bright 
and some blossoms were in bloom.
Managed to get a couple of shots of their doors
The Fish Shop
One of the church's doors
Love the position of their washing lines - they never seem to lose anything onto the ground.
Frank couldn't get over the size of some of their vehicles
Delivery trucks as well
Why was this taken - same coffee we use!!!
Along the way we checked out menus in some of the cafes
Loved this Pizzeria, the tables were surrounded by orange trees, all in full fruit.
Stopped for a gelati at Bar Diana, served by its colourful waiter (in the blue)
Nearly 2 hours had passed 
we could see the Castello Aragonase now - nearly there 
When we arrived at the Pier near the Castello, we looked back at Ischia Porte Peninsular
and realised how far we had walked.
This is the Castello's story as we were told!. The Castle was built as a fort in 474 BC by Greek Syracuse Hiero 1, to come to the aid of Cumani in the war against Tirreni. In 315 BC the Romans founded the city of Ischia and most likely used the castle as a defensive fort and built some houses.
Many more wars, looters and pirates, then in 1441 Alfonso of Aragon rebuilt part of the castle and joined the island it sat on to the main island by an artifical bridge, with strong walls and fortification, in which all the people of Ischia found refuge and protection against the Pirates. (a little more on this Castello and her related story at the end)
It was time to do our "late lunch", but not by another 2 hour trek, we took one of their "minute/tiny" taxis back to the Ischia Porte.
Found a great little Trattoria right on the harbour front, in the sun, and enjoyed a really tasty seafood lunch, both the waiters were a couple of characters.
Our communication by hand signals must've been okay, as the Head Waiter insisted on shouting us a Limoncello (one little sip was ample, thank you).
Unfortunately, it was time to leave, only one Hydrofoil in early morning, and one out late afternoon.
*****
On sailing out we could see Castello Aragonese again. More of this story. The heyday for this Castle occurred in the late sixteenth century when the fortress housed 1892 people, as well as the Convent of the Poor Clares, and there were 13 churches there!
Around 1750 when the danger of pirates was less, people moved back into various towns on the main Island, but in 1809 the English besieged the Castle, held by the French and shelled to destroy it almost completely. It was used as a Prison after that, and in 1851, Ferdinand 1, King of Naples sent away the last 30 inhabitants. In 1860, with the arrival of Garibaldi in Naples, this was closed and joined to the Kingdom of Italy. In 1912 it was auctioned and is in the hands of individuals who look after the restoration and management. (Just amazing what and where they could build 2,500 years ago).
An hour later we entered Sorrento Harbour
This time we found a bus that would take us back up that cliff!!!.
What a really great day, and again the legs needed another hot bath.
The breakfasts here were stunning, actually this was by far the best hotel of our trip, the cleanliness and courtesy of the staff was outstanding.
The receptionist advised us it was Palm Sunday, and Sorrento's Cathedral would be conducting a service at 10 a.m.
We wandered along to the Cathedral, where the locals arrived carrying branches of Olive trees, adorned with little cheeses and other small food items.
At a specific time during this service (we don't understand italian) these branches were lifted and held in the air. Everyone was dressed in their Sunday best, 'specially the little bambinos.
We strolled along the little streets near the Cathedral, and were amazed at the size of their lemons.
and followed this by visiting one of the local "Limocello" makers in town.
Across the small cobbled street was the old Opera House - now a coffee bar where the local older men seem to gather. The old frescoes around the door are delightful.
Some lovely old houses and hotels hanging to cliffs
We took the steep stair route down, 
finished off by some steep stairs (on the left) 
Our legs were cactus by the end of this longish saunter.
It just had to be "happy hour"??
We followed this up with another pizza at Da Francos, and a gelati to follow, and most importantly - a long hot bath to attempt the repair of our "abused" legs.
