Citara Beach (Spiaggia di Citara)
Forio, Italy, 80075
Head south from the town of Forio on the west side of Ischia, pass through Via Giovanni Mazzella, and Citara Beach comes gloriously into view. Among the longest and widest stretches of sand on an island that isn’t exactly a beach lightweight, Citara is also home to the Poseidon Garden Baths, full of thermal pools with volcanic waters thought to be therapeutic.
The basics
With its thermal baths and spacious sand bed, Citara is a popular destination. You can easily visit from anywhere in the area (the nearest towns are Forio and Panza) and even take kayak tours from Forio, but keep in mind that Ischia is the largest island in the Bay of Naples. It’s time-consuming to reach the beach from the main port without wheels—if you can, take a ferry to the Port of Forio.
Only part of the beach is “open” to the public; during the high season, access to most of the beach must go through paid beach clubs. Combo admission tickets for the Poseidon Garden Baths sometimes include tickets for the Naples–Ischia hydrofoil ferry.
Things to know before you go
Citara Beach is ideal for travelers looking for larger, classic beaches on Ischia—or thermal baths.
The beach is lined with cafés, restaurants, and beach clubs, which rent beach chairs and umbrellas.
Find the “free” parts of the beach open to the public at the north and south ends of the beach.
How to get there
To reach Citara Beach from Ischia's main port, take an EAV bus (route CS, CD, #1, or #2) to Forio, then transfer to bus line #21 or #22, or walk 10-15 minutes south to the beach. The trip takes 40–50 minutes by bus, while taking a cab or driving yourself can take 20–25 minutes. Another option is to rent a scooter and take a scenic ride on two wheels.
When to get there
Ischia’s tourist season typically starts after Easter and runs through October; during the height of summer, Citara Beach can quickly swell with crowds of tourists and vacationing locals alike. Though Ischia isn’t comparable as a hot spot to Capri, if you visit in May or after the first week of September you’ll have a quieter time.
How to visit the Poseidon Garden Baths
The Poseidon Garden Baths on Ischia are one of the main draws of Citara Beach. Here, there are gardens and 22 thermal swimming and bathing pools of various temperatures. The baths are typically open daily from April to October; passes purchased on-site grant full-day access, and are pricier in July, August, and September.
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