If you’re planning a trip to Italy, you should make sure that Ischia is on your itinerary. It’s often over shadowed by the more well known islands of Capri and Sicily, but it’s an amazing location to visit. The island is located off the coast of the central region of Italy and is great to include in your plans if you’re already visiting Rome or Naples. If you’re short on time, it’s also one of several great day trip options in the region.
Of course, you’ll want to know what to expect and be prepared, so here is what you need to know for your trip to Ischia.
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WHERE TO STAY IN ISCHIA
Even though Ischia isn’t a large island there are plenty of incredible places to stay during your visit. You can take your pick among the towns of Sant’Angelo, Forio, Serrara Fontana and Ischia among others. Just as each town has it’s own style, there are many types of accommodations to choose from.
The resorts on the island of Ischia are beautiful and plentiful, many of which are in close proximity to the beach.
If you want to stay in an apartment or vacation rental when visiting Ischia then there are some excellent options for that as well.
WHAT TO PACK
Ischia is known for its gorgeous weather, especially from the months of May to October. Be prepared for lots of sun and warm temperatures. You’ll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor activities so you’ll want to pack comfortable, lightweight, breathable clothing.
If you plan to take advantage of the many beautiful beaches, then swimwear will be a priority. The overall vibe of the island is laid back and casual so keep that in mind when packing.
For a more detailed list of what to pack for your family trip to Ischia, check out our practical packing guide here.
HOW TO GET TO ISCHIA
Taking the fast ferry
To get to Ischia, you’ll have to take a ferry from Naples. There are three ports to travel from. They are Mergellina, Beverello and Porta di Massa. Fortunately, taking the ferry from Naples to Ischia is fairly easy and straight forward since there are several options that will take you to the island.
The ferries run very frequently throughout the day so no matter your schedule, you’ll likely find one at the time that fits your plans.
There are several options of companies to choose from, and there are two types of ferries. Fast boats (hydrofoils) or the slow ferries. The faster boats will get you to the island in about 45 minutes and cost a bit more than the other ferries.
Both the cost and the duration of the ride varies depending on departure port and arrival port as well as the season. To get accurate information regarding cost and travel times for your specific itinerary, this website is very helpful.
The boat that we took on our way to Ischia was completely enclosed, so you lose some of the scenery. You also don’t get to enjoy the surroundings which are completely beautiful.
Leaving for the island there was a bit more of a crowd and our boat was just about filled to the max. We left Naples for Ischia at just before noon, so that likely had an impact on the crowd. The ride was still comfortable and enjoyable.
Taking the slow ferry
The slower ferries cost less, which is good for the budget minded family travelers. We used this option on our way back to Naples.
We really enjoyed the ride in large part because we were able to sit outside on the deck and watch the sun slowly fall behind the island of Ischia and then over the bay.
The ferry also made a stop to pick up passengers on the island of Procida. This allowed us to get an up close glimpse of that lovely island as well.
It wasn’t crowded on the way back, but we left the island at around 8 pm or so that may have affected the crowd size.
The ferry also carried cars across to the island so if you need that service that’s a good way to go.
ARAGONESE CASTLE
The Aragonese Castle is a stand out attaction on the island. It’s a extraordinary structure that has stood guard for over 1500 years. Not only is the castle itself incredible, but the views from various points of the castle are eye catching as well.
The castle is open 7 days a week so it’s easy to fit into your itinerary. The pricing and other visitor info is found on their official website.
There are several things to see in the castle, but perhaps the most impressive is the Terrace of the Immaculate Conception as you look across the causeway that connects the islet the castle sits on with the island of Ischia.
Also not to be missed are the Convent viewpoint, Balcony of the Temple, Panoramic Ioggia and the Cathedral’s Crypt of Nobles.
The castle takes approximately and hour and a half to tour. From the main port of Porto di Ischia, it takes about 15 minutes by bus to reach Aragonese Castle. Use line #7. You could also walk, it’ll take about 20-30 minutes. It’s a good starting point for an Ischia day trip.
ISCHIA’S BEACHES
One of the best reasons to visit Ischia is the variety of beautiful beaches on the island for you to choose from. Maronti Beach is perhaps the most popular though it’s a bit of a ride from the main port.
It also just might be the best beach on Ischia. This magnificent beach can be reached by bus or by water taxi (our preference) from the village of Sant’ Angelo.
There is plenty of room on the beach though like many beaches on Ischia there is a small fee to use a chair and umbrella.
There are also beaches near the main port in Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte.
The variety in beaches means that there is something for nearly everyone. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, play with family, engage in beach sports and activities, there’s going to be something available.
You can check out descriptions of some of Ischia’s best beaches to see what suits you best.
ISCHIA’S NATURAL HOT SPRINGS AND SPAS
Ischia is the perfect place to schedule some time for self care and relaxation. This volcanic island is full of natural hot springs. The water has special properties that aid in healing the skin and are even used to help with various skin conditions.
As a result of this wonderful natural resource, Ischia is known for its healing spas, hot water springs, mud baths and massages.
To enjoy some self care and relaxation time, consider some of the best locations on the island. There are even options for families. Some of the top resorts and spas are listed here.
If you are looking for an option to partake in soothing Ischia hot springs free of charge you can make your way to Sorgeto Bay in Forio. You’ll find that the natural sea water can reach very warm temperatures. You can also find natural hot springs at Cartaromana Beach.
WHERE TO EAT IN ISCHIA
There is a nice selection of restaurants and cafes on the island. Many of these establishments prepare their dishes with fresh home grown ingredients. And of course the seafood is some of the best that you’ll probably ever have.
Just looking at this list of some of the best restaurants on Ischia is sure to make you hungry.
The main course is likely to be amazing but there is always room for dessert and in this case, gelato. There is no shortage of gelaterias sprinkled across the island.
GETTING AROUND ISCHIA
Whether you arrive at Ischia Porto, Casamicciola, or Forio, you’ll likely be greeted by taxi drivers ready to take you wherever you need to go.
For families, taxis can be a great option if you’d rather skip the hassle of figuring out the bus system or don’t want to overdo it with walking. They’re also handy if you’re carrying luggage and need a quick, convenient way to get around.
If neither of those applies to you, the best way to explore Ischia is by bus. It’s affordable and easy to use, with tickets costing €1.50 if you buy ahead of time or €2.00 if purchased on the bus.
You can grab tickets from tobacco shops, newsstands, travel agencies, and even some hotels. As soon as you step off the ferry, you’ll find bus stops and vendors nearby, making it simple to hop on and start your adventure.
The bus network connects all the major towns and attractions, so it’s a solid option for getting around. On our trip, we found it straightforward: we bought our tickets at a shop near the port, caught the bus, and navigated the island with no trouble.
A three-day ticket costs €11 and is perfect if you’re staying longer, plus kids under six ride free.
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of using the bus—even with a family in tow. The drivers and locals we met were friendly and happy to help with directions or advice.
Another option is renting a car or scooter, giving you more flexibility to explore at your own pace. There are plenty of rental agencies on the island, and booking online in advance is a smart move to guarantee availability.
Keep in mind, though, that Ischia’s roads can be narrow and winding, so scooters are often a popular choice for navigating the island with ease.
THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF ISCHIA
There are several villages that reside on the island of Ischia. The one that you’re likely to start in is the capital town of Ischia which is Ischia Porto.
This is the busiest town on the island and where you can find many shops and restaurants. It’s of course also busy because of the port where so many ferries come in and out.
Forio is another village that attracts a bit of a crowd. It’s the second largest town on the island and also has its share of shops and restaurants as well as a port. Forio has natural hot springs of Sorgeto Bay as well as several beaches.
Sant’ Angelo is an amazing location that is not quite as busy as Porto or Forio. It’s a unique village in that it allows only pedestrian traffic. So no cars are allowed.
t’s an amazing place to stroll through and admire its wonderful architecture. It also has beaches, shops and restaurants. An added bonus is the access to the water taxi that will take you to one of the best beaches on the island, Maronti Beach.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ISCHIA
June and September are ideal months to visit Ischia, offering warm, sunny weather perfect for beach days without the intense summer heat.
These months also bring fewer crowds, allowing for easier exploration and a more relaxed experience. Additionally, flights to Italy tend to be more affordable compared to the peak summer months of July and August, making June and September not only enjoyable but also budget-friendly for a trip to Ischia and Italy as a whole.
This combination of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and cost savings makes it an excellent time to explore the island.
TAKING A DAY TRIP TO ISCHIA
Taking a day trip to Ischia requires some planning to make the most of your time on this beautiful island. Start by catching an early morning ferry from Naples or Pozzuoli; ferries and hydrofoils run frequently and take about 45 minutes to an hour.
Once on the island, use public buses or rent a scooter for quick and flexible transportation. Prioritize key attractions such as the Aragonese Castle, Sant’Angelo village, and Maronti Beach.
Pack essentials like sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and swimwear if you plan to visit the thermal springs or beaches. Check the ferry schedule in advance to ensure you have a return trip that fits your itinerary.
If you enjoy local cuisine, make time for a leisurely lunch at a waterfront restaurant to savor traditional dishes. With efficient transport and strategic planning, a day trip to Ischia can be a seamless and memorable experience.
ENJOY YOUR TRIP TO ISCHIA
Ischia is currently one of Italy’s best kept secrets, but it won’t stay that way for long. Now is the time to see what it’s all about and enjoy the beauty and the experience that is Ischia even if you’re just taking a day trip. Start planning your trip to Ischia with our essential itinerary so that you get the most of your trip to this beautiful island.
