Because of its diversified landscape and the mild climate, Ischia, the “green island”, has been a popular vacation spot for centuries. Visitors appreciate the largest island in the Gulf of Naples especially because of its wonderful thermal hot springs, which have been used for wellness and therapeutic treatments since antiquity.
Like its little sister island, Procida, also Ischia is of volcanic origins and is one of the Phlegraean Islands.
Hiking enthusiasts can discover wonderful trails in the mountains and along the coast with different levels of difficulty: “The hikes of the lizard” lead through vineyards and chestnut forests to extinct volcano craters, pilgrimage churches, old wine cellars, and fantastic bays. Your endeavours will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas across the azure sea all the way over to Capri.
Ischia has many nice beaches that invite to take a swim
The vast Maronti Beach in the Bay of Barano and the wonderful Citara Beach with its soft sand and the great Poseidon thermal hot springs are the most popular beaches the island offers.
Thanks to the favourableness of the fertile soil, Ischia grows fantastic wines. You should definitely try the white wine, Biancolella, and the red wine, Pere ‘e palumno. Like everywhere else at the Gulf of Naples, you can also get excellent fresh fish.
There are six independent communities, which are located around Mount Epomeo (787 m): the capital Ischia, with the districts Porto and Ponte, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Barano, Casamicciola, and Serrara Fontana.
How to get there
Ischia is located about 33 km from the mainland in Naples (Italy) and can be reached in about 80 min with a ferry, or in 40 min with the faster Aliscafo from Molo Beverello Harbour in Naples. The terminal for the faster boats is close to Molo Beverello Harbour and is called Calata Porto di Massa. Here you can find information about how to reach the island from Naples by ferry or hydrofoil.
It’s also possible to buy tickets for ferries online.
The fastest way from the airport in Naples to Molo Beverello Harbour is the Alibus, which takes about 20 min. You can reach Ischia also from the small touristy Mergellina Harbour in Naples or from Pozzuoli. Schedules and prices are available on the web sites of the respective shipping lines.
The island is served by busses of the bus line E.A.V. More: www.unicocampania.it
Accommodation in Ischia
The island in the gulf of Naples is a very popular travel destination for hiking, wellness and bathing. You can find hotels on the beach, SPA hotels with thermal pools, apartments and affordable B&B with sea view.