Guide to the island of Ischia, Italy. Explore the healing island with its best beaches and most delicious stops
I didn't see the elephant. So it was with the miraculous island of Ischia in Italy, which for many years remained in the shadow of the prominent Capri and Procida. And maybe it was intended that way, maybe not, but now the volcanic island shines as one of Italy's premier gems on the Amalfi Coast.
Today, the dramatic slopes of the fortress island are filled with revitalizing thermal spas that are renowned for their healing powers, far beyond the Italian Heel. Connected by a landscape bridge to the Amalfi coast, the island is still partly (mostly) at the mercy of the colorful local Italians, who are not willing to change their daily routine for the sake of flocking tourists, except to build a small business on it. And this makes the island much more colorful and amazing than the rest.
You can stroll through the fashionable restaurants and find a cultured wild island to experience the local cuisine firsthand. It's up to you to buy brands or purchase items from local artisans, but you'll have a great selection and price range on the island.
The thermal spas provide comfort and integrity of recovery, and the Thermal Local Parks offer availability of treatments for just about everyone. You can safely go on vacation on the island of Ischia with the whole family. The local entertainment and choice of facilities cater to all ages. The best time to vacation on the island of Ischia, Italy, is from April to October, but thanks to the hot springs, you will have a wonderful vacation throughout the year.
Road to the island of Ischia
In high season, the most convenient way to get to Ischia is by boat, which docks in Naples. The journey takes only an hour, and in addition you will get a luxurious boat trip.
Two other points from where you can get to Ischia are Procida and Capri.
Famous resorts on the island of Ischia
When choosing between Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte, consider your goals. While Ischia Porto is the quieter part of the island, where you can experience some Italian zen, Ischia Ponte is packed with all the sweet treats of a vacation for families and nightclubbers alike. Ischia Ponte's sandy beaches and deep chestnut groves offer plenty of opportunities for those who want to explore the island out of the peak season and have ample opportunities for biking and hiking.
A must-see place to visit on the island is Kartaromana Bay. Here, thermal springs gushing from beneath the ground have created wonderful healing oases all along the coast. The Eden Gardens thermal park is located nearby. And, of course, the Aragonese Castle, which symbolically adorns most of the souvenirs from the island of Ischia, will be a separate memorable experience for your vacation.
The town of Casamicciola (Casamicciola)
A very popular and peaceful place to stay on the island of Ischia, Italy. The local thermal springs are grouped together in the Castigliene Gardens park. It is a first-class resort, which is among the TOP most popular places for recovery on the island of Ischia.
The town of Lacco Ameno (Lacco Ameno)
The tiniest hideaway on the island of Ischia in Italy. Its colorful buildings attract lovers of picturesque intimate walks along the church of Santa Restituta to the local archaeological museum. The town also has its own thermal park, the Negombo Gardens, which offers wellness to anyone who wants to get away from the crowds.
The town of Forio
Ideal for those seeking a wide range of entertainment options to suit all ages. This is the largest point on the island, filled with restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and of course the unrivaled Poseidon's Gardens thermal park.
Fishing Village in Serrara
A seaside retreat right amidst the crowds. How so? Simply the romanticism of a village washed by the waves creates a location where you can both blend in with the crowd and be alone with your thoughts and feelings. Here you can wander the narrow streets endlessly, discovering unique miniature stores and places to grab a bite of the local cuisine. The area with the Tropical and Apollo and Aphrodite thermal parks allows you to enjoy the unique qualities of the island with some savings on accommodation.
Recommendations for comfortable stays on the island of Ischia, Italy
Of course, the choice of accommodation, from local offerings to luxury resorts, allows you to find the best value for your money. However, organized resorts will give you the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities without straying far, savor the best dishes of the island in Michelin-starred restaurants, and receive expert recommendations for wellness, including a tailor-made individual program, depending on your needs.
Albergo della Regina Isabella
The history of this excellent hotel on the island of Ischia is simply impressive. Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Clark Gable, and opera diva Maria Callas have been longtime guests at the health oasis of Albergo della Regina Isabella. The secluded location, with its miraculous views of the bay, allows you to increase your privacy and enjoy all the possible benefits of an island vacation.
The only thing that has remained unchanged about the spa is its hyperthermal lagoons (just fine); everything else has evolved with the times, taking on a simply fashionable look and incorporating a host of modern rejuvenation and wellness technologies into its water and mud treatments. Here you will experience a complete upgrade, starting from the energy level.
The Michelin-starred restaurant will also contribute to your wellness and saturate your body with all kinds of beneficial vitamins and minerals directly delivered to your body.
Albergo il Monastero
Staying within the walls of a castle itself allows the imagination to run free. At this stylish and luxurious resort, you can revitalize, enjoy, and explore the many pieces of art boldly dotted throughout the grounds. The rooms to stay in were once cells for monks, and their walls have been preserved. You won't get a very large space, simply furnished, but remember that the place is designed to maintain the feeling of uniqueness and historicity. The restaurant with a terrace under polygonal awnings offers a stunning view of the bay, where landscape therapy is a powerful weapon with which you can defeat all the imprints of a hectic life.
Mezzatorre Hotel
Luxury within luxury. Under the direction of Maria-Louise Schio, the hotel elevates happiness to idealistic heights, imbuing it with meaning, taste, color, and even aroma. With everything the hotel offers, there's no need to venture beyond its borders to fulfill your desires for an Italian vacation. Rejuvenate in the thermal waters, marvel at the views, indulge in the restaurant's culinary creations—because you'll definitely want to come back for more. Climb to the top of the cliff to experience the 16th-century watchtower; its Moorish style beckons many from across the shore. Stay here for the most unique accommodation and enjoy the Bay of Naples at sunrise and sunset without ever tearing your gaze away during the day.
What to do on the island of Ischia in Italy
Layer your itinerary with inspiring experiences, but don't try to cram everything into one trip—it's impossible.
Visit Castello Aragonese Castle
Immerse yourself in the history of these vibrant places in Italy with the famous and popular Castello Aragonese. Its walls and towers recall 474 BC. Oh gods, how did it survive? Thanks to Alfonso of Aragon, who had a special fondness for such structures in the 1400s, much of the fortress was excavated and restored. The surviving torture museum will horrify you, but this legacy very much characterizes the founder of the fortress, Geron I. Discover the Cathedral del Assunta. Its crypt dating back to the 11th century will present you with frescoes by Giotto.
Go beyond the fortress walls and you will find a modern restaurant scene, where the terraces of every establishment will offer you a panorama worth capturing.
Take a boat ride
To truly explore the island and see its impressive volume from all angles, take a pleasure boat moored along the rocky coastline. You'll find yourself in a world of hidden coves, wild secluded beaches, and fishing villages that live a life of their own.
Thermal and mineral springs
This is what you came for. If you choose not to stay at a resort where everything is already organized and included, you will still have a huge choice of locations for healing recovery. Just be sure to decide on a specific treatment goal first, as different springs and parks may specialize in different ailments from gout to arthritis. Among the more than 100 bubbling springs, there will be places of strength that will be ready to give your family a chance to recharge and find long-awaited happiness.
Vio Sorgeto - hot springs enclosed in stone baths that welcome all those seeking overall wellness.
Poseidon Thermal Gardens - a very popular location for swimming and relaxation.
Negombo Hydrothermal Park and Sorgeto are famous for their rejuvenating year-round pools and lush gardens that serve as proof of the large amount of minerals the water brings to the soil.
Kawaskura is a unique park of springs that have worked their way into the rocks. Their medicinal properties were enjoyed even by the ancient Romans.
Giardini La Mortella
A botanical wonder to be savored. All the senses are engaged as this miraculous garden is fragrant from bottom to top, and you will want to touch, smell, feel, see, hear, and enjoy. Take the whole day, as it's impossible to experience in just a couple of hours. There is also much to see and hear besides nature. Organized concerts and a museum add to the sounds of the garden and fill it with a fairy-tale atmosphere where only elves are missing, but who knows.
Climb Mount Epomeo
How you will do it is up to you. Guided tours or climbing on your own, but it's a must-do. You can't see the Amalfi coast and the Gulf of Naples like this anywhere else, except from a helicopter, and yet it's not the same. We can only suggest how to shorten the way a bit. Start your ascent in the village of Fontana and follow the paved paths and slightly steep trails just uphill; you can't go wrong. Your journey will be 2.5km upwards.
However, a guided climb can be not only safer but also much more educational, as experienced locals know every vent and unique twists and turns along the way.
A one-day excursion to Procida
Oh la la. The cultural gem of Europe is a must-see destination. Attractions such as the medieval village of Terra Murata, Palazzo d'Avalos, the Abbey of San Michele, and the unparalleled architecture with colorful narrow streets and winding alleys await you here.
Along the waterfront, you'll find wonderful, vibrant restaurants overlooking the bay. Stay until the evening to savor all the seafood delicacies and witness the breathtaking sunset from the terrace of one of the cafes.
Wine tasting in Ischia
Always try something new wherever you dine. This is how you'll discover the diversity of Ischia. Many vineyard tours are organized with tastings and sommeliers, allowing you to learn intriguing stories and legends associated with winemaking in Ischia.
Recommended Restaurants in Ischia, Italy
When it comes to dining and drinking on the island of Ischia, the options can be overwhelming. However, here are the establishments you can confidently visit when you see their sign. These are the most highly recommended restaurants on the island of Ischia, Italy.
La Grotta Epomeo Restaurant
While climbing Mount Epomeo, you can't miss this place. Grab a glass of wine if you're not hungry and enjoy the full drama from the restaurant's terrace.
La Bella Napoli
Located near the port of Forio, you'll find amazing pizza, among other dishes. It can be a bit crowded, but that only confirms the quality.
La Viña Di Alberto
Italian flavors on a hill near Barano. They know a lot about food and drink here, as it's the third generation running this restaurant.
Umberto A Mare
Take a seat on the terrace to add panoramic views to your Mediterranean dining experience. There's a wide selection of wines and a very intimate atmosphere.
La Scanella, Sant'Angelo
Disconnect your phone for a couple of hours in this authentic location in the heart of the island. A nature trail leads to the restaurant, and it serves as a separate relaxation spot where you can not only enjoy delicious cuisine but also take advantage of all the thermal benefits of the island.
Indaco Restaurant at the Regina Isabella Hotel
Perfect for special meetings and evenings. This luxurious on-site location will not only enchant you with the chef's Michelin-starred cuisine but also with life itself.
