4 hours
Half day
- 1.The Aragonese Castle in the morning, before the sun gets strong.
- 2.Light lunch in Ischia Ponte.
- 3.Swim and aperitivo at Cartaromana.
Gulf of Naples. Campania
Ischia
A volcanic island, the resting place of the giant Typhon, where the green slips down into the sea.
Overview
The Green Island
Ischia is the largest of the islands in the Gulf of Naples, a still-active volcanic cone that has shaped coves, thermal springs and gardens suspended above the sea.
It is not a glossy-magazine island: it is rough in the right places and gentle where it counts. You get around slowly, you eat well, you end up staying longer than planned.
Character of the place
What to expect
Landscape
Mount Epomeo at the centre, terraced vineyards, pine woods and lava flows running down to the sea.
Sea and coast
Coves of dark sand and bays such as Sant’Angelo, Cartaromana and Sorgeto, where the water comes up naturally hot.
Towns and villages
Six distinct municipalities: Ischia Porto, Casamicciola, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Serrara Fontana and Barano. Each with its own character.
Where it is
Location & getting there
Where
Gulf of Naples, about 30 km from the city.
Area
Campania, province of Naples.
Getting there
Hydrofoil from Napoli Beverello (~50 min), ferry from Calata di Massa in the Port of Naples (~1 h 45 min), ferry from Pozzuoli (~1 h). Nearest airport: Naples Capodichino.
Sant’Angelo: a pedestrian village, natural hot springs, no cars.
Curiosities
Did you know…
- 01
La Mortella Gardens were created by the English composer William Walton and his wife Susana in the 1950s.
- 02
Nestor’s Cup, found in Lacco Ameno, bears one of the oldest inscriptions in the Greek alphabet ever found in the West (8th century BC).
- 03
Sorgeto is a bay where thermal water and seawater mix: you can take a warm swim even in winter.
- 04
Epomeo is a block of green tuff pushed up by magma, not a classic crater.
- 05
Ischia’s wine (Biancolella, Forastera) is grown on historic pergolas overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Itineraries
How to experience it
1 day
One day
- 1.Morning at the Aragonese Castle.
- 2.Lunch in Forio or Sant’Angelo.
- 3.Afternoon at the thermal pools of Poseidon Gardens or the Sorgeto fumaroles.
- 4.Sunset at Punta Caruso.
2–3 days
Two or three days
- 1.Day 1: Ischia Ponte, the Castle, dinner overlooking the gulf.
- 2.Day 2: boat trip around the island, swimming stop at San Montano Bay.
- 3.Day 3: Epomeo at dawn, La Mortella Gardens and Sant’Angelo in the afternoon.
Day on a boat
By sea
- 1.Departure from Casamicciola or Forio.
- 2.Stops at Sorgeto and Sant’Angelo for a swim.
- 3.Lunch on board, then back along the coast past Punta Imperatore.
Not to be missed
Places and experiences
- 01
Aragonese Castle
Best early in the morning, in full light and with few people around.
- 02
Villa Arbusto
The archaeological museum of Lacco Ameno: this is where Nestor’s Cup is kept.
- 03
La Mortella Gardens
Rare plants, concerts in summer.
- 04
Sant’Angelo
Pedestrian village, ideal at sunset.
- 05
Sorgeto
Natural thermal bay: bring a swimsuit and water shoes.
- 06
Mount Epomeo
An easy climb, with 360° views over the archipelago.
A feast for the eyes
Ischia in pictures
Photo: Pexels. Heinz Klier · Domenico Paolella · Ree A · Nati · Pexels · Steffi Hapunkt
Highlights
Icons of Ischia
- Aragonese Castle
- La Mortella Gardens
- Sant’Angelo
- Poseidon Gardens
- Villa Arbusto
Practical tips
Before you go
Best time to go
From April to October.
Ideal length of stay
3–5 nights to take things at an easy pace.
Good to know
A car is useful but not essential: EAV buses and microbus taxis cover the whole island. The thermal spas generally open from April to October.
Keep exploring
Other destinations
Naples
Pizza, narrow alleys, Vesuvius in the background. A city that doesn't ask your permission.
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