Among the wonders of the Italian coast, the volcanic island of Ischia stands out like a peaceful jewel on the shores of the Mediterranean. Nicknamed the Green Island, it forms a trio in the Gulf of Naples, along with Procida and Capri. Want to escape the hustle and bustle of Naples? This is the perfect place, even if the island is particularly popular in summer. From beaches and nature to thermal baths and charming fishing villages, get ready for a dream holiday. The lush vegetation plunges you into an exotic green world, promising an idyllic getaway. Let's discover the 15 must-do things to do in Ischia.
1. Stroll through Ischia's colorful alleyways
Ischia is one of the must-sees on the Amalfi Coast, not least for the beauty of its colorful town center. It's a delight to stroll leisurely from one colorful alley to the next. Restaurants, craft stores and other producers punctuate this stroll of discovery. Your walk takes you to one of the island's three ports:
- Ischia Porto,
- Forio,
- Casamicciola Terme.
Indulge in the Italian dolce vita! And if you'd like to learn more about Ischia's history, we recommend booking this guided boat tour of Ischia .
2. Walking on Ischia's nature trails
In addition to its lively town center, Ischia has a number of beautiful natural discoveries in store for you. There are many walking and hiking trails on this pretty piece of land:
- From Campagnano to Schiappone: suitable for intermediates, this 7-kilometer hike takes just over two hours.
- From the port of Ischia to Fondo d'Oglio: a lovely shady stroll through the heart of Cretaio's vegetation.
- Piano Liguori : an easy loop, starting from a convenient parking lot, with views of Capri and the Aragonese castle.
As beautiful as they are accessible, all these walks offer superb views. Get your cameras ready!
3. What to do in Ischia Visit the Castello Aragonese
We were just talking about it: Ischia's Castello Aragonese is your historic visit to the island! Perched 113 metres above the sea, it is linked to the island of Ischia by a bridge. More than a fortress, you're visiting a citadel with its houses, churches and agricultural areas. In the past, the island's inhabitants took refuge here from invaders. Conquered by many peoples over the years, it ended up in the hands of the Aragonese, who turned it into a castle. In addition to the historical tour of Castello Aragonese, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Ischia, Capri, Vivara, Procida and Naples. Who knows, maybe this will inspire you to take a few days off to visit Naples next time!
4. Forio, Italian authenticity
Head for the slopes of Mount Epomeo, between Punta Caruso and Punta Imperatore. Here you'll find one of Ischia's most charming towns: Forio, the town of many facets. You'll find everything in Forio, from thermal baths to beaches and splendid gardens. We'd like to share a few surprises with you in this article. If you're looking for a complete place to put your suitcases, Forio sounds perfect! In addition to the magnificent gardens and spa areas, we invite you to admire the dome of San Gaetano church, as well as the Tower and church of Soccorsole.
5. Mortella Gardens, an enchanting setting in southern Italy
The Mortella Gardens are one of Forio's jewels. To set foot in this haven of peace is to indulge in a pure moment of disconnection from the real world. Indeed, here there seems to be a hint of an imaginary world, somewhere between jungle and rainforest. The 3-storey Giardini della Mortella were built by composer William Walton and Susana Walton around their home on the island of Ischia. Considered one of the world's finest botanical gardens, it features palms, giant water lilies and other exotic plants by the thousands. There's no doubt that this is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ischia!
6. Bathing on Ischia's beaches
Take advantage of your vacation on the island of Ischia to bask on one of its dream beaches. Among the most beautiful, we can recommend :
- San Montano beach: located in Lacco Ameno, it has a free public section and a section belonging to the thermal park.
- Cartaromana beach: close to Ischia Porto, it benefits from the advantages of the town center. Its natural hot springs are a pure pleasure!
- San Francesco beach: a small stretch of sand near Forio.
- Chiaia beach: quieter than the island's other beaches, without being far from the town center. Bonus: a beautiful view of the surrounding cliffs!
Marina dei Maronti beach, near Sant'Angelo, is also worth a visit. Unlike the towns of Sorrento and Positano - one of Italy's most beautiful villages - the island of Ischia has many free beaches! Take advantage of them if you take a boat trip to the island from one of these two coastal towns on the Amalfi coast.
7. The legend of Grotta del Mago
On the south-east coast of the island of Ischia, before Punta San Pancrazio, lies the Grotta del Mago. This small cave was once used by fishermen as a refuge from the rain. Today, it's one of the most visited spots on the island! Legend has it that fishermen spotted an old bearded giant wearing a hat. At the same time, strange voices and three beautiful damsels appeared. A miracle! After the rain, the fishing was much better. That's all it took to attribute the miracle to the wizard with the hat who had appeared a short time before.
A favored site of ancient solar cults, the grotto has also fascinated visitors since the XXᵉ century for its silvery phosphorescence. So many good reasons to visit!
8. Relax in the thermal baths of Negombo Park
Here you are in the heart of the island's most beautiful spa! Parc Negombo, bordered by the botanical garden, is located in the serene bay of San Montano. This haven of peace and well-being is the perfect place to find some much-deserved peace and quiet. From the thermal pools to the steam baths and the wellness trail, everything is based on the use of Ischia's natural thermal waters. Each pool offers different temperatures and properties, so that everyone can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the waters.
Good to know: the park also offers massages and treatments in its spa, to complete your moment of relaxation on the island of Ischia.
9. Take a boat trip on the Mediterranean
It's possible to set off from Ischia on day-long boat excursions. Some offer trips around the island, with diving, swimming and lunch on the menu. You'll find all kinds of sea outings at all prices. This is the ideal opportunity to discover Capri, Procida, Positano or Sorrento. A boat trip from Ischia will allow you to admire some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Mediterranean, between land and sea. Some of these are done by motorboat, but many visitors also enjoy the charm of a sailboat trip.
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10. What to do in Ischia Hiking on Monte Epomeo
All the beauty of the Amalfi coast is revealed to you from Monte Epomeo. To deserve it, you'll have to climb to the top of the island's highest peak... a mere 788 meters. Make your way to Fontana, Ischia's highest village perched at an altitude of 500 metres, to begin your ascent. You won't have to exert yourself much longer, I promise! A dirt track winds its way up Monte Epomeo until you reach the summit. A magnificent view of the whole island awaits you: it's well worth the effort! At the very top, a restaurant promises good food for brave hikers.
Would you like to explore the "wild" side of Ischia? We recommend booking this guided trekking tour of Ischia: an exclusive, tailor-made experience!
11. Visit the fishing village of Sant'Angelo
Ischia is the largest of the Phlegrean islands, including Capri and Procida, renowned for its thermal waters. Yes, here too, thermal baths are the order of the day! Tropical plants, vines and other lush vegetation have found their place in Sant'Angelo, a little paradise made in Italy. This pretty piece of land also welcomes you to its magnificent beach, from which a gentle steam escapes. Yes, it does! These fumes are due tounderground volcanic activity, which is very strong in the region. From the charm of its beaches to its thermal baths and its natural beauty, Sant'Angelo is a great place to spend a weekend or a week's vacation.
12. Sorgeto Bay, Ischia's unusual hidden treasure
More thermal baths, and not the least! Here, the hot springs flow directly into the sea. This astonishing mix of hot (up to 37°) and cold water attracts crowds eager for an unusual experience. The small natural pools offer a sense of well-being like no other. Accessible via Panza, a small hamlet in Forio, this den of relaxation has to be earned: 250 steps, offering a magnificent panoramic view.
Don't forget in the evening, at sunset, the place is absolutely magical. The shimmering colors illuminate the bay with a magical aura - a must-see!
13. Casamicciola Terme, between relaxation and sightseeing
It's all in the title: yes, there are thermal baths in Casamicciola Terme! Located to the north of the island of Ischia, this small commune on the Amalfi coast is renowned for its thermal treatments and beautiful beaches. A must-see is the 17th-century Pio Monte della Misericordia. In the past, the building was used for charitable purposes. You can also visit theformer geophysical observatory, built in 1885, which houses an interesting museum with a superb view. Marina beach, close to the harbour, attracts families. For hot springs (yes, you've been waiting for them!), head for Bagnitiello beach, where thermal treatments are available. To take your well-being even further, head to the Castiglione thermal park.
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14. Giardini Ravino, the gardens of 1001 cacti
A real favorite at Forio! Succulents are king at Giardini Ravino, where many species of cactus flourish. The shapes and colors will sweep you away in a whirlwind of wonder. Created by Giuseppe D'Ambra and his family, these lush gardens cover 6,000 m². Their aim? To harmonize plants, animals and visitors. And they succeeded! Even the white peacocks stroll serenely through this den dedicated to cacti, bonsai, fruit trees and other aromatic and medicinal plants.
Unusual: at Giardini Ravino, you can admire a rare species of tree: the "Wollemi Pine".
In summer, don't miss the classical and jazz concerts that create a magical atmosphere under the stars in this unique setting.
15. Enjoy typical Campania cuisine
Did you think that fish had pride of place on a Mediterranean island? Wrong! In Ischia, against all odds, it's rabbit that's cooked in 1001 ways. The traditional Ischitan recipe is Coniglio all'Ischitana, a dish based on rabbit, bucatini pasta, parsley or basil and parmesan (lots of it!). Sausage with friarielli, a vegetable made from the first shoots of broccoli root, is another succulent specialty to try in Campania. Finally, gnocchi alla sorrentina come from the town of Sorrento. They are cooked with a tomato basil sauce, adding a succulent Mediterranean touch to this typically Italian dish.
If you're looking for an authentic experience, we recommend you book a cooking class with a local chef: you'll learn the secrets of some of the most famous dishes in the region's cuisine, and enjoy the fruits of your labor accompanied by local wines.
You can also book a wine tasting in Ischia which combines breathtaking scenery, exquisite wines and carefully selected pairings of fine cheeses and cured meats.
Go even further with our 20 Italian culinary specialties! And to round off the meal, try rucolino, an arugula-based spirit, in moderation: a truly unusual drink, just the way you like it on a foreign getaway!
Where to stay in Ischia?
For a week's vacation or a romantic weekend away, Ischia is a dream destination. Ideally, you should check into a hotel close to one of the three harbors, to minimize the need for cabs. Forio, with its many points of interest, is also an ideal location.
- The best location
Located close to the ferry terminal, the beach and the Aragonese castle, Hotel Ulisse offers comfortable rooms with contemporary decor. Click here to book this beautiful, affordable establishment with swimming pool.
- The most unusual
Staying in a castle is possible at theAlbergo Il Monastero, located within the Castello Aragonese. Click here to book this authentic address, with its incredible view over Ischia.
- The best value for money
Set down your suitcases in a small Mediterranean haven of peace, atHotel Don Felipe. You'll enjoy a magnificent view of the sea and the Aragonese Castle, as well as a quiet green garden and swimming pool. A simple, yet complete and affordable address, bookable right here.
What to see around Ischia
Imposing its supremacy throughout Campania, Vesuvius is a must-see during your stay in Italy. Guided tours are available to discover this fiery monster. Here's our advice on how to climb Mount Vesuvius safely.
Visiting this area also means getting to know the two towns that suffered most from its destructive eruption. Don't hesitate to read our tips for visiting Pompeii from top to bottom. Although the city has been destroyed, it is still possible to admire houses, buildings and frescoes from the past. Less well known, but just as fascinating, isHerculaneum, also worth a visit near Vesuvius. Still frozen by the ashes, Herculaneum gives us an idea of the splendor of this Roman city, as it has been a little better preserved than Pompeii.
Take advantage of your vacation to visit Naples during your stay in Ischia. From the Carthusian monastery of San Martino to the Castel dell'Ovo, the city navigates between past and present with a special charm. In fact, Naples is one of Italy's 10 "must-visit" cities, where you'll be able to keep up with the hustle and bustle.
In a completely different style, don't leave Ischia without visiting its nearby surroundings: Capri, Procida, Positano and Sorrento.
What to do and see in Ischia in 2 days?
The island of Ischia is only 46.3 km² in size, so it's possible to see most of it in just two days. Follow the guide!
Day 1: Porto d'Ischia to Negombo Park
The day begins at the port of Ischia, from where you'll stroll through the narrow streets of the town center. After a generous Italian-style meal, head for Negombo Park, around 25 minutes away. Nearby Lacco Ameno welcomes you to its colorful streets and beautiful beaches. But the highlight is the thermal park, where you can enjoy the wellness-generating hot springs. The day ends at the Giardini la Mortella, whose splendor will leave you speechless..
Please note if you insist on visiting the Aragonese castle, you may have to cancel one of the afternoon tours.
Ideally, plan a three-day weekend to include the castle and Monte Epomeo.
Day 2: Forio and the Giardini Ravino
Your second day in Ischia is spent in Forio. Beautiful thermal baths and beaches await you in this 1001-faceted town. The narrow streets of Forio are pure enchantment, where you can enjoy a stroll, an Italian pizza and an ice cream. Finally, don't miss a visit to the Giardini Ravino, where the cacti and other succulent plants plunge you into an incredibly beautiful green enchantment.
So when is the best time to visit this wonderful island in the Gulf of Naples? The island of Ischia is an ideal destination for travel in April, to combine fine weather and pleasant temperatures. It's also less crowded than in midsummer. Would you also like to enjoy the surrounding area? Visit Ischia and the surrounding area on a long weekend in May! Italy's boot country is full of surprises, as these 27 must-sees prove. From its towns and villages to its beaches, wonder is everywhere.
Book ahead below for the hottest things to do on the island of Ischia:
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