San Montano Beach - Image 1
1 / 10

San Montano Beach

4.2
·697 reviews·, Italy

A stunning bay on Ischia island, famous for its thermal hot springs flowing into the sea and a beautiful, albeit divided, beach.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-September

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Loading map...
San Montano Beach - Image 1

San Montano Beach

Best Time

Mid-September

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning bay on Ischia island, famous for its thermal hot springs flowing into the sea and a beautiful, albeit divided, beach.

4.2
(697 reviews)

"Beautiful beach with unique thermal springs, but be prepared for the cost of private sections."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Private vs. Public Beach

Public beach is free but small & crowded. Private sections are pricey (€60+ for umbrellas).

♨️ Embrace the Thermal Waters

Don't miss the natural hot springs flowing into the sea for a unique experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thermal Hot Springs

Thermal Hot Springs

Experience unique natural hot springs flowing into the sea for a therapeutic and relaxing dip.

Negombo Thermal Spa

Negombo Thermal Spa

Adjacent to San Montano Beach

Explore 14 thermal pools, lush gardens, art installations, and a sandy beach in a picturesque bay.

Bay of San Montano

Bay of San Montano

A stunning, sheltered cove known for its natural beauty, clear waters, and dramatic cliff backdrop.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Navigating San Montano Beach

San Montano Beach is split between private and public sections. While the public area is free, it's small and can get crowded. Private sections offer more space but come with a significant cost for sunbeds and umbrellas. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons to avoid peak crowds and potentially lower prices.

Beyond the Sand: Thermal Springs

This bay is famous for its thermal hot springs that flow into the sea, offering a unique bathing experience. Many visitors combine a beach day with a visit to the nearby Negombo Thermal Spa, which features numerous pools and lush gardens. Booking spa access in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.

Best Times

When
Mid-September
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the weekend rush
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Spring
Why
Warm but not too hot
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

travel guide to ischia—one of my favorite places in italy. #traveltiktok #italy🇮🇹 #ischia #travelbucketlist #italianfood #travellife #europetravel
@theshayspence
20.6K likes • 391.6K views

💰 Private vs. Public Beach

Public beach is free but small & crowded. Private sections are pricey (€60+ for umbrellas). Reddit

♨️ Embrace the Thermal Waters

Don't miss the natural hot springs flowing into the sea for a unique experience. Instagram

Spiaggia di San Montano 🏖️ 📍Isola d’Ischia, Italy 🇮🇹 #visitischia #ischia #isola #island #travel #vacation #summer #roadtrip #explore #visit #spiaggia #sand #beach
alex_travelathlete
7 likes • 1K views
We discovered this hidden gem.. San Montano Beach is in a small bay on the Italian island of Ischia, renowned for its natural beauty and clear waters. Nestled on the island’s northern coast, it is known for its thermal hot springs that flow into the sea, creating a unique bathing experience. It is mainly used by locals which means it is often spacious and quiet - idyllic 🤌🏽 Save this post so you...
insideissue
0 likes • 695 views

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll need to walk a bit into the water to avoid sand; good for kids. Reddit

🍽️ Beachside Dining

Enjoy surprisingly good food at beach cafeterias, like fresh seafood. Instagram

La baia di San Montano, in parte costituita dalla spiaggia del @negomboischia è situata nel Comune di Lacco Ameno. In lontananza, si può osservare la torre illuminata dello splendido @mezzatorrehotel 🌊✨💙 ~ The bay of San Montano, partly made up of the Negombo beach, is located in the municipality of Lacco Ameno. In the distance, you can see the illuminated tower of the splendid Mezzatorre hotel 🌊✨...
myischia
109 likes • 13K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Private vs. Public Beach

Public beach is free but small & crowded. Private sections are pricey (€60+ for umbrellas). Reddit

♨️ Embrace the Thermal Waters

Don't miss the natural hot springs flowing into the sea for a unique experience. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll need to walk a bit into the water to avoid sand; good for kids. Reddit

🍽️ Beachside Dining

Enjoy surprisingly good food at beach cafeterias, like fresh seafood. Instagram

📅 Book Negombo in Advance

The popular Negombo Thermal Spa can get busy; pre-booking is wise. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.2
(697 reviews)

Reviews Summary

San Montano Beach offers a beautiful setting with unique thermal springs, but visitors note a significant divide between the crowded, free public section and the expensive private areas. While some praise the natural beauty and family-friendliness, others criticize the high costs and basic facilities in the paid sections.

"Beach itself spreading in two parts. Arroun 70% private (you have to pay) and 30% public (for free). We used free on, they including toilets. The shade from the mountains come first on the free beach. It’s very great with kids, you need to walk little bit in the water to not feel sand under you feet. It’s very lovely. We are visiting in mid September so it’s not crowded. Recommend"

Olya Fostyk

"Nice beach with moderately steady slope for younger kids. There is free shade along shade if you don’t have umbrella next to cliffs. Water is clean and not rough bc in cove"

Tuan Pham

"Way too expensive for such basic service. No side tables, no lockers. Umbrellas are not adjustable. Owners should invest more into the facilities, not just raise the prices"

Anton Goncharov

What People Like

Beautiful bay scenery
Natural thermal springs
Family-friendly slope

What People Dislike

Expensive private sections
Crowded public beach
Basic facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

San Montano Beach is located in the municipality of Lacco Ameno on Ischia Island. You can reach it by local bus, taxi, or by car. Buses are a popular and affordable option for exploring the island. TikTokInstagram

Parking can be challenging in peak season. If driving, look for designated parking areas in Lacco Ameno and be prepared for a short walk or to use local transport to reach the beach. Instagram

Yes, depending on your starting point on Ischia, you can walk. It's a scenic island, so consider a leisurely stroll if you're staying nearby in Lacco Ameno. Instagram

Local buses are efficient and connect major towns and attractions, including San Montano Beach. Taxis are also available but will be more expensive. TikTok

While the beach itself is a natural setting, access to the private sections with amenities is generally good. The public area might be more basic. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

San Montano Beach has both free and paid sections. The free public area is quite small and can become very crowded. The private sections require payment for sunbeds and umbrellas, which can be expensive. Reddit

Prices for private beach access, including sunbeds and umbrellas, can be high, with reports of umbrellas costing around €60 per day. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book tickets for Negombo Thermal Spa in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. Instagram

The beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. The Negombo Thermal Spa has specific operating hours, which vary by season and should be checked on their official website. Instagram

Discounts are not widely advertised. It's best to check the official Negombo Thermal Spa website for any package deals or seasonal offers. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the unique thermal hot springs that flow into the sea. The adjacent Negombo Thermal Spa offers a wider range of activities including multiple thermal pools and gardens. Instagram+1

Yes, the beach has a moderately steady slope into the water, making it suitable for children. The free section's proximity to cliffs offers some natural shade. Reddit

Facilities vary between the public and private sections. The private areas offer sunbeds and umbrellas, while the public section is more basic. Some reviews mention a lack of amenities like side tables or lockers in private areas. Reddit

Yes, the cliffs provide natural shade, especially on the free beach area. Private sections offer umbrellas, though their adjustability has been questioned. Reddit

Water quality can vary. Some visitors describe it as clean, while others note it can be less clean, possibly due to its sheltered cove location. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are beach cafeterias where you can enjoy meals. One reviewer highlighted the quality of food, including freshly grilled swordfish and pasta dishes. Instagram

Expect typical Italian beach fare, including fresh seafood, salads, and pasta dishes. The quality can be surprisingly good, offering a convenient dining option. Instagram

While not explicitly stated, it's generally permissible to bring your own snacks and drinks to the public beach areas. For private sections, policies may vary. Reddit

Negombo Thermal Spa typically offers dining facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy refreshments and meals within the spa complex. Instagram

The nearby town of Lacco Ameno offers a variety of restaurants and pizzerias serving local Ischian cuisine. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the picturesque bay with its dramatic cliffs, the clear blue waters, and the unique thermal spring outflows. The Negombo gardens also offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more serene atmosphere. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in many public and private areas, especially near resorts and spas. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

Negombo offers diverse photo opportunities, from lush botanical gardens and unique water features to artistic installations and panoramic sea views. Instagram

Yes, the illuminated Torre Mezzatorre is visible from the bay and can make for a stunning evening or sunset photograph. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

San Montano Beach is a great choice for families. The gentle slope of the beach into the water makes it safe for children to play and swim. The free public section, while small, offers natural shade from the cliffs, which is a big plus for keeping little ones protected from the sun. Reddit

Consider bringing beach toys and snacks, as the public area is more basic. If your budget allows, the private sections offer more space and amenities, but the cost can be substantial. The nearby Negombo Thermal Spa also has areas suitable for families, though it's more of a wellness-focused experience. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the free public section of San Montano Beach is your best bet. While it gets crowded, you can still enjoy the unique thermal waters and the bay's beauty without spending a fortune. Pack your own umbrella and towels to save on rental fees. Reddit

Opt for picnics or snacks from local markets rather than eating at the pricier beachside cafes. Utilize the local bus system for transportation around Ischia, as it's far more economical than taxis. TikTok

🧘‍♀️ Wellness Seekers

San Montano Bay is a paradise for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The natural thermal hot springs flowing into the sea offer a unique, therapeutic bathing experience. Instagram

Don't miss the Negombo Thermal Spa, a highlight for wellness enthusiasts. With its array of thermal pools, lush gardens, and art installations, it provides a comprehensive spa day. Booking in advance is recommended to fully immerse yourself in this tranquil environment. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding San Montano Beach's Layout

San Montano Beach is characterized by its unique split between public and private sections. The public beach offers free access but is limited in space and can become quite crowded, especially during peak season. Visitors have noted that the natural shade from the surrounding cliffs is a significant advantage here, particularly for families with children. Reddit

Conversely, the private beach areas provide more comfort and space, with amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas. However, these come at a considerable cost, with reports of high prices for basic services. Some travelers have expressed disappointment with the value for money in these private sections, citing a lack of additional facilities like side tables or lockers. Reddit

When planning your visit, it's crucial to decide whether the cost of the private section is worth the added comfort or if you prefer to navigate the more crowded, but free, public area. Arriving early can help secure a good spot in the public section. Reddit

The Therapeutic Appeal of Thermal Waters

A defining feature of San Montano Bay is the presence of natural thermal hot springs that flow directly into the sea. This creates a unique and therapeutic bathing experience, where the warm, mineral-rich waters mingle with the cool sea breeze. Visitors often describe this as a must-do when visiting the area, offering a natural spa-like sensation. Instagram

Adjacent to the beach is the renowned Negombo Thermal Spa, a sprawling complex that capitalizes on these natural resources. It boasts 14 different thermal pools, each with varying temperatures and therapeutic properties, set within beautifully landscaped gardens. The spa also features unique attractions like Japanese maze baths and a serene Onphalos cave pool, providing a comprehensive wellness experience. Instagram

Combining a day at the beach with a visit to Negombo offers a holistic relaxation experience. Whether you're soaking in the natural springs by the sea or exploring the diverse pools at the spa, the therapeutic benefits of Ischia's volcanic landscape are a major draw for visitors seeking rejuvenation. Instagram

Dining Delights by the Sea

San Montano Beach offers more than just scenic views; it also provides surprisingly delightful culinary experiences. Beachside cafeterias are available, serving a range of Italian favorites. One traveler specifically praised the quality of the food, mentioning freshly grilled swordfish and well-prepared pasta dishes as highlights. Instagram

These dining spots offer a convenient way to refuel without leaving the beach, allowing you to maximize your time enjoying the sun and sea. The offerings typically include fresh seafood, salads, and classic pasta dishes, reflecting the local Italian cuisine. Instagram

For those looking for more extensive dining options, the nearby town of Lacco Ameno, located within the municipality of San Montano Bay, offers a wider selection of restaurants and pizzerias. This provides ample opportunity to sample authentic Ischian specialties. TikTok

You may also like