The 14 things to do on Ischia Island

Want to taste Italian charm without suffering from Neapolitan effervescence? Come and visit Ischia Island! Between beaches, baths, nature and history, discover the must-sees of this destination.

The "green island", nicknamed for its lush vegetation, was born from a volcanic eruption. Located off Naples Ischia is home to 60,000 inhabitants. With its 47 km2, it is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples, followed by Capri and Procida. Ischia seduces by the beauty of its landscapes. Pins, olive trees, lemongrass, vines and incredible plants develop harmoniously, enjoying optimal sunshine and volcanic soil, particularly fertile.

The lovers of history and authenticity will not be left behind! Ischia, an ancient fishing island, also has a rich architectural heritage. If nature and history are not enough for you, come and relax in one of the hot springs of the island, pre-fill yourself in one of these coves or enjoy tasty traditional Italian dishes. Whether you discover it by scooter, by car or on a rando, Ischia Island will surprise you!

Embark on the island of Ischia!

1. Visit the Castello Aragonese

What do Ischia do? Come and lose yourself in the alleys of Ischia Ponte and let yourself be charmed by its colorful houses. Moreover, if there is one thing not to be missed, it is the visit of this beautiful 15th century castle! In addition to the beauty of the building, you will appreciate the setting in which it fits, as well as the Michelangelo tower located next to it.

From the heights of the “Aragonese castle”, make a leap in time and imagine yourself in the eighteenth century, dreading the assault of the pirates who came to loot the coasts of the beautiful Ischia! After this Romanesque moment, you will enjoy the superb panorama offered by the castello on the Gulf of Naples and the delicious Capri.

2. Hiking on the Ischia trails

After culture, nature. Visiting Ischia is also approaching it by its wilder side. The island is large enough so that you can enjoy yourself by hiking. Wine lovers will enjoy the Buonopane/Faiano ride. If volcanic landscapes seduce you, go from Faiano to Bosco dei Conti.

3. Take height at Monte Epomeo

This is the Ischia Island hike! Of course, it is not Mont Blanc. Nevertheless, Ischia can be proud of Mount Epomeo which dominates the Gulf of the top of its 790 meters! The hike begins on the south side by the village of Fontana.

Count a few litres of water and one or two hours of walking, depending on your level, to enjoy the view on the island of Procida. Beware of the sun in the summer!

4. Discover Forio

The city of Forio is located in the east of Ischia Island. You will be seduced by its authenticity, its houses whose walls dazzle you from their immaculate white or their acidified colours.

Come and visit the elegant church of Forio and take the time to live by sitting on one of the city’s adorable little squares.

5. Lose yourself in the Mortella gardens

It would be a shame to visit Ischia Island and the city of Forio without passing through the Mortella Gardens. This two-hectare pearl is home to almost a thousand plant species. This enchanting garden will refresh your day!

If you have chosen to enjoy the beauty of the places in the summer, you may have the chance to attend a concert in this enchanting setting.

6. Make a spa in Lacco Ameno

What to do in Ischia! A spa, of course! Visiting Ischia without making one would be a pledge! Lacco Ameno is the largest spa in the island. Located east of the island, it is only a few kilometers from Casamicciola.

If you want to punctuate your cure with various visits, discover the collections of the archaeological museum that houses the Villa Arbusto and walk along the beach to see the « Fungo », this intriguing rock in the form of mushroom.

7. Relax in the baths of Negombo Park in Lacco Ameno

Are you curious to discover the benefits of the warm waters of Ischia, without doing a cure for several days? Come spend the day at the Negombo Spa! Despite the price of the ticket that is a little high, you will not regret your visit.

8. Discover Casamicciola

You will have understood it, it is difficult to visit Ischia without crossing a spa! If you want to combine a walk on the harbour with a glass on the terrace and a swim in a hot water, Casamicciola is the stage you need! Unwinding in one of the pools of Castiglione Thermal Park is a time not to be missed.

9. Test it. rucolino

A rocket alcohol, do you think it doesn't exist? Get out of here! Visiting Ischia Island is also making singular experiences. This liqueur deserves to dip the lips or to have a drink or two!

10. Enjoy traditional dishes

What do Ischia do? Eat! How to set foot in Italy, even island, without tasting its delicious cuisine? You will only be able to choose from the maps of the many restaurants on the island, but let yourself go to test the sausage at the friarielli or the gnocchi at the sorrentina . For the most frying, you will find excellent pizza without difficulty.

11. Bath on one of the beautiful beaches of Ischia

The island does not lack beaches. If you ask that to do in Ischia, do not look any further and come to dip! Between its long bays and coves, you will find the perfect place to relax in the sun or swim in a transparent water. Whether on the beach San Francesco, the beach di Cavo Grado or spiaggia dei pescatori , there are for all tastes.

The Maronti beach is a heart attack! What a pleasure to be able to swim in warm water all year! Indeed, on one of its extremities, a hot spring runs. The simplest thing is to get there by boat taxi from Sant’Angelo. In the same order of ideas, the Sorgeto creek, not far from Panza, is wilder (except in the summer!) and also enjoys the heat of a source that flows into the sea. A delight for a morning dip or a midnight bath!

12. Enjoy a boat ride

Once the tour of the beaches of Ischia is done, another must-have for you: the boat ride! Indeed, renting a boat in Ischia , you offer the opportunity to discover the Gulf of Naples while avoiding the tourist hustle.

If you don’t have the boat permit, you can use the services of a skipper who will reveal the most beautiful corners of the island throughout the trip. With a bit of luck, you can even enjoy it to swim in the heart of magical places, the time of an unforgettable day with your loved ones.

13. Let yourself be charmed by the villages of Ischia

You understood that, if you decide to visit Ischia in the high season, be sure that you will not be alone. If you want to taste the authenticity of some villages, that of Sant’Angelo is all indicated. In this former fishing village, located south of Ischia, cars are not entitled to a city. It’s good to go around, take a glass on the terrace and admire the sunset.

14. Lose the mysteries of Procida

Visiting Ischia is also interested in its surroundings. Quiet to stay in the Gulf of Naples, as well as to discover another jewel, less known than Capri: the island of Procida. With an area of only 4 km2, the island is still preserved from mass tourism.

It is in an intimate setting that you can spend a day. You will appreciate the calm and authenticity of this fishing village bathed in colors.

How to get to Ischia?

Are you seduced? Don’t wait to book your tickets, because you’re not alone trying to discover the charms of Ischia Island!

By plane : from France to Naples

The beauties of Ischia Island have the advantage of being easily accessible from France. There are many direct daily flights to Naples, starting from Paris, with Easy Jet or Air France. Prices are quite affordable, and turn around 110 € per person, return trip. Flight Comparers, such as Ulysses , can help you find tickets to the best value price.

By ferry: from the mainland to Ischia Island

Once in Naples, an island situation obliges you to pass through the services of a ferry company, in order to reach the coasts of Ischia Island. If you’re thinking of travelling during the high season, don’t wait to take your tickets. The island’s population is multiplied by four in the summer! Comparers like Direct Ferries will accompany you in your search for the best price.

Four companies carry out connections between the continent and Ischia Island: the SNAV, Caremar, Alilauro and Mednar. Only the first offers a vehicle transport service. From Naples, daily connections will lead you to one of the three ports of the island: Ischia Porto, Ischia Forio or Casamicciola. The journey takes between fifty-five minutes and one and a half hour by ferry. Count forty minutes in hydroglider. You will also be able to reach the island from Pouzzoles. If you are already staying in Capri or Procida, you will not have to reach Ischia Island by ferry, although the connections are less frequent.

Where to stay in Ischia?

To visit Ischia Island, the simplest is to choose a hotel located in one of the three port cities. Whether you’re home in Porto, Ischia Forio or Casamicciola, you’ll only be spoiled for your choice between hostels, hotels, villas or bed and breakfast. You can book accommodation on Ischia Island via AirBnB . Do you prefer hotels? We invite you to book your hotel Ischia depending on your budget.

Ready to visit Ischia Island?