It is often said that the life of all Spaniards is one huge fiesta. When they get tired they have an afternoon nap – siesta, and then keep on with the party. Spaniards themselves do not understand how foreigners can sum up their entire life philosophy into two simple words. To live carelessly and happily until old age you need to follow various traditions:

Be sociable

“Man is by nature a social animal” and Spaniards are by far among the most sociable. In the street, at the station, at the shop – there is surely someone who picks up a conversation with you. Locals always have something to say and they share their life story with strangers with an enviable ease. You smile, comment briefly, in turn share your story and then each one of you goes their own way.

Kiss everyone

You meet someone and Pow!, they’re already leaning down to kiss you. This Southern European culture enjoins that there’s no need of unnecessary distance between people.

Spaniards don’t merely break the ice, they melt it with an enormous blowtorch. When you’re at the store the shop assistant, naturally, asks you: “Honey, would you like a bag?”. It doesn’t matter that you haven’t met before and you haven’t even kissed yet.

Worship the bars

Nothing beats the Spanish bar culture. In big cities, like Madrid and Barcelona, it is hard to observe how the locals live. However, if you set foot in some non-touristy place at midday, it will most probably be half empty. In case you happen to arrive during the afternoon – you’re surely not going to see any Spaniards. Only the Chinese shops are open at this time!

Spanish people are night owls – they come out after dark and they swoop straight towards the bar. At dusk all main streets and squares are crowded with people. Work is work, it can be unpleasant and not very well-paid. When you come at the bar, though, your real life begins and in it there’s no place for negativity. As per usual, sipping on a cold beer, locals are telling humorous stories.

Never stop having fun

Finally, you decide to go at the bar to see what’s that incredible magic that binds all Spaniards together. You order a glass of wine and an elderly man, possibly older than your own granddad, pours your drink. It’s almost midnight, the music is loud, a group of drunk youngsters is having a weird dance just a step away – what is this gentleman doing here? This is completely normal. According to Spaniards it’s never too late to have fun, to live well, to go to the bar, to work at the bar. Actually, after you retire the fiesta is just starting!

Make small things even smaller

Living in Spain can be somewhat difficult for foreigners. People here move slowly, they often bump into you without excusing themselves, they get in your way without even realising it. That is not, by any means, a sign of bad education. To Spaniards these are small, unimportant things, which are not worth taking a notice of. Best case scenario is they’re going to tell you “no pasa nada” (it doesn’t matter) and they’ll keep on. I’m often advised to be “tranquila” (calm), which for locals seems to be a natural state.

Sometimes they have no change and they give you an extra euro, and again – it does not matter. No one will ask you to break your money. Why would they lose their time with things that are so unimportant?

To live like a Spaniard is to take pleasure in living, to belittle all difficulties and to celebrate excessively on every occasion. Be more sociable, kiss more often and finish up every day with a pint of beer in a great company!

En mi familia siempre hemos apreciado el pan. Uno de mis bisabuelos era panadero, ¡vamos, qué se ganaba el pan con el pan! Hoy en día me siguen contando historias de lo temprano que él se despertaba y del sabor inconfundible del pan de aquella época. Mi madre, criada en una familia muy vinculada al pan, sigue preparando pan casero casi todos los días. Le encanta variar: pan redondo o pan plano, con oliva y tomate seco o una mezcla de semillas, con una combinación de las varias harinas que tiene. Hoy, inspiradas por el precioso amarillo de los girasoles, hemos preparado un pan con harina de cebada y semillas de girasol.

“Nadie es mejor que el pan” (“Никой не е по-голям от хляба”), dice un dicho búlgaro, refiriéndose a que todo el mundo necesita comer. Еl pan es una parte imprescindible de cualquier comida tradicional desde hace siglos. Durante los días festivos el pan es sagrado y su decoración es un arte en sí. Precisamente con pan y sal se da la bienvenida a todos los invitados. El pan dulce (con miel) es parte de todas las tradiciones búlgaras que simbolizan la acogida de un miembro nuevo: cuando nace un bebé, cuando la novia entra en la casa de los padres del novio, cuando los niños empiecen el colegio por primera vez.

“El pueblo mira el pan como algo sagrado, el pan no se deja yacer en la mesa boca abajo, a los invitados importantes se les ofrece pan con sal, no se puede pisar el pan, y en las fiestas cristianas siempre están el vino y el pan.”
cita de la historia “Pan” del escritor búlgaro Yordan Radichkov

“Todos los días preparamos dos hornos de pan, el sábado tres. Esto no termina nunca, el pueblo siempre tiene hambre, es lo que Dios inventó: que el hombre coma tres veces al día. Tres veces y que cada vez tenga pan en la mesa.”
cita de la historia “Pan” del escritor búlgaro Yordan Radichkov

Hay algo especialmente reconfortante en el aroma de una hogaza recién hecha, con su corteza dura y crujiente y su miga suave y mullida. Te invito a una rebanada de pan con harina de cebada y semillas de girasol, generosamente untada con salsa de pimientos rojos y tomate. En el caso que no puedas pasar por mi casa, ¡ponte a hacerlo!

Campania is a southwestern region in Italy, often considered poor and full of crimes. Truth is that this place boasts a lot more than unemployment and mafia. Here, you can find a particularly authentic Italian setting of colourful houses and narrow, meandering streets; lively conversations and packed pizza places; lemon liquor and the flavour of freshly-baked desserts. If you fancy spending some time in a small romantic island – you should most definitely stop by this region. Capri, Ischia and Procida are the three islands of Campania, each of them worth seeing and experiencing.

Ischia

Ischia is the largest of the three islands. During the 8th century BC it has been conquered by the Greeks. They named it “Island of the monkeys” because it was full of primates at the time. It is believed that a volcano eruption caused all the monkeys to disappear. However, there is still a lot to do and see, starting with a trek in the mountainside or a spa session in some of the hot springs and the natural mud baths. In the 15th century the island was captured by the Spanish kingdom of Castile and the king Alfonso V ordered the reconstruction of the old Greek fortification. Nowadays, you can visit the Aragon castle. It used to shield over 1900 families from the frequent raids of pirates during the Middle Ages.

Procida

Procida is both the smallest and the most authentic of the islands. It does not offer a selection of attractions, but a moving picture of a rather idyllic lifestyle far from the tourist crowds. Most visitors come here to immerse themselves in a calm atmosphere where the time is almost standing still. Follow the steep narrow streets that will lead you to the highest point on the island – Terra murata (fenced land). Here you will have the most lovely view over the nearby slopes. Due to the lack of funding everything in Procida is charmingly untended. The old prison, the monastery and the abbey, are all left at the mercy of nature. Anywhere else in the world this would seem horrific. But in Italy even the ruins have the air of romance.

Capri

Capri is undoubtedly the most famous of the islands of Campania. As you are approaching it, its silhouette gradually appears as a mirage in the sparkling Mediterranean waters. According to legends Capri was populated with mythical creatures. The ancient Greek poet Homer has written about cruel giants and vicious sirens that endangered the life of anyone daring to sail in those waters. It was by the shores of Capri that the hero Odysseus was enchanted by the sirens that had caused the death of many sailors. I guess that these creatures, too, disappeared due to seismic activity. Because during Jesus’ time, emperor Tiberius retreated to the island to get a peaceful retirement. He was so in love with Capri that he even had 12 villas there! Many present-day celebrities share the same taste with Tiberius. They, however, have settled for a single mansion. It seems like the island is a magnet for influential people because Lenin has also spent holidays here.
The Augustine gardens on the island have one of the most breathtaking views you can ever wish for. The Blue grotto, where besides the darkness, the sea water glows in a fluorescent blue, is also popular amongst visitors.

Photo by Moyan Brenn on Flickr

Every island has a unique charm and character. You can visit each of them on a one-day trip from the mainland. Whether you choose to try water sports and boutique shopping in Capri, or an Italian gelato during sunset in Procida, or cultural tourism in Ischia, you will be fascinated. If the Italian sun is a big too strong for you – have a refreshing dip in the crystal waters around!

Useful information: All of the islands are about 40 to 60 minutes away from the ports of Naples and Sorrento. A return ferry ticket costs around 20 euro and it can be purchased online or at the cash desks on the ports.

Campania is a southwestern region in Italy, often considered poor and full of crimes. Truth is that this place boasts a lot more than unemployment and mafia. Here, you can find a particularly authentic Italian setting of colourful houses and narrow, meandering streets; lively conversations and packed pizza places; lemon liquor and the flavour of freshly-baked desserts. If you fancy spending some time in a small romantic island – you should most definitely stop by this region. Capri, Ischia and Procida are the three islands of Campania, each of them worth seeing and experiencing.

Ischia

Ischia is the largest of the three islands. During the 8th century BC it has been conquered by the Greeks. They named it “Island of the monkeys” because it was full of primates at the time. It is believed that a volcano eruption caused all the monkeys to disappear. However, there is still a lot to do and see, starting with a trek in the mountainside or a spa session in some of the hot springs and the natural mud baths. In the 15th century the island was captured by the Spanish kingdom of Castile and the king Alfonso V ordered the reconstruction of the old Greek fortification. Nowadays, you can visit the Aragon castle which used to shield over 1900 families from the frequent raids of pirates during the Middle Ages.

Procida

Procida is both the smallest and the most authentic of the islands. It does not offer a selection of attractions, but a moving picture of a rather idyllic lifestyle far from the tourist crowds. Most visitors come here to immerse themselves in a calm atmosphere where the time is almost standing still. Follow the steep narrow streets that will lead you to the highest point on the island – Terra murata (fenced land), having the most lovely view over the nearby slopes. Due to the lack of funding everything in Procida is charmingly untended. The old prison, the monastery and the abbey are all left at the mercy of nature. Anywhere else in the world this would seem horrific. But in Italy even the ruins have the air of romance.

Capri

Capri is undoubtedly the most famous of the islands of Campania. As you are approaching it, its silhouette gradually appears as a mirage in the sparkling Mediterranean waters. According to legends Capri was populated with mythical creatures. The ancient Greek poet Homer has written about cruel giants and vicious sirens that endangered the life of anyone daring to sail in those waters. It was by the shores of Capri that the hero Odysseus was enchanted by the sirens that had caused the death of many sailors. I guess that these creatures, too, disappeared due to seismic activity because during Jesus time emperor Tiberius retreated to the island to get a peaceful retirement. He was so in love with Capri that he even had 12 villas there! Many present-day celebrities share the same taste with Tiberius, although they have settled for a single mansion. It seems like the island is a magnet for influential people because Lenin has also spent holidays here. 
The Augustine gardens on the island have one of the most breathtaking views you can ever wish for. The Blue grotto, where besides the darkness the sea water glows in a fluorescent blue, is also popular amongst visitors.

Photo by Moyan Brenn on Flickr

Every island has a unique charm and character. You can visit each of them on a one-day trip from the mainland. Whether you choose to try water sports and boutique shopping in Capri or an Italian gelato during sunset in Procida, or cultural tourism in Ischia, you will be fascinated. If the Italian sun is a big too strong for you – have a refreshing dip in the crystal waters around!

Useful information: All of the islands are about 40 to 60 minutes away from the ports of Naples and Sorrento. A return ferry ticket costs around 20 euro and it can be purchased online or at the cash desks on the ports.

Campania is a southwestern region in Italy, often considered poor and full of crimes. Truth is that this place boasts a lot more than unemployment and mafia. Here, you can find a particularly authentic Italian setting of colourful houses and narrow, meandering streets; lively conversations and packed pizza places; lemon liquor and the flavour of freshly-baked desserts. If you fancy spending some time in a small romantic island – you should most definitely stop by this region. Capri, Ischia and Procida are the three islands of Campania, each of them worth seeing and experiencing.

Ischia

Ischia is the largest of the three islands. During the 8th century BC it has been conquered by the Greeks. They named it “Island of the monkeys” because it was full of primates at the time. It is believed that a volcano eruption caused all the monkeys to disappear. However, there is still a lot to do and see, starting with a trek in the mountainside or a spa session in some of the hot springs and the natural mud baths. In the 15th century the island was captured by the Spanish kingdom of Castile and the king Alfonso V ordered the reconstruction of the old Greek fortification. Nowadays, you can visit the Aragon castle which used to shield over 1900 families from the frequent raids of pirates during the Middle Ages.

Procida

Procida is both the smallest and the most authentic of the islands. It does not offer a selection of attractions, but a moving picture of a rather idyllic lifestyle far from the tourist crowds. Most visitors come here to immerse themselves in a calm atmosphere where the time is almost standing still. Follow the steep narrow streets that will lead you to the highest point on the island – Terra murata (fenced land), having the most lovely view over the nearby slopes. Due to the lack of funding everything in Procida is charmingly untended. The old prison, the monastery and the abbey are all left at the mercy of nature. Anywhere else in the world this would seem horrific. But in Italy even the ruins have the air of romance.

Capri

Capri is undoubtedly the most famous of the islands of Campania. As you are approaching it, its silhouette gradually appears as a mirage in the sparkling Mediterranean waters. According to legends Capri was populated with mythical creatures. The ancient Greek poet Homer has written about cruel giants and vicious sirens that endangered the life of anyone daring to sail in those waters. It was by the shores of Capri that the hero Odysseus was enchanted by the sirens that had caused the death of many sailors. I guess that these creatures, too, disappeared due to seismic activity because during Jesus time emperor Tiberius retreated to the island to get a peaceful retirement. He was so in love with Capri that he even had 12 villas there! Many present-day celebrities share the same taste with Tiberius, although they have settled for a single mansion. It seems like the island is a magnet for influential people because Lenin has also spent holidays here. 
The Augustine gardens on the island have one of the most breathtaking views you can ever wish for. The Blue grotto, where besides the darkness the sea water glows in a fluorescent blue, is also popular amongst visitors.

Photo by Moyan Brenn on Flickr

Every island has a unique charm and character. You can visit each of them on a one-day trip from the mainland. Whether you choose to try water sports and boutique shopping in Capri or an Italian gelato during sunset in Procida, or cultural tourism in Ischia, you will be fascinated. If the Italian sun is a big too strong for you – have a refreshing dip in the crystal waters around!

Useful information: All of the islands are about 40 to 60 minutes away from the ports of Naples and Sorrento. A return ferry ticket costs around 20 euro and it can be purchased online or at the cash desks on the ports.

Campania is a southwestern region in Italy, often considered poor and full of crimes. Truth is that this place boasts a lot more than unemployment and mafia. Here, you can find a particularly authentic Italian setting of colourful houses and narrow, meandering streets; lively conversations and packed pizza places; lemon liquor and the flavour of freshly-baked desserts. If you fancy spending some time in a small romantic island – you should most definitely stop by this region. Capri, Ischia and Procida are the three islands of Campania, each of them worth seeing and experiencing.

Ischia

Ischia is the largest of the three islands. During the 8th century BC it has been conquered by the Greeks. They named it “Island of the monkeys” because it was full of primates at the time. It is believed that a volcano eruption caused all the monkeys to disappear. However, there is still a lot to do and see, starting with a trek in the mountainside or a spa session in some of the hot springs and the natural mud baths. In the 15th century the island was captured by the Spanish kingdom of Castile and the king Alfonso V ordered the reconstruction of the old Greek fortification. Nowadays, you can visit the Aragon castle which used to shield over 1900 families from the frequent raids of pirates during the Middle Ages.

Procida

Procida is both the smallest and the most authentic of the islands. It does not offer a selection of attractions, but a moving picture of a rather idyllic lifestyle far from the tourist crowds. Most visitors come here to immerse themselves in a calm atmosphere where the time is almost standing still. Follow the steep narrow streets that will lead you to the highest point on the island – Terra murata (fenced land), having the most lovely view over the nearby slopes. Due to the lack of funding everything in Procida is charmingly untended. The old prison, the monastery and the abbey are all left at the mercy of nature. Anywhere else in the world this would seem horrific. But in Italy even the ruins have the air of romance.

Capri

Capri is undoubtedly the most famous of the islands of Campania. As you are approaching it, its silhouette gradually appears as a mirage in the sparkling Mediterranean waters. According to legends Capri was populated with mythical creatures. The ancient Greek poet Homer has written about cruel giants and vicious sirens that endangered the life of anyone daring to sail in those waters. It was by the shores of Capri that the hero Odysseus was enchanted by the sirens that had caused the death of many sailors. I guess that these creatures, too, disappeared due to seismic activity because during Jesus time emperor Tiberius retreated to the island to get a peaceful retirement. He was so in love with Capri that he even had 12 villas there! Many present-day celebrities share the same taste with Tiberius, although they have settled for a single mansion. It seems like the island is a magnet for influential people because Lenin has also spent holidays here. 
The Augustine gardens on the island have one of the most breathtaking views you can ever wish for. The Blue grotto, where besides the darkness the sea water glows in a fluorescent blue, is also popular amongst visitors.

Photo by Moyan Brenn on Flickr

Every island has a unique charm and character. You can visit each of them on a one-day trip from the mainland. Whether you choose to try water sports and boutique shopping in Capri or an Italian gelato during sunset in Procida, or cultural tourism in Ischia, you will be fascinated. If the Italian sun is a big too strong for you – have a refreshing dip in the crystal waters around!

Useful information: All of the islands are about 40 to 60 minutes away from the ports of Naples and Sorrento. A return ferry ticket costs around 20 euro and it can be purchased online or at the cash desks on the ports.

Campania is a southwestern region in Italy, often considered poor and full of crimes. Truth is that this place boasts a lot more than unemployment and mafia. Here, you can find a particularly authentic Italian setting of colourful houses and narrow, meandering streets; lively conversations and packed pizza places; lemon liquor and the flavour of freshly-baked desserts. If you fancy spending some time in a small romantic island – you should most definitely stop by this region. Capri, Ischia and Procida are the three islands of Campania, each of them worth seeing and experiencing.

Ischia

Ischia is the largest of the three islands. During the 8th century BC it has been conquered by the Greeks. They named it “Island of the monkeys” because it was full of primates at the time. It is believed that a volcano eruption caused all the monkeys to disappear. However, there is still a lot to do and see, starting with a trek in the mountainside or a spa session in some of the hot springs and the natural mud baths. In the 15th century the island was captured by the Spanish kingdom of Castile and the king Alfonso V ordered the reconstruction of the old Greek fortification. Nowadays, you can visit the Aragon castle which used to shield over 1900 families from the frequent raids of pirates during the Middle Ages.

Procida

Procida is both the smallest and the most authentic of the islands. It does not offer a selection of attractions, but a moving picture of a rather idyllic lifestyle far from the tourist crowds. Most visitors come here to immerse themselves in a calm atmosphere where the time is almost standing still. Follow the steep narrow streets that will lead you to the highest point on the island – Terra murata (fenced land), having the most lovely view over the nearby slopes. Due to the lack of funding everything in Procida is charmingly untended. The old prison, the monastery and the abbey are all left at the mercy of nature. Anywhere else in the world this would seem horrific. But in Italy even the ruins have the air of romance.

Capri

Capri is undoubtedly the most famous of the islands of Campania. As you are approaching it, its silhouette gradually appears as a mirage in the sparkling Mediterranean waters. According to legends Capri was populated with mythical creatures. The ancient Greek poet Homer has written about cruel giants and vicious sirens that endangered the life of anyone daring to sail in those waters. It was by the shores of Capri that the hero Odysseus was enchanted by the sirens that had caused the death of many sailors. I guess that these creatures, too, disappeared due to seismic activity because during Jesus time emperor Tiberius retreated to the island to get a peaceful retirement. He was so in love with Capri that he even had 12 villas there! Many present-day celebrities share the same taste with Tiberius, although they have settled for a single mansion. It seems like the island is a magnet for influential people because Lenin has also spent holidays here. 
The Augustine gardens on the island have one of the most breathtaking views you can ever wish for. The Blue grotto, where besides the darkness the sea water glows in a fluorescent blue, is also popular amongst visitors.

Photo by Moyan Brenn on Flickr

Every island has a unique charm and character. You can visit each of them on a one-day trip from the mainland. Whether you choose to try water sports and boutique shopping in Capri or an Italian gelato during sunset in Procida, or cultural tourism in Ischia, you will be fascinated. If the Italian sun is a big too strong for you – have a refreshing dip in the crystal waters around!

Useful information: All of the islands are about 40 to 60 minutes away from the ports of Naples and Sorrento. A return ferry ticket costs around 20 euro and it can be purchased online or at the cash desks on the ports.

Campania is a southwestern region in Italy, often considered poor and full of crimes. Truth is that this place boasts a lot more than unemployment and mafia. Here, you can find a particularly authentic Italian setting of colourful houses and narrow, meandering streets; lively conversations and packed pizza places; lemon liquor and the flavour of freshly-baked desserts. If you fancy spending some time in a small romantic island – you should most definitely stop by this region. Capri, Ischia and Procida are the three islands of Campania, each of them worth seeing and experiencing.

Ischia

Ischia is the largest of the three islands. During the 8th century BC it has been conquered by the Greeks. They named it “Island of the monkeys” because it was full of primates at the time. It is believed that a volcano eruption caused all the monkeys to disappear. However, there is still a lot to do and see, starting with a trek in the mountainside or a spa session in some of the hot springs and the natural mud baths. In the 15th century the island was captured by the Spanish kingdom of Castile and the king Alfonso V ordered the reconstruction of the old Greek fortification. Nowadays, you can visit the Aragon castle which used to shield over 1900 families from the frequent raids of pirates during the Middle Ages.

Procida

Procida is both the smallest and the most authentic of the islands. It does not offer a selection of attractions, but a moving picture of a rather idyllic lifestyle far from the tourist crowds. Most visitors come here to immerse themselves in a calm atmosphere where the time is almost standing still. Follow the steep narrow streets that will lead you to the highest point on the island – Terra murata (fenced land), having the most lovely view over the nearby slopes. Due to the lack of funding everything in Procida is charmingly untended. The old prison, the monastery and the abbey are all left at the mercy of nature. Anywhere else in the world this would seem horrific. But in Italy even the ruins have the air of romance.

Capri

Capri is undoubtedly the most famous of the islands of Campania. As you are approaching it, its silhouette gradually appears as a mirage in the sparkling Mediterranean waters. According to legends Capri was populated with mythical creatures. The ancient Greek poet Homer has written about cruel giants and vicious sirens that endangered the life of anyone daring to sail in those waters. It was by the shores of Capri that the hero Odysseus was enchanted by the sirens that had caused the death of many sailors. I guess that these creatures, too, disappeared due to seismic activity because during Jesus time emperor Tiberius retreated to the island to get a peaceful retirement. He was so in love with Capri that he even had 12 villas there! Many present-day celebrities share the same taste with Tiberius, although they have settled for a single mansion. It seems like the island is a magnet for influential people because Lenin has also spent holidays here. 
The Augustine gardens on the island have one of the most breathtaking views you can ever wish for. The Blue grotto, where besides the darkness the sea water glows in a fluorescent blue, is also popular amongst visitors.

Photo by Moyan Brenn on Flickr

Every island has a unique charm and character. You can visit each of them on a one-day trip from the mainland. Whether you choose to try water sports and boutique shopping in Capri or an Italian gelato during sunset in Procida, or cultural tourism in Ischia, you will be fascinated. If the Italian sun is a big too strong for you – have a refreshing dip in the crystal waters around!

Useful information: All of the islands are about 40 to 60 minutes away from the ports of Naples and Sorrento. A return ferry ticket costs around 20 euro and it can be purchased online or at the cash desks on the ports.

Campania is a southwestern region in Italy, often considered poor and full of crimes. Truth is that this place boasts a lot more than unemployment and mafia. Here, you can find a particularly authentic Italian setting of colourful houses and narrow, meandering streets; lively conversations and packed pizza places; lemon liquor and the flavour of freshly-baked desserts. If you fancy spending some time in a small romantic island – you should most definitely stop by this region. Capri, Ischia and Procida are the three islands of Campania, each of them worth seeing and experiencing.

Ischia

Ischia is the largest of the three islands. During the 8th century BC it has been conquered by the Greeks. They named it “Island of the monkeys” because it was full of primates at the time. It is believed that a volcano eruption caused all the monkeys to disappear. However, there is still a lot to do and see, starting with a trek in the mountainside or a spa session in some of the hot springs and the natural mud baths. In the 15th century the island was captured by the Spanish kingdom of Castile and the king Alfonso V ordered the reconstruction of the old Greek fortification. Nowadays, you can visit the Aragon castle which used to shield over 1900 families from the frequent raids of pirates during the Middle Ages.

Procida

Procida is both the smallest and the most authentic of the islands. It does not offer a selection of attractions, but a moving picture of a rather idyllic lifestyle far from the tourist crowds. Most visitors come here to immerse themselves in a calm atmosphere where the time is almost standing still. Follow the steep narrow streets that will lead you to the highest point on the island – Terra murata (fenced land), having the most lovely view over the nearby slopes. Due to the lack of funding everything in Procida is charmingly untended. The old prison, the monastery and the abbey are all left at the mercy of nature. Anywhere else in the world this would seem horrific. But in Italy even the ruins have the air of romance.

Capri

Capri is undoubtedly the most famous of the islands of Campania. As you are approaching it, its silhouette gradually appears as a mirage in the sparkling Mediterranean waters. According to legends Capri was populated with mythical creatures. The ancient Greek poet Homer has written about cruel giants and vicious sirens that endangered the life of anyone daring to sail in those waters. It was by the shores of Capri that the hero Odysseus was enchanted by the sirens that had caused the death of many sailors. I guess that these creatures, too, disappeared due to seismic activity because during Jesus time emperor Tiberius retreated to the island to get a peaceful retirement. He was so in love with Capri that he even had 12 villas there! Many present-day celebrities share the same taste with Tiberius, although they have settled for a single mansion. It seems like the island is a magnet for influential people because Lenin has also spent holidays here. 
The Augustine gardens on the island have one of the most breathtaking views you can ever wish for. The Blue grotto, where besides the darkness the sea water glows in a fluorescent blue, is also popular amongst visitors.

Photo by Moyan Brenn on Flickr

Every island has a unique charm and character. You can visit each of them on a one-day trip from the mainland. Whether you choose to try water sports and boutique shopping in Capri or an Italian gelato during sunset in Procida, or cultural tourism in Ischia, you will be fascinated. If the Italian sun is a big too strong for you – have a refreshing dip in the crystal waters around!

Useful information: All of the islands are about 40 to 60 minutes away from the ports of Naples and Sorrento. A return ferry ticket costs around 20 euro and it can be purchased online or at the cash desks on the ports.

Campania is a southwestern region in Italy, often considered poor and full of crimes. Truth is that this place boasts a lot more than unemployment and mafia. Here, you can find a particularly authentic Italian setting of colourful houses and narrow, meandering streets; lively conversations and packed pizza places; lemon liquor and the flavour of freshly-baked desserts. If you fancy spending some time in a small romantic island – you should most definitely stop by this region. Capri, Ischia and Procida are the three islands of Campania, each of them worth seeing and experiencing.

Ischia

Ischia is the largest of the three islands. During the 8th century BC it has been conquered by the Greeks. They named it “Island of the monkeys” because it was full of primates at the time. It is believed that a volcano eruption caused all the monkeys to disappear. However, there is still a lot to do and see, starting with a trek in the mountainside or a spa session in some of the hot springs and the natural mud baths. In the 15th century the island was captured by the Spanish kingdom of Castile and the king Alfonso V ordered the reconstruction of the old Greek fortification. Nowadays, you can visit the Aragon castle which used to shield over 1900 families from the frequent raids of pirates during the Middle Ages.

Procida

Procida is both the smallest and the most authentic of the islands. It does not offer a selection of attractions, but a moving picture of a rather idyllic lifestyle far from the tourist crowds. Most visitors come here to immerse themselves in a calm atmosphere where the time is almost standing still. Follow the steep narrow streets that will lead you to the highest point on the island – Terra murata (fenced land), having the most lovely view over the nearby slopes. Due to the lack of funding everything in Procida is charmingly untended. The old prison, the monastery and the abbey are all left at the mercy of nature. Anywhere else in the world this would seem horrific. But in Italy even the ruins have the air of romance.

Capri

Capri is undoubtedly the most famous of the islands of Campania. As you are approaching it, its silhouette gradually appears as a mirage in the sparkling Mediterranean waters. According to legends Capri was populated with mythical creatures. The ancient Greek poet Homer has written about cruel giants and vicious sirens that endangered the life of anyone daring to sail in those waters. It was by the shores of Capri that the hero Odysseus was enchanted by the sirens that had caused the death of many sailors. I guess that these creatures, too, disappeared due to seismic activity because during Jesus time emperor Tiberius retreated to the island to get a peaceful retirement. He was so in love with Capri that he even had 12 villas there! Many present-day celebrities share the same taste with Tiberius, although they have settled for a single mansion. It seems like the island is a magnet for influential people because Lenin has also spent holidays here. 
The Augustine gardens on the island have one of the most breathtaking views you can ever wish for. The Blue grotto, where besides the darkness the sea water glows in a fluorescent blue, is also popular amongst visitors.

Photo by Moyan Brenn on Flickr

Every island has a unique charm and character. You can visit each of them on a one-day trip from the mainland. Whether you choose to try water sports and boutique shopping in Capri or an Italian gelato during sunset in Procida, or cultural tourism in Ischia, you will be fascinated. If the Italian sun is a big too strong for you – have a refreshing dip in the crystal waters around!

Useful information: All of the islands are about 40 to 60 minutes away from the ports of Naples and Sorrento. A return ferry ticket costs around 20 euro and it can be purchased online or at the cash desks on the ports.