Monte Cito Solfatara and Fumaroles

What it is

On Monte Cito, in the western hills of Casamicciola Terme, on the boundary with Lacco Ameno, lies an area where the ground is bare, hot and streaked with unusual colours: this is the fumarole field, which because of its appearance is also called a solfatara. Here water vapour and gases of volcanic origin escape from small vents and cracks in the ground, and the view opens out over the Gulf of Naples.

The hottest fumaroles on the island

According to Italy's Civil Protection Department, fumaroles on Ischia reach maximum temperatures close to 100 °C in only three areas: the slopes of Monte Nuovo, those of Monte Cito and the Maronti coast. On the rest of the island emissions do not exceed 46 °C. Monte Cito is therefore one of the places where the heat beneath Ischia shows itself most clearly.

How they form

A fumarole is a spot in the ground from which water vapour and gases of volcanic origin escape. Water circulating underground on the island is heated at depth by the volcanic system and rises to the surface as steam along faults and fractures. According to INGV, Ischia is characterised by intense hydrothermal activity, documented since the early 16th century, with a close relationship between the hot-water circuits and volcano-tectonic processes: thermal waters, fumaroles and hydrothermal springs are a sign that the island's magmatic system is still active. Ischia is monitored by INGV's Vesuvius Observatory, which also carries out regular sampling of water and gases; the alert level set by the Civil Protection Department is green.

The colours of the earth and alum

The hot, acidic fluids rising along the fractures chemically alter the volcanic rocks: the ground bleaches and turns purple and deep yellow. These transformations also give rise to alunite, the mineral from which alum was once obtained. Monte Cito was one of the mining sites: along the old Via Crateca, the “via dei carri” (cart road), the mineral was carried for processing and then to the port of Casamicciola. The story of this industry can be traced along the Alum Trail.

The fumarole papyrus

In the warm, humid microclimate of the emissions grows the fumarole papyrus (Cyperus polystachyos), a plant of tropical regions that on Ischia survives only in these special environments. Admire it respectfully, without trampling or picking it.

How to get there

• From Piazza Maio on the Celario – Monte Cito – Crateca trail.
• From Fango in Lacco Ameno on the Alum Trail.

Before walking to the Monte Cito area, check with the Town Council of Casamicciola Terme or local guides on whether the trails are passable, and respect any bans.

Safety rules

• Stay on the trails: the ground of the solfatara is hot, crumbly and may give way under your weight.
• Do not bring your face close to the steam vents and do not touch the emissions.
• Hold children by the hand and keep dogs on a lead.
• Do not collect minerals or plants.
• Hiking shoes, water and sun protection are essential.