191.  Ischia, Italy: Discovering This Island Paradise!

191. Ischia, Italy: Discovering This Island Paradise!

Author: Kimberly Holcombe July 9, 2025 Duration: 25:27
Please Follow us on: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook  Kimberly and Tommaso share their experiences on the island of Ischia, near Napoli, Italy. They discuss Ischia’s geography, history, cuisine, beaches and the island’s appeal. Key Points: Initial Impressions of Ischia: Kimberly revisits Ischia after 30 years since her last visit, noting its idyllic scenery and vibrant colors. Tommaso recalls having the best pizza of his life upon arrival. Ischia is relatively small, about 46 square kilometers, yet offers diverse landscapes. Geography and Driving Challenges: The island has one main ring road, making travel slow due to curves and narrow roads. Driving can be difficult due to log jams caused by buses and parked cars. Kimberly and Tommaso canceled their rental car after one day due to the intense driving conditions. Historical and Geographical Makeup: Ischia is a volcanic island with fertile soil, home to diverse Mediterranean plants. The island was first inhabited by Greeks in the 8th century B.C. The Aragonese castle, built in 474 B.C., is a significant historical site. Tourism and Local Life: Ischia has a population of 60,000 residents and attracts 6 million tourists annually. The island offers a variety of accommodations from resorts to hotels in condensed villages. The cuisine is seafood-heavy, with excellent pizza and salads. Beaches and Weather: Ischia boasts sandy beaches, a unique feature compared to other islands like Capri. The island’s beaches are a major draw for mainland Italians. Tommaso provides a weather update, noting the extreme heat in Italy and warmer-than-usual Mediterranean temperatures. They advise listeners to stay hydrated and prepared for the heat. Next Episode: Kimberly and Tommaso will share the challenging but funny driving experience, as well their very interesting visit to the Aragonese Castle and luxurious day at a beach club.

There's a particular magic to Italy that goes far beyond its famous landmarks, a rhythm of life that you only really start to feel once you've lingered in a local piazza or navigated a bustling market. Kimberly's Italy Travel is an invitation into that deeper experience, guided by Kimberly Holcombe, whose own story began with a life-changing move to Milan years ago. That journey didn't just create memories; it reshaped her perspective, and she shares that genuine, lived-in understanding in every episode. You'll hear personal stories from her travels, often punctuated by the kind of comical, real-world lessons that no standard guidebook ever mentions. This podcast serves as a rich audio companion, weaving together passionate discussions about regional cuisine, layers of local history, and the vibrant arts that define Italy's culture. It’s about the sensory details-the taste of a perfectly simple dish, the echo in an ancient alleyway, the warmth of a conversation with a new friend. Listeners gain practical, invaluable travel tips born from direct experience, all while feeling like they're sharing a coffee and a laugh with a knowledgeable guide. Through these conversations and reflections, the aim is to transport you, offering not just a list of destinations, but a feeling for the places and people that make Italy endlessly captivating.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Kimberly's Italy Travel
Podcast Episodes
166. Rome 2025 Should you stay or should you GO! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:36
Navigating Rome During the 2025 Jubilee In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso explore the upcoming 2025 Jubilee in Rome, which is expected to draw an estimated 35 million visitors. They delve into the historical signific…
165. Italy's 20 Regions Explained #3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:38
Show Notes for “Kimberley’s Italy” Podcast Episode Theme: Exploring Emilia Romagna, Liguria, and Tuscany Join me, Kimberly, and my co-host Tommaso as we embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of Italian history, c…
164.  Christmas in Italy? Why Not! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
Hey there, welcome to “Kimberly’s Italy”! Join hosts Kimberly and Tommaso as they take you through the beauty, culture, and pure joy of Italy. Episode Highlights: Christmas in Italy: Get into the festive spirit with us a…
163. Italy's 20 Regions Explained  #2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:03
Exploring Lombardia, Piemonte, and Valdosta In this captivating episode of Kimberly’s Italy, hosts Kimberly Holcombe and Tommaso invite listeners on a journey through the enchanting regions of Lombardia, Piemonte, and Va…
162. Summer Recap and News You Need to Know! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:17
Welcome to another episode of Kimberly’s Italy, hosted by Kimberly and Tommaso! In this episode, we dive into the art of exploring Italy beyond the typical tourist destinations, offering personalized recommendations and…
161. The 20 Regions of Italy Explained #1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:41
Join us as we embark on a journey through Italy’s 20 regions, bringing the diverse culture, rich history, stunning art, delectable cuisine, and exquisite wine of this beautiful country to life. Whether you are a seasoned…
160.  Pioneers of a Tuscan Fixer Upper! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:36
In this humorous episode of “Kimberly’s Italy,” hosts Kimberly and Tommaso sit down with Janice to discuss her fascinating journey of purchasing and renovating a dilapidated house in Lunigiana, Tuscany, over two decades…
159. The Sopranos come to Portofino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:53
Tommaso delves into the intriguing and somewhat clandestine world of air conditioning in the picturesque town of Portofino. Here are the key highlights: Strict Regulations in Portofino: Portofino’s stringent regulations…
158. The Summer of Misconduct! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:50
Welcome to another episode of our travel series with your hosts Kimberly and Tommaso! In today’s discussion, we delve into the critical topic of being a considerate visitor in Italy. With the travel season in full swing,…
157. Lake Como... The Less Traveled Side. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:31
Show Notes: Exploring the Hidden Gems of Lago di Como Hosts: Kimberly and Tommaso In this delightful episode, Tommaso and I dive into the serene beauty and hidden treasures of Lago di Como, reflecting on the positive fee…