Charming Ischia in Italy

The Italian island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples is becoming increasingly popular among vacationers. We will share tips on what you can experience on this volcanic island, the best beaches and thermal springs to relax on, and how to get to Ischia.

Overview of Ischia in Italy

Sights

Beach Vacation on Ischia

Excursions in the Gulf of Naples

To get you in the mood for your vacation on Ischia in Italy, we have summarized the most important information for you:

Ischia is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples, covering 46 km². Its size makes it easy to explore the entire island during your stay and visit all the attractions.

The island is of volcanic origin. The iconic volcano Vesuvius shapes the Gulf of Naples. Here you can also visit the archaeological site of the ancient city of Pompeii, which fell victim to Vesuvius in AD 79.

Ischia is located in Southern Italy and boasts mild to hot temperatures year-round. Even in winter, temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees Celsius, while summer can see temperatures rise up to 35 degrees Celsius. April, May, and October are among the most pleasant travel months if you prefer cooler weather. This makes Ischia one of the most popular destinations for a charming Italian seaside vacation.

The warm climate favors the cultivation of wine, tomatoes, figs, and pomegranates. We especially recommend tasting the local wine!

Ischia has no airport. You can only reach the island by ferry. The trip from the mainland takes about 1.5 hours with a regular ferry/car ferry (Traghetti) and costs almost 12€. A faster catamaran (Aliscafi) is also available but costs a bit more.

Round-trip flights to Naples start at around 50€. Alternatively, you can fly to Rome and then take a bus to Naples.

On the island, you can use the buses of the E.A.V company to travel cost-effectively and conveniently from point A to point B. Alternatively, you can take the water taxis that operate across the island.

Ischia is so beautiful that it has often been the filming location for Hollywood movies in the past. Celebrities like Bud Spencer, Romy Schneider, and Liz Taylor have visited here.

On Ischia, there are great hotels for every budget. An alternative to a classic hotel is renting a holiday apartment. Unique accommodations are available here starting from €35 per night.

Once you arrive on Ischia, there are beautiful places and sights waiting for you to visit. Rent a scooter or a small rental car to be mobile on the island, or take advantage of public transportation that can get you to almost any location on the island.

We start our sightseeing tour in the eastern part of the island, in the town of Ischia, which is not only the main town of the island, but also where you will arrive at the port. It's best to stay in a hotel in Ischia and experience the unique atmosphere that the town offers, especially in the evenings when the day-trippers have left. Restaurants like Gardenia Mare or Ristorante Cap e Fierr, located right by the sea, will complete your evening on Ischia with delicious seafood and exquisite Italian pasta. Pure Italian feeling!

One thing is clear: The Aragonese Castle in Ischia is impossible to miss! Perched at a height of 113 meters on a small rocky island, this fortress is a true eye-catcher. The castle, which has been privately owned since 1912, can be visited daily from 9 AM until sunset. Admission costs €10 for adults. Children under 9 years old can enter the fortress for free.

The village of Sant'Angelo d'Ischia in the south of Ischia is a great destination for a day trip. The charming town features a small beach where you can relax after a thorough shopping spree through the boutiques and shops. Since the village is entirely car-free, you can stroll around and enjoy an authentic Italian espresso in one of the lovely cafés. That's the sweet life on Ischia.

Two wonderful blooming estates on Ischia await you in the west and northwest of the island. While the Giardini Ravino features one of the most beautiful collections of succulents and takes you into the realm of cacti, Giardini La Mortella will enchant you with a tropical floral splendor that you won't find anywhere else on the island. You might as well stay until evening and watch the sunset with a delicious cocktail in hand.

Giardini Ravino: Open daily from 10 AM to 2 PM, €10 admission for adults.

Giardini La Mortella: Open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM, €12 admission for adults.

In the western part of Ischia lies the island's second-largest city, Forio. Here, the beautiful city center and the pilgrimage church of Santa Maria del Soccorso are of particular interest, which you should visit at sunset at the latest. Thanks to its unique location, the church is especially popular with couples who choose to tie the knot here. With such a breathtaking backdrop, you can't really blame them!

If you wish to indulge in authentic Neapolitan pizza, we recommend Pizzeria Il Pizzicotto in the heart of the city. Here you will find some of the best pizzas in all of Ischia!

The highest mountain on Ischia is Monte Epomeo, towering 780 meters above the island. If you're fit and enjoy hiking, you should definitely climb this mountain and enjoy the magnificent view of the entire island. At the mountain's foothills, the delicious wine we mentioned earlier is cultivated. For this hike, it's best to pack a light jacket, as it can get a bit chilly at the summit, even in summer.

Of course, Ischia is not only known for its natural beauty and charming villages, but also for its beaches and thermal springs that promise relaxation and physical well-being. You can find beaches and small coves all along the coast, so you will be able to find a quiet spot for sunbathing and swimming even during peak season. Here are some particularly beautiful beaches on Ischia:

Spiaggia di San Francesco: a spacious and well-maintained beach in northern Ischia.

Spiaggia di Citara: a fine sandy beach near Forio in the west of the island.

Spiaggia di San Montano: a popular beach in northern Ischia.

Spiaggia Degli Inglesi: a small town beach right in Ischia in the east of the island.

A true highlight of Ischia are the hot thermal springs, remnants of the island's volcanic activity that you will find everywhere. Especially in the colder months, you can take a soothing bath in water warmer than 25 degrees Celsius and simply unwind! Some thermal springs can be used completely free of charge, while admission is usually charged at professionally operated baths. Normal prices range from €15-20.

Baia di Sorgeto: One of the most famous hot springs on Ischia in the south of the island. The hot water flows directly from the rocks into the sea.

Nitrodi Source: A thermal spring particularly sought after by individuals with skin issues. The thermal water helps, among other things, with acne and psoriasis.

Thermae Fumarole: a beach fed by hot springs in southern Ischia.

The great thing about a vacation in the Gulf of Naples is that there are not just one, but three beautiful islands waiting for you. And Italy's third-largest city, Naples, has so much to offer as well. Day trips to exciting destinations in the area can be booked directly at the port of Ischia. If you want to explore the islands and cities on your own, you only need to book a ferry ticket. We now briefly present the possible destinations for a trip from Ischia.

The island of Procida is located just a few kilometers off the coast of Ischia and enchants visitors with its colorful houses that greet you as you arrive at the port. Procida is Europe's most densely populated island, which is especially noticeable in its main town. The houses stack almost on top of each other. This charming chaos is an unforgettable sight, while the untouched nature on the rest of the island is a true blessing. You can find out even more about Procida in our travel magazine.

In the past, the island of Capri was one of the most exclusive destinations for a vacation in Italy, and today this small island of about 10 km² retains none of its charm. Stroll through the small main town of Capri, where you will find not only boutiques of renowned designers and magnificent luxury hotels but also quaint cafés and shops, or take a trip to the Blue Grotto, the most famous cave of Capri.

For those seeking a stark contrast to the island's idyllic scenery, a trip to the mainland city of Naples is a must. The city is in close proximity to the active volcano Vesuvius, home to over 3.1 million people, and boasts a historic center declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Palaces, villas, magnificent churches, and old fortresses-there's so much to discover in Naples that you could easily stay here for several days.

If you want to dive into ancient history, a trip to the very well-preserved ruins of Pompeii is highly recommended. In this ancient city, which became world-famous due to its tragic destruction in an eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, you can see the remnants of the colossal amphitheater and gain unique insights into the life of ancient times. The city was caught by surprise by the volcanic eruption, and during the disaster, people and houses were buried under layers of lava, preserving them uniquely for future generations.

Wow, for such a small island, Ischia has a lot to offer, don't you think? Not only the island itself, but also the other destinations in the Gulf of Naples definitely belong on the bucket list of any true Italy fan! Have you ever spent a vacation on Ischia and have more insider tips or experiences to share? We welcome your comments! In our current Italy offers, you will find great deals for your vacation on Ischia or elsewhere in beautiful Italy. What are you waiting for? The Gulf of Naples is calling!