Can I tell you an embarrassing secret? As an Italian travel specialist and citizen, I am ashamed to admit it, but there was a time when I hated Ischia, Italy. Often referred to as “L’Isola Verde” (The Green Island), Ischia is a volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples, known for its unrivaled beauty.
When I first visited in 2005, Ischia represented everything I was not yet used to as an American expat. While I had Italian and American passports, I was still rather American, and Ischia was so Italian! I was used to Florence, where I could quickly grab a burger, or Capri, where things are super tourist-friendly.
Well, Ischia revealed another side of Italy. It was slow, raw, and foreign (to me). It didn’t help when I first stepped off the boat on the island (in the off-season, no less!) I stuck out. I could blend in in Florence, maybe not with the Italians, but with the students. I fumbled to uncover Ischia’s beauty and connect with the locals. But, once I gave in to the slower pace, I discovered paradise.
I have grown to adore Ischia, Italy, precisely because it scared me as a new expat. I now love sharing its gems with our Italy travel clients, too. So, if you’re feeling adventurous and ready to visit Campania beyond Capri and the Amalfi Coast, check out this Ischia Italy guide.
But Where Is Ischia?
Ischia is an island off the western coast of Italy in the Tyrrhenian Sea near the Bay of Naples. It is part of the Campania region and lies roughly 18 miles offshore from Naples.
The island is the largest in the Phlegraean Islands archipelago (over four times the size of Capri!) and is known for its natural hot springs and thermal pools. Ischia spans about 28 square miles and is defined by its green landscapes, quaint villages, and steep cliffs.
It’s undeniably more under-the-radar and local than hot spots like Capri and the Amalfi Coast. During the summer season, there are visitors, but they are more commonly Campanian than foreigners.
The History of Ischia Italy
Ischia’s history dates back to the 8th century BCE when the Greeks colonized it. In the centuries since, it has been influenced by the Romans, Byzantines, Normans, and Spanish, all of whom left their mark on the island’s culture, architecture, and traditions. The Romans, in particular, recognized Ischia’s natural hot springs and used them for therapeutic purposes, a tradition that continues today.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Ischia was a strategic military outpost, with the construction of the iconic Castello Aragonese in the 15th century under King Alfonso V of Aragon. In the 20th century, Ischia became a popular retreat for writers, artists, filmmakers, and actors. The movie Cleopatra with Elizabeth Taylor was shot in the 1960s and is the backdrop for her famous romance with Richard Burton. This only further solidified the island’s status as an elite Mediterranean destination.
Five Towns To Know On Ischia
The island of Ischia, Italy, is almost entirely mountainous, so the main towns are set seaside at various points. Most clients stay near Lacco Ameno and Cassamicciola Terme, Ischia Ponte, or south in Sant’Angelo. While you’re on the island, make time to visit these five towns:
Ischia Porto
Ischia Porto is the island’s bustling main port, where ferries and hydrofoils arrive from Naples and other nearby islands. It’s a lively area filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes. The promenade along the harbor is perfect for a stroll. It’s also dotted with little turn-offs that take you to the right to the beach.
Ischia Ponte
Meanwhile, Ischia Ponte, a charming old district, lies far from the port. It’s home to the iconic Castello Aragonese, a medieval castle that dominates the skyline. The narrow streets of Ischia Ponte are lined with quaint houses, local boutiques, and seafood restaurants.
The historical charm makes it a lovely contrast to the more modern vibe of Ischia Porto. Our clients like dining at the seaside at spots like Giardino Eden.
How to Get There: From the main port, Ischia Ponte is a short bus ride or a 20-minute walk.
Lacco Ameno
Lacco Ameno is another coastal town on the northern side of Ischia. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and famous Fungo rock formation, a mushroom-shaped rock rising from the sea. Lacco Ameno is also home to the ancient Roman baths at the Villa Arbusto.
The town also has lush greenery, many shops, and various local cuisine restaurants. If you’re feeling adventurous, walk 20 minutes to the Spiaggia di San Montano in the Baia di San Montano. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, and it’s a great stop to grab an umbrella and relax; the beach is perfect for kids since the water is calm and clear.
How to Get There: Regular buses and taxis are available from Ischia Porto.
Forio
Forio is a cute town located on the western side of Ischia. It has stunning beaches, like Chiaia Beach, which is my favorite for sunbathing and swimming. The city is also famous for its thermal spas; many visitors come for wellness treatments.
Forio also features picturesque streets with vibrant flowers, shops, and traditional restaurants. Its historic center is home to landmarks like the 14th-century Church of Santa Maria di Soccorso, which offers sweeping sea views.
How to Get There: Public buses run regularly from Ischia Porto, and taxis or rental scooters are also options.
Sant’Angelo
Sant’Angelo is a fishing village on the southern coast of Ischia, known for its colorful houses. The entire village is car-free, which only adds to its charm. This means tourists can easily explore Sant’Angelo’s narrow streets without worrying about traffic or parking.
Those who prefer quiet can find peace in the various hotel and villa rental options. Spiaggia di Sant’Angelo has a stunning beach, and the nearby volcanic fumaroles only add to the charm and overall experience. Our local friends swear that Da Pasquale has the best pizza in the area.
How to Get There: Boats provide access from Forio, including water taxis.
Six Things to Do in Ischia
While loads of tourists head to Capri and Sorrento, we plan more custom itineraries for Ischia, as its slower pace and local vibes align more with our travel clients’ preferences. As such, we have a lot of insight into the island, including what to do.
These are a few of our travel clients’ favorite things to do when they visit Ischia. Just note that many of these things, such as the thermal springs, the castle, and the gardens, are entirely closed during the fall and winter.
Relax in the Hot Springs and Thermal Springs
Ischia is world-renowned for its thermal waters. Popular spots include Negombo, Poseidon Gardens, the five-star San Montano Resort & Spa, and the natural hot springs of Baia di Sorgeto.
My favorite place to go for the thermal waters is the town Casamicciola Terme, which has been a hot spring destination since ancient Roman times. It’s well known for its healing waters, and as such, the town features numerous spas offering relaxation and wellness treatments for every budget.
Visit Castello Aragonese
Castello Aragonese is a stunning medieval castle. It’s accessible via a bridge, which only adds to its charm. For a trip into the past, explore the ancient walls, historical courtyards, museums, chapels, and ramparts. I love this spot for those with kids, as the museum and castle are kid-friendly.
The panoramic vistas from the top terrace are also well worth the stairs, and you can reward yourself with a treat from the Il Terrazzo Cafe.
Explore the Gardens of La Mortella
The Giardini La Mortella are lush, beautifully landscaped gardens with exotic plants. Created by British composer Sir William Walton and his wife, this garden has only been open to the public since 1991. Sir William Walton and his wife spent over 50 years cultivating the garden, and it’s a true masterpiece.
Explore the winding paths, vibrant flowers, and tranquil fountains. This is another kid-friendly excursion as kids will delight in the paths, the exotic feel of the garden, and the numerous flowers and butterflies.
Hike to Monte Epomeo
At 2,585 feet, Monte Epomeo is the highest peak on Ischia. Hiking offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire island and the surrounding sea. Due to its location, a small chapel at the summit feels otherworldly.
It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, and you can find various trail options on All Trails. There are many cliffs, and the hike will take over 2 hours, so I do not recommend this for little kids.
Maronti Beach
Maronti Beach is one of the largest and most popular beaches on Ischia, the island’s southern coast. Stretching over 1.5 miles, it will draw you in with its golden sand and clear, turquoise waters. The beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation, making you feel like a tropical paradise.
If beaches aren’t your thing, Maronti is also famous for its natural hot springs, where visitors can enjoy therapeutic mud baths right by the sea.
Take a Boat Tour
My favorite thing to do in Ischia is to take a boat around the island. This will give you a unique perspective of the island’s stunning coastline. You can explore hidden beaches, secluded coves, and inaccessible natural sea caves and grottos.
The tour also provides spectacular views of landmarks like Castello Aragonese and Mount Epomeo, plus the chance to swim in the serene, turquoise sea. You haven’t experienced Ischia adequately if you haven’t been guided around the island by a local in a boat. It’s worth every penny. If you need help planning, get in touch, as we have a local captain we love working with on Ischia!
Five Foods to Try in Ischia, Italy
Since we’re food-first travelers, we’d be remiss not to mention some classic Ischian dishes to try when you visit:
Coniglio all’Ischitana
This signature Ischian dish features wild rabbit, tomatoes, garlic, and white wine. If you’re there on a cold day, this rabbit stew will warm you to your bones, and the most classic place to have it is at Trattoria Il Focolare.
Zingara Ischitana
This locally famous sandwich is made with rustic bread, prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It can be found almost anywhere, but the locals often say the best is at Porto 51.
Linguine con Cozze e Vongole
Pasta with local mussels and clams, what’s not to like? This dish tastes like summer in Italy; a great version can be found at Trattoriva Ischia.
Pizza di Scarola
A savory pie filled with escarole, anchovies, capers, and olives. Pizzeria Catarì in Casamicciola Terme makes an excellent version.
Rucolino Liqueur
This is a locally produced after-dinner drink often made with herbs, spices, and two types of arugula. It’s dark brown and highly alcoholic, and it also makes a great souvenir to bring home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ischia Italy
The best time to visit Ischia, Italy, is during the late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). The weather is warm but not too hot during these months, and the island is less crowded. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the flowers all over the island are in full bloom. While ideal for beach bathing, summer (July and August) can be very hot and crowded, with higher accommodation prices.
A stay of three to four days is generally recommended to fully enjoy Ischia's offerings. This allows time to explore the island's famous thermal spas, beautiful beaches, lush gardens, and historical sites like the Aragonese Castle. Those interested in a more relaxed pace or in-depth exploration could easily extend their visit to a week.
Ischia offers a range of accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. For luxury seekers, the five-star Mezzatorre Hotel and the San Montano Resort & Spa offer upscale amenities and exceptional views. (We can get you perks at both, so contact us for help with a booking!)
For a more authentic experience, consider renting a villa or staying in one of the charming bed and breakfasts scattered around the island.
To reach Ischia, travelers typically fly into Naples International Airport and then take a ferry or hydrofoil from the Port of Naples. Ferries and hydrofoils are frequent, with multiple departures daily, and the journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the service chosen.
Some services also run from the nearby towns of Pozzuoli and Sorrento during the high season.
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Photo Credit: Opening photo of a woman looking at view by Torval Mork; Thermal Baths by Tanya Key; Fruit vendor by Michele Ponzio; other photos from Unsplash or by Team Salt & Wind Travel
