The third largest island in Italy, this quiet refuge away from mass tourism should top your list when visiting the South of Italy. Known for natural hot springs, rich volcanic soil for winemaking, and excellent local food. 

Ischia, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy

Idyllic Ischia 🐚

Ischia has 19,000 residents that live there year-round, so it's possible to visit even in winter. My favorite months to visit Ischia are May and September. Beach clubs are open and there are fewer crowds. Of course, in high season (June - August), it is still pleasant enough if you can withstand the humidity. 

Arrival to Ischia is by ferry. You must book your tickets in advance, especially during high season. It is also possible to bring a car aboard the ferry, although parking is limited. There are three different ports in Ischia to arrive into: Ischia Porto, the largest, and Casamicciola and Forio. From Naples, you can leave from Napoli Molo Beverello and also from Puzzuoli, a town a bit north of Napoli. 

Be mindful that when there is rain and wind, only the large boat from MedMar goes from Puzzuoli. You can compare ferry schedules and prices on websites like Direct Ferries, as there are different private ferry companies like MedMar, Caremar, SNAV, and AliLaura to choose from.

It takes about 1-2 hours to drive all the way around the island. The most expensive way to get around the island is by taxi. Make sure to get an estimate of fare before leaving, as somehow the meters seem to run inordinately high. 

Volcanic soil and sunny weather make for great-tasting wine. Get to know the common Ischian grapes like Biancolello.

Ischia is full of seafood! Pasta with clams and mussels, anchovies, and sardines are all excellent things to try when staying on Ischia.

If you feel comfortable and are experienced, riding a scooter is an excellent way to get around the island, and can be rented for as low as 20 euro per day if reserved in advance. Most of the port stops have rental options. We have used Siba in the past and it was great. You can reserve the bikes online.

There is also a public bus around the island, although in summer months can be crowded. Website is here: https://www.eavsrl.it/orari-autobus/ 

A great way to see a lot of the island is to take a boat tour from one of the ferry ports. There are many options on Trip Advisor.

There is a nice hike to do on top of Ischia's peak, Epomeo. There is a restaurant at the top that serves excellent rabbit.

Taking a boat tour around Ischia is a great way to see Sorgeto, a beach with access to natural hot springs, or as the locals call it, "free hot ocean". 

You can also ask the boat to drop you off at Eden or Gardenia for lunch. You will be picked up via water taxi! 

The town of Forio is very cute to walk around, grab gelato, and bop into some shops. You can also visit the famous church below.

Another cute town with good gelato spots. 

Did you know that Ischia has several natural thermal water and springs? In fact, the bnb I stayed at heat the house in the winter using thermal water.  You can experience the thermal water at several spots in the ocean during a boat trip around the island, like in the Bay of Sorgeto (also accessible by land). Several beach clubs also have created thermal pools and spas that are well integrated with the landscape and have amble space to rest and relax. 

I also recommend a visit and walk around this botanical garden. 

Poseidon

Negombo

Giardino Eden

Gardenia Mare - Beach Club and Fish Restaurant Ischia

CasaLora

Hotel Villa Tre Sorelle

La Locanda di Vito

Antica Fattoria Greca Chiarito

Seasons Lounge Bar & Restaurant

Giardini la Mortella

Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa

Thermal Center or 'Vagnitiello

Ristorante La Grotta da Fiore

Chiesa del Soccorso

Spadara Bistrò

Ristorante Deus Neptunus Ischia

Casa D'Ambra - Forio -Panza

Cenatiempo Vini D'Ischia

Siba Rent Noleggio Scooter Ischia

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Idyllic Ischia 🐚

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