Ischia from Naples: thermal spas, beaches, Aragonese Castle and how to get there
Ischia is the largest of the islands in the bay and the most varied: thermal spas and thermal parks, the Aragonese Castle on an islet, the village of Sant'Angelo, beaches, vineyards and woods. It is about an hour from Naples and deserves at least a couple of nights.
At a glance
- From Naples
- Hydrofoil from Molo Beverello or Mergellina, about 1 hour; ferry from Calata Porta di Massa, about 1 hour 30 minutes (cars too)
- Island ports
- Ischia Porto, Casamicciola and Forio
- Don't miss
- Aragonese Castle, Sant'Angelo, a thermal park, a beach such as the Maronti
- Thermal spas
- The large open-air thermal parks usually open from spring to autumn; in winter the hotel spas stay open
- How long to stay
- At least 2–3 nights: the island is big
The island's towns
Ischia has six municipalities, each with its own character:
- Ischia, with the port and Ischia Ponte, the fishing village at the foot of the Aragonese Castle, which is joined to the island by a stone bridge.
- Casamicciola and Lacco Ameno, on the north coast.
- Forio, the largest town, with the Soccorso church by the sea and its sunsets.
- Serrara Fontana, with the village of Sant'Angelo, reachable only on foot, and the Maronti beach.
- Barano, towards the interior and the south coast.
What to see and do
- The Aragonese Castle, a fortified citadel on a rocky islet, with churches, gardens and sea views.
- The thermal spas: Ischia is famous for its thermal waters. The open-air thermal parks, with pools at different temperatures, generally open from spring to autumn.
- Sant'Angelo, a pedestrian fishing village linked to an islet by a strip of sand.
- Monte Epomeo, the highest point on the island, for those who love walking.
- The beaches: the Maronti, the bay of Citara, the bay of Cartaromana opposite the Castle.
Tip: a bus network runs around the island and links all the towns; in summer the buses are very crowded. For short trips, taxis and microtaxis (small open-sided taxis) are handy. If you are coming from Naples with a car, book the ferry in advance.
When to go
From May to October for the sea and the thermal parks. In winter Ischia is quiet and many spa hotels stay open: it is a good idea for a relaxing weekend.
Useful
- Ferries to the islandsports, companies, journey times
- Procidaa few minutes by hydrofoil
- Caprithe other island in the bay
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Naples to Ischia?
About an hour by hydrofoil from Molo Beverello or Mergellina, about an hour and a half by ferry from Calata Porta di Massa.
Can you visit Ischia in a day?
You can, but the island is big: in one day choose between the Aragonese Castle and Ischia Ponte, or Sant'Angelo and a thermal park. It's better to stay at least two nights.
Are Ischia's thermal spas open in winter?
The large open-air thermal parks usually close in winter; the spas in many hotels stay open.
Where to stay on Ischia
43 places to stay in Ischia on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
