Tucked away in the Gulf of Naples, Ischia, Campania, is a volcanic island paradise that promises thermal bliss, dramatic coastlines, lush vineyards, and rich culture. Often overshadowed by its glitzier neighbor Capri, Ischia offers a more relaxed, authentic Italian experience. This guide will help you make the most of your time on this island gem.
Reasons to Visit Ischia
Now is an excellent moment to explore Ischia. With ongoing infrastructure upgrades, restored landscapes after recent landslides, and a robust cultural calendar featuring the Ischia Film Festival and Festa di Sant’Anna, the island is thriving. Ischia continues to captivate visitors with its thermal spas, cliffside villages, and excellent food and wine.
How to Get to Ischia
Naples to Ischia Ferry Options
Getting to Ischia is part of the adventure. The easiest gateway is Naples, offering multiple daily connections to the island via ferry and hydrofoil.
Hydrofoils from Molo Beverello: Fast (≈40 minutes), foot-passenger only.
Car ferries from Calata di Massa: Slower (≈90 minutes) but ideal if you plan to bring a vehicle (note: restricted in high season for Campania residents).
Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance during summer at trusted ferry providers like Alilauro, SNAV, and Caremar. Look for updated Ischia ferry schedule for exact timing.
Rome to Ischia: Day Trip or Weekend Escape
Traveling from Rome? High-speed trains to Naples take around 1 hour 10 minutes. Combine this with a ferry, and you’re basking in Ischian sun in under four hours. – Rome: Ischia & Procida Private Yacht Tour with Train
Getting Around the Island
Public transportation is reliable and scenic. EAV buses circle the island, and ticket apps like GoEAV make getting around easier.
Bus Routes: Six main lines, all reaching popular towns.
Scooter Rentals: A fun option but be cautious—roads are narrow and hilly.
Things to Do in Ischia
1. Explore Aragonese Castle
Connected to the island by a stone causeway, this medieval fortress is Ischia’s most iconic sight. Plan a sunset visit for panoramic views.
2. Relax in Thermal Spa Parks
Ischia’s volcanic origins gift it more than 100 thermal springs. Two must-visit parks:
Poseidon Gardens: 20+ pools, cliffside location.
Negombo: More intimate, lush gardens.
3. Hike Mount Epomeo
This dormant volcano offers a moderate 60–90 minute climb. From the summit, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and beyond.
4. Visit La Mortella Gardens
Created by Susana Walton, wife of composer William Walton, these botanical gardens house exotic plants and open-air concerts.
5. Soak Up Beach Bliss
Maronti Beach: Long stretch with hot spring caves.
Citara Beach: Near Poseidon, great for sunsets.
San Montano Bay: Calm waters, family-friendly.
6. Tour Charming Towns
Forio: Known for sunsets and local shops.
Sant’Angelo: Pedestrian-only fishing village.
Ischia Porto: Lively nightlife and harbor views.
7. Try Island Wines
Tour family-run vineyards on the slopes of Mount Epomeo. Don’t miss a glass of Biancolella wine, Ischia’s signature white.
8. Discover Roman Ruins Underwater
Cartaromana Beach offers snorkeling over submerged Roman baths—an unforgettable experience.
9. Explore Local Museums
Check out Museo di Villa Arbusto to learn about Ischia’s Greek roots and ancient ceramics.
10. Take a Boat Trip to Procida
The smaller neighboring island, Procida, offers pastel-colored houses and quiet charm. A great half-day trip.
Best Time to Visit Ischia
The ideal months are May to early October, with peak season in July and August. For fewer crowds and mild weather, June and September are golden.
Spring: Gardens in full bloom.
Summer: Lively events, perfect beach days.
Fall: Wine harvest, ideal for food lovers.
Taste of Ischia: Food & Wine
Coniglio all’Ischitana
The island’s signature dish, Coniglio all’Ischitana, is a slow-braised rabbit cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and local herbs. Traditionally made in terracotta pots, it’s a must-try.
Ischia’s Wines
Biancolella wine: Crisp, mineral, perfect with seafood.
Forastera: Light-bodied, aromatic white.
Visit vineyard cellars and agriturismo estates to sample these with a view.
Other Must-Try Dishes
Spaghetti alle cozze: Mussels with tomato and garlic.
Zucchine alla scapece: Fried zucchini in vinegar.
Festivals and Events
Ischia Film Festival
Held in the Aragonese Castle, this cinematic event showcases international films in a dramatic setting.
Festa di Sant’Anna Ischia
The Festa di Sant’Anna features a unique parade of decorated boat-floats and dazzling fireworks in Ischia Ponte.
Other Cultural Highlights
Sant’Alessandro Parade (August)
Grape Harvest Feasts (September)
Classical Concerts at La Mortella (through summer)
Where to Stay in Ischia
Best Areas by Traveler Type
Ischia Porto - Nightlife, shopping
1. 🔍Ischia Blu Resort – 9.8/10
Elegant beachfront suites just steps from the ferry port. Some rooms have private terraces with sea views. Guests love the spotless rooms, helpful staff, and unbeatable location. Great for couples and families.
2. 🔍Albergo Il Monastero – 9.7/10
Located inside a 16th-century monastery on Castello Aragonese, offering panoramic views and romantic charm. Stone-vaulted rooms, peaceful atmosphere, and exceptional service make it a standout.
3. 🔍Excelsior Belvedere Hotel & Spa – 9.6/10
A luxurious 5-star hotel in a former noble residence, with thermal pools, a spa, private beach access, and garden surroundings. Just a short walk from the boutiques of Corso Vittoria Colonna.
4. 🔍Villa Matilda Luxury B&B – 9.5/10
Stylish and quiet B&B about 10 minutes from the port. Offers modern rooms, a garden breakfast terrace, and warm hospitality. Great value and comfort in a peaceful setting.
5. 🔍Posidonia Residence – 9.4/10
Serviced apartments with kitchenettes and sea-view terraces, perfect for longer stays or families. Located on a quiet hilltop, just a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Clean, well-equipped, and peaceful.
Forio - Sunsets, beaches
1. 🔍Sweetposeidon – 9.8/10
A peaceful, family-run B&B located on a hillside with stunning sea views. Offers spacious rooms, homemade breakfasts, and warm hospitality. Close to Citara and Cava dell’Isola beaches.
2. 🔍Corallo Blu Hotel De Charme – 9.6/10
Elegant 4-star hotel near San Francesco beach with an infinity pool, private bay access, spa, and panoramic sunset views. Known for its stylish design and excellent service.
3. 🔍Botania Relais & Spa – 9.6/10
Luxury eco-resort surrounded by botanical gardens. Features thermal pools, fine dining, and villa-style suites. A quiet, 5-star retreat for those seeking relaxation and privacy.
4. 🔍Hotel Boutique Ideal – 9.6/10
Adults-friendly boutique hotel just 200 meters from Cava dell’Isola beach. Offers a panoramic pool, garden bar, and minimalist rooms. Guests appreciate the tranquil vibe and personalized attention.
5. 🔍Casa Vacanze Parco del Generale – 9.5/10
Beachside aparthotel with fully equipped apartments, sea-view balconies, and free bike rentals. Surrounded by gardens and only a 5-minute walk to Forio’s center—perfect for families and longer stays.
Sant’Angelo - Romance, quiet
1. 🔍Casa Sofia Boutique Hotel – 9.9/10
A romantic boutique hotel with just seven rooms, each featuring a balcony or terrace with sea views. Guests love the peaceful atmosphere, personal service, and scenic breakfasts overlooking Sant’Angelo Bay.
2. 🔍Hotel Residence S.Angelo – 9.7/10
Charming suites and studios with panoramic views, a thermal pool, and a rooftop hot tub. Ideal for couples looking to unwind in a tranquil, elevated setting above the village.
3. 🔍Hotel Casa Celestino – 9.6/10
Stylish rooms with private sea-view balconies, Mediterranean décor, and a romantic on-site restaurant. A favorite for honeymoons and anniversaries thanks to its cliffside setting and refined atmosphere.
4. 🔍Hotel Casa Giuseppina – 9.6/10
Peaceful garden retreat near Maronti Beach. Surrounded by citrus trees, it offers spacious rooms, a relaxing pool, and home-cooked Campanian dinners—perfect for couples seeking privacy and authenticity.
5. 🔍Hotel Villa Maria – 9.5/10
A whitewashed villa close to the heart of Sant’Angelo, offering cosy sea-view rooms and a panoramic terrace bar ideal for sunset drinks. Warm, welcoming, and full of romantic charm.
Lacco Ameno - Spa resorts
1. 🔍San Montano Resort & Spa – 9.5/10
A luxurious 5-star resort perched on a hilltop with panoramic sea views. Features multiple thermal and seawater pools, a full-service spa, and a private beach club. Guests love the peaceful setting, outstanding service, and rich breakfast buffet.
2. 🔍Regina Isabella – Resort Spa Restaurant – 9.5/10
An iconic historic hotel with elegant rooms, a private beach, and a top-rated thermal spa. Offers talassotherapy, wellness treatments, and Michelin-star dining. Known for its classic charm and exceptional hospitality.
3. 🔍Hotel Villa Angelica – 9.2/10
A small boutique hotel surrounded by gardens, just a short walk from the beach. Offers a covered thermal pool, wellness treatments, and warm, family-run hospitality. Guests appreciate its quiet location and spotless rooms.
4. 🔍La Reginella Resort & Spa – 8.8/10
Set in lush park-like grounds with six thermal and seawater pools, a steam cave, and wellness classes. Located in the center of Lacco Ameno near shops and cafés. Great for a relaxing, active stay.
5. 🔍Hotel Terme Principe – 8.4/10
Affordable spa hotel with indoor and outdoor thermal pools, wellness services, and a great location near the seafront. Known for friendly staff and a generous breakfast, ideal for budget-conscious spa lovers.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: History & Relaxation
Afternoon at Poseidon Gardens
Dinner in Ischia Ponte
Day 2: Nature & Wine
Vineyard lunch and wine tasting
Evening stroll in Forio
Day 3: Coastal Charm
Morning at Maronti Beach
Sant’Angelo sunset dinner
Practical Tips for Visiting
Tap water is safe to drink.
Bring: Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, lightweight clothes.
Local SIM cards offer good data plans.
Cash is still useful: Some small cafés and local buses may not accept cards, so carry a few euros.
FAQs About Ischia
Is Ischia worth visiting over Capri?
Yes! Ischia is larger, more affordable, and offers authentic experiences, wellness, and beautiful beaches. Capri is also worth visiting for its dramatic cliffs, luxury boutiques, and glamorous atmosphere—both islands offer unique charms.
Can I take a car to Ischia?
Yes, but restrictions apply for Campania residents in summer. Check regulations before boarding.
How long should I stay on Ischia?
At least 3 days to enjoy spas, hikes, food, and beaches.
Is English widely spoken?
In tourist areas, yes. A few basic Italian phrases go a long way.
Unwinding in volcanic hot springs, sipping Biancolella wine with a sea view, and exploring medieval castles all come together on Ischia, Campania—a Mediterranean secret ready to be discovered.
Book your ferry, pack your sunhat, and let Ischia work its magic.
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