Explore The Island Of Ischia, Italy

How To Spend A Day Visiting Ischia Island

The charming volcanic island of Ischia rises out of the brilliant blue waters of Bay of Naples and is perfect for a day trip from Naples. Known for thermal baths, beautiful beaches, and delicious food, touring around the island is like being in a pretty picture postcard. Hike Monte Epomeo or walk the copious steps to Aragonese Castle for a little exercise before dining on a plate of Coniglio all’ischitana (rabbit stew) with a glass of local vino. Ischia is a southern Italy hidden gem. Take a day trip to explore the island of Ischia Italy.

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Ischia In Pictures

Visit Bucket List Travel Inspiration, my travel YouTube Channel to see all the beautiful natural sites when you visit Ischia, Italy.

Getting To Ischia From Naples

You can hop on a direct ferry from Naples to Ischia, tickets are available at the port or online. We used the Alilauro line, it was clean and comfortable. The trip takes about an hour on the ferry.

Viator has lots of well rated group and private trips from Naples to Ischia. Click here to peruse their Ischia tour selections.

Ischia Porto And Ischia Ponte

The main town on the island is Ischia Porto. It is a lovely spot for popping in and out of local shops, enjoying a gelato while leisurely strolling the main street with views of Castello Aragonese in the distance.

Here you will find a wonderful array of small cafes and restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine. Grab a seat and order up a rustic sandwich or enjoy a full service restaurant where seafood lovers will have a difficult time deciding what to order. Adventurous foodies should order the island’s signature dish, Coniglio all’ischitana. A rabbit stew made with crushed tomatoes, white whine, garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes. If you want to try it at home, Pasta.com has a classic version you can cook up.

Ischia Ponte is the old town historic area where you can visit Castello Aragonese, a medieval castle. This is where your journey up, up, up to the castle begins.

Castello Aragonese

A must visit is the Aragonese Castle. Simply walking up the steps is a total workout. The medieval masterpiece is a maze of paths, gardens, and lots of stairs.

Aragonese Castle In Pictures

You can find stunning Bay of Naples and Tyrrhenian Sea views and castle photos at Bucket List Travel Inspiration.

Piazzale del Soccorso, Forio

The stunning Piazzale del Soccorso in Forio is home to the Chiesa del Soccorso, the Church of the Madonna del Soccorso. Perched high on a cliff, the pretty white church is a popular wedding venue. From private beach clubs to towering volcanic mountains, a destination wedding in Ischia, Italy would be an event to remember.

Monte Epomeo

According to AllTrails Monte Epomen, is a 1.3 mile out and back route. It is moderately rated. We did not hike Monte Epomen the day we visited Ischia, we opted to visit Aragonese Castle instead. Hiking Mount Epomeo is one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Italy, Ischia.

Thermal Parks And Thermal Hot Springs In Ischia, Italy

Soak away your cares in Ischia’s thermal spas. There are natural hot springs and spa treatments to ease your travel weary bones. The most recommended thermal spas include Negombo Thermal Spa in Lacco Ameno, Giardini Poseidon Terme with several terraces overlooking the beautiful water, and Centro Termale O’Vagnitiello, a beautiful beach club resort and spa.

If snuggling up in mud baths and floating in natural pools is on your bucket list, then book a getaway stay at one of the spas or beach clubs on Ischia. Sun loungers and lush greenery are the epitome of island life.

The Beaches In Ischia

There are several pretty beaches in Ischia. Spiaggia di Sant’Angelo, spiaggia dei Pescatori, Chiaia Beach, Spiaggia di San Montano, e Spiaggia dei Maronti are great options if you want to spend your time soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine. We did stop only briefly at the beaches in Ischia since our main objective was to concur the Castello Aragonese. With so many beautiful beaches, you will need to visit Ischia for a week to explore them all.

Amalfi Coast

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The Island Of Ischia In Southern Italy

When we visited Ischia in May of 2024, we were on a private tour as part of our Amalfi Coast Walking Tour with EF Go Ahead Tours. We enjoyed a lovely ferry ride, visited the whole island, and taste tested delicious local dishes. Our experience with EF Go Ahead was fabulous. We loved our guide so much, we are working to book her for a group tour to the Greek Islands.

If your trip takes you to Rome, be sure to enjoy some of the sumptuous Italian cuisine in the foodie district of Prati. Read about all the delicious delicacies in my Prati Food Tour article. 

If you love sandy beaches, thermal pools, boat tour rides, stunning sea views, and tasting local dishes, be sure to add some time to explore the island of Ischia Italy to your Naples Itinerary. It is one of those small island life oases filled with natural beauty that you don’t want to miss.

Happy Bucket List Travel Adventures,

Sandi

PIN FOR LATER

The information provided here is an overview of types of adventures available. Travel With Sandi does not endorse certain tours or adventures — each individual should choose based on their personal taste and physical abilities. As always, be safe, be aware of your surroundings, tread carefully, and keep your valuables hidden.