IschiaPhlegraean Islands · Italy

All About Ischia

Ischia is the chief island in the Gulf of Naples, with an area of 47 square kilometers. This land of volcanic origins remained under Greek and Roman rule for lengthy periods before changing hands rapidly during the Middle Ages.

In the modern era, Ischia rose to fame after publisher and producer Angelo Rizzoli visited the island in the 1950s. He not only started hotels, thermal spas, and hospitals here but transformed it into one of the most sort-after film locations for Italian and Hollywood movies.

Boasting a diverse landscape and fertile soil apt for agriculture and wine cultivation, present-day Ischia consists of six distinct districts. A wander around the island promises beautiful discoveries, from sandy beaches and ancient architecture to thermal spas and quaint eateries.

Home to 60,000 residents, Ischia is now one of the hottest destinations in the Tyrrhenian Sea for holiday-goers looking to have fun, relax, and immerse themselves in traditional Italian culture.
 

Routes and Ferries to Ischia

Since Ischia does not have an airport, the only way to reach here is by water. Being a popular holiday destination, it has year-round ferry connections from Mainland Italy and surrounding islands. In fact, several travelers buy ferry tickets to Ischia as part of an island-hopping trip in the Gulf of Naples.

Ferry tickets to Ischia are easy to book and purchase online via Ferryscanner. Popular connections to the island are from Naples, Capri, Procida, and Monte di Procida. You’ll also find seasonal boats from Amalfi, Sorrento, and other places during summer. Procida to Ischia is a prevalent route, with the neighboring island only 4km away. A one-way trip usually takes 20 to 25 minutes and costs €7.50 per adult.

Tourists arriving from afar will find it suitable to fly into Naples first. They can then take a boat from the city’s port to the island.
 

Ports of Ischia

The island has three main ports, with some fishing villages having smaller piers and marinas for private yachts. Ischia Porto is the primary harbor and the busiest, handling most of the boat traffic. Situated in a lively neighborhood, this is where you will most likely arrive when traveling on a cruise or with ferry tickets to Ischia. As a natural harbor in the north part of the island, the port region has all the necessary facilities, including hotels, restaurants, and public transportation.

Forio is another favorite tourist spot on the west of the island. The port here is between a wharf and a breakwater, making it ideal for smaller boats to dock. The harbor has two piers. One caters to fishing boats, while the other handles hydrofoils from Naples.

Casamicciola port in the north typically welcomes passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Ischia from Naples and Pozzuoli. The sheltered harbor has two piers protected by a long breakwater. Moreover, the area around the port is brimming with tourist-centric amenities, from taxis and scooter rentals to bars and restaurants.
 

Capital & Villages of Ischia

The towns and villages of Ischia are multifarious in their topography, showcasing individual personalities that give the island a unique character.

Porto D’Ischia and Ponte D’Ischia

Porto D’Ischia and Ponte D’Ischia, known simply as Ischia, is the island’s capital. A bustling town with a population of 16,000, it is also home to the island’s main port and the iconic Castello Aragonese. Besides being the administrative center, the town allows visitors to shop at high-end stores, take boat tours, and stay in some of the most lavish hotels.

Forio

The island’s second-largest town, Forio is on the west shoreline and is quite a favorite among returning travelers. On one hand, it has a lively atmosphere owing to numerous restaurants, cinemas, shops, and bars. At the same time, many tourists come here for its natural beauty, reflected in La Mortella and Ravino gardens, adjoining beaches, and the Poseidon thermal springs.

Barano

Barano is a beautiful village in the south of the island, that has picturesque surroundings that are great for hikes. It’s also close to Maronti, one of the most iconic beaches in Ischia. While in Barano, visitors can indulge in the local cuisine at local family-run cafes, relax in thermal springs, and visit nearby settlements with an old-world temperament.

Lacco Ameno

Although it is the smallest town in Ischia, Lacco Ameno has all the quintessential elements, from thermal springs to beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, you’ll find plenty of accommodations for different budgets, restaurants, and a marina for yachts and fishing boats. Another highlight of Lacco Ameno is Negombo. The thermal park is one of the top destinations on the island, famous for its 12 rejuvenating pools having different water temperatures.

Serrara Fontana

Serrara Fontana is a mountainous region in the south with seven villages, of which its namesakes, Serrara and Fontana, are the most prominent. A trip to this district promises astounding views from high vantage points. You’ll also indulge in the island’s agricultural practices, as the region is known for its vineyards. Moreover, Serrara Fontana acts as the base point for a hike up Mount Epomeo.
 

Best Beaches in Ischia

A volcanic island with a fascinating landscape, Ischia has a coastline that attracts thousands of sunbathers every year. While some beaches in Ischia cater to larger crowds, others are genuine hidden gems known only to visitors who dare to search for unconventional seafronts.

Spiaggia della Chiaia

Chiaia Beach is certainly among the must-visit beaches in Ischia. A long, vast, and sandy strip, it occupies space on the northwestern coastline of the island. Due to its grand size, the beach maintains a serene vibe. Still, it does not hold back on facilities that include cafes, watersports, kite surfing, and beach volleyball. The strip has a large free area and crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkeling. Moreover, Chiaia is ideal for families as the sea by the beach is shallow, and the breakers keep it calm and safe for little ones.

Spiaggia Aremiledi San Francesco

San Francesco Beach lies north of Chiaia in Foria, next to the Punta Caruso promontory. Among the most famous beaches in Ischia, it has a laidback ambiance, even though you’ll find all facilities here, like bars, restaurants, and watersports. When visiting the strand, you can use the relatively small free area or rent loungers and umbrellas from the restaurants for €25. However, do plan to include Giardini la Mortella in your day’s itinerary. Spread over 2 hectares, the lush garden features numerous tropical plant species.

Spiaggia di Cartaromana

Looking for a cozy seaside nook the moment you step off the boat with ferry tickets to Ischia in hand? Cartatomana is the answer, a short seven-minute drive south of the center. The small and narrow strip requires going down a few steps and is apt for adventurous sunbathers. Certain sections of the beach remain closed due to falling rocks, while the rest stays crowd free most of the time. Cartatomana Beach has a few eateries, and sunbed rentals at around €30. Also, it offers spectacular views of Castle Aragonese. Tourists not wanting to drive here can take a return water taxi from Porto Ischia to the beach for €7.50.

Spiaggia dei Maronti

Located in the south of the island, Maronti is among the most favored beaches in Ischia. The ground at Maronti consists of small pebbles mixed with sand, while the water gets deep quickly and is ideal for swimming. A long and narrow strand, you can get here by road or water taxi from Sant’Angelo, which costs €4 one way. Paid parking at the beach costs €3 for scooters and €10 for cars. The beach has some free sections and a few restaurants that rent sunbeds and umbrellas for €20.

Spiaggia di Varulo

Varulo Beach is a reflective, lesser-known thin strip of sand sandwiched between a towering cliff and emerald green waters of the Tyrrhenian. Sadly, the beach is closed due to the possibility of falling rocks. However, you can still rent a boat and enjoy a swim in the most mesmerizing waters from a safe distance. When visiting the area, do stop by Lacco Ameno pier to witness Il Fungo, the mushroom-shaped rock in the sea.
 

Places to Visit in Ischia

Ischia might be a small island but it still offers a medley of places to visit. From romantic villages and ancient fortresses to rejuvenating spas and exciting day trips, there is much to keep you occupied from day till night.

Sant’Angelo

Dreamy doesn’t even describe the picturesque tiny village of Sant’Angelo in the south of the island. Divided into two parts, the settlement connects through a thin beach. Being a romantic escape, you can while away your time here sitting in a cafe by the waterfront, watching fishing boats come and go. However, if you need more activities, there are thermal springs and the opportunity to take a water taxi to nearby attractions.

Aragonese Castello

Aragonese Castle links to the main island via a causeway but still manages to tower over the region with its imposing grandness. Built by Hiero I of Syracuse, it dates back to 474 BC. About half an hour from the port, the castle nowadays plays host to theatrical and musical performances and is the best place to learn about the island’s history. Some key highlights of the Aragonese Castle include the Terrace of Immaculate Conception, wine cellars and Millstone, an ancient defense tower, remnants of the Temple of the Sun, and the nun’s cemetery. The ticket to the castle, which has a café and bookshop, costs €12.

Mount Epomeo

The volcanic Mount Epomeo is the highest peak on the island at 789 meters. Adventure travelers can hike up to the top via various trails to enjoy breathtaking views. The hike, which starts from the village of Fontana, typically takes 1.5 hours and is very steep in some places. Along the way, you’ll also come across vineyards and a 15th-century chapel carved into the rock. On top of the mountain is a family-run restaurant to replenish and relax as you admire the sights. For your hike to Mount Epomeo, wear shoes with a good grip and avoid climbing during sunny afternoons.

Thermal Spas

Having over 100 thermal springs, it’s no surprise Ischia is often referred to as the Spa Island. Among the many thermal parks here, the two that stand out are Poseidon and Negombo. The former is spread over 6 hectares and has a terrace structure and Poseidon has 20 pools, including three with seawater, each with completely different temperatures. The park also comes with a private sandy beach, thermal steam grotto, wellness center, and restaurants. The price for day passes at Poseidon ranges from €38 to €45.

Procida

The colorful island of Procida is only a 20-minute ferry ride from Ischia and makes for an excellent day trip. Although the island is small enough to explore on foot, you can always rent e-bikes or use the local public transport upon arrival. Procida is famous for being the film location of movies like Il Postino and The Talented Mr. Ripley. It has an alluringly authentic charm accentuated by colorful fisherman’s homes and lovely black sand beaches.
 

Transportation Around Ischia

Ischia has a decent bus network comprising two routes covering most of the island. The central bus station is next to the port and is convenient for passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Ischia. A single ride on the bus costs €1.50, whereas a day pass is €4.00. You can purchase bus tickets from the station, several hotel receptions, and newspaper shops.

Bringing your own car to the island is also a good option. However, it can be frustrating at times due to traffic and parking limitations. Alternatively, a scooter rental allows easy travel to offbeat locations, and parking such a small vehicle isn’t an issue. You could hire the local three-wheelers known as calessini for a joyful ride around the island. Taxis are also everywhere and not too expensive.

Since Ischia is surrounded by the sea, boat tours are a fun and carefree way to cover coastal sightseeing and unique swimming locales. If you prefer to visit a specific beach or seaside village on the island, opt for a point-to-point water taxi instead.