Known as the "green island" due to its lush vegetation, Ischia is the largest island in the Bay of Naples and one of its major attractions. The coastline is carpeted with pine woods and indented with creeks and bays sheltering colourful villages; olive groves and vineyards cover the hillsides dotted with white houses adorned with arbours. Rising out of the sea as the result of a volcanic eruption during the Tertiary Era, Ischia is home to numerous hot springs with various medicinal properties.