Ischia

From Naples

The main port of Naples is Molo Beverello, located in the heart of the city in Piazza Municipio. You can get there easily with Metro line 1, trams N1 and 4, or with the Alibus shuttle from the airport. At Molo Beverello you'll find many ferries and hydrofoils connecting Naples to Ischia Porto, the main arrival point on the island.

Hydrofoils are operated by Alilauro and SNAV and offer a quicker journey (around 50 minutes).

Ferries are operated by Caremar and Medmar and take approximately an hour and a half. Ferries are best suited for those traveling with vehicles. Ferries leave from the port of Calata di Massa, which is about a kilometer away from Beverello.

Tickets Naples - Ischia

From Pozzuoli

Located north of Naples, the port of Pozzuoli is a valid alternative for reaching Ischia.
Ferries from Pozzuoli take approximately 1 hour to reach Ischia Porto and Casamicciola Terme.
This port is particularly convenient for those arriving by car thanks to its proximity to the motorway and generally lower crossing costs.

Tickets Pozzuoli - Ischia

From Capri

Reaching Ischia from Capri is convenient and fast, especially during the summer months when direct connections are available. You can set sail on a hydrofoil that will take you directly to Ischia Porto, offering you an enchanting journey through the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Naples. Plan ahead to find the most convenient times and enjoy the short sea crossing.

Tickets Capri - Ischia

From Sorrento

From Easter to the end of October, it is also possible to depart from Sorrento.
The hydrofoils operated by Alilauro connect Sorrento to Ischia Porto with a crossing of approximately 50 minutes.
There is one ride in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Tickets Sorrento - Ischia

From the Amalfi Coast

During the summer, on some days of the week there is a bus that connects Positano and Amalfi with Ischia.
This is an excellent option for those who want to split their stay between these two locations.

Tickets Amalfi Coast - Ischia

Ischia Porto

Ischia Porto is located in the city of Ischia. It's the main port, and the busiest on the island.
It has a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and car and scooter rentals.
Then there is the bus station which allows you to reach all the other municipalities on the island.
Connections to Naples, Pozzuoli and Sorrento are frequent and operated by companies such as Alilauro, Caremar, SNAV and Medmar.

Casamicciola

Located in the north of the island, Casamicciola is known for its thermal waters and peaceful atmosphere.
It's the second-largest port and offers frequent connections with Naples and Pozzuoli.
The main companies operating from Casamicciola are Caremar and Medmar.

Forio d'Ischia

Located on the west coast of the island, the port of Forio has fewer connections than the other two, but still offers regular crossings to Naples and Pozzuoli.

The port of Ischia Porto is where most vehicles depart and arrive. You can consider the other two ports if your accommodation is closer to one of them than it is to the main port.

Autobus

The island has a bus network managed by the EAV company, which connects all the main towns: Ischia Porto, Casamicciola, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Serrara Fontana and Barano d'Ischia.

Buses are frequent and cover all the main tourist attractions, beaches and ports.

The most used bus lines are the CD line (Right Circular) and the CS line (Left Circular), which run around the island clockwise and counter-clockwise.

Ischia bus timetable

Taxi

Taxi

For those who prefer more flexibility, taxis are easily available throughout the island.

Calessino

There are both classic taxis and "calessini," which are Ape vehicles converted for carrying passengers.
These vehicles are also a really nice way to take a sightseeing tour around the island.
It's always advisable to agree on the price with the driver before leaving.

Car and scooter rental

Car and scooter rental is another popular option and allows you to explore the island in complete freedom. Several rental agencies are located at the island's main ports and in the center of the main towns, offering a range of vehicles at competitive prices. This option is ideal if you want to get around independently and visit places that are less accessible by public transport. However, keep in mind that it's not always easy to find places to park.
For couples, a scooter is definitely the best solution!

By boat

On the island of Ischia, in addition to land transport, visitors also have the opportunity to travel by sea. Exploring by boat gives you access to isolated beaches and hidden coves, which will make your time in Ischia even more unforgettable.

Taxi boat: Water taxis make it easy to quickly travel between different locations on the island. This service connects the port of Ischia Ponte with Cartaromana and the rocky islets of Sant'Anna and Sant'Angelo with Maronti beach.

If you're looking for more independence you can opt for boat rental, which is ideal for exploring the coast on your own.

Additionally, local ferries make crossings between main areas such as Ischia Porto, Casamicciola Terme, and Forio. This gives you a practical solution to summer traffic as well as a magnificent view of the picturesque waters of the island.

Boat tours in Ischia

Aragonese Castle

The Aragonese Castle is the symbol of the island and one of its most-visited attractions.
Located on an islet connected by a bridge to the town of Ischia Ponte, this majestic castle offers breathtaking panoramic views and a fascinating journey into history.

La Mortella Gardens

Created by the English composer William Walton, the La Mortella Gardens are another must-see. This exotic tropical garden has an abundance of rare plants, artistic fountains, and enchanting paths that are ideal for a relaxing walk.

Sant'Angelo

Sant'Angelo, a picturesque fishing village with colorful houses and narrow streets, offers a quiet and authentic atmosphere. Walking through its streets is like taking a step back in time.

Mount Epomeo

For nature lovers, hiking on Mount Epomeo is an unmissable experience.
At an elevation of nearly 2,600 ft., this ancient volcanic mountain offers scenic trails and spectacular views of the island and surrounding sea.

Ravino Gardens

Last but not least, make sure you visit the Ravino Gardens, Mediterranean botanical gardens with one of the largest collections of cacti and succulent plants in Europe.

Thermal baths and spas

Ischia's thermal baths and spas are a must when visiting the island. These bathing complexes have dozens of thermal pools with water at different temperatures, as well as beaches and gardens.
The largest are the Giardini Poseidon Spa and the Negombo Spa.

Useful links

Thermal spas on Ischia
Public hot springs: Accessible free of charge, these public hot springs are located in various locations on the island.

Morning

Breakfast in Ischia Porto: Start your day with a breakfast of coffee and puff pastry in one of the bars in Ischia Porto. Bar Calise is an excellent choice for enjoying local sweets in a welcoming atmosphere.

Visit the Aragonese Castle: After breakfast, head towards Ischia Ponte to visit the majestic Aragonese Castle. Take time to explore this historic castle, admiring the sweeping sea views and learning about its fascinating history. The visit lasts about two hours.

Midday

Walk around the village of Sant'Angelo: After the castle, take a taxi or bus to Sant'Angelo, a picturesque fishing village. Stroll through the narrow and colorful streets, visit some local handicraft shops, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Lunch in Sant'Angelo: Stop for lunch at one of the restaurants on the Sant'Angelo seafront. Ristorante Il Pirata offers fresh fish dishes with a spectacular view of the sea.

Late afternoon

Visit La Mortella Gardens: If time permits, pay a visit to La Mortella Gardens, located in Forio. This splendid exotic garden is perfect for a stroll among rare plants, artistic fountains, and enchanting walking paths.

Or you can dedicate your entire day to relaxation at one of the island's thermal spas, such as the Poseidon Gardens or Negombo, where you can enjoy the private beach and dozens of thermal pools of varying temperatures.

Day 1: Exploring history and nature

Start your first day in Ischia with a visit to the Aragonese Castle, symbol of the island.
Spend the morning exploring its towers, churches, and gardens, while taking in the panoramic views. After the castle, head towards Ischia Ponte for a walk through the ancient streets and lunch at one of the seaside restaurants, such as Ristorante Da Ciccio.
In the afternoon, visit La Mortella Gardens in Forio, an enchanting botanical garden created by William Walton, where you can stroll among exotic plants and fountains.
End the day admiring the sunset from the terraces of the Chiesa del Soccorso in Forio and enjoy the local cuisine with dinner in the village.

Day 2: Well-being and relaxation

Dedicate the second day to relaxation and well-being.
Start the morning at Giardini Poseidon Spa, Negombo, or Castiglione. Enjoy the numerous thermal pools, mud spa treatments, and private beach. Have lunch at one of the thermal spas' restaurants, which offer light and healthy dishes.
In the late afternoon, explore the picturesque village of Sant'Angelo, with its colorful houses and narrow streets. Stop for a coffee at one of the local cafés and relax while admiring the view.
You can also take a walk along the road that leads to Maronti beach to observe the phenomenon of "fumaroles," which are jets of boiling water that emerge from underground.
End your evening with a romantic dinner in one of the restaurants overlooking the sea, such as Il Pirata.

Day 3: Adventure and discovery

The last day is dedicated to adventure and discovery.
Start your day with a hike to Mount Epomeo, the highest peak in Ischia. The trek, lasting approximately 1-2 hours, offers breathtaking views of the island and the Gulf of Naples.
After the hike, relax and have lunch in one of the typical restaurants along the route.
In the afternoon you can visit the quiet beach of San Montano and the Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae in Lacco Ameno, where you can delve into the ancient history of the island dating back to the times of Magna Graecia.
Conclude your trip with dinner in a traditional restaurant in Ischia Porto, celebrating your adventure with a glass of Biancolella d'Ischia wine and tasting "Ischian-style rabbit".

Spiaggia dei Maronti beach

This is one of the longest and most panoramic beaches on the island, located near the village of Sant'Angelo.
With its three kilometers of golden sand, it's ideal for long walks and for those looking for a beach equipped with lots of amenities.

Citara beach

Located in Forio, this beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and for hosting the famous Poseidon thermal pools. It's perfect for those who want to combine seaside relaxation and spa well-being.

San Montano beach

Located in Lacco Ameno, San Montano is a small sheltered bay with shallow waters, making it ideal for families with children.
This beach also offers a spa complex, Negombo, where you can relax among thermal pools and tropical gardens.

Cava dell'isola beach

This is one of the few free beaches in Forio, frequented mainly by young people and watersport enthusiasts.
The beach has soft sand and good sun exposure.

Chiaia beach

Also in Forio, it is characterized by shallow water that extends for several meters, making it safe for children and ideal for swimming.

Sant'Angelo beach

Located near the village of the same name, it offers a quiet and picturesque atmosphere with breathtaking views of the sea and the colorful houses of the village.

Cartaromana beach

In Ischia Ponte, Cartaromana is famous for its hot thermal waters that flow directly into the sea.
Its seabed with abundant marine fauna makes it an ideal place for snorkeling.

Baia di Sorgeto beach

Located in Panza, Baia di Sorgeto stands out for its natural pools of hot thermal water directly in the sea.
It's accessible via a steep staircase, but it's worth it for a rejuvenating swim any time of year.

Coniglio all'Ischitana (Ischia-style rabbit)

One of the most famous dishes is coniglio all'ischitana (Ischia-style rabbit), prepared with slowly cooked rabbit meat in sauce composed of tomatoes, white wine, garlic, chili pepper and aromatic herbs.
This dish can be enjoyed in restaurants such as Il Focolare in Barano.

Fresh fish

Fresh fish is another star of Ischia's culinary tradition. Popular dishes include fish soup and grilled seafood, both of which are served in places such as Ristorante Il Limoneto in Forio and Ristorante da Ciccio in Ischia Porto.

First courses include linguine with sea urchins (linguine ai ricci di mare) and gnocchi alla sorrentina, a delicious baked-pasta dish made with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, which can be found at La Lampara in Sant'Angelo.

Zingara

Zingara is a toasted sandwich with fiordilatte mozzarella, tomato, lettuce, and raw ham. It's perfect for a takeaway lunch or snack.

Pizza

Ischia-style pizza is a must. It comes in many varieties, from the classic margherita to more creative combinations, served in pizzerias such as Pizzeria Da Gaetano in Ischia Porto.

Desserts and sweets

Those with a sweet tooth should try the almond-based Torta Caprese cake and taralli dolci, a traditional local cookie available in pastry shops such as Bar Calise.

Ischia wine

Accompany your meal with a glass of Biancolella or Forastera wine, two local varieties that perfectly complement the flavors of Ischia dishes.

Ischia ceramics

Ceramics are decidedly among the most popular souvenirs to bring back from Ischia. Local artisan shops offer a wide range of hand-painted plates, vases, and tiles with marine motifs and bright colors.

Local wine and Rucolino liqueur

Local wine such as Biancolella and Forastera, produced at the vineyards that cover the hills of the island, is a perfect gift for discriminating palates.

Another unique gift for food and wine lovers is a bottle of Rucolino, which is a traditional arugula-based liqueur with a distinctly aromatic taste.

Olive oil

Olive oil is another traditional local product that's made right on the island, and it's often packaged in elegant decorative ceramic bottles.

Spices and aromatic herbs

Locally grown spices and aromatic herbs are ideal for adding a Mediterranean touch to your dishes.

Thermal-water beauty products

Ischia is also renowned for its thermal-water beauty products, such as creams and soaps, which take advantage of the beneficial properties of the island's thermal springs.