Ischia is an excellent choice for a day trip from Naples or for a longer stay if possible. To get there you’ll need to take the ferry. There are several things to keep in mind for a smooth trip.
CHECK THE FERRY SCHEDULE
Even if you think that you’re sure of the ferry schedule, be sure to double check because the schedule can change based on the season. Also, the busy tourist season can cause the time that you want to be booked, so reserve your tickets online ahead of time so that you can keep your schedule.
ARRIVE EARLY
If you haven’t booked tickets in advance you’ll definitely have to arrive early to make your purchase and ensure that you can get the times that you want. You can also avoid the worst of the lines. This can especially be an issue during peak season.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT FERRY
There are different types of ferries available. The main types are the high speed ferries and the traditional slower ferries. The fast ferries can make the trip in about 50 minutes while the regular ferries can take close to two hours.
For a day trip to Ischia, the fast ferry is probably your best bet.
We enjoyed our trip on both the high speed and the regular ferry. The fast ferry got us out to Ischia and was still a pretty smooth ride.
We were able to take the slow ferry back and enjoy watching the sunset over the sea with the birds chasing the boat while we sat on the outside deck. It was a great way to end the day.
Take the fast ferry to save time, take the slow ferry for the views.
You can find the ferry that’s best for you right here.
PACK ESSENTIALS
Make sure to have essentials such as snacks and water available. There will be some items available for sale onboard, but it’s easier and cheaper to bring your own.
SECURE YOUR VALUABLES
The ferries are typically safe, but where there are crowds, it’s always good to be extra cautious.
CHECK THE WEATHER
The weather can affect the ferry schedules if there are strong winds or rough seas. Stay up to date on any delays and keep an eye on the weather forecast so that you can adjust your itinerary as needed.
SELECT YOUR SPOT WISELY
If you’re prone to getting seasick, make sure that you choose a seat near the center of the ferry and close to the waterline. This area generally has the least amount of motion. For some people being outside on the deck prevents any discomfort so you may have to try out a few different spots.
ENJOY THE VIEW
While the high speed ferry was naturally faster, the thing that we missed out on were the amazing views. On the slow ferry we were able to relax on the deck and watch the sunset.
We also were able to enjoy the view of Procida since our ferry made a stop there as well. The views are stunning on the trip between Naples and Ischia.
BE CAREFUL WITH THE SCHEDULE
If you’re taking a day trip to Ischia be super aware of the last ferry back to Naples. While Ischia is a beautiful island, you probably don’t want an unscheduled stay there.
ENJOY YOUR TRIP TO ISCHIA
With Ischia being just a short ferry ride from Naples, it’s definitely worth visiting. Be sure that you make the most of your time on Ischia and check out our essential itinerary our guide on what to pack for a trip as well as our post on everything that you need to know for an awesome trip to Ischia. Safe travels!