Ischia
Five days on the green island of the Gulf of Naples: thermal gardens, hidden bays, fishing villages, sunsets over Forio and a day trip to Capri.
“Written by someone who actually calls this place home; me”
A Mediterranean island of thermal springs, beaches, colourful villages and lush gardens. This guide gathers the places I love, where to stay and eat, and a five-day plan with a day trip to Capri.
— Gaby
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Where to photograph Ischia
The spots I return to, and the light that makes them.
Aragonese Castle
My tip: best viewpoint from Cartaromana
The fishing village
My tip: stand near Hotel Casa Celestino for the best point of view
Chiesa del Soccorso, Forio
My tip: don’t miss the sunset from the church terrace
Mount Epomeo
My tip: the view over the whole Gulf
The unmissables
Aragonese Castle
A fortress on a rocky islet, reached by a stone bridge, with views over the Gulf.
See tours →
La Mortella Gardens
A botanical paradise of tropical plants, fountains and terraces.
Get tickets →
Boat tour of the island
Grottos and crystal-clear water around Punta San Pancrazio.
See boat tours →
Sorgeto Bay
A free bay where thermal water warms the sea, even out of season.
See tours →
Maronti Beach
The island’s longest beach, with natural steam vents in the sand.
See tours →
Capri
The Piazzetta, the Gardens of Augustus and, if the sea allows, the Blue Grotto.
See day trips →Thermal gardens
Beach clubs
Giardino Eden
Four seawater pools below the castle
Bagno Ricciulillo
A nostalgic lido with a sea-front restaurant
O’ Vagnitiello
Several pools and direct sea access
“The island that heals your soul”
Five days in Ischia
- Morning
Arrival & Aragonese Castle
Land in Ischia Porto, check in, then cross the stone bridge to the castle.
- Lunch
Bisboccia, Ischia Ponte
Lunch in the old fishermen’s quarter.
- Sunset
Forio & the Soccorso terrace
Stroll through Forio and watch the sun go down from the church terrace.
- Evening
Dinner in Forio
La Romantica is perfect after sunset.
- Morning
Poseidon Thermal Gardens
Over 20 thermal pools, a spa and a private beach in Forio.
- Afternoon
Sant’Angelo
The car-free fishing village, with boutiques and seafront cafés.
- Evening
Il Saturnino
A romantic fine-dining dinner in the village.
- Morning
Boat tour
Grottos and clear water all around the island.
- Afternoon
Sorgeto Bay & Punta San Pancrazio
Swim where thermal springs warm the sea.
- Evening
Il Focolare
Family-run in the hills, famous for coniglio all’ischitana.
- Morning
Ferry to Capri
The Piazzetta and the Gardens of Augustus.
- Lunch
By the sea
A seaside spot or Concettina ai Tre Santi pizzeria.
- Afternoon
Blue Grotto (optional)
A short boat ride into the famous grotto.
- Evening
Back to Ischia
Ferry home and a quiet evening.
- Morning
La Mortella Gardens
Tropical plants, fountains and terraces.
- Afternoon
San Montano or shopping
A last swim at San Montano beach, or local shopping.
- Evening
Farewell dinner at Lisola
Cuisine, pizza and grill in Forio.
Thermal hotels with a view
San Montano Resort & Spa
A hilltop resort with thermal pools, gardens and a beach shuttle.
Check availability
Miramare e Castello
On the beach, facing the Aragonese Castle, with solarium and wellness centre.
Check availability
Hotel Don Felipe
A small charming hotel in the hills, with a panoramic terrace overlooking the Aragonese Castle and Capri.
Check availability
Mezzatorre Hotel & Spa
A former watchtower in a private pine forest, above a secluded bay.
Check availability
Casa Via Costa
A boutique stay with a hammock, a rooftop garden and views of Mount Epomeo.
Check availability
Also lovely: Botania Relais & Spa in Forio, Hotel Villa Durrueli in Ischia Porto, Hotel La Madonnina and Hotel Le Querce in Casamicciola.
What to taste
Where to eat
Cor a Cor
La Romantica
Lisola
Il Saturnino
Il Focolare
Portobello
Giardino Mediterraneo
Bisboccia
Good to know
Fly into Naples (NAP), then take a ferry or hydrofoil from Molo Beverello or Porta di Massa: about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Buses cover the island but can be crowded. A scooter or small car gives more freedom, water taxis are perfect for scenic trips, and a private island tour is the best option.
Light, breathable clothes, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes and something smart-casual for the evenings.
Greet people politely, tip around 10% and keep the noise down in quiet villages and natural areas.
Take Ischia home
Thermal springs, hidden bays and endless summer light. The prints of the island are available as fine art editions.