Ischia

The volcanic outcrop of Ischia is the most developed and largest of the islands in the Bay of Naples. An early colony of Magna Graecia, first settled in the 8th century BC, Ischia today is famed for its thermal spas, manicured gardens, striking Aragonese castle and unshowy, straightforward Italian airs – a feature also reflected in its food. Ischia is a refreshing antidote to glitzy Capri.

Most visitors head straight for the north-coast towns of Ischia Porto, Ischia Ponte, Forio and Lacco Ameno. Of these, Ischia Porto boasts the best bars, while Forio and Lacco Ameno have the prettiest spas and gardens. On the calmer south coast, the car-free perfection of Sant’Angelo offers a languid blend of a cosy harbour and lazy beaches. In between the coasts lies a less-trodden landscape of chestnut forests, vineyards and volcanic rock, loomed over by Monte Epomeo, Ischia’s highest peak.

Explore Ischia

Castello Aragonese
There are castles and then there’s Ischia’s Castello Aragonese, a veritable fort-city set on its own craggy islet, looking like a cross between Harry…
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La Mortella
A symphony of plants, La Mortella (the myrtles) is the former home and gardens of the late British composer William Walton (1902–83) and his Argentine…
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Casa Museo
The good news is that this museum is well signposted and has a car park. The bad news is that it's on a perilous corner on Ischia's mountain road between…
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Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae
Housed in the elegant Villa Arbusto, former home of local celeb Angelo Rizzoli, the Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae enjoys a heady historical location…
M
Monte Epomeo
To anyone of average fitness, an ascent of Ischia’s slumbering volcanic peak is practically obligatory. The views from the rocky summit are superb. And,…
B
Baia di Sorgeto
Among all those posh, dreamy (sometimes expensive) spas, it's nice to have access to something that's thermal and free. Located at the bottom of 300 steps…
G
Giardini Ravino
The vision of local botanist Giuseppe D’Ambra, who has collected plants since the 1960s, this 6000-sq-metre garden pays homage to the not-so-humble cactus…
C
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso
This diminutive white church perched above the water in the town centre was originally part of a 14th-century Augustinian monastery; its side chapel and…
S
Spiaggia dei Maronti
Long, sandy and very popular, this beach was a favourite landing spot for pirates, who would bury their loot beneath the sand. Reach it by bus from Barano…

Castello Aragonese
There are castles and then there’s Ischia’s Castello Aragonese, a veritable fort-city set on its own craggy islet, looking like a cross between Harry…
L
La Mortella
A symphony of plants, La Mortella (the myrtles) is the former home and gardens of the late British composer William Walton (1902–83) and his Argentine…
C
Casa Museo
The good news is that this museum is well signposted and has a car park. The bad news is that it's on a perilous corner on Ischia's mountain road between…
M
Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae
Housed in the elegant Villa Arbusto, former home of local celeb Angelo Rizzoli, the Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae enjoys a heady historical location…
M
Monte Epomeo
To anyone of average fitness, an ascent of Ischia’s slumbering volcanic peak is practically obligatory. The views from the rocky summit are superb. And,…
B
Baia di Sorgeto
Among all those posh, dreamy (sometimes expensive) spas, it's nice to have access to something that's thermal and free. Located at the bottom of 300 steps…
G
Giardini Ravino
The vision of local botanist Giuseppe D’Ambra, who has collected plants since the 1960s, this 6000-sq-metre garden pays homage to the not-so-humble cactus…
C
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso
This diminutive white church perched above the water in the town centre was originally part of a 14th-century Augustinian monastery; its side chapel and…
S
Spiaggia dei Maronti
Long, sandy and very popular, this beach was a favourite landing spot for pirates, who would bury their loot beneath the sand. Reach it by bus from Barano…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Ischia.

See
Castello Aragonese
There are castles and then there’s Ischia’s Castello Aragonese, a veritable fort-city set on its own craggy islet, looking like a cross between Harry…
See
La Mortella
A symphony of plants, La Mortella (the myrtles) is the former home and gardens of the late British composer William Walton (1902–83) and his Argentine…
See
Casa Museo
The good news is that this museum is well signposted and has a car park. The bad news is that it's on a perilous corner on Ischia's mountain road between…
See
Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae
Housed in the elegant Villa Arbusto, former home of local celeb Angelo Rizzoli, the Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae enjoys a heady historical location…
See
Monte Epomeo
To anyone of average fitness, an ascent of Ischia’s slumbering volcanic peak is practically obligatory. The views from the rocky summit are superb. And,…
See
Baia di Sorgeto
Among all those posh, dreamy (sometimes expensive) spas, it's nice to have access to something that's thermal and free. Located at the bottom of 300 steps…
See
Giardini Ravino
The vision of local botanist Giuseppe D’Ambra, who has collected plants since the 1960s, this 6000-sq-metre garden pays homage to the not-so-humble cactus…
See
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso
This diminutive white church perched above the water in the town centre was originally part of a 14th-century Augustinian monastery; its side chapel and…
See
Spiaggia dei Maronti
Long, sandy and very popular, this beach was a favourite landing spot for pirates, who would bury their loot beneath the sand. Reach it by bus from Barano…

Guidebooks

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