Ischia Island, a hidden gem in the Bay of Naples, Italy, awaits you with its magnificent natural beauty, miraculous hot springs, and distinctive local cuisine. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Capri, Ischia offers a peaceful space where you can relax and fully enjoy a memorable vacation. Let’s explore this beautiful island through a detailed and exciting itinerary.
Detailed Guide to Ischia Travel Itinerary
How to Get to Ischia?
Traveling to Ischia is quite convenient. If you are in the Amalfi Coast area, fly to Naples Airport or take a train from Rome to Garibaldi station. From here, you can take the Alibus or a taxi to the port of Naples. Alibus is a budget-friendly option, costing only about €5 one way, with a frequency of 3 trips per hour.
Alibus bus in Naples for transfer to the port to Ischia
From Naples, you have two port options to go to Ischia: Porta di Massa (ferry) and Beverello (hydrofoil). The ferry takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, while the hydrofoil takes only 1 hour. Note that hydrofoil tickets are usually a bit more expensive. If you want to get to Ischia from Capri, the journey takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes. From Procida, the ferry takes 25 minutes and the hydrofoil only 15 minutes.
Best Time to Visit Ischia
The peak tourist season in Ischia is from May/June to September, when the weather is warm and all shops and restaurants are open. However, Ischia is not as crowded as Capri or Positano. If you prefer tranquility, visit during the off-season to enjoy pleasant temperatures, reasonable prices, and fewer tourists. Ischia is an inhabited island, so you can find restaurants and services open year-round. Summer is still the best time to enjoy Ischia’s beautiful beaches and clear blue waters.
Tourists swimming at the beach in Ischia during summer
Suggested Detailed Itinerary to Explore Ischia Island
Day 1: Explore Sant’Angelo Village and Maronti Beach
Start your Ischia exploration journey in Sant’Angelo, a charming fishing village located in the south of the island. Moorish-style houses, a small marina, and the Torre di Sant’Angelo promontory create a beautiful picture.
Panoramic view of Sant'Angelo village with unique architectural style houses
Stroll through the pedestrian area, you will discover Italian-style shops and enjoy the fresh air. Sant’Angelo is a favorite destination for the elite, who come by yacht to enjoy cuisine and relax in natural hot spring baths. From Sant’Angelo, you can easily reach Maronti beach, where there is a unique “Fumarole” phenomenon, due to hot water evaporating from the ground. This marine area is protected and is an ideal place for scuba diving, admiring rare black coral.
Day 2: Aragonese Castle and Ischia Porto Town
In the morning, explore Aragonese Castle, an ancient fortress with a rich history. The castle once belonged to the Romans, the kings of Naples and Sicily, and even the French and the British.
Path leading to Aragonese Castle with ancient architecture
Today, the castle is privately owned and open to visitors year-round. You will be overwhelmed by the beautiful grounds, lush gardens, and breathtaking sea views. The castle is also the venue for the Ischia Film Festival and many other important events. Don’t forget to visit the bar at the top of the castle to admire the panoramic view of Vivara and Procida islands.
In the afternoon, explore Ischia Porto town, home to the famous Vittoria Colonna street with many fashion shops, handicrafts, and restaurants.
Handicraft shops on Vittoria Colonna street
Day 3: Forio, Soccorso Church and Mount Epomeo
Spend a day exploring Forio, a town located on the west side of Ischia. The symbol of Forio is the Soccorso Church, a small but charming church located on a promontory overlooking the sea.
Soccorso Church with unique architecture
This is one of the best places to watch the sunset on the island. Forio is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, with many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
If you are a hiking enthusiast, conquer the peak of Mount Epomeo. The path to the summit has many restaurants where you can stop for a break. From the summit, you can admire the panoramic view of the Bay of Naples, Capri, Procida, Vivara, and the Sorrento coast.
Trail leading to the summit of Mount Epomeo with majestic natural scenery
Day 4: Relax at Thermal Parks
You can’t come to Ischia without experiencing the famous hot spring spas. The hot springs in Ischia are known for their miraculous healing properties. There are a total of 29 springs and 103 natural hot spring baths, each with different mineral compositions, offering unique health benefits.
Sorgeto Bay is a unique rocky beach where hot spring water flows into the sea, creating natural pools.
Sorgeto Bay with natural hot spring water flowing into the sea
Thermal parks like Negombo and Poseidon are great options for relaxing and enjoying spa treatments.
Cuisine and Unique Experiences in Ischia
- Giardino Eden: A beautiful hotel, restaurant, and beach club complex where you can enjoy fresh seafood and soak in geothermal pools.
Fresh seafood at Giardino Eden restaurant
- Dani Maison: A two-Michelin-starred restaurant serving upscale Italian cuisine with creative flair.
- Trattoria: Traditional family-run hilltop restaurant where you can enjoy the local specialty, coniglio all’Ischitana (Ischian rabbit).
Trattoria restaurant with a cozy atmosphere
- Casa Celestino: A great restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood with views of the Sant’Angelo coast.
- Ristorante Deus Neptune: A hillside restaurant with stunning views and a fresh seafood menu.
Conclusion
With this detailed Ischia travel itinerary, you will have a memorable vacation in the hidden gem of the Bay of Naples. From beautiful beaches, miraculous hot springs to distinctive local cuisine, Ischia promises to bring you unforgettable experiences. Pack your bags and explore this beautiful island now!