Trail from the Maio to Monte Epomeo

Where the trail starts

The starting point is Piazza Maio, the old centre of the upper part of Casamicciola Terme, which also gives access to the historic spa areas of the Bagni and La Rita. Behind the houses the land rises steeply towards the woods covering the northern slopes of Monte Epomeo, rich in chestnuts and ferns, from which several trails climb to the summit.

The island's hiking guides describe the climb from the Maio as a “steep, difficult and little-used” trail: it is the most direct route from Casamicciola to the summit, but also one of the least trodden. There is currently no official fact sheet with certified distance, elevation and times for this route, so anyone wishing to tackle it should do so with a guide who knows the area well or on an organised hike.

Monte Epomeo: a volcano that isn't a volcano

At 787 metres above sea level (789 according to other sources), Epomeo is the highest point on Ischia. Despite its appearance, it is not a volcanic edifice: INGV's Vesuvius Observatory defines it as a “resurgent block”. It is made of Green Tuff, the deposit of the great eruption that caused a caldera to collapse about 55,000 years ago. That depression was flooded by the sea, which gave the tuff its characteristic greenish colour; later, pressure from the magma below uplifted the block by 900–1,000 metres, a phenomenon INGV considers unique among known calderas.

On the summit stand the small church of San Nicola and its hermitage. From the top the view takes in the whole island and the Gulf of Naples.

Other routes to the summit

If you are looking for an easier climb, you can reach Epomeo from Fontana, in the municipality of Serrara Fontana: it is the shortest and most popular route. Other routes start from Serrara through the Bosco dei Frassitelli and the Pietra dell'Acqua, from Forio towards Santa Maria al Monte and from Lacco Ameno along the Strada Borbonica (Bourbon road). The traverse from Serrara to the summit and on to Fontana, offered in the island's hiking programmes, is given as about 7 km, 400 metres of elevation gain and 3 hours' walking.

Before you set out: trail conditions

Some areas of the slope may be subject to restrictions. Before venturing onto the trails above the town, check with the Town Council of Casamicciola Terme or local guides, and always respect any access bans.

Hiking tips

• The route is steep and poorly waymarked: it is only suitable for fit hikers with a good sense of direction.
• Wear high-ankle hiking boots and bring plenty of water, a windproof jacket and a charged phone.
• Avoid the hottest hours in summer and rainy days, when the ground becomes slippery.
• Let someone know your route and your expected return time.

Nearby

Piazza Maio is also the starting point of the Celario – Monte Cito – Crateca trail and the finishing point of the Alum Trail, which crosses the fumarole field of Monte Cito.