Last Updated on ninth March 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
A volcanic paradise bursting with hidden treasures! Ischia is famed for its thermal scorching springs, picturesque surroundings and conventional Italian atmosphere. Nested inside the bay of Naples, this small island is a superb escape to that of its different the glitzy and glamorous island of Capri. Here’s your information to the finest issues to do in Ischia, in addition to high ideas and what to know earlier than you go.
Where is Ischia?
Located on a volcanic island, Ischia is a city that lies within the Tyrrhenian Sea, nestled inside the bay of Naples. Considered as a part of the Metropolitan metropolis of Naples, it’s within the Campania area of Southern Italy. The largest metropolis on the island is Ischia and has a inhabitants of roughly 18,000 residents.
How lengthy do you want in Ischia?
I might say you want not less than three days to completely get pleasure from every thing that this hidden gem of Italy has to supply. If you need to go for an extended and fewer quick paced retreat, you’ll need to put aside 5 days. For extra inspiration to assist plan your journey, make sure you try our recommended Ischia itinerary.
Best issues to do in ischiaÂ
Relax!
One of the very best issues to do on Ischia is solely to sit down again and calm down within the slower tempo of island life. Despite its proximity to Naples, it’s the proper escape from the hustle and bustle of busy trendy life, particularly while you get away from the port space and into the inside elements of the island.
Visit the port (Porto Ischia)
If you’re visiting Ischia through its ferry, then chances are high that the port would be the first slice of the island that you simply step foot on! The important purchasing portion of the port is Corso Vittoria Colonna, the place you possibly can decide up all types of souvenirs and buy groceries.
This can be the busiest nook of the island, a buzzing hive of exercise. Abundant with eating places that line the waterfront, in addition to stylish bars and golf equipment to sit down at whereas sipping a Campari spritz as you benefit from the beautiful views!
Castello Aragonese
Built upon it’s personal small tidal island, only a bridge away from the remainder of Ischia lies its medieval fortress. Steeped in historical past which dates way back to the Fifth-century BCE, it has been occupied by and lived by means of centuries upon centuries of various civilisations.
Today it’s generally known as the Aragonese Castle of Ischia, a reputation that originates from the very dynasty that influenced expanded and fortified the fortress, in addition to had affect on the island because it seems as we speak.
Imposing, regal and romantic, make sure you put on snug footwear when visiting because the fortress is atop a hefty load of stairs which you’ll have to clamber up.
How a lot time do it is advisable go to? As you possibly can in all probability think about, what with the quantity of historical past, you’ll want not less than an hour or two to discover the fortress! (Also make sure you put aside round 20 minutes for the hike up).
To study extra in depth in regards to the fascinating historical past of this fortress earlier than (or after) your go to, you possibly can learn our full information to visiting Castello Aragonese in Ischia.
Michelangelo’s Tower (Guevara’s Tower)
Along with its fortress, this historic tower stands overlooking each Ischia Ponte and Castello Aragonese as a real image of Ischia!
Originally in-built 1433 for higher defence of the small islet, the majestic tower-palace constructing rises excessive above the rocky shoreline, simply throughout from the castello. The tower has taken on many names, generally known as Guevara’s Tower (from the identify of the noble household that constructed it), Michelangelo’s (for the sturdy hyperlinks to the well-known artist), and by locals as Saint Anna’s tower, (due to the rocks it sits atop).
It’s stated that Michelangelo lived within the tower, reverse to that of the Castello Argonese the place his supposed muse and secret lover Vittoria Colonna (a noblewoman and poet) resided. It’s additionally believed that among the frescoes within the tower are the work of the artist, however not identified for sure.
Today, guests are invited to wander across the numerous exhibitions held, showcasing well-known worldwide artists, each inside and out of doors within the giant backyard. Boasting of panoramic views over the ocean, in addition to the most effective viewpoints of Castello Argonese!
The tower is totally free to go to and is open every day (closed on Monday’s).
Eat native mealsÂ
Of course, one of many best joys of a go to to Italy is the possibility to pattern Italian delicacies! Some of probably the most well-known native dishes are:
- Coniglio all’ischitana, or Ischian rabbit: a hearty and warming rabbit stew, easy and conventional
- Sarde a Beccafico: sardines, full of a mixture of breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins and herbs, with a touch of orange
- Spaghetti with Ragu di Mare: pasta with a seafood sauce, as you possibly can think about it’s recent from the encompassing sea!
- Risotto all’Ischitana: much like the rabbit stew, however served with risotto rice too
Another solution to get to know the native foodie scene is to e-book a cooking class like this one. Or, in case you favor for another person to prepare dinner for you, some genuine eating experiences you possibly can have on the island:
- La Sosta di Bacco, in all probability some of the romantic eating places in Italy! Set inside magical surroundings overlooking attractive views of the island, and serving scrumptious conventional meals.
- O Sole Mio, positioned on the waterfront, this pizzeria is the proper place to seize a chunk to eat among the most mouthwatering Italian pizza you possibly can think about.
- Enjoy a drink at da Gisella, overlooking sweeping panoramic views with Castello Argonese within the close to distance, the out of doors balcony is a superb spot to take pleasure in a Aperol spritz or a small glass of limoncello.
Sample some native wine
Sun kissed grapes made into scrumptious wine, Italy is residence to among the most interesting wine! On the island there are a selection of vineyards and wineries that produce scrumptious wine, simply ready to be tasted. And there’s really nothing extra enchanting than sipping on wine within the very place that it’s been made! Book a wine tour & tasting expertise in Ischia right here.
Another alcoholic drink to pattern whereas visiting the island is, Rucolino Liqueur, a standard digestif. Made with arugula leaves, citrus roots and spices, this conventional amaro fashion liqueur is natural, bitter and candy in flavour and is a staple within the Italian way of life.
Mortadella GardenÂ
This is taken into account to be some of the stunning gardens in Italy. This lush inexperienced park is about onto the aspect of the cliff-face and provides views onto the port of Forio and the azure sea past.
Created within the Fifties by a pair who lived there, these mesmerising gardens have been formally open to the general public in 1991. Boasting of gigantic ponds of water studded with even bigger waterlilies, little follies, and even its personal restaurant on website (the place the meals was okay, however there are higher locations to eat on the island).
You’ll want a few hours to really get pleasure from all that the gardens have to supply! Learn extra in regards to the Mortadella Gardens and how one can go to them through our information right here.
Cactus Garden (Giardini Ravino)Â
The Mortadella Garden isn’t the one botanical backyard you possibly can go to on the island! Specialising in succulents and cacti, this small hidden treasure is residence to one of many largest and widest succulent collections in all of Europe, in addition to many flowers, it’s really haven for nature lovers.
While wandering by means of this botanical paradise you possibly can uncover Giuseppe D’Ambra’s spectacular assortment, a lifetime of dedication and fervour to domesticate an area the place this oasis of color may flourish.
The gardens are located on the highway between Sant’Angelo and Forio, and it is best to permit as much as 45 minutes to go to! There’s additionally a small cafe located inside, right here we loved a refreshing Caprese salad.
Visit Forio
One of the extra populated cities on Ischia is Forio. Once there you possibly can wander across the cobbled lanes and step contained in the spectacular Basilica Di Santa Maria Di Loreto.
The important highlights of this Italian city is Chiesa del Soccorso, which sits a bit of bit exterior of city and can be the purpose from which some of the stunning sunsets on the island may be loved.
Explore a museum
If you’re the type of traveller who enjoys heading right into a museum to study extra in regards to the historical past of a spot, then you definitely’re in the proper place do you have to decide to go to Ischia. There are numerous museums on the island:
- Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae (Villa Arbusto Museum): showcasing treasures from the prehistoric age to the Roman ages, rediscover the remnants of first Greek settlement in Central Italy
- Santa Restituta Museum: a big indoor archaeological website that reveals the excavation works displaying proof of a former Christian complicated
- Museo Diocesan: preserving the historical past and artwork of the Ischian Church, go to the gathering of marble sculptures, work and silverware
- Museo del Mare: this slightly giant museum of the ocean is housed within the clock-tower at Ischia Ponte, delve into the island’s maritime heritage by means of images and a set of objects
Lighthouse Punta Imperatore
Unfortunately you possibly can’t get all the way in which all the way down to the lighthouse, however the views from close by are fairly spectacular!
Coined by locals because the ‘traffic light’ it’s positioned on the tip of the westernmost level of the island and is the most important lighthouse of the island. Originally constructed for objective use by the Royal Navy. The lighthouse was left deserted for a few years, till in 2018 a German firm purchased it and turned it right into a luxurious hideaway resort for individuals to remain in.
Soak within the thermal swimming poolsÂ
Ischia is fairly well-known for its thermal swimming pools, and there are just a few methods you possibly can go about visiting. You can go to a particular institution which has turned the thermal swimming pools right into a enterprise and get remedies, similar to at Negombo or Centro Termale O’Vagnitiello, or you possibly can alternatively head to some free scorching springs such because the Baia di Sorgeto.
Visit Saint AngeloÂ
Pretty as a postcard, this small village is located inside the commune of Serrara Fontana subsequent to an enormous rock and small stretch of seaside, identified to be probably the most picturesque nook of the island!
Long held within the coronary heart of artists because of its magnificence, this quaint little fishing city is bound to depart you feeling impressed! Home to a vigorous and vibrant Piazzetta considerable with boutique fashion outlets, artwork galleries and cosy cafes to sit down in and absorb the tranquility.
There’s additionally the small stretch of seaside which makes for the proper spot to absorb the sunshine because the glowing blue waters lap up the shore.
See the mushroom rock (il fungo) of Lacco Ameno
One of the extra uncommon rock formations on the island may be discovered positioned simply off the coast of the island’s smallest city, Lacco Ameno. In reality, this mushroom formed geological kind has come to be the sprit and image of the city!
You can marvel at this unusual and distinctive rock formation that’s been eroded by the salty sea and robust winds over time, from the seaside that’s named after the rock.
Be amazed by the Pilastri Aqueduct
This is without doubt one of the best feats of engineering on Ischia! Originally constructed within the Sixteenth century to treatment the scarcity of water to the close by village, this spectacular monument is certainly one of Ischia’s most historic sight’s.
Over 500 meters lengthy, this nicely preserved construction is sort of the spectacle to behold. You can discover the aqueduct located on the boundary between Barano and Ischia Ponte, through the principle highway that circles the island.
Head to the seaside
Home to among the most stunning seashores, the place crystal clear waters sparkle and stretches of seaside await you! Here are the highest strategies of the place to calm down and go for a dip:
- Spiaggia Di Cava Grado: discovered simply exterior of the quaint village of Sant’Angelo, this small and quiet seaside is tucked away in a reasonably little bay, dotted with small caves that make for nice pockets to discover whereas snorkelling.
- Le Fumarole Di Maronti: well-known for its fumaroles! (tiny pockets on the ground through which scorching volcanic gases and vapors are emitted)
- Spiaggia Di San Montano: set inside the cliffside of the craggy panorama, in accordance with legend that is the inlet the place one of many patrons of the island, Saint Restituta, arrived from Africa
- Spiaggia Dei Pescatori: providing superb views of the Aragonese Castle, that is positioned near Ischia Port the place you possibly can watch the colorful classic fishing boats sleepily sail by
- Negombo: a part of a hydrothermal park, this a part of this attractive seaside is free and also you’re only a stone’s throw away from spa remedy
Madonna di Zaro
This hidden gem is nestled within the northwestern nook of Ischia, within the wooded city of Zaro, simply walkable from Lacco Ameno. A sanctuary website the place miracles are stated to have occurred, this monument is in tribute to the Virgin Mary, the mom of Jesus.
Climb Mount Epomeo
For the extra health loving travellers on the market, one of many tougher issues to do on Ischia is to hike to the highest of Mount Epomeo. Although solely a brief 3km in distance, the ascent of this mountain may be actually steep in some sections.
However, the true reward while you attain its summit is completely price it. The highest peak of the island, at a peak of 789 metres, it provides breathtaking panoramic views of Ischia and its surrounding turquoise waters that glisten within the sunshine.
Admire the views
If you possibly can’t make it to the mountain summit, however nonetheless need to get pleasure from a view, don’t fear there are various! Thanks to the volcanic nature of the island, there’s no scarcity of gorgeous views all throughout Ischia. Just strolling (or scootering) across the island, you’ll simply stumble throughout spots that provide image excellent views.
Attend a competition
If you occur to be visiting Ischia at Easter, then you possibly can see La Corsa dell’Angelo procession. A captivating non secular parade that takes place yearly the Monday after Easter.
Truly a sight to behold! The townspeople welcome vacationers to hitch them as they carry statues of Jesus Christ, The Virgin Mary, The Golden Angel and Saint John by means of the principle road in Forio.
Take a ship tour
One of the extra memorable issues you are able to do in your journey is see the island from a unique angle and go on a ship tour. Cruising alongside the waters, with the choice to discover the hidden coves dotted across the island in addition to taking a dip within the sea.
Truly a magical and distinctive solution to discover the island! Book your boat tour right here.
Take a day journey to Procida
Nearby the island Procida is a little more polished than Ischia, however equally as fairly. A tiny vibrant island of ports and pastel colors, this islet is nestled nearly half approach in between Ischia and Capri.
The smartest thing to do is solely wander round and absorb the charming atmosphere of the island, notably in its picturesque marina space. Procida, like that of Ischia, can be wealthy with historical past, residence to Greek artefacts from the Sixteenth century BCE which have been discovered throughout the island.
Also the proper spot for lounging on the seaside, serene and delightful, the seashores are of volcanic origin, characterised by darkish sand.
The boat trip to Procida is between 15-Half-hour, making it tremendous simple to get to, it’s positively price a visit over in case you have the time!
How to get to IschiaÂ
Take a ferry from Naples, this could take wherever from 50 minutes as much as 1 hour 45 minutes relying on which ferry you select. Either approach, you’re positive to have fairly the scenic journey!
For excessive velocity ferries make sure you take the ferry from Molo Beverello pier, and for the slower ferry you possibly can take off from the Calata di Massa pier. Check ferry instances in addition to costs and how one can e-book your ticket on their official web site right here.
Getting round Ischia
Thanks to the truth that the island is sort of small and compact, it solely takes 30 to 40 minutes to get from one aspect of the island to the opposite driving.
Parking is usually a little bit of a problem on the island and so if there’s one journey tip I might offer you for Ischia, it will be to not hire a automotive on the island.
Instead, in order for you your personal transportation on the island, then renting a scooter from one of many many leases on the island is a enjoyable solution to get around- simply be warned that it’s not for the faint of coronary heart with all the hairpin bends and Italian fashion of driving!
We rented a scooter as we needed to expertise just a few of the off the overwhelmed path and hidden gems of Ischia throughout our lengthy weekend keep.
Alternatively, the bus service is pretty handy and low-cost at €1.60 per ticket, although be warned that the buses most positively run on Italian time! Also make sure you validate your ticket as quickly as you get on the bus, in any other case you possibly can face very steep fines.
Where to remain in Ischia
Personally, I like to recommend reserving a resort with a view of the fortress! But regardless of the place you keep on the island (or on the small tidal island of the fortress) you’re positive to be amazed by the beautiful surroundings and serene atmosphere of this little pocket alongside the Italian shoreline.
Villa Livia: providing stunning views of the fortress and spacious rooms, this villa even has a beautiful backyard that makes for the proper spot to absorb the sunshine! Check costs and availability right here.
Il Monastero: a little bit of a more in-depth view of the fortress…that is located on the small tidal island and set inside a Sixteenth-century former monastery. It’s additionally conveniently a 12 minute stroll from the seaside, so that you don’t have far to go to take a dip. Check costs and availability right here.
Hotel Torre Sant’Angelo: located on a cliff high within the quaint little village of Sant Angelo, providing breathtaking views over the Bay of Sant’Angelo. Take benefit of the recent geo-thermal swimming pools right here and even get a therapeutic massage whereas sipping on a campari spritz. Check costs and availability right here.
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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the couch together with her latest knitting venture (and Rico her cat!) you will discover her out and about on lengthy walks. Currently residing within the magical metropolis of Edinburgh, she seems ahead to travelling and seeing extra of the world!