The Ultimate Ischia Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Ischia is the largest of the three main islands in the Gulf of Naples, at approximately 18 square miles. Each of its towns—Ischia Porto & Ischia Ponte, Forio, Lacco Ameno, Casamicciola, Serrara Fontana, Barano, and Sant’Angelo—offer unique lodges, activities, and beachy shorelines for travelers to explore.

Greek myth has it that the volcanic activity that created Ischia was the work of the hot-tempered giant Typhon who was punished for defying Zeus, sentenced to live an eternity trapped beneath the islands in the gulf. Many scholars claim that Ischia is his fabled home referenced in the story. In actuality, Ischia was formed by volcanic activity over 50,000 years ago and discovered by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, although the island has shown evidence of prehistoric habitation.

You can reach Ischia via ferry from Naples or the Amalfi Coast. Make sure you are booking the correct ferry: There is a standard passenger ferry that transports people to the island and a car ferry for those bringing their cars with them. The car ferry runs less frequently and is also slower than its counterpart.

You can check the schedule and prices online ahead of time to ensure you’re booking the correct boat.

Visit the Oldest Spa in the World

The Fonte Ninfe di Nitrodi is touted as the oldest spa in the world. It has been operational in varying capacities since the first century B.C. This mineral spring was first discovered by ancient Greeks, who believed the powerful waters were a gift from Apollo and established an altar at the water's source. Visitors can still see the mosaics at the artisanal source where the altar used to be.

Modern-day guests are welcome to explore the spa's grounds, shower in the spring, enjoy beverages made from the mineral water, and relax on the stunning patio starting at just 18 euros. After 7 p.m., the springs are open to the public for free and jugs are available to take the water home to drink.

Want to know what it’s like to experience this ancient spring? Read about my experience at the world’s oldest spa here.

Soak in a Thermal Bath

Similarly to the waters at Nitrodi, the waters in your typical thermal baths have skin and relaxation benefits due to the minerals infused in the warm water. There are dozens of thermal baths across the island due to the volcanic nature of the region.

If a dip in the thermal baths is the main draw of your stay on the islands, several hotels have hot springs available on their property. For travelers on a budget, the public springs at the Bay of Sorgento in Forio are free to use. While these beautiful springs are some of the most famous on the island, they also tend to be crowded, so time your visit accordingly. Aim for early morning visits and avoid weekends when possible.

Thermal Parks on Ischia

There are popular thermal parks across the island for a variety of budgets.

| Giardini Poseidon Terme | Forio | Between €40 to €50 ($33 to $54)
| Negombo Thermal Gardens | Bay of San Montano | Between €70 and €165 ($76 to $178)
| Castiglione Thermal Park | Casamicciola | Between €22 and €1,242 ($24 to $1,343)
| Tropical Thermal Park | Sant’Angelo | €14 to €22 ($15 to $24)
| Romantica Thermal Park | Sant’Angelo | €25 ($27)
| O Vagnitiello Thermal Park | Casamicciola | €35 ($38)
| Idroterme Olympus | Barano d’Ischia | €31 to €400 ($33 to $432)
| Antiche Terme Romane di Cavascura | Near Maronti Beach | Contact for pricing
| Aphrodite Thermal Gardens | Sant’Angelo | €30 to €40 ($32 to $43)

*Pricing depends on the number of days included in the pass, time of day, and low versus high season. Price ranges and exchange rates are accurate as of time of publication.

Explore the Giardini la Mortella

Ischia is famous for its lush vegetation, with some even nicknaming it "the green island." Nowhere is the natural beauty of the island on better display than the Giardini la Mortella, a 5-acre botanical garden in Forio. Formerly a private garden belonging to Lady Susana Walton, this vast green space was opened to the public in 1991 and continues to welcome visitors today.

Tour an Ancient Castle

Castello Aragonese d’Ischia is a towering structure on the coastline of Ischia in Ischia Ponte. Originally built as a fortified village in the 5th century B.C., the castle has had many lives throughout the centuries, serving as a Roman fort, a hiding place for Ischians during enemy raids, a social and political headquarters, a medieval wedding venue, and a prison. Today, it welcomes visitors as a museum, showcasing its past as a microcosm of Ischian history.

Enjoy a Day at the Beach

If soaking up the sun seaside is your main goal, Ischia is the clear choice. There are about twenty beaches on Ischia, the most of the three main islands in the Gulf of Naples. Many of these beaches have free sections where beachgoers can bring their towel and enjoy free and paid sections where you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas. While rates are variable, it shouldn’t run you more than €15 ($16.30).

Do Some Shopping

Via Roma is the famous shopping district in Ischia. Connecting Ischia Porto to Ischia Ponte, this street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. The small street is bustling with a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in open-air shops and congregating in the main square. Don’t forget to stop by Ischia Sapori Fabbrica di Liquori, the best spot to purchase a souvenir bottle of the island’s famous limoncello.

Sant'Angelo, a town on the island's southern edge, is also known for its upscale shopping and dining scene. Often compared to the Greek islands of Santorini or Mykonos, Sant'Angelo shares the same airy vibe and white buildings.

Hike Up Mount Epomeo

Mount Epomeo is the central volcanic mountain on Ischia and is still active. The hike to the peak takes about three hours and covers just under two miles. At the top of the mountain, hikers will find a small restaurant where they can fuel up for the return journey and a church carved into the volcanic rock.

Explore Underwater Ruins

Visit the ancient Roman settlement of Aenaria, totally submerged in the waters next to Castello Aragonese. Archaeology enthusiasts can take a glass-bottomed boat.

When in Ischia, seafood is the main attraction. Historically, Ischia and the surrounding islands have been populated mainly by fishermen and their families. Today, this livelihood remains a stronghold of the region. Brought in every day at 8 a.m. by local fishermen, the seafood along Ischia's shores is about as fresh as it gets. Shellfish, shrimp, octopus, and squid are typically featured in multiple courses.

In a surprising twist, it's not a seafood dish that has become iconic to the island but rather pasta with rabbit. This centuries-old dish takes advantage of the natural abundance of rabbits on the island and incorporates typical Italian flavors like garlic, rosemary, and thyme.

While the classic limoncello is just as famous in Ischia as it is in the rest of the Naples region, why not try a unique local herbal aperitivo instead? Rucolino is an arugula liquor original to Ischia, and Piperna is distilled from the wild thyme of the same name that flourished on the island. These strong after-dinner treats aren't for everyone. Significantly more savory than limoncello, both these liquors have a burning warmth and depth similar to whiskey but with more botanical notes.

Taking the Bus

There is no subway system on Ischia. The primary method of public transportation is via bus. There are twenty-three bus routes around the island, but tourists can mostly get away by hopping on the main loop on lines C.S. (Circolare Sinistra) and CD (Circolare Destra). A single bus ticket is just 1.5 euros, while a bus ticket for the entire weekend is only 6 euros. You can get bus tickets for 90 minutes, 24 hours, two days, three days, seven days, and 14 days.

Renting a Scooter

You can also rent a scooter in Ischia. Because the roads are narrow and winding, this method of transport is recommended only for experienced riders. You will need a valid driver’s license from your home country as well as an International Driver’s Permit.

Calling a Taxi

No rideshare apps are active on Ischia, so if you want to call a car, a taxi is the way to go.
The island offers standard taxis or calessini, traditional three-wheeled island taxis that can seat four guests plus a driver. You can hire one for a quick ride or to take you on a tour of the island. Taxis can be arranged by your hotel front desk.

Taking a Water Taxi

If your destination is along the coast, a water taxi may be your best bet. During the summer season, you can catch these small boats between April and October from Ischia Ponte and Sant'Angelo for anywhere from 3 to 12 euros.

Renting a Car

Ischia is a small island with winding roads, often with passageways barely big enough for cars to squeeze through. Driving here is not for the faint of heart. However, daring drivers can bring their car from the mainland over on the car ferry or can rent a car on the island.

As the largest island in the Gulf of Naples, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to stay on Ischia, many spots featuring access to their own private thermal springs.

The Botania Relais & Spa is a luxury resort built into a three-hectare botanical garden. Charming pathways meander through the many gardens, hills, and forests surrounding the ten guest villas, inviting guests to explore the nature of Ischia that is so beautifully blended into the property. Add a spa, two Michelin-starred dining options, and onsite thermal pools, and you have a perfect Ischian paradise.

As the name suggests, the Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa also offers guests the chance to soak in private thermal baths free of charge. The property has over 50 luxe rooms and suites, a stunning seaside pool overlooking the waters of the hotel's private bay, a tennis court, and—of course—an onsite spa that takes advantage of the natural benefits of the spring water that flows throughout the volcanic island.

Hotel Casa Celestino is located in the vibrant town of Sant'Angelo, in sight of the area's iconic rock formations and sandy beaches. An excellent home base for those who want to explore the dozens of shops and restaurants housed in Sant'Angelo's beachy white buildings, the hotel offers the full range of amenities like private spa treatments, dining on its seaside patio, and transfers to and from the airport or train station in Naples.

This San Montano Resort & Spa is just a quick hotel-provided shuttle ride from the beautiful San Montano Beach in San Montano Bay. The hotel offers a saltwater pool and thermal baths tucked away in three hectares of lush greenery and local flora for guests who'd rather remain onsite. The property offers over 70 rooms and suites, four dining options, and a variety of hotel-arranged island excursions, including a helicopter tour.

Ischia runs on “island time”, and part of the appeal is the slow pace and ability to enjoy the environment. You’ll need to build in ample time for lengthy Italian meals.

Ischia Day Trip Itinerary

Morning: Visit the world’s oldest spa, the Fonte delle Ninfe di Nitrodi Spa, to shower in the rejuvenating mineral waters.
Afternoon: Take a stroll down Via Roma for some souvenir shopping and aperitivi sampling.
Evening: Make your way to the elegant Sant’Angelo for a seaside meal at sunset.

Ischia Weekend Itinerary

DAY 1

Morning: Learn about the island’s rich history with a guided tour of the Castello Aragonese d'Ischia.
Afternoon: Visit Via Roma for some lively souvenir shopping and an espresso pick-me-up.
Evening: Head to one of the many dockside restaurants in Ischia Porto for fresh seafood and a serene atmosphere.

DAY 2

Morning: Relax and unwind with a mineral water treatment at the Fonte delle Ninfe di Nitrodi Spa.
Afternoon: Explore the island’s famous botanical gardens at Giardini la Mortella.
Evening: Ease into evening with a trip to Sant’Angelo, where you can enjoy a relaxing meal overlooking ocean views.

Ischia 3-Day Itinerary

DAY 1

Morning: Take a guided tour of the Castello Aragonese d'Ischia to take in the island’s storied history.
Afternoon: Book a glass-bottomed boat tour of the ruins of Aenaria.
Evening: Spend the evening shopping and aperitif sampling along Via Roma.

DAY 2

Morning: Relax and unwind at the Fonte delle Ninfe di Nitrodi Spa.
Afternoon: Wander the extensive gardens at Giardini la Mortella.
Evening: Sample the fresh seafood at one of the many open-air restaurants in Ischia Porto.

DAY 3

Morning & Afternoon: Hike the volcanic Mount Epomeo at the center of the island for unmatched panoramic views. Stop to enjoy lunch at La Grotta Monte Epomeo before beginning your descent.
Evening: Enjoy a dreamy sunset meal along the coast in upscale Sant’Angelo.