Ischia is a beautiful island off the coast of Italy that, despite being lesser known than some of the country’s other islands, is teeming with stunning scenery and exciting activities. From stunning beaches to rich cultural attractions, in this blog post we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do in Ischia, an idyllic European destination.
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A brief overview of Ischia
Ischia is a volcanic island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the gulf of Naples, Italy. It is the largest island in the Bay of Naples and is known for its thermal baths, beaches, and Mediterranean climate. Ischia has a long history, dating back to ancient times when it was settled by the Greeks and later the Romans.
Today, the island is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world with its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and abundance of recreational activities. The island is also known for its production of wine and its delicious cuisine, which features a variety of fresh seafood and locally grown produce, along with beaches and thermal springs. Today, Ischia is a colourful tourist destination with something for everyone, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or even as a family.
The island is divided into only six different towns: Ischia, Casamicciola, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Serrara Fontana and Barano and covers an area of 47 sq. km (just over 18 sq. miles). It’s most commonly reached via hydrofoil from the port of Naples, with the journey taking around an hour (or a ferry ride clocking in at an hour and 40 minutes).
Beaches
Ischia, Italy is home to many beautiful beaches that offer a variety of activities for visitors. Some popular beaches include Maronti Beach, which is known for its black volcanic sand and crystal clear water, and San Francesco Beach, which is located near the Aragonese Castle and has a picturesque setting with umbrella pines and rocky cliffs.
Another popular beach is Citara Beach, which is located near the town of Forio and has a large thermal park with natural hot springs. For those looking for a more secluded and quiet beach, Spiaggia del Sorgeto is a hidden gem with natural hot springs and a peaceful atmosphere.
It’s difficult to say which beach is the “best” as it really depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in a beach experience. All of the beaches in Ischia are worth visiting and as the island is so small, why not visit a few during your trip? One f the best things about Ischia island is that a chilled out beach day is never to far away.
Cultural attractions
Despite its relatively small size, Ischia is home to some really impressive cultural attractions that are some of the best places to visit during your trip. Here’s an overview of the most popular and some that I personally recommend.
Aragonese Castle
The Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese) is a must-see attraction when visiting the island of Ischia, Italy. Located on a small island connected to Ischia by a walkable bridge, the castle dates back to the 4th century BC and offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples.
Visitors can explore the castle’s towers, courtyards, and dungeons, as well as visit the chapel and museum located inside. The castle also has a small restaurant, and many people like to sun themselves on the rocky walkway up to the entrance, making it a perfect spot to spend the day. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the castle’s stunning architecture and panoramic views.
Giardini la Mortella
The Giardini la Mortella botanical gardens in Ischia, Italy are a must-see for nature lovers visiting the island and was one of the most memorable parts of my trip. Located in the town of Forio, the gardens cover an area of about 2 hectares and are home to a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees from all over the world.
The gardens were created by Sir William Walton, an English composer, and his wife Lady Walton in the 1950s, and have been open to the public since the 1980s. In addition to the stunning plants and flowers, the gardens also feature a small lake, fountains, and sculptures.
The gardens host concerts and events throughout the year, making them a popular spot for both tourists and locals. My trip to the gardens was a real highlight, and as my first ever botanical garden it certainly set my standards high! If you don’t go to any other attraction in Ischia, go here.
Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae
The Archeological Museum of Pithecusae is dedicated to the archaeology and history of the ancient Greek colony of Pithecusae, which was founded on the island in the 8th century BC. The museum features a collection of artifacts from the ancient city, including pottery, coins, and sculptures.
It also has exhibits on the history of the island and its natural environment. The museum is housed in a modern building, which was designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who are interested in learning about the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. I’m not quite as interested in ancient history as my fiance, so I gave this one a miss in exchange for a day by the pool, however this small museum comes very well reviewed.
Hiking and outdoor activities
This Italian island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities and breathtaking landscapes to explore. Hiking is a popular activity on the island, with trails ranging from easy strolls through quaint villages to more challenging hikes up rugged mountain paths. The island is home to several natural reserves, including the Monte Epomeo, which offers beautiful hiking routes through dense forests and along rocky cliffs with stunning views of the coast.
I’ll be honest, though I planned to hike Monte Epomeo during my trip, as it was during the summer months the weather was just too hot for me (even walking through the castle and botanical gardens proved to be a little much!). If you’re more up for it than I was, you can reach the top of Mount Epomeo in around an hour to an hour and a half, so you needn’t set aside the full day.
The most ‘outdoorsy’ activity I took part in during my holiday was a fantastic boat trip around the coastline, with stops for swimming and snorkelling (plus huge bowls of pasta and an ungodly amount of wine).
I wish I could tell you which boat trip I took, but I arranged it through our holiday rep and can’t find any note of the details. However, if you’re after a boat trip it’s easy enough to arrange one, with numerous boat tour operators scattered across the island. If you’d rather book online ahead of time, this boat trip seems like a pretty safe bet.
Food and drink
I enjoyed some fantastic food during my time in Ischia, with a highlight being Le Stufe osteria & cucina. Situated on the side of a cliff in Lacco Ameno, with some of the best views over the bay, this restaurant serves up beautiful local cuisine alongside faultless hospitality. It takes a bit of a trek up the hill to reach Le Stufe, but believe me it’s worth it!
Fellow foodies will have a particularly enjoyable stay in Ischia with a huge selection of great restaurants to visit. However, if I were to visit again I would definitely take advantage of one of the foodie activities available. Instead of taking home a souvenir, why not bring back some authentic Italian cooking skills? If that sounds up your street,take a look at ‘Ischia: Market Tour and Home Cooking Class with Meal‘.
In this tour, class and meal combo, you’ll visit a local market with an expert guide and learn about the best produce Ischia has to offer. Then, you’ll head back to their home and learn their secrets to an unforgettable four-course meal, including starter, pasta, a main course with a side dish, and dessert (all washed down with local wine!).
It’s a great way to learn more about Ischian people, food and culture while learning something new along the way. Book your spot in just a few clicks below.
Leisure activities
For those looking for a more relaxed way to spend the day, there’s good news! Terme di Cavascura is situated in a natural cave in the heart of the island, surrounded by lush greenery and natural hot springs. The thermal spa offers a range of treatments and therapies using the healing properties of the mineral-rich thermal waters, which have been used for centuries to promote health and wellness.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of spa services, including massages, facials, and body treatments, as well as soak in the thermal pools or relax in the sauna and steam room. The spa also has a fitness center, outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving healthy, locally sourced meals.
Terme di Cavascura is a popular destination for those looking to relax and rejuvenate in a tranquil and natural setting, and if you go expecting something more rustic than your typical spa you’ll certainly enjoy it. Terme di Cavascura is open daily from 20 of April to 20th October from 8:30 to 18:00.
For somewhere a bit quieter and with a much more modern feel, check out Idroterme Olympus, one of the best-rated thermal parks on the island. This family-run establishment offers three pools with different temperatures in a quiet garden setting, complete with direct access to the beach. A great place to spend the day (just don’t forget to bring your own towel!)
Booking.comConclusion: Things to do in Ischia
The volcanic island of Ischia is a stunning destination with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a host of recreational activities. Whether you’re interested in soaking in thermal baths, exploring historical landmarks, or simply relaxing on the beach, there is something for everyone on this magical island. Be sure to add Ischia to your list of must-visit destinations in Italy, and you won’t be disappointed.
Don’t forget to try the local cuisine and wine, which are an integral part of the island’s culture and history. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and abundance of recreational activities, the Italian island of Ischia is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression. It’s certainly been one of my more memorable holidays, and I recommend it to everyone when I get the chance.
