Casamicciola Terme is the oldest spa town on Ischia, sitting on the island's northern coast with its back against the wooded slopes of Monte Epomeo. The mineral springs here were used therapeutically from ancient times, and by the 19th century the town was drawing distinguished visitors from across Europe — Henrik Ibsen wrote much of Peer Gynt during a stay here in 1867.
A devastating earthquake in 1883 killed roughly a third of the island's population and destroyed most of the town. Casamicciola was rebuilt, but it has never quite regained its 19th-century grandeur. That quietness is now one of its virtues. Compared to the bustle of Ischia Porto, the pace here is gentle.
The thermal tradition survives above all at Parco Termale Castiglione, a large park on the hill above town where ten pools at different temperatures descend through pine forest to a private beach. Pine and chestnut woods cover the slopes of Monte Epomeo behind the town, and footpaths lead up the mountain from here.