Ischia
Lush volcanic island famed for its therapeutic thermal springs, beautiful beaches, and charming villages, offering a tranquil Italian escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Ischia
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lush volcanic island famed for its therapeutic thermal springs, beautiful beaches, and charming villages, offering a tranquil Italian escape.
"Ischia is a true hidden gem, perfect for relaxation and authentic Italian charm without the Amalfi Coast crowds."
🚗 Getting Around by Bus
Buses are efficient and cover the whole island. Buy tickets before boarding and stamp them!
💰 Taxis Can Be Pricey
Taxis are available but can add up quickly. Consider buses or local car rentals for budget-friendly travel.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Poseidon Thermal Gardens
Citara Bay
Immerse yourself in a stunning complex of 22 thermal pools with breathtaking sea views. Pure relaxation awaits!
Sant'Angelo Village
Southern tip of Ischia
A charming, car-free fishing village with picturesque streets and stunning coastal vistas. A must-see!
Negombo Thermal Park
San Montano Bay
An 'adult water park' with numerous pools, baths, and caves, all naturally heated by volcanic activity.
Aragonese Castle
Ischia Ponte
Explore this historic castle perched on a rocky islet, offering panoramic views of the island and sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Travel Made Easy
Embrace the Thermal Springs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Getting Around by Bus
Buses are efficient and cover the whole island. Buy tickets before boarding and stamp them! +1
💰 Taxis Can Be Pricey
Taxis are available but can add up quickly. Consider buses or local car rentals for budget-friendly travel.
🍽️ Dinner Reservations
Make dinner reservations, especially for popular restaurants, as they fill up quickly.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Consider bringing water shoes for some thermal parks, as there can be sponge-like elements.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Getting Around by Bus
Buses are efficient and cover the whole island. Buy tickets before boarding and stamp them! +1
💰 Taxis Can Be Pricey
Taxis are available but can add up quickly. Consider buses or local car rentals for budget-friendly travel.
🍽️ Dinner Reservations
Make dinner reservations, especially for popular restaurants, as they fill up quickly.
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Consider bringing water shoes for some thermal parks, as there can be sponge-like elements.
☀️ Midday Closures
Many shops close between 1 PM and 5 PM. Plan your shopping for evenings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ischia is widely praised as a beautiful and relaxing volcanic island, offering a more authentic and less crowded Italian experience compared to the Amalfi Coast. Visitors rave about its thermal spas, stunning beaches, and charming villages, though some note that taxis can be expensive and reservations are recommended for popular restaurants.
"It is a beautiful island with a lot of attractions. We got there with our catamaran and stayed for one full day. We traveled all around island with scooters which make it even nicer experience."
Wojciech Tworek
"I spent a day in Ischia and I wish I could stay longer. When I went, I took a speed boat for about hour and regular furry took me at least 2 hours to come back to Naples. The Island is so unique and gorgeous, tons of wonderful places to go but I only had one day. I paid a cap to take me around the island. It was good to have a local as a guide and know what place to go. Beaches is extremely beautiful. The view from the top of the mountain is even better. Houses, buildings, street and all nature are stunning, looks like I'm in heaven. Suggesting: enjoy the island more then a day if you have time."
Melissa Naja
"A nearby island to Capri. Much less crowded but also downscale. No designer shops here. Just plain and simple. The food is still wonderful and the beaches are plentiful. Just don’t expect the “ luxury “ experience of Capri. More like Napoli comes to the beach."
Jimmy Berg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Ischia is by taking a ferry from Naples. Ferries depart from Molo Beverello and Porta di Massa. The journey typically takes about 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the type of ferry. Apps like Ferryhopper can help you book tickets in advance. +1
Ischia has a good bus system that connects most towns and attractions. Tickets must be purchased before boarding and stamped. Taxis are also available but can be expensive. Renting a car is an option, but parking can be challenging. +2
Yes, it's quite easy to get around Ischia using the public bus system. Buses are reasonably regular and reach most key areas. +1
Absolutely! Ischia is a popular day trip destination from Naples and Sorrento. You can take a ferry directly to the island. Some recommend it as a less crowded alternative to the Amalfi Coast. +1
You can arrive at Porto d'Ischia or Forio. Porto d'Ischia is the main port and has a central bus station. Forio is on the west side of the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day passes for thermal parks like Poseidon Gardens can range around €30-€40 per person, with some offering discounts for multiple days. Negombo can be around €30-€35. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official websites. +1
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
Opening hours vary by attraction and season. Thermal parks typically open in the morning and close in the late afternoon or early evening. It's advisable to check the specific hours for each site you plan to visit. Negombo closes for the season around early October, while Poseidon stays open later.
Most beaches in Ischia are free to access. However, some private beaches or beach clubs may charge for loungers and umbrellas.
Yes, many visitors find day passes to thermal parks like Poseidon or Negombo to be well worth the cost for a full day of relaxation and enjoyment. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the Poseidon Thermal Gardens, Negombo Thermal Park, the charming village of Sant'Angelo, and the historic Aragonese Castle. Exploring the island's beautiful beaches like Maronti and Citara is also highly recommended. +4
Popular beaches include Maronti Beach (known for its length and thermal springs), Citara Beach (near Poseidon Gardens), and Cava dell'Isola (a lively beach near Forio).
Yes, many thermal parks offer day passes, allowing visitors to enjoy the thermal pools and facilities even if they are not guests of a hotel. +2
Forio is a great base with access to beaches like Citara and Cava dell'Isola, the beautiful Giardini La Mortella botanical gardens, and excellent pizzerias.
Ischia is generally considered less crowded and more budget-friendly than the Amalfi Coast, making it a great alternative for a more relaxed Italian island experience. +2
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ischian cuisine features fresh seafood, local produce, and delicious pasta dishes. Don't miss trying the island's famous pizza and local wines. 
Pizzeria Di Meglio in Forio is highly recommended by locals and visitors for its delicious pizza. +1
Yes, it's highly recommended to make dinner reservations, especially for popular restaurants, as they can get very busy.
Dinner service usually starts around 8:30 PM and can go late into the evening. Many kitchens close in the afternoon before reopening for dinner. +1
Yes, many thermal parks have on-site restaurants or cafes. Additionally, there are often dining options available in the nearby towns.
📸 📸 Photography
The Aragonese Castle, the charming streets of Sant'Angelo, the panoramic views from the thermal parks, and the colorful houses of Procida (a nearby island often visited with Ischia) are all incredibly photogenic.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for capturing the island's landscapes and architecture. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the vibrant colors of the thermal parks.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone to avoid fines or confiscation. Generally, flying over populated areas or private property without permission is prohibited.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for landscapes and village shots. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive thermal parks and coastal views. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing skies and water.
Many travelers rave about the views from the Aragonese Castle and the picturesque alleys of Sant'Angelo. The coastal roads also offer stunning photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the spas, Ischia boasts beautiful beaches such as Maronti and Citara, which are great for swimming and playing. Exploring the Aragonese Castle can also be an exciting adventure for kids, sparking their imagination with tales of knights and history. The island's generally relaxed pace and the availability of family-friendly eateries make it a stress-free choice for a family vacation.
💰 Budget Travelers
While some thermal parks can be pricey, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for potentially lower prices or looking for deals on multi-day passes. Eating at local pizzerias and trattorias, rather than high-end restaurants, will also help keep food costs down. Staying in apartments or guesthouses outside the most touristy areas can also offer more affordable accommodation options.
couples
Explore the picturesque Sant'Angelo village, wander hand-in-hand through its narrow streets, and enjoy a sunset dinner with breathtaking sea views. A boat excursion around the island provides intimate moments and spectacular coastal vistas. Consider a stay at a boutique hotel with sea views for an extra touch of romance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Ischia's Thermal Wonders
Two of the most popular thermal parks are Poseidon Gardens and Negombo. Poseidon Gardens, located in Citara Bay, boasts 22 pools of varying temperatures, hydro-massage jets, and direct access to the sea. Negombo, situated in San Montano Bay, offers a more exotic setting with lush gardens, a variety of pools, and artistic installations. Both provide a perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation, with many visitors extending their stay just to revisit them.
Beyond the large parks, smaller 'terme' (hot springs) and natural pools can be found, some with historical significance like Nitrodi Springs, known for its curative properties since Roman times. When visiting, consider wearing water shoes as some areas might have natural elements underfoot.
Navigating Ischia: Transport and Getting Around
Once on the island, the public bus system is your most reliable and budget-friendly option. Buses connect all the main towns and attractions, and while they can get crowded, they are quite efficient. Remember to purchase tickets before boarding from tabaccherias or kiosks and validate them once on the bus. Inspectors are common.
Taxis are readily available at ports and in towns, but they can be expensive, with fares often around €40 for longer distances. For those seeking more freedom, car rentals are available, but be prepared for narrow, winding roads and challenging parking situations. Scooters are also an option for the more adventurous.
Ischia's Culinary Delights
No visit to the Naples region is complete without indulging in pizza, and Ischia is no exception. Pizzerias like Di Meglio in Forio are frequently praised for their authentic and flavorful pizzas. Beyond pizza, explore local specialties such as 'coniglio all'ischitana' (Ischian-style rabbit) and dishes featuring the island's renowned tomatoes and peppers.
When dining out, it's wise to make reservations, particularly for dinner, as popular spots fill up quickly. Many restaurants observe a midday break, closing between lunch and dinner service. Enjoying an 'aperitivo' with a view is also a popular local pastime.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit