Climb Epomeo at sunset to embrace the Pontine Islands

To conquer the most vertiginous and extraordinary belvedere on the entire island, one reaches Fontana and from there ascends to the crest of Epomeo, the highest peak of the enormous volcanic chamber that gave rise to Ischia, located at an altitude of 789 metres. One's hands brush against the green tuff that makes up the rock and the sculptures that Agostino Iacono has created near the Rifugio Miscillo. Amidst fern bushes and chestnut trees, we tackle the mule tracks where mules used to descend until a few years ago. The path narrows and meanders between clay walls, brooms and carnations. When you reach the hermitage dedicated to St Nicholas carved into the rock by a Flemish soldier, the thicket thins out, allowing Capri to take in the whole sea horizon. The westerly wind has sculpted honeycomb formations and zoomorphic figures near the summit where the gaze caresses the Pontine Islands and the dunes of the Circeo Park. The descent along the Sentiero dei Frassitelli (Frassitelli Path), together with the very enthusiastic guides of Ischia Hiking, is also thrilling because it winds its way through overhanging vineyards, huts inside the stones where rainwater used to be channelled, and dense oak groves. The prize is the rabbit all'ischitana and the pagnotta stuffed with provola cheese and potatoes at Ristorante Il Bracconiere amidst peasant tools, genuine dishes and people.