Ischia Holidays

The island may be small, but there are lots of things to do in Ischia, especially for travellers who love nature and the great outdoors. In fact, a holiday to Ischia can be just as exhilarating as visiting the mainland!

• One of the top attractions in Ischia is just doing nothing! Simply taking a stroll around the island, which boasts an amazing number of historical landmarks, is an attraction in itself. Discover half-buried ancient necropolises and enjoy the wonders of the medieval towns along the coast.
• However, there is one very big reason why visitors flock to Ischia: the spas. Since the days of Roman rule, people have come to the island specifically to benefit from the healing powers of Ischia’s mineral-rich waters and muds. Negombo and Giardini Poseidon Terme are popular thermal spas here.
• Ischia is also known as a paradise for relaxation, with a wine heritage that dates back thousands of years. Connoisseurs come from all across the world to visit the old vineyards, which to this day produce some of Europe’s most sought-after wines. Try them at a local bar, while watching the sunset.

When you’ve had your fill of history and culture, Ischia beaches await. Almost the entire coastline of Ischia is covered in beautiful white sand beaches, so it’s easy to find the ideal spot to relax and unwind.

• Citara Beach in Ischia is one of the biggest on the island. Covered in fine white sands, this beach forms the stunning backdrop to the famous Poseidon thermal resort, and is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops, giving you everything you need for a great beach day.
• San Pietro Beach in Ischia stretches right from the port to the beach of Pescatori, and it’s a firm favourite of families thanks to the calm, shallow waters, ideal for swimming. It transforms into one of the liveliest beaches on the island in the summer, and there’s always something going on.
• San Francesco Beach in Ischia is a rocky beach known for its waves, making it an excellent destination for watersports. It’s just a short stroll from the port of Forio, so it’s easy to access. It’s also very convenient for all the restaurants, bars and hotels that are clustered into this colourful town.

Food in Ischia revolves largely around produce gathered from the mountains and the sea, and you’ll find that local meat, fish, and vegetables all play a major role in the cuisine of this Italian island.

• Wild rabbit is a particular favourite on the island of Ischia, and has been a speciality for many years. Rabbit is often cooked with wine, garlic, and tomatoes, and served up in quaint terracotta pots; a nod to the island’s rich, colourful history.
• If you think snails are a thoroughly French offering, think again! Snails are a big part of food in Ischia, and are often cooked with wild grass. You’ll find that snails can either be served up on their own as an appetiser, or as part of a main course alongside mozzarella, tomatoes, onions, and salad leaves.
• Due to its fantastic location in the Tyrrhenian Sea, many of the best restaurants in Ischia include fresh, locally caught seafood on their menus. While there are many different types of seafood on offer, Ischia is especially known for its calamari, langoustines, and sea urchins, which are widely available.
• The volcanic soils across the island are particularly fertile, so expect lots of delicious fresh vegetables to be included alongside all meals. You’ll also find that bread is frequently served as a side, typically with a small pot of local honey, made with beeswax, fruit, and flowers.

Ischia nightlife is lively, but is typically much quieter and more laid-back than that of the metropolitan destinations of the mainland. It’s all about relaxed nights and quiet socialising.

• The warm evenings on the island of Ischia are perfect for low key lounging, making the most of the weather by sitting on the terraces and watching the world go by. Join the locals in this elegant, chilled out way of life, far away from the nightclubs and noise of the mainland cities.
• Many of the best nightlife hotspots in Ischia are centered around the harbour, which forms a spectacular backdrop for evening drinks. Many venues here offer outdoor seating — some of it right on the beachfront — so you can sit and watch the sunset while enjoying a glass of wine or local cocktail.
• If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Ischia between April and November, when the weather is truly fantastic, you’ll find that there’s almost always something going on in the evenings, such as live classical or jazz concerts. Many evening events in the summer take place in the gardens of Villa La Mortella.

If you’re bringing the entire family on holiday to Ischia, there are lots of things to do that will keep everyone entertained and happy… no matter how old they are, or what sort of activities they enjoy.

• Perhaps the best thing about family holidays to Ischia is that many of the best child-friendly attractions are completely free! The beaches, for example, are a free day out; children can take a dip in the sea, build sandcastles, or simply race around on the sands while the adults enjoy a bit of relaxation.
• Another completely free activity for kids is a walk around the island’s pine forests; a fairytale-like wonderland where the family can keep their eyes open for majestic wildlife and beautiful flowers. There are also many playgrounds dotted through the parks and forests of Ischia.
• For a really fun day out, head to the Perris Park Luna Park; a family-friendly amusement park with playground equipment and other activities and attractions. Much of the excitement takes place in the 1000 square metre indoor structure. It’s fully air conditioned so it’s nice and cool!
• If you book a stay in a fabulous family hotel in Ischia, you’ll also find that there are many entertainments for your children right on your doorstep. Many of the hotels cater very well for families, with on-site kids' clubs to ensure your children have a great time while you relax or explore the area.

Sunbathing or strolling hand-in-hand along the idyllic beaches of Ischia is the foundation of a romantic break, but there are actually many more activities that make this island perfect for a couple’s getaway.

• The warm thermal springs of Ischia create natural hot baths to relax in, taking time together away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. These spas are even said to have therapeutic benefits, helping to ease any stresses and strains, and leave you both feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
• Another advantage to choosing this volcanic island for your romantic holiday is the fertile soil here, which can be turned into Ischia mud. Book a couple’s mud treatment to experience the health benefits of the local mud, or check out the other couple’s treatments offered by the local spas.
• Simply walking around the island, through the tropical greenery, is incredibly romantic. Be sure to finish off a fantastic day with a visit to a local vineyard for a drink or two, and enjoy dinner in one of the many stunning restaurants located by the sea. In Ischia, it’s easy to create a day you’ll always remember.

Having been colonised by the Greeks, Romans, Saracens, and Turks, and being an Italian destination separated from the mainland, Ischia culture is varied and rich.

• What is Ischia known for? Its hot springs! Bathing in the hot thermal springs and local Ischia muds is as much a cultural experience as a therapeutic one. These natural wonders have helped to make the island what it is today, and have both played a significant role in shaping the settlement’s rich history.
• Simply walking around the island will give you a fantastic glimpse into Ischia history, with classic buildings such as Castello Aragonese ready and waiting to be explored. This castle, which dates from 474 BC, was repurposed in the 15th century. Today it's a privately owned monument, open to the public.
• There are many ancient watchtowers dotted around the Ischia coastline, including the impressive Guevara Tower, one of the most iconic sights on the island. It’s even said that Michelangelo once stayed here, and some believe that the artwork inside is by the artist himself.
• Ischia is home to many fascinating museums, and if it’s local history and culture you’re after you can’t do better than the Pithecusae Archaeological Museum. Located in the town of Lacco Ameno, the exhibits in this 18th century building showcase some of the most significant archaeological relics found in Ischia.

How do I get to Ischia?

Ischia can only be reached by boat, with ferry services leaving from Naples Beverello and Pozzuoli Harbour. Most travellers fly into Rome or Naples, and transfer to the ports using train or taxi services.

How do I get from Ischia to Capri?

It's possible to get from Ischia to the neighbouring island of Capri using the Alilauro ferry service. There's typically one crossing each way per day, with the journey between the islands taking about 1 hour.

How long is the ferry from Naples to Ischia?

The quickest ferry between Naples and Ischia is operated by Alilauro, and takes just 1 hour. There is an alternative service operated by Medmar which runs less frequently, and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How large is Ischia?

Ischia measures just over 4 miles from north to south, and a little more than 6 miles from east to west, with a total surface area of around 18 square miles. This makes it very easy to explore on foot.