Monte Cito

Where it is

Monte Cito lies in the western hills of Casamicciola Terme, above the village of Fango in Lacco Ameno and west of Piazza Maio. The road that skirts it, Via Montecito, runs through both municipalities. It is a modest hill, partly covered by chestnut woods and scrub, that stands out for a rare feature: one of the hottest fumarole fields on the island, overlooking the Gulf of Naples.

The fumarole field

According to Italy's Civil Protection Department, the hottest fumaroles on Ischia, with maximum temperatures close to 100 °C, are found on the slopes of Monte Nuovo and Monte Cito and along the Maronti coast; elsewhere emissions do not exceed 46 °C. On Monte Cito the steam and acidic gases chemically alter the rocks, which take on white, purple and deep yellow hues.

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.

Find out more about the fumarole field on the page devoted to the Monte Cito solfatara and fumaroles.

The alum mountain

The same transformations brought about by the hot fluids produced deposits of alunite, the mineral from which alum was obtained. Monte Cito was one of the mining sites: the material was carried along the old Via Crateca, the “via dei carri” (cart road), to the processing area at Piazza de La Pera, known as “Caulare” after the boilers in which it was treated, and from there to the port of Casamicciola. The tanks, the green tuff dry-stone walls and the processing waste can still be seen along the Alum Trail.

The fumarole flora

The heat and humidity of the ground create a special microclimate in which the fumarole papyrus (Cyperus polystachyos) grows, a plant typical of tropical regions that on Ischia survives only next to the steam vents. All around, chestnut woods, broom, myrtle, heather and mastic complete the landscape.

How to get there

• From Piazza Maio: along the Celario – Monte Cito – Crateca trail, about 3 km to Crateca.
• From Fango in Lacco Ameno: along the Alum Trail, which after Monte Cito climbs to the Piazza de La Pera and descends to Piazza Maio.

Before you set out

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.

Tips for your visit

• Stay on the trails: near the fumaroles the ground is hot, crumbly and may give way.
• Do not touch the emissions or lean over the steam vents; hold children by the hand.
• Do not collect minerals or plants: the area is a fragile natural heritage site.
• Wear hiking shoes and bring water.