A serene island just off the crystalline, emerald waters of the Gulf of Naples, the Gaiola Island is spectacular in its rugged, mysterious beauty, and is easily accessible from the bustling city of Posillipo. Comprising two small, idyllic islets bridged by a narrow, stone arch, Gaiola Island is believed to have once been the home of ancient Romans, and still possesses an abandoned, romantic villa on one of its islets, as well as many more grandiose Roman architectural works of art beneath its vast surrounding waters.

Although resembling a perfect island getaway, the island is generally avoided by the locals, who believe the island to be cursed. The island’s nefarious reputation arose following a series of unfortunate events in the 1920s, as each successive owner of the island either met with their premature deaths, or experienced great personal tragedy. Today, Gaiola Island belongs to the region of Campania, and is part of the Gaiola Underwater Park, a protected marine reserve of approximately 42 hectares.