Pompeii: Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
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Ischia, situated in the Gulf of Naples, is Italy’s third-largest island and is renowned for its natural landscapes, enchanting beaches and thermal waters that have been celebrated since ancient Roman times. This volcanic island has a history stretching back to antiquity, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that it began to flourish as a tourist destination, thanks to its stunning beaches bathed in crystal-clear waters. Beyond the beaches, this territory is considered a special destination for its natural hot springs, which attract visitors from across Europe thanks to their therapeutic properties.
It was entrepreneur Angelo Rizzoli, in particular, who fell in love with the beauty and potential of this area and built the island’s first accommodation facilities, drawing many other famous figures to the island. Today, Ischia is known as one of the most sought-after summer destinations for its evocative setting, excellent facilities and coastline dotted with beaches, coves and inlets all bathed in turquoise waters. Here, then, is a mini-guide to the island’s most beautiful beaches to help you find the perfect spot for a day of sunshine and relaxation based on your needs.
One of Ischia’s most famous and extensive beaches is Maronti, located on the south-eastern part of the island, mostly within the municipality of Barano d’Ischia with only a small portion extending into the municipality of Serrara Fontana. Stretching for roughly three kilometres, Maronti Beach is characterised by a shoreline of sand and pebbles bathed in crystalline, very calm azure waters. The beach can be reached via a scenic road with hairpin bends offering spectacular views, or by sea from the charming village of Sant’Angelo using water taxis.
There are some free beach areas, but most of the beach is equipped with beach clubs offering full facilities. What makes it truly special is the presence of “fumaroles”. The “fumaroles” are specially marked zones with elevated temperatures caused by underground gas emissions that heat the sand so intensely you can actually cook food on it. Thanks to this feature, beach picnics are often organised with food cooked directly on the fumaroles.
Sorgeto Bay is a splendid natural inlet located in the municipality of Forio where warm thermal water meets cool sea water, creating a truly unique and sensational combination. The largely rocky beach is considered a small open-air thermal paradise free of charge, ideal for those seeking relaxation at any time of day. Thanks to the bay’s natural shape and natural pools where warm fresh water meets cool salt water, a unique blend is created that offers the body genuinely wonderful sensations.
Moreover, you can not only bathe at night under the moonlight but immerse yourself in these tepid waters throughout the year. Sorgeto Bay can only be reached by descending a steep staircase of over two hundred steps starting from the Punta Chiarito area, or alternatively by sea with water taxis departing from the nearby village of Sant’Angelo.
Also in the municipality of Forio is Citara Beach, a splendid bay known not only for its waters but also as a place where natural beauty and mythology meet. According to legend, the thermal waters in the area were formed by the goddess Aphrodite’s prolonged tears over the death of her beloved Adonis; moreover, according to the tales, it was from here that the ship of the Phaeacians set sail, guided by Odysseus, a fact supposedly testified to by a large black rock shaped like a boat rising from the waters of the bay.
Along this enchanting stretch of coast are numerous beach clubs offering full services as well as some free beach areas where you can spread out your towel for hours of complete tranquillity. The shoreline is characterised by fine, soft sand and bathed in clear azure waters perfect for children or non-swimmers. Here you’ll also find the Poseidon Gardens thermal park, considered the largest on the island, where you can spend days of pure relaxation surrounded by natural greenery.
In the Lacco Ameno area, San Montano Beach is particularly famous for its clear, shallow waters and fine, soft sand that’s reminiscent of Caribbean beaches. Surrounded by lush nature, this splendid beach offers both beach clubs and free areas, making it ideal for those seeking freedom and tranquillity as well as those who love facilities and comfort.
In this area you’ll also find the Negombo Thermal Park, a hydrothermal complex established in the 1950s that represents the perfect blend of nature, wellbeing and relaxation. The site comprises several terraced areas hosting numerous swimming pools, showers and hot-tub baths surrounded by lush vegetation and rare plants, many of foreign origin. In addition to a long equipped private beach and a comprehensive wellness centre, there’s an area that in summer becomes the perfect stage for concerts, events and performances.
Located at Sant’Angelo, Cava Grado Bay (or Cavagrado) is a small inlet of sand and pebbles, perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds since it’s not yet heavily visited. Accessible via a staircase, this wonderful stretch of soft sand boasts turquoise, calm and clear sea waters that invite everyone for a peaceful swim.
This small beach is nestled between two tuff cliffs and in some parts of the shore thermal springs can emerge, heating the water and giving it a pleasantly warm temperature. The sea bed here is sandy but quickly becomes quite deep, so the beach may not be ideal for inexperienced swimmers.
Another beach of great charm is Varulo, located at the foot of Monte Vico in the territory of Lacco Ameno municipality and considered a true paradise as it can only be reached by sea. It’s also known as Monks’ Beach, named after the massive presence of these molluscs which in shape resemble a nun’s veil, and for having seabeds rich in Posidonia and marine fauna.
The appeal of this beach, beyond the crystal-clear water, lies in the truly spectacular setting, as the lush green of nature meets the azure blue of the sea here, creating a marvellous landscape.
Located next to Ischia Porto, not far from the town’s historic centre, is Fishermen’s Beach, a truly enchanting stretch of coast once used only by fishermen but now a very busy resort. This golden-sand beach is immersed in a unique and picturesque setting and authentic atmosphere thanks to numerous wooden boats, colourful little houses and the aroma of fresh fish.
Fishermen’s Beach boasts extensive equipped areas as well as free beach sections, while the sea waters are turquoise and have sandy seabeds that slope gently.
In Forio d’Ischia, close to the town centre, lies the beautiful Chiaia Beach, which is much appreciated by families for its accessibility and excellent facilities. Chiaia Beach is indeed a stretch of soft, fine sand equipped with both beach club zones and free areas for those seeking a relaxing day.
Considered one of Forio’s most equipped and busy beaches, there are also many bars, restaurants here and the opportunity to practice water sports or embark on boat excursions. The sea bed at Chiaia Beach is sandy and slopes gently while the waters are calm and clear.
Accessible only on foot or by boat, Scarrupata Beach is a rocky cove perfect for those seeking a natural, wild experience. This beach is located in the municipality of Barano d’Ischia and to reach it you must follow a path surrounded by Mediterranean scrub plants starting from the Vatoliere locality or by sea taking a water taxi.
The beach is made of rocks and is bathed in crystalline sea with wonderful seabeds rich in marine flora and fauna, much appreciated by snorkelling enthusiasts. There are also several marine caves to explore. The beach is free as there are no facilities, and in the area there’s just one restaurant serving excellent local cuisine dishes.
Cava dell’Isola Beach, located on Ischia’s western coast in the municipality of Forio, is a destination much loved by young people for its natural beauty but especially for its lively atmosphere and opportunity to do sports activities. Nestled between two rocky cliffs that give it a wild and enchanting character, Cava dell’Isola Beach is a free stretch of small pebbles and sand with no beach clubs or resorts, just a small restaurant.
Cava dell’Isola is accessible on foot via a short walk from Forio, following a well-marked path that is steep in places, making it much less crowded than other beaches in the area. Its accessibility, lack of facilities and moderately high seabeds make it less popular with families with children and more so with groups of friends or couples seeking relaxation.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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