Where is Ischia, how common are earthquakes in Italy, and can I cancel my holiday?
A 4.0 magnitude earthquake hit the popular holiday destination of Ischia, in the Bay of Naples, at 8.57pm on Monday. Here is everything you need to know about travel to the island.
Where is Ischia?
It’s a volcanic island, 10km wide and 7km long, in the Campania region of Italy, just off the coast near Naples.
Who goes there?
Ischia is ideal for escaping the crowds that clog up the Amalfi Coast in August, though it still fills up during the height of summer and hotel prices are at a premium.
It is also a destination for day-tripping tourists visiting from places like Sorrento and Naples by hydrofoil, as is the nearby, and also very popular, island of Capri.
Known for its volcanic springs and caldera views, spas are big business in Ischia, with the therapeutic waters attracting a luxury crowd.
The hotels and restaurants on the island are fairly upmarket but the villages preserve a lot of Ischia’s charm.
The south coast is quieter than the north, where the winding roads can be busy with traffic in August.
The area worst hit by the earthquake was around Casamicciola, on the north coast, where some passenger hydrofoils arrive from Naples year round, operated by Snav. Snav said all departures are running as normal and that ticket cancellations are not possible.
Most visitors arrive at Ischia Porto, however, in a bay further east, and are run by the company Alilauro. Alilauro said this morning on Facebook that its staff are operating “in support of the population” and will “ensure the mobility of those who demand it by departing from the mainland every 30 minutes”.
What is there to see and do in Ischia?
The island’s rugged topography reveals crumbling Roman ruins, prettily-painted fishing villages and folds of vineyards at every corner.
Monte Epomeo is the island’s highest peak, with thickly-forested slopes, while Ischia’s most-visited towns are on its north coast.
One of its most impressive attractions is the spectacular island fort at Aragon Castle, dating from 474 BC. Taking a boat tour is the best way to explore the island’s many turquoise coves.
The biggest beach is Maronti, a long slice of caramel sand accessed by a steep road along a prominent headland. It has private as well as free areas.
There are also views from here out to the small, picturesque isthmus of Sant‘Angelo.
Is Ischia a dangerous destination?
Within Europe, Italy is at a higher risk of natural disasters than the countries further north, including Austria, Spain, Germany and France. This is according to the 2015 World Risk Report, compiled by the United Nations University for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS).
It is one of the countries with the highest seismic risk in the Mediterranean due to its location at the convergence of the African and Eurasian plates.
The report assigned a risk percentage to a total of 173 countries, based on the chances of experiencing earthquakes, storms, floods, droughts and sea level rises. Greece's rating was 7.36 and Turkey's 5.52, while Italy's was 4.88.
In 1883 an earthquake destroyed the villages of Lacco Ameno and Casamicciola Terme – also damaged by the latest quake.
Mapped: the world according to natural disaster risk
What is the Foreign Office’s advice for tourists?
There will be no specific advice for tourists on Ischia issued but tourists are told to check the Italian Civil Protection website for information about what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.
It says: “Several strong earthquakes were felt in central Italy on 18 and 19 January 2017 in the regions of Lazio (including Rome), Abruzzo and Marche.
“In 2016, there were a series of earthquakes in central Italy, including one in August that claimed around 300 lives.”
Italy’s Civil Protection Agency has issued advice on what to do if caught in an earthquake:
If you are indoors
Find a shelter under a beam, in the doorway or by a load-bearing wall.
Watch out for things that could fall and hit you (plaster, ceilings, windows, furniture, etc.).
Pay attention to the stairs: in general they are not very resistant and can be damaged.
Avoid taking the lift: it can get stuck.
If you are outdoors
Move away from buildings, trees, lampposts, power lines: you could be struck by vases, tiles and other materials that can fall.
Pay attention to other possible consequences of the earthquake: collapse of bridges, landslides, gas leaks, etc.
Can I cancel my trip?
Probably not, unless you don't mind losing your money. Tour operators are under no obligation to offer a refund unless the Foreign Office advises against travel to a destination.
However, if your itinerary has been dramatically altered by the earthquakes, and you've booked a package holiday, your travel firm will be contractually obliged to provide suitable alternative arrangements or offer a refund.
Contact your tour operator, accommodation or your insurer to discuss your options.
