Ischia
Practically unknown to most people until the early 1950s, the island of Ischia sits in the northern section of the Gulf of Naples. The island is part, alongside Procida, Nisida and Vivara, of the Campanian archipelago of the Phlegrean Islands, which lie in the central Tyrrhenian Sea. The Greeks colonised the island, calling it “the colony of Pithecusa”, and thanks to its harbour, they turned it into a prosperous settlement that traded iron with the rest of Italy.
In the mid-1950s, at the San Montano necropolis in Lacco Ameno, German archaeologist Giorgio Buchner uncovered the famous Nestor’s Cup, dating to around 725 BC, which represents one of the earliest examples of alphabetic writing. Few realise that despite Ischia having a history spanning thousands of years, it remained for many years simply a fishing village, only becoming an internationally renowned tourist destination from the mid-twentieth century onwards.
Ischia, indeed, rose to fame thanks to publisher and film producer Angelo Rizzoli, who anchored his yacht here in 1951 and, recognising the territory’s potential, drew tourists from around the world. Rizzoli did not merely promote Ischia through his magazines; he built hotels, hospitality facilities, a hospital and even a football pitch on the island. Furthermore, the entrepreneur chose Ischia as a film set for shooting various films, attracting an elite tourism made up of figures from the global political and economic scene, Italian and Hollywood actors, artists and musicians.
Ischia is renowned not only for its crystalline waters and stunning beaches, but also for its rich history and traditions rooted in truly ancient times. Moreover, Ischia, with its abundant historical, archaeological and natural heritage, is a versatile destination suited to every type of traveller.
The symbol of the island is the magnificent Aragonese Castle, which dominates the horizon from its islet, connected to the island by a bridge. This medieval gem offers breathtaking views over the Gulf of Naples and safeguards centuries of history within its walls. Ancient dungeons, a cathedral and hanging gardens tell stories of nobles, nuns and pirates, transporting you on a journey through time. The village of Ischia Porto is the beating heart of the island, with its tourist port built on the crater of an ancient volcano. Here you’ll find elegant boutiques and fashionable venues that spring to life during summer evenings, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
The picturesque village of Sant’Angelo enchants with its narrow alleyways and colourful houses mirrored in the sea. This ancient fishing village, today an elegant tourist destination, retains its Mediterranean charm intact, with artisan shops and characterful restaurants where you can savour authentic Ischian cuisine.
Forio will astound you with its historic centre, rich in Saracen towers, silent witnesses to ancient pirate raids. Marvel at the splendid Church of Soccorso, a gem in Mediterranean white that stands out against the sea, and the evocative sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte, a pilgrimage destination and haven for art lovers.
For nature enthusiasts, Monte Epomeo offers scenic hikes up to its summit at 789 metres. The trail winds through chestnut forests and terraced vineyards, offering spectacular views over the entire island and gulf. From the peak, your gaze sweeps from the island of Capri to Mount Vesuvius, in a breathtaking panorama that rewards every effort.
Don’t miss a visit to La Mortella Gardens, a botanical paradise created by composer William Walton and his wife Lady Susana. This garden, considered among Italy’s finest, is a place where rare plants and music blend in perfect harmony. The terraces at different levels host species from around the world, creating an oasis of peace and beauty. During the summer season, the garden hosts classical music concerts in its evocative outdoor locations.
A boat trip around the island of Ischia is an unmissable experience that allows you to discover hidden corners and inaccessible coves via land. A full lap of the island takes approximately 3-4 hours, with stops for swimming at San Montano Bay and the Maronti beach: many excursions also include a visit to the village of Sant’Angelo, with its characteristic Mediterranean architecture and colourful houses reflected in the sea.
Since ancient times, the island of Ischia has been famous for its thermal waters, which have made it one of Europe’s major spa centres. All thermal parks in Ischia are set within a marvellous natural environment, surrounded by greenery and the blue of the sea, and feature swimming pools, Kneipp paths, saunas and massage centres.
The jewel in this thermal heritage crown are the Poseidon Gardens, a wellness paradise spanning more than 60,000 square metres of terraces sloping down to the sea. Here, nestled in lush Mediterranean gardens, you can explore twenty thermal pools, each with its ideal temperature and healing properties. Water, which naturally flows between 28° and 40° C, creates a unique wellness journey, where relaxation merges with body care.
Equally enchanting is the Negombo Thermal Park, a place where nature, art and wellness intertwine harmoniously. Nestled in the picturesque San Montano bay, this park combines the healing properties of thermal waters with the beauty of contemporary art. Sculptures and artistic installations dot the paths between thermal pools, creating an experience that nourishes body and spirit.
For those seeking a more authentic and historic experience, the ancient Cavascura Thermal Springs represent a journey through time. Carved into tuff rock, these springs preserve the atmosphere of ancient Roman baths. Here, among natural grottos and steaming springs, you can immerse yourself in the same waters that have rejuvenated body and spirit for over two thousand years.
Ischia’s coastline is a mosaic of coastal landscapes that tell the island’s volcanic story and offer bathing experiences unique in the world. Every cove, every hidden bay conceals a treasure of natural beauty and crystalline waters, often enriched by the unique phenomenon of underwater thermal springs.
The majestic Maronti Beach is the queen of Ischian beaches. Its golden shoreline stretches for three kilometres, offering a spectacle that changes with the hours of the day. Here, the sea holds a special secret: underwater thermal springs create zones of warm water, transforming a swim into a natural thermal experience. The fumaroles rising from the sand in the early morning hours create an almost mystical atmosphere, recalling the island’s volcanic origins.
San Montano Bay is a natural amphitheatre embracing the sea, where fine white sand meets crystalline waters of an intense blue. Its crescent shape creates a natural pool with calm, shallow waters, ideal for those seeking relaxation and tranquillity. At sunset, as the sun dips into the sea, the bay takes on spectacular colours, gifting moments of pure poetry.
A unique experience is that of Sorgeto Bay, where the boundary between thermal springs and sea vanishes. This natural cove, accessible via a scenic staircase of 200 steps, hosts natural pools where thermal water blends with seawater. It’s a magical place where you can bathe in any season, immersing yourself in warm waters even on cool winter evenings, beneath a starlit sky.
The heart of the island’s nightlife revolves around the municipality of Ischia. The main focal point for young people is the upper area of Corso Vittoria Colonna, where Ischia’s most famous nightclubs are located, such as Valentino, which opens after midnight with live music and a disco. It’s also worth stopping by Harem or Molo 18 at the harbour in this area.
Ischia has numerous American bars offering live music. Among the best known are Ecstasy in Piazzetta dei Pini, with a piano bar until midnight, Dioniso, Friends, Kiwi at Ischia Ponte, and Cappuccino at Rive Droite.
Another important spot for nighttime entertainment is Forio, where Dolce Vita and Alta Marea stand out, open until dawn at the harbour.
For live music and Latin American dancing, Millenium at Rive Droite is worth noting.
For those who prefer a more relaxed evening, the ideal choice is Giardino degli Aranci at Corso Colonna or the tavern Vecchia Napoli, where traditional Neapolitan songs are played and danced.
Before embarking on a stay on the island of Ischia, it’s worth considering what type of holiday you want to have and accordingly choosing the best location to stay on the island based on your needs. From those seeking a stay filled with nightlife and entertainment to families with children, the island offers various types of accommodation to suit every requirement.
Ischia is the largest town on the island and is one of the best places to stay, especially for families, not only for its proximity to the harbour but also for its range of equipped beaches, hospitality facilities and thermal centres. The Ischia Porto area is particularly rich in bars, restaurants and venues, especially for those who love nightlife. Forio is another town on the island that boasts numerous free beaches with clear sea, and clubs and venues for those who enjoy entertainment and a vibrant social scene.
For those seeking a stay focused on luxury, we recommend the Lacco Ameno area, where you’ll find high-end hotel and thermal facilities with excellent service standards. Finally, for those looking for a stay geared towards relaxation and tranquillity, we recommend Sant’Angelo, ideal for a romantic couple’s getaway, and Casamicciola, famous for its “healing” thermal facilities.
We offer a selection of hotels at Ischia to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Ischia, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Ischia. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Ischia are in high demand.
The beautiful island of Ischia can only be reached by sea via hydrofoil or ferry.
Boats to Ischia also depart from other locations such as Pozzuoli and the island of Procida, whilst during the summer season connections increase, including with other locations along the Campania coast. There are three ports on Ischia: Ischia Porto, Casamicciola Terme and Forio.
We’ve gathered all the routes, timetables and shipping companies on the dedicated page for ferries to Ischia.
What's the weather at Ischia? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Ischia for the next few days.
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