Ischia

The Basics

Travelers visit the island of Ischia, the largest in the Gulf of Naples, to relax in the thermal spas, explore the 21 miles (34 kilometers) of coastline, hike the peak of Mt. Epomeo, and dine at its waterfront restaurants. You can tour Ischia island by sea on a boat tour that also stops at the tiny island of Procida nearby or by land on a food and wine tasting tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• A day trip to Ischia is perfect for a beach break or a relaxing soak in the thermal baths.

• If you join a walking tour of the island, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunblock.

• The scenery on Ischia is particularly beautiful, so it's worth packing your camera.

How to Get There

Ischia is located off the coast of Campania, and you can take a ferry from Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast to the island's main town of Ischia Porto in about an hour, making it an easy day trip.

When to Get There

Ischia can be very crowded in summer between June and September, so spring and fall—when the weather is warm but the crowds have yet to arrive—are the best times to visit.

Beach Views on Ischia

There are a number of lovely beaches along the coast—the most famous include Sant'Angelo below Serrara Fontana, Maronti Beach near Barano d'Ischia, and Citara near Panza. The imposing 15th-century Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese) at Ischia Ponte and the English-style La Mortella Gardens in Forio are also popular attractions. Ischia is also close enough to the coast of southern Italy to offer lovely views along the coastline and over Mt. Vesuvius.

Is Ischia worth going to?

Yes, Ischia is worth visiting. Among the three islands in the Bay of Naples—Capri and Procida are the others—Ischia is the largest and usually more affordable. In addition, it has beautiful beaches, relatively fewer tourists, and is known for natural thermal springs and spa resorts.

How many days do you need in Ischia?

Three days is ideal for visiting Ischia. The island is larger than Capri and has multiple towns worth visiting, from Ischia Porto and Forio along the north coast to Sant’Angelo in the south. Three days is enough to explore these towns and beaches, hiking trails, hot springs, and historical sites.

Why is Ischia famous?

Ischia is most famous for its thermal springs, which have been popular since the days of ancient Greece—if not earlier. The island is also known for beautiful beaches, underrated hiking trails, and the Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese), which lies on an islet connected to the island via a stone bridge.

What is the best time of year to visit Ischia?

The best time to visit Ischia is from April to June and September to October. These times avoid the sweltering heat of midsummer but are often still warm enough for swimming. Visiting during Easter, Christmas, and religious festivals, such as the Festival of St. John in June, is ideal for experiencing local lifestyle.

What types of tours can you do of Ischia?

You can take many kinds of tours in Ischia, but most focus on water sports, sampling local wines and cuisine, and visiting beaches, the Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese), and picturesque fishing villages. You can also take boating excursions around the island or to Capri, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast.

Is Ischia as beautiful as Capri?

You know the phrase, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That said, Ischia is not considered as beautiful as Capri, but it has its own charms. While glitzy Capri is luxurious and perfectly manicured, Ischia is down-to-earth. Unlike Capri, it features natural hot springs and underrated hiking trails.

Ways to explore

Day trips to Ischia generally depart from Naples or Sorrento and can include round-trip transfers by public ferry or private speedboat. Tour by land to take in highlights including the Castello Aragonese, La Mortella Gardens (Giardini La Mortella), and pretty coastal towns from the main Ischia Porto to tiny Sant’Angelo. Day trips generally include time to sample the island’s traditional cuisine, soak in the natural thermal baths, or relax on one of its many beaches. Some full-day Ischia boat tours also stop at the tiny neighboring island of Procida.

Accessibility

Not all Ischia tours by land and sea are accessible to people with limited mobility; confirm before booking.

Age limits

Some spas on Ischia have a minimum age for kids to use the thermal pools.

What to pack

Swimwear if visiting the beach or thermal baths, camera, water bottle

What to wear

Hat and sunscreen, comfortable shoes, hiking gear if exploring the trails

Not allowed

Visitors must wear a swimsuit at all times while visiting the thermal spas; there are no nudist spas on the island.

Amenities

Restaurants, shops, beaches, hot springs

Address 

Ischia is off the coast of Campania. Take a ferry from Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast to Ischia Porto in about an hour for an easy day trip. You'll want to rent a vehicle, use public transportation, or book a tour with transportation, given the island's size.

Driving

Some ferries can accommodate vehicles. Alternatively, rent a car or scooter once you disembark at Ischia Porto. Expect snarled traffic and limited parking in summer.

Public transportation

Take the ferry from Naples, Sorrento, or Capri to Ischia Porto. After disembarking, purchase tickets for the EAV local bus—the 198 CS (Circolare Sinistra) and 197 CD (Circolare Destra) circle the island, stopping at towns and sights along the way.

Best times to visit

Set off in the morning to enjoy a full day on Ischia exploring its sights, hot springs, and beaches.

Best days to visit

The island brims with visitors on the weekends, especially in summer. Visit Monday through Thursday to avoid the throngs.

Best months to visit

This island destination is at its busiest from June through September, while the spring and fall offer beach-worthy weather without the high-season crowds.

Special events

The island’s most famous annual event is the Feast of St. Anne on August 1, marked with a boat procession and fireworks in Ischia Ponte.