Ischia - aerial view of houses near body of water
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Ischia

4.9
·132 reviews·Marina Grande, Italy

Ischia, a volcanic island in the Bay of Naples, Italy, famed for its thermal spas, lush gardens, and charming villages. A true Mediterranean gem.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Ischia - aerial view of houses near body of water

Ischia

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ischia, a volcanic island in the Bay of Naples, Italy, famed for its thermal spas, lush gardens, and charming villages. A true Mediterranean gem.

4.9
(132 reviews)

"The boat tour was the highlight of our trip — breathtaking views and such a fun atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Book Ferries in Advance

Use apps like Ferryhopper to easily book ferry tickets and avoid last-minute stress. :ticket:

🚌 Utilize Island Buses

Buses are efficient and cover the entire island, making car rental unnecessary. :bus:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Poseidon Thermal Gardens

Poseidon Thermal Gardens

Citara Bay

Immerse yourself in a stunning spa complex with numerous thermal pools and lush gardens. A true oasis of relaxation.

TikTok
Negombo Thermal Gardens

Negombo Thermal Gardens

Bay of San Montano

Experience an 'adult water park' with diverse pools, caves, and therapeutic waters. A unique thermal spa adventure.

TikTok
Sant'Angelo Village

Sant'Angelo Village

Southern coast

Wander through one of Ischia's most charming and picturesque fishing villages, a must-see for its beauty.

TikTok
Vagnitiello Thermal Baths

Vagnitiello Thermal Baths

Ischia

Enjoy a relaxing hot pool experience at this thermal bath facility, offering a tranquil escape.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Ferry Travel Made Easy

Booking ferries to Ischia is straightforward with apps like Ferryhopper, making advance reservations a breeze. Avoid last-minute stress and secure your spot, especially during peak season. TikTok

Island Exploration Without a Car

Getting around Ischia is convenient via its bus system, which covers most of the island. This makes it easy to explore without the hassle of renting a car. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temperatures, lively atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
September
Why
Beautiful, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Stress over figuring out how to book ferries? Pff, we don’t know her 😉😂AD I’ve been using @Ferryhopper to purchase my ferry tickets for legit YEARS so I’m really excited to be working with them to spread the knowledge to you guys!! The app is super user-friendly and makes reserving & paying for your ferry tickets in advance a breeze. ANNND the island-hopping tool makes it so easy to essentially pl...
@kacierose4
36.1K likes • 557.5K views

🚢 Book Ferries in Advance

Use apps like Ferryhopper to easily book ferry tickets and avoid last-minute stress. TikTok :ticket:

🚌 Utilize Island Buses

Buses are efficient and cover the entire island, making car rental unnecessary. Reddit :bus:

Terme poseidon a Ischia
@ilmioviaggioanapoli
32.1K likes • 1.5M views
Slow days in Ischia, where "dolce vita" is a lifestyle 👒♨️🌊🏖🍷 Ischia in September is even more beautiful, you know? ❤️ ° @vieniadischia 💙 ° #ischia #vieniadischia #Искья #italy #italia #summer #place #beach #summer #holiday #photooftheday #travel #trip #vacation #visiting #Italia #spiaggia #sea #mare #summervibes #island #beautiful
vieniadischia
55 likes • 755 views

♨️ Explore Thermal Parks

Ischia is famous for its thermal spas like Negombo and Poseidon. Book tickets ahead! TikTok+1 :spa:

🍝 Savor Local Cuisine

Enjoy delicious lemon pasta and affordable drinks at family-run restaurants and beach clubs. TikTok :forkandknife:

Небольшая выборка о нашем отпуске на о. Искья и Прочида! Очень красивые и живописные острова! Вкусная еда! Но, как и во всех тур местах, всё ориентировано на туристов, а уж как там водят машины - это ад водителя, а так же пешехода, никто, абсолютно никто не пропускает женщину с коляской, переходишь улицу по пешеходному переходу на свой страх и риск 🤦🏽‍♀️. Ну а вцелом все было прекрасно! 🥰
shadin82
34 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Book Ferries in Advance

Use apps like Ferryhopper to easily book ferry tickets and avoid last-minute stress. TikTok :ticket:

🚌 Utilize Island Buses

Buses are efficient and cover the entire island, making car rental unnecessary. Reddit :bus:

♨️ Explore Thermal Parks

Ischia is famous for its thermal spas like Negombo and Poseidon. Book tickets ahead! TikTok+1 :spa:

🍝 Savor Local Cuisine

Enjoy delicious lemon pasta and affordable drinks at family-run restaurants and beach clubs. TikTok :forkandknife:

📸 Capture Charming Villages

Don't miss Sant'Angelo, a picturesque village offering stunning photo opportunities. TikTok :camera:

What Travellers Say

4.9
(132 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Ischia's stunning natural beauty, particularly its therapeutic thermal spas and picturesque villages. The boat tours are frequently highlighted as a trip-defining experience, praised for breathtaking views and engaging guides. While the island offers immense relaxation and charm, some find it can be tourist-oriented, with crowded areas and driving challenges.

"What an amazing experience! The boat tour was the highlight of our trip — breathtaking views and such a fun atmosphere. We absolutely loved our guide, who made the day unforgettable with great energy and knowledge. Couldn’t recommend it more! 🚤✨"

Meagan Varndell

"Capri Island Tour is beyond phenomenal - I cannot recommend them enough! We visited Italy last July and did the 6-hour tour which gave us plenty of time to stop and see the grottos (though we opted not to wait for the blue grotto as it would’ve been a good hour+), enjoy several swims, and get off the boat for lunch. Antonello was the most incredible captain and guide, sharing his knowledge as someone who grew up on Capri and has been in the business forever (and also a fantastic photographer!). The other Capri Island staff were fabulous to work with, and we are immensely grateful to them for making this experience so memorable from beginning to end. They were able to get us a reservation at Da Luigi which was such a unique spot for lunch and relaxing at the beach club before getting back on the boat. I would recommend this tour to my closest friends and family and will certainly take it again myself if I am ever lucky enough to be in Capri again!"

Megan Argenta

"This tour company was great! Giancarlo was a wonderful tour guide, he didn’t talk to us a lot which we appreciated because it allowed us to spend time together, and took our picture whenever we asked. Also, he always offered information anytime we came across a notable or historical portion of the tour. The meeting spot was easy to find. We waited at the Bar Fortuna and got a drink while we waiting for our tour guide. Giancarlo came right up and got us, and we were able to bring our large backpacks on the boat. We got the traditional grozzo boat (7.5meters), did the 4 hour tour, stopped for lunch, and went swimming in caves. Such a great experience!"

rebecca tamarana

What People Like

Therapeutic thermal spas
Picturesque villages
Boat tours

What People Dislike

Tourist crowds
Driving challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Ischia is by ferry or hydrofoil from Naples. Ferries depart from Molo Beverello and Porta di Massa ports. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Booking tickets in advance through platforms like Ferryhopper is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid queues. TikTok+1

Yes, Ischia has a good bus system that connects most towns and attractions. Buses are frequent and reasonably priced, making it easy to explore the island without a car. Reddit

The main ports in Ischia are Ischia Porto and Casamicciola Terme. Ischia Porto is the largest and busiest, with frequent ferry connections. Casamicciola Terme also serves ferries and hydrofoils. TikTok

While possible, a day trip to Ischia might feel rushed given its size and the travel time. Many visitors recommend staying at least a few days to fully experience the island's thermal spas, beaches, and charming villages. TikTok

Yes, besides Naples, you can also find ferry connections to Ischia from other coastal towns like Pozzuoli and Sorrento, depending on the season and ferry company schedules.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entrance fees for Ischia's thermal parks, such as Poseidon and Negombo, can vary. Expect to pay around €30-€40 for a full-day pass. It's advisable to check their official websites for current pricing and to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season. TikTok+1

For popular attractions like the thermal parks (Poseidon, Negombo) and boat tours, booking in advance is highly recommended, particularly during the summer months, to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. TikTok+1

Opening hours for thermal spas like Negombo and Poseidon typically start around 9:00 AM and close in the late afternoon or early evening, around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM. It's best to verify the exact hours for the specific park you plan to visit. TikTok

While the main thermal parks have entrance fees, Ischia offers beautiful beaches, charming villages like Sant'Angelo, and scenic walking paths that are free to explore. TikTok

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the main thermal parks. However, most parks have on-site restaurants and cafes where you can purchase refreshments. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Ischia is renowned for its thermal spas. Top choices include Poseidon Thermal Gardens for its extensive pools and views, Negombo Thermal Gardens for its unique artistic setting and diverse pools, and Terme Tritone. TikTok+2

Beyond the thermal parks, explore charming villages like Sant'Angelo, relax on beautiful beaches such as Maronti or Citara, hike Mount Epomeo for panoramic views, and enjoy boat tours around the island. TikTok+1

Yes, Ischia is a great family destination. It offers a mix of relaxation at thermal parks, fun at the beaches, and exploration of its picturesque towns. Many hotels cater to families with amenities and activities. TikTok

Sant'Angelo is a must-visit for its picturesque charm. Other notable villages include Ischia Ponte with its Aragonese Castle, and Forio, known for its beautiful churches and sunsets. TikTok+1

Absolutely! Ischia boasts numerous beautiful beaches where you can swim and sunbathe. Popular options include Maronti Beach, Citara Beach, and San Francesco Beach. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Ischia is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly dishes featuring local lemons, such as lemon pasta. Rabbit dishes are also a traditional specialty. Don't miss trying the local wines. TikTok

Restaurant prices in Ischia can vary. While some high-end establishments exist, you can find many affordable and delicious options, especially at family-run trattorias and beach clubs. TikTok

For popular restaurants, especially during peak season and in the evenings, making reservations is advisable to secure a table. For more casual trattorias, walk-ins might be possible. Reddit

Many restaurants along the coast and in the main towns offer excellent seafood. Look for establishments that highlight fresh, local catches. Beach clubs often have great seafood options too. TikTok

Must-try dishes include 'coniglio all'ischitana' (Ischian-style rabbit), spaghetti alle vongole (clams), and any dish featuring the island's renowned lemons, like lemon pasta or lemon sorbet. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Sant'Angelo village offers incredibly picturesque views. The Aragonese Castle, the colorful streets of Ischia Ponte, and the dramatic coastal landscapes are also highly photogenic. TikTok

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photography. Midday sun can be harsh, but it's great for capturing the vibrant colors of the thermal pools. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone, especially near protected areas or private properties. Always fly responsibly.

A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing landscapes and village details. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for beach days and boat trips. TikTok

Yes, thermal parks like Negombo and Poseidon offer unique photographic opportunities with their lush gardens, diverse pools, and artistic installations. Be mindful of other visitors and any park regulations regarding photography. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ischia is a fantastic choice for families seeking a blend of relaxation and fun. The island's numerous thermal parks, like Negombo and Poseidon, offer shallow pools and spacious grounds that kids can enjoy, often with dedicated areas. TikTok+1 Many family-owned restaurants and beach clubs serve kid-friendly meals and offer affordable drinks, making dining out stress-free. TikTok

Beyond the spas, beaches like Maronti offer ample space for children to play. Consider a boat tour around the island for a memorable adventure, allowing for swimming stops in safe, clear waters. TikTok The island's manageable size and efficient bus system also make it easy to navigate with children.

💰 Budget Travelers

Ischia can be enjoyed on a budget by focusing on its natural beauty and public transport. Utilize the efficient bus system to get around the island, which is far more economical than renting a car or relying on taxis. Reddit Pack picnics to enjoy on the many beautiful beaches, or seek out local trattorias and pizzerias for affordable and authentic meals, rather than opting for tourist-centric restaurants. TikTok

While the famous thermal parks have entrance fees, consider visiting lesser-known thermal springs or simply enjoying the island's numerous free public beaches. Exploring charming villages like Sant'Angelo on foot offers plenty of visual delight without any cost. TikTok

💖 Couples & Relaxation Seekers

For a romantic getaway or a deeply relaxing escape, Ischia is unparalleled. Indulge in the island's world-renowned thermal spas, such as the tranquil Negombo or the scenic Poseidon Gardens, for a day of pampering and rejuvenation. TikTok+1 Enjoy sunset strolls through charming villages like Sant'Angelo, followed by intimate dinners at seaside restaurants featuring fresh local cuisine and wine. TikTokInstagram

Consider a private boat tour for a truly special experience, exploring hidden coves and enjoying the turquoise waters together. TikTok Many hotels on the island offer spa services and romantic packages, ensuring a peaceful and memorable stay.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Ischia's Volcanic Heart: Thermal Spas

Ischia's volcanic origins have blessed it with abundant geothermal activity, making it a premier destination for thermal spas. These natural hot springs are not just for relaxation; they are believed to have therapeutic properties for various ailments. The island boasts numerous thermal parks, each offering a unique experience.

Poseidon Thermal Gardens in Citara Bay is one of the most famous, featuring 22 pools of varying temperatures set against a stunning sea view. TikTok Negombo Thermal Gardens, located in the Bay of San Montano, offers a more artistic and botanical setting, with pools nestled among exotic plants and sculptures. TikTok Other notable spas include Terme Tritone and Terme Zi Carmela, each providing a distinct atmosphere for rejuvenation. TikTok+1

When visiting, remember that most parks have specific rules regarding swimwear and hygiene. It's advisable to wear a swimming cap in some areas and to shower before entering the pools. Many visitors find that a full day is needed to truly appreciate the offerings of these extensive spa complexes. Booking tickets in advance is a wise move, especially during the busy summer months, to ensure entry and potentially save time waiting in line. TikTok

Exploring Ischia's Charming Villages

Ischia is dotted with picturesque villages, each offering a unique glimpse into island life. Sant'Angelo, a former fishing village on the southern coast, is a car-free haven with narrow, winding streets and stunning sea views. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and enjoying fresh seafood. TikTok

Ischia Ponte, connected to the mainland by a causeway, is dominated by the imposing Aragonese Castle. This historic area is full of charming alleys, artisan shops, and traditional trattorias. The castle itself is a major attraction, offering a journey through centuries of history and breathtaking panoramas. TikTok

Forio, on the west coast, is known for its beautiful churches, vibrant sunsets, and proximity to some of the island's most popular beaches and thermal parks like Negombo. Casamicciola Terme is another key town, historically significant for its thermal springs and as a major port. TikTok+1 Exploring these villages by bus or on foot allows you to soak in the authentic atmosphere of Ischia.

Getting Around Ischia: Ferries and Buses

Navigating Ischia is made simple by its efficient transportation network. The primary way to reach the island is via ferry or hydrofoil from Naples. Companies like Ferryhopper offer user-friendly platforms to compare schedules and book tickets in advance, which is highly recommended, especially during peak travel times. TikTok The journey from Naples typically takes between 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the vessel and destination port in Ischia (Ischia Porto or Casamicciola Terme). TikTok+1

Once on the island, the EAV bus system is your best friend for getting around. Buses are regular, cover most of the island's key locations, and are a cost-effective way to explore. InstagramReddit While renting a car is an option, many visitors find it unnecessary due to the excellent bus service and the challenges of navigating narrow island roads and finding parking. Taxis are also available but will be more expensive. For a unique perspective, consider a boat tour around the island, which offers stunning coastal views and access to hidden coves. TikTok

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