Ischia Travel Guide
Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and how to get around in Ischia, Italy, in this comprehensive travel guide.
- Ultimate Travel Guide to Ischia, Italy
- Introduction to Ischia
- List of Places to Visit in Ischia
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Ischia
- Best Things to Do in Ischia: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Ischia
- Food and Drink Scene of Ischia
- Where to Stay in Ischia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Ischia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Ischia
- Best Time to Visit Ischia
- Do’s and Don’ts of Ischia
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Ischia: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Ischia
- Where to Go Next from Ischia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Ultimate Travel Guide to Ischia, Italy
Ischia is a beautiful island located in Metropolitan Naples, in Campania, in Southern Italy. With its stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and natural beauty, it has become a sought-after destination for tourists around the world. In this ultimate travel guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Ischia, including the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and how to get around.
Introduction to Ischia
Ischia is the largest island in the Bay of Naples and offers visitors a variety of experiences that range from historic landmarks to natural attractions. The island is home to a variety of thermal springs that have been used for their healing properties for centuries. In addition to the hot springs, Ischia boasts beautiful beaches, including the famous Maronti Beach, which stretches for two miles. The island’s rich history includes ancient ruins, castles, and museums.
List of Places to Visit in Ischia
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Ischia offers visitors a variety of historically significant landmarks, which can be explored by visiting some of the island’s museums and historical places. Here are some of the most popular:
- Aragonese Castle: a medieval castle built on a small volcanic island connected to Ischia by a bridge
- La Mortella Gardens: the stunning estate of British composer William Walton and his wife, set against the backdrop of the Tyrrhenian Sea
- Villa Arbusto Museum: a museum with archeological finds from the island and the Phlegrean Fields
- Baia di Sorgeto: a thermal site where visitors can bathe in hot water while enjoying views of the surrounding nature
- Giardini Ravino: a botanical garden that is home to more than 800 species of cactus plants
Natural Attractions of Ischia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Ischia’s natural beauty is a testament to its volcanic past. Many of the natural attractions on the island are the result of volcanic activity. Here are some of the most popular outdoor adventures and scenic views on the island:
- Epomeo Mountain: the highest peak on the island that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area
- Mount Vico: a 100-meter high volcanic crater that offers beautiful hiking trails
- Maronti Beach: the island’s most popular beach, featuring a long stretch of sandy coastline and crystal-clear water
- Cave of the Turchi: a sea cave famous for its clear blue water and underwater hot springs that make it a popular spot for snorkeling
Hiking/Biking Routes of Ischia
Ischia is a great destination for hikers and bikers. There are many trails that offer both scenic views of the island and a glimpse into its rich history. Here are some of the most popular hiking and biking routes on the island:
- Sentiero dei Fortini: a scenic trail that leads hikers through the Fortino di Punta Imperatore and the Fortino di Zaro, two historic fortifications on the island
- Monte di Panza: a hike that takes you to the top of the mountain, where you can see breathtaking views of the island
- Via Vecchia del Mulo: a relatively easy hike, which takes visitors through the charming hillside villages of Ischia
Best Things to Do in Ischia: Activities and Tours
Ischia offers a variety of activities and tours that cater to different interests. Here are some of the best things to do on the island:
- Thermal Spa Treatments: Ischia is famous for its thermal springs, and visitors can enjoy this natural therapy at any of the island’s numerous spas
- Boat Tours: take a boat tour around the island to enjoy its beautiful coastline and visit small towns along the way
- Wine Tasting: enjoy a guided visit of a local vineyard or take a wine tasting class to discover the unique flavors of the Ischian wine
- Cooking Classes: learn the secrets of Ischian cuisine in an authentic cooking class
Week-Long Itinerary for Ischia
Planning a week-long trip to Ischia? Here is a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your time on the island:
Day 1-2: Explore the Island
Start your trip by exploring the island. Visit the Aragonese Castle, La Mortella Gardens, and the Villa Arbusto Museum to get an understanding of the island’s rich history.
Day 3-4: Relax on the Beach
Spend the next two days relaxing on one of the island’s beautiful beaches, such as Maronti Beach or San Francesco Beach. Book a thermal spa treatment to complete your beach day.
Day 5: Hiking or Biking Day
Spend a day hiking or biking on one of the island’s many trails, such as Monte di Panza or Via Vecchia del Mulo.
Day 6: Take a Tour
Take a boat tour of the island or wine tasting class.
Day 7: Shop for Souvenirs
Spend your last day shopping for souvenirs in one of the island’s charming towns, such as Forio or Ischia Porto.
Food and Drink Scene of Ischia
Food is an essential part of Ischian culture. The island’s cuisine is based on fresh seafood, vegetables from local farms, and a variety of cheeses and meats. The island also produces its wines, including the popular Biancolilla and Per ‘e Palummo varieties. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Ischia:
Must-Try Dishes
- Coniglio all’ischitana: a traditional Ischian rabbit dish served with tomato sauce, olives, and capers
- Insalata di mare: a seafood salad made with fresh fish and shellfish
- Linguine all’astice: a pasta dish made with fresh lobster
- Ravioli Capresi: pasta stuffed with caciocavallo cheese and marjoram, topped with tomato sauce and basil
Local Beverages
- Biancolilla: a white wine made from the Biancolilla grape, with a fruity and aromatic flavor
- Per’e Palummo: a red wine made from the Per’e Palummo grape, with a rich and spicy flavor
- Limoncello: a sweet and tangy lemon liquor made with local Ischian lemons
Where to Stay in Ischia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Ischia offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay on the island:
- Hotel Mare Blu Terme: A beachfront hotel with a prime location and an outdoor thermal pool
- Hotel Paradise: a family-run hotel set in a lush garden with two thermal pools
- Magic Ischia: a hostel that provides inexpensive accommodation for backpackers and solo travelers
- Hotel Giardino delle Ninfe e la Fenice: a luxurious hotel set in a beautiful garden with various thermal pools
What to Buy in Ischia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home or gifts for your loved ones, here are some ideas of things to buy in Ischia:
- Limoncello: a sweet lemon liquor made from Ischian lemons
- Ceramic Tiles: colorful ceramic tiles are a popular souvenir from Ischia
- Olive Oil: olive oil produced on the island is known for its excellent quality and distinctive flavor
- Torrone: a traditional Italian nougat made with almonds, honey, and sugar
Local Culture and Customs of Ischia
Ischia has a unique history and culture that is reflected in its food, attractions, and people. Here are some cultural customs that you should be aware of when visiting the island:
- Respect the local people and their customs. Ischians are known for their hospitality, so be kind and courteous to them.
- Dress appropriately when visiting churches and other religious sites on the island.
- Don’t litter on the island; keep it clean and beautiful for other visitors.
Best Time to Visit Ischia
The best time to visit Ischia is between May and September when the weather is warm and the island is bustling with tourists. However, if you want a quieter and more peaceful visit, consider visiting in late September or early October.
Do’s and Don’ts of Ischia
Do:
- Do visit the island’s hot springs and enjoy the therapeutic benefits
- Do try the local cuisine and wine
- Do explore the island’s natural beauty by hiking or biking
Don’t:
- Don’t litter on the island or in the water
- Don’t be disrespectful to the locals or their customs
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and insect repellent
Safety and Health
Safety in Ischia
Ischia is a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should take normal precautions to avoid theft and stay safe.
Health in Ischia
Ischia is known for its thermal spa treatments, which are believed to have healing properties. Visitors with existing medical conditions should consult their doctor before trying these treatments.
Getting to Ischia: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Ischia
The closest airport to Ischia is Naples International Airport, which is situated about 37 km from the island.
Bus Stations Near Ischia
There are several bus stations in Naples that offer transportation to Ischia. The trip takes around 1 hour, and tickets can be purchased at the station or online.
Other Options
Visitors can also get to Ischia by taking a ferry from Naples or Pozzuoli, which takes around 1 hour. There is also a hydrofoil service between the island and other destinations in the Bay of Naples.
How to Get Around in Ischia
Ischia is a compact island, and most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. Visitors can rent bikes, scooters, or cars to explore the island further.
Where to Go Next from Ischia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Ischia is surrounded by many other destinations in the Bay of Naples and beyond. Here are some nearby destinations that you can visit:
- Capri: a beautiful island known for its stunning beaches, rocky cliffs, and grottos
- Pompeii: an ancient Roman city that was buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD
- Sorrento: a charming coastal town known for its beautiful waterfront and historic center
Conclusion
Ischia is a beautiful island that offers visitors a variety of experiences, from natural beauty to historic landmarks and delicious food. We hope that this Ultimate Travel Guide to Ischia has provided you with all the information you need to plan your next trip to this stunning destination.
