On my second trip to Naples, I wanted to explore some new places I missed the first time around. That’s when I decided to visit Ischia. The photos made it look so cute and charming, but in reality? Even better! If you’re planning your next vacation, make sure Ischia is on your list.
Ischia is part of the Phlegraean Fields, a big volcanic area in the Bay of Naples, covering about 46 square kilometers. The island was formed by volcanic activity over millions of years, with the last big eruption happening in 1302 AD. This eruption, called the “Arso” eruption, left behind lava flows that you can still see today in some areas. Ischia is also known for its natural hot springs, the island’s volcanic activity heats the groundwater, creating natural hot springs that have been used for their therapeutic properties since ancient times.
How to reach Ischia?
We flew from Zagreb to Naples, and after a short flight, we were ready to find the airport shuttle. To do that, just exit the airport and walk straight ahead. The shuttle costs €5 and stops at both the central station and the port. Since we were heading to Ischia, we went straight to the ferry terminal at Molo Beverello. This is the main spot for catching ferries to the nearby islands like Capri, Ischia, and Procida, as well as coastal towns like Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.
You can check ferry schedules online, but it’s best to use services like Ferry Hopper, as Google Maps isn’t always accurate. Make sure to double-check which ticket counter you need and where the boarding area is located. At Molo Beverello, you can choose between fast ferries (hydrofoils, which have limited outdoor seating) or regular ferries (which have more seating and outdoor decks). The fast ferry takes about 50 minutes, and you’ll get to enjoy beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples on the way.
Where to stay in Ischia?
Ischia may be small, but it’s well-connected with public buses, making it easy to explore the island. A bus ride costs just €1.70. There are several charming towns to choose from, including Ischia Porto, Ischia Ponte, Forio, Sant’Angelo, and Casamicciola Terme. I’ll provide more details about these towns as you continue reading.
We chose to stay in Ischia Porto, the island’s largest town and main ferry port.
The hotel was clean and comfortable, and our package included breakfast.
One of the highlights was the hotel’s three thermal pools, including an indoor one, plus free access to the sauna, spa, and wellness facilities. Although the hotel wasn’t right on the beach, it was just a 10-minute walk away. The best part was the hotel’s private beach with sunbeds, so we didn’t have to worry about finding a spot to relax.
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I’ve also put together a list of other accommodation recommendations that you can check out here.
near the beach, this spot is ideal for picking up street food to enjoy by the shore. They offer pizza slices, arancini, croissants, tiramisu, sandwiches, and cannoli
I was searching for interesting bars to check in Ischia Porto and came across this bar. What really stood out was the unique menu experience. They handed me a box, and when I opened it, I found music cassettes inside. Each cassette represented a different cocktail, named after Neapolitan songs—it was such a cool concept! The cocktails were priced around €12.
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Since I was focused on resting, I didn’t make any specific plans for sightseeing in Ischia, especially since the island is more about relaxing on the beach. However, I’ll share a few must-see spots that you shouldn’t miss while you’re here.
Although Ischia Ponte is considered a separate town, it’s actually only about 2.5 km from Ischia Porto. You can either walk there or take a bus, which takes about 10 minutes. The heart of Ischia Ponte is filled with charming, narrow streets with pastel-colored houses, small boutiques, traditional restaurants, and cafes. It has preserved its old-world charm, making it an ideal place to wander, shop for local crafts, or enjoy a seaside meal. A must-see here is the iconic Aragonese Castle.
Aragonese Castle is built on a small island connected to Ischia by a causeway. The castle has been standing for over 2,000 years and offers spectacular views of the island and the sea. Over the centuries, the Aragonese Castle has served as a fortress, monastery, and royal residence. It was also a refuge for the island’s inhabitants during pirate raids and invasions.
Ideal for beach lovers and those wanting a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Close to the famous Poseidon Gardens (lovely thermal spa and garden complex) and several beautiful beaches.
Sant’Angelo is a charming, car-free fishing village that captures the essence of Mediterranean beauty. Its narrow, streets are lined with pastel-colored houses, boutiques, and seaside cafes, creating a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere. A narrow sand strip connects the main village to a rocky islet, offering stunning sea views and hidden beach spots. Sant’Angelo is also home to some of Ischia’s renowned thermal parks, like Tropical Thermal Park and Aphrodite Apollon, where you can swim in thermal pools and enjoy spa treatments.
Not far from Sant’Angelo, Maronti Beach is the biggest and one of the most beautiful beaches in Ischia, stretching about 3 kilometers along the coast. Surrounded by cliffs and green hills, it has soft, golden sand and clear blue water.
The beach also has natural hot springs and areas where the sand is warmed by volcanic heat. Maronti Beach has plenty of beach clubs with sunbeds and cafes, but there are also free areas if you want to bring your own towel and umbrella.
The entrance fee is 20 euros, but it includes a drink coupon. With great DJs and an amazing party vibe, it’s a perfect spot to experience how Italians really know how to party. And don’t miss the stunning sunsets you can see from the beach!
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What to Eat and How Much It Costs in Ischia
Here, you can enjoy a variety of Italian dishes, from pizza and arancini to cannoli and pasta. One special treat unique to this part of Italy is “Babà” – a soft, sponge cake soaked in rum syrup, often topped with whipped cream or fruit. Despite what many people think, Ischia is quite affordable. Prices are similar to those in Naples: a pizza costs between 6 and 12 euros, seafood dishes are around 15 euros, and an Aperol Spritz is 5 euros. Street food like pizza slices and arancini ranges from 2 to 5 euros, while croissants are about 1.50 euros and coffee is 1.60 euros. It’s an ideal spot to visit without spending a lot of money.
When to visit the island?
The best times to visit Ischia are late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October), when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller. The summer months (July and August) are peak season, ideal for beach enthusiasts, but they can be quite crowded and hot. Early September in Ischia is packed with Italians, not so much with international tourists.
I chatted with some locals, and they mentioned that lately, the island has been seeing more American visitors, thanks to the popularity of My Brilliant Friend. That’s the TV show based on Elena Ferrante’s novel, which is set in Ischia. In the show and the book, Ischia is portrayed as a vacation spot for the characters Elena and Lila, and it plays a key role in their personal stories.
What I absolutely loved about this place was the relaxed Italian vibe. After just one day, I felt completely at home, as if it were a spot I had been visiting every summer for years. Leaving Ischia was bittersweet, but our next adventure awaited on the mainland.
My name is Tea 🫖, a Macedonian expat who has been calling Ljubljana, Slovenia, home for the past nine years. With a passion for traveling and a heart full of wanderlust, I am always on the move, ready to explore new places and try delightful cuisines —truly a self-proclaimed hedonist at heart. 🗺️
My mantra? La vita è bella" or "Life is beautiful." The joy hides in life's tiny treasures, in those simple, magical moments we often overlook. Whether it's trying a new dish, exploring a hidden gem, or simply sharing a laugh with friends, I believe that happiness lies in the everyday moments. 🧸🎀
I really enjoy organizing trips. My friends often joke about how much I plan every little detail, but when you're visiting a place, you want to make the most of your time, right? My travel expertise spans from curating detailed itineraries to recommending must-visit spots. So, if you don't like planning but love traveling, I can help you out. Just ask me for advice on museums, good places to eat, wine bars, or even secret bars!
I know Ljubljana and its surroundings intimately, but my recommendations extend beyond Slovenia. I can offer my expertise from experiences in Europe (Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Italy), Asia (Thailand: Bangkok and Phuket; Bali, Kuala Lumpur), and Africa (Egypt, Tunisia, Zanzibar).
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