This Italian Island Near Capri Has an Ancient Castle, Thermal Hot Springs, and Luxe Boutique Hotels

Italy is a beloved European destination, with hotspots from Rome to Ravello, and yet the boot-shaped nation still has some low-key treasures to uncover. These lesser-known places offer travelers that special feeling of discovering a hidden gem — a place that’s not teeming with crowds or overflowing with touristy souvenir shops and restaurants that locals would never patronize. 

For an Italian getaway that’s both less crowded and less expensive — especially as compared to nearby Capri — there's Ischia, an island that retains its rustic sensibility and charm, giving visitors access to culture, local cuisine, and unblemished natural landscapes. In-the-know travelers and locals rave about this under-the-radar volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples. From beaches and thermal hot springs to Roman remains and centuries-old architecture, there's much to entertain here.