Lacco Ameno

Situated along Ischia’s north-western coast, nestled beneath Monte Epomeo, Lacco Ameno is one of the island’s most enchanting settlements, renowned for its thermal waters and breathtaking scenery. Lacco Ameno boasts a history spanning millennia, dating back to the era of Greek colonisation in the 8th century BC, when the area was inhabited by settlers from Pithecusae (Ischia’s ancient name) and was simply known as Lacco. The name derives from the Greek “Lapis,” meaning stone, owing to the abundance of white tufa rocks in the area; the adjective “ameno” (pleasant) was added only in 1863 to emphasise the charm and beauty of its surroundings.

Over the centuries, this modest fishing village evolved, becoming not only a renowned centre for ceramic production but also a major destination for summer tourism and thermal spa visits.

Particularly, in the 1950s, entrepreneur Angelo Rizzoli, who had fallen in love with Ischia, purchased a summer residence here and subsequently had a large luxury hotel built. This transformed Lacco Ameno, and subsequently the entire island of Ischia, into a rapidly coveted destination frequented by numerous celebrities.

Despite being the island’s smallest town, Lacco Ameno, with its ancient heritage and stunning beaches, offers a unique blend of nature, culture and relaxation. Thanks to its picturesque streets, hidden coves and vibrant waterfront, Lacco Ameno is now the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic and peaceful getaway.

Beaches of Lacco Ameno

The shoreline of Lacco Ameno is celebrated for the beauty of its beaches and crystal-clear waters, so much so that many compare it to a tropical destination. Along the coast, the most famous stretch is undoubtedly San Montano Beach: an enchanting bay surrounded by lush pine forests, highly valued for its calm, shallow waters, where you’ll find the Negombo Thermal Park. The sandy seabed that slopes gradually and the availability of equipped facilities make it perfect for families with children.

Close to the town harbour, you’ll find Fungo Beach, which offers both free and equipped beach areas and all essential amenities; here the shoreline is sandy, bathed by crystal-clear, limpid sea waters with shallow depths.

The most beautiful stretch of coast, however, is undoubtedly Monache Beach or Varulo, a captivating inlet at the foot of Monte Vico that can only be reached by sea and is part of a protected marine area hosting vast meadows of Posidonia Oceanica. This splendid expanse of fine, golden sand is surrounded by lush, verdant nature and bathed by marvellous waters displaying hues ranging from emerald green to turquoise.

Where to stay in Lacco Ameno

Lacco Ameno is a small Ischia village characterised by a tranquil atmosphere yet capable of offering a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every need. From boutique hotels to thermal facilities, from apartments to holiday rentals, Lacco Ameno caters to various types of visitors. The best areas to stay are found along the waterfront or near Piazza Santa Restituta, the heart of Lacco Ameno’s life.

In summer, this becomes a highly sought-after destination and particularly crowded in August, so it’s advisable to book your stay well in advance to avoid everything being fully booked.

Recommended hotels in Lacco Ameno

We offer a selection of hotels at Lacco Ameno 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 Lacco Ameno, sorted by number of reviews.

Apartments and vacation homes in Lacco Ameno

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Lacco Ameno. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Lacco Ameno are in high demand.

Things to do in Lacco Ameno

Although renowned for its beautiful beaches, Lacco Ameno is a charming village brimming with historical and cultural attractions waiting to be explored. The heart of the town is Piazza Santa Restituta, home to the town hall and the eponymous church dedicated to Restituta (the island’s patron saint), considered one of Ischia’s oldest and most beautiful religious buildings. The Church of Santa Restituta dates back to the 5th century but has been rebuilt several times, and now houses elegant frescoes and decorations within.

Don’t miss a visit to the Villa Arbusto Museum, one of Ischia’s principal archaeological museums housed within an 18th-century villa that was purchased in 1952 by publisher Angelo Rizzoli. It has since been converted into a museum hosting numerous archaeological finds spanning from the Neolithic to the Roman era, the most important being the Nestor’s Cup, one of the oldest examples of alphabetic writing.

Be sure to take time to admire the famous Fungo of Lacco Ameno, considered one of the island’s symbols and one of the most scenic vistas along this stretch of coast; located near the beach of the same name, it is a mushroom-shaped rock emerging from the azure sea, creating a truly evocative image. Finally, it’s worth noting that for nature lovers, Lacco Ameno offers numerous trails and walks winding through Mediterranean vegetation, offering panoramic views over the island and sea.

Evening activities in Lacco Ameno

Lacco Ameno isn’t as lively as other Campanian beach resorts, but it nonetheless boasts a relaxed and enchanting atmosphere in the evenings, perfect for those who enjoy a stroll or dinner with the sound of the sea in the background. The heart of evening life in summer is undoubtedly the waterfront area, where numerous bars and restaurants serving typical local cuisine are located. The area around Piazza Santa Restituta also comes alive thanks to the presence of bars, ice cream parlours and various shops.

How to reach Lacco Ameno

You can easily reach Lacco Ameno from both Casamicciola Terme and Ischia Port thanks to numerous bus services or a quick taxi journey. Both ports are connected to Naples, Pozzuoli and Procida, with the number of connections increasing during the summer season, and additional connections to other Campanian locations operating throughout the summer.