Ischia is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples and is considered by many to be the most beautiful (although Capri is considerably more famous). Nicknamed the Green Island, for its lush vegetation, or Isle of Youth, it is most famous for the many hot springs present and for the beauty of its beaches.
Its highest peak is Monte Epomeo, a volcano extinct many centuries ago, but with a residual activity linked to the hot springs. The population of the island is 60 thousand inhabitants, but during the year there are about 6 million tourists who visit it, attracted by its beautiful beaches, delicious gastronomy, beautiful landscapes and healthy volcanic spas.
When to go to Ischia
The best time to visit Ischia is from April to October, when many of the days are mild and clear.
High season is lainmuebles with hot days and many tourists. It is also the cheapest time to visit the island, but also the best time to enjoy the sun, the beaches and the sea.
Spring and L'autunno is the best time for those who want to enjoy nature on the island. You can make long and pleasant walks, or healthy spas.
Winter, even if it is the least recommended time to visit the island, can still be beautiful. It offers cheap hotel rates, but some days it can be cold and wet.
Best places to stay in Ischia
There are several towns along the coast of the island, but where are the best places to stay? Let's take a closer look at the various resorts in Ischia and the recommended places to stay according to the traveler's preferences and needs.
Staying in Ischia Town, in the port, best place to stay for young people
Ischia is not only the name of the island but also the largest town, with a population of over 20 thousand inhabitants. It is divided into two areas: Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte. There are numerous hotels and hostels of all categories, and an intense tourist movement.
Definitely this is the best area to sleep in Ischia for several reasons, especially for families with children, being the most convenient area to travel. Staying here, especially in the port area, allows you to easily reach the hotel, most of the ferries and hydrofoils arriving in Ischia dock here.
There are numerous spas and the offer for entertainment is quite wide. Tourism is quite wide and varied, suitable for all ages. It is a place suitable for short stays, such as weekends, as well as for long vacations.
On the right bank of the port there are numerous bars, discos, nightclubs, but also typical restaurants, wine bars, folk taverns and stores where you can buy souvenirs and local products. There is also a shopping center, between via Roma and corso Vittoria Colonna, which is why it is a favorite place for young people.
The best hotels in Ischia Port
Aragona Palace Hotel & Spa: one of the most beloved and famous hotels in Ischia. It is a quiet 4 * with excellent service and food. You won't hear most of the port or traffic noise. And you are also just a few minutes from the pedestrian area and beaches.
Hermitage Resort and thermal spa: another top choice in Ischia Porto. Another 4 * located just 500 meters from the historic center of Ischia, and offers a wellness center, a Mediterranean garden with terrace, 3 thermal pools and rooms with balconies.
If you are looking for cheaper accommodations, the two best options are:
Hotel Ulisse: a 3 * hotel that costs little compared to what it offers (double rooms from 43 euros per night for two). It is a family-run hotel, with rooms decorated in traditional island style and offers a garden with 2 outdoor pools with hydro-massage function and sun terraces. the reviews are exceptional!
Relais Bijoux Ischia: a B & B furnished in Mediterranean style offering an outdoor pool and lovely sea views. It is less than 10 minutes drive from the beach of Ischia.
Ischia Ponte: where to stay in Ischia for the first time.
The other part of the town of Ischia is a pretty village made up of narrow streets and old houses.
Ischia Ponte is the right place to stay if you want to spend a stay with all the comforts at your fingertips, in a characteristic and decidedly quieter setting than Ischia Porto.
However, the latter can be reached on foot in about 30 minutes.
In Ischia Ponte I recommend you visit the Aragonese Castle and Clockmaker's Palace, now home to a small Museum of the Sea.
The closest place to go to the sea is there. Fisherman's Beach, but in a few minutes you can also easily reach the Lido Beach and San Pietro.
The best hotels in Ischia Ponte
Hotel Miramare Y Castello: one of the most famous 5 * in Ischia, especially for the panoramic view of the Aragonese Castle and the bay of Sorrento. It offers elegant rooms, solarium with 2 hot tubs, spa and a la carte restaurant. Probably the best accommodation in the town of Ischia, if not on the whole island.
Hotel Villa Durrueli Resort & Spa: a quiet spa hotel, five minutes walk from the beach. The hotel offers, in addition to the rest, an outdoor pool, a spa with whirlpool and steam bath, and free breakfast.
If you are looking for a cheap accommodation, I suggest you take a look at Hotel europa, a family-run hotel with thermal pool located in the historic center of Ischia, just 200 meters from the beach.
Staying in Forio di Ischia
Forio, along with the Ischia Porto area, is one of the liveliest places on the island. It is an ideal area to stay for families with children and for those who want to enjoy the sea. There are numerous free beaches and the sea is splendid.
The location allows you to easily reach other locations on the island and offers a wide and varied hotel offer. Do not miss the visit of the Citara Beach, the most famous of the island, and the magnificent thermal gardens of Poseidon. The highlight is reached in the late afternoon when you can witness magnificent sunsets.
The best hotels in Forio
There are many hotels in Forio, it is a very popular area. Try to book in advance to find the best accommodations!
If you're looking for somewhere truly special, consider the Mezzatorre Resort & Spa, a beautiful 5-star hotel with nautical-inspired antique furnishings and direct access to the beach. In addition to a spa, gym, restaurant and pools, there's also a tennis court and game room. Elegant and secluded.
Hotel Nettuno De Charme: one of the best options, if not the best option near the Poseidon Gardens. All rooms are equipped with amenities, some of them have sea view.
laHotelAlbatros It is a reasonably priced 4 star hotel with a fantastic pool and is in a good location near the beach. The view of the sea is exceptional. In the surrounding area you will find excellent restaurants.
laHotelTritone Resort & SPA is a great beach resort in a beautiful island setting. You are close to some unique areas with rock formations, a variety of beaches and if you love hiking, this is the place for you!
Staying in Sant'Angelo: if you're really looking for a quiet area
Sant'Angelo is a small fishing village and is a great choice for those looking for relaxation and a romantic couple's vacation. The town is located in the southernmost part of the island of Ischia. In the country it is forbidden to drive a car, for this reason there are parking lots at the entrance of the town.
This fishing village offers aquiet environment for a tailor-made vacation for families. An isthmus connects the village to a small islet, where there is a small monastery. There are beautiful beaches stretching both on the right side of the town and on the left side.
Sant'Angelo -
If you want to escape the chaos and need a vacation of pure tranquility, then Sant'Angelo is the place for you.
This location is a bit secluded from the rest of the island and its center is completely pedestrianized.
Sant'Angelo is a small fishing village that has kept its peaceful and authentic nature intact.
If you love trekking you can reach the top of Monte Epomeo, a volcano that is no longer active.
If, on the other hand, you just want to relax on the beach, the long beach of Maronti Beach is the best place to do it.
The best hotels in Sant'Angelo
San Michele Hotel & Spa: characterized by a wonderful terrace overlooking Maronti Beach, the hotel offers a wellness center with thermal pools and rooms with balconies with private bathroom with shower. Some have frontal views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The wellness center is complete with indoor and outdoor swimming pool and solarium.
Casa al Sole Boutique Hotel: I love this hotel, it is very special with attention to every little detail. The position overlooking the sea offers romantic drinks under the stars. The owner offers "breakfast in the room" Each suite has a sea view. A maison de charme in the heart of Borgo Sant'Angelo, you will never want to leave, I assure you!
Staying in Casamicciola: the best place to sleep if you are interested in Spa treatments
Casamicciola, located between the towns of Ischia and Lacco Ameno, in the center of the northern part of the island of Ischia, is an interesting place to stay. The most beautiful area is the marina area, with the characteristic Liberty style buildings.
If you are looking for tranquility this location may be the right choice. This small town, in addition to spas, offers some bars, restaurants and stores, but above all beautiful landscapes and views.
Famous for its curative spas, Casamicciola Terme is a quiet and relaxing place.
The center is very nice and full of restaurants where you can taste typical local dishes. The promenade is also pleasant to stroll along.
Remember that everything closes early here and silence reigns after midnight.
Those who stay in Casamicciola cannot miss the opportunity to go to the Castiglione Thermal Garden where you can relax in pools, saunas and Turkish baths.
I recommend this place to sleep in Ischia for those who need spa treatments or for those who want to spend a relaxing and peaceful vacation.
Best Hotels in Casamicciola Terme
Among the cheaper or mid-priced options, Paradise Relais Villa Janto ' is one of the best hotels. It is located in an elevated position, 2 km from the center of Casamicciola Terme and offers panoramic sea views, a restaurant and indoor and outdoor pools.
Hotel La Madonnina: a recently renovated 4-star hotel located on a cliff between the sea, the beach and the town center. The hotel has a particularly Mediterranean atmosphere and offers views of the Gulf of Naples, a private beach, terraced gardens and free wifi.
Hotel Gemma: another budget hotel, a 3* with an outdoor pool, a sun terrace overlooking the Gulf of Naples, air-conditioned accommodations and a garden.
Staying in Lacco Ameno: Where to stay in a romantic area.
Lacco Ameno -
Lacco ameno, whose symbol is a large rock polished by the sea in the shape of a mushroom, is the perfect place to stay in Ischia if you want a quiet and romantic vacation.
Here you will find some of the most beautiful luxury hotels on the island.
The center is small but well maintained and during the summer evenings life is particularly lively.
I recommend you visit the Church of Santa Restituita, protector of the city, and Villa Arbusto inside which the Cup of Nestor, an archaeological find that constitutes one of the oldest examples of alphabetic writing ever found.
The most beautiful beach in the area is undoubtedly that of San Montano.
To spend a day between the sea and the hot springs, head to Negombo Park created right in the frame of San Montano bay.
The best hotels in Lacco Ameno
Hotel Villa Svizzera Terme: ideal for two people, this 4 * is located in the famous Capitello springs, offers a private park, wellness center and thermal baths. It is a few steps from the beach and close to the quiet pedestrian area.
Buffet breakfast is included.
Regina Isabella-Resort Spa Restaurant: an elegant hotel on the north coast of the island of Ischia. It has a 1950s feel, but this is one of the charms of Ischia that you'll end up loving. The area has some beaches and docks with lots of boats that can be nice to stroll along.
San Montano Resort & Spa: if you love luxury this place is for you. One of my favorite choices in all of Ischia, just 300 meters from the Negombo Thermal Establishment!
Staying in Barano: Where to sleep off the beaten tourist track.
Maronti Beach, Barano -
They cheat is a place a little off the usual tourist routes and I recommend it to those who want to get away from the crowds and to nature lovers. In fact, there are numerous possibilities for hiking in the surrounding area.
Among the most beautiful trails, I would like to point out the one of the famous Maronti Beach leading to Cavascura spring, a natural thermal park, the Path of the bays that reaches Monte Cotto and to the Path of the Scarrupata with one of the most emblematic views of Ischia.
Also the Pineta di Fiaiano is a good place to spend time outdoors, perhaps organizing a picnic.
If you want to enjoy the hot springs, head to the Park of the Nymphs of Nitrodi: among springs and Mediterranean scrubland you will feel as if you have found Eden.
The best hotels in Barano
Hotel Parco Smeraldo Terme: located directly on the beach of Maronti, one of the most beautiful in Ischia, the hotel offers thermal pools, a splendid terrace, private beach with free sun beds and umbrellas and every possible and imaginable comfort.
Located between Punta della Signora and the picturesque fishing village of Sant'Angelo, the hotel is surrounded by tropical gardens.
What to see in Ischia
During a vacation on the island of Ischia you will be able to visit and see many things. But what are the most beautiful things to see on the island? Here is the list of the most interesting places to visit:
- Negombo Thermal Park, located in the bay of San Montano di Lacco Ameno and surrounded by splendid gardens, is one of the most famous spas on the island.
- Feast of Santa Restituta, marking the beginning of the beautiful season on the island.
- Archaeological Museum of Pithecusa, one of the most important archaeological museums in Campania.
- Chiesa del Soccorso, represents the history, symbol and legend of the island.
- Poseidon Gardens, the largest thermal park on the island
- Torre di Guevara, a 16th century tower, also called La Torre di Michelangelo or Torre di Sant'Anna
- Ravino Gardens, botanical park with tropical and Mediterranean flora
- La Mortella, Lady Walton's garden museum
- Aragonese Castle, a fortification located on an islet and connected by a bridge to the island
- Monte Epomeo, besides being the symbol of Ischia, is the highest mountain on the island.
- Baia di Sorgeto, a free natural thermal park.
- The mushroom, mushroom-shaped rock.
- Borgo Sant'Angelo, with the famous square reminiscent of Capri.
The best Spas in Ischia
Its volcanic nature makes the island of Ischia one of the best and largest spas in Europe. The thermal springs of the island have been recognized since ancient times and are appreciated for their exceptional therapeutic characteristics.
How to get to Ischia
To reach the island of Ischia we recommend arriving at the port of Naples, and then take one of the daily ferries or hydrofoils that connect the capital of Campania with the island. There the trip lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes by ferry, or between 30 and 45 minutes by hydrofoil.
There are 3 ports on the island, the Port of Ischia is the most used, but there are also those of Casamicciola and Forio. In addition to Naples, there are departures from Pozzuoli, Procida, Capri, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Salerno, Ventotene, Formia and Ponza.
The price of travel from Naples by ferry costs 12 euros, while by hydrofoil costs 18 euros. Cheaper are the trips from Pozzuoli, with a cost of 9 euros by ferry.
Choose your dates and book your ferry or hydrofoil ticket to Ischia
