Ischia

Capri's less famous, more stunning neighbor.

Intensely rugged Ischia is the largest island off the coast of Naples. Thanks to its volcanic past, this island offers stunning views and has been famous for its healing hot springs and mud since ancient times. Suffice it to say that some of its springs were consecrated by the Ancient Greeks. A short journey from Naples, Ischia offers a completely different atmosphere and experience. With its strategic location, the island is riddled with castles and watchtowers, including the Aragonese Castle, first built in 474 BC and expanded and refurbished over the centuries since.

If Ischia looks familiar, that may be because of its popularity in many American and Italian films, often as a stand-in for nearby Capri. We recommend climbing the island's towers to drink in its views, or hiking to the very top of the island for the most commanding vista, then drinking the wines coaxed from Ischia's rich volcanic soil, perhaps on a boat trip to areas and vistas inaccessible from land. Ischia attracts a mostly Italian crowd, whether that's locals taking weekend beach vacations from Naples and surroundings or from the rest of the country. You'll hear English spoken far less often than in other summer destinations. Ischia can comfortably and affordably deliver on your Italian seaside holiday dreams in a way that the more crowded locales of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Capri can't.

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Ischia

Spend some time in Ischia on a tour that takes in other cities in Italy and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Ischia and other destinations throughout Italy and Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

Neapolitan Summer

Naples, Ischia, Naples

8 Days

from$2,150 pp^*

Italian Small Islands and Volcanoes

Naples, Capri, Ischia, Naples, Lipari, Taormina

13 Days

from$5,650 pp^*

* Starting price is per person, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.

Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.

Where to stay in Ischia

Our accommodations in Ischia are scattered across the island, from Ischia Porto to the town of Forio on the western side. Styles vary from small hotels in town to secluded spa resorts. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.

Modern Hotel

Simple spa hotel in a secluded location.

Cozy Family Hotel

Cozy family hotel with breathtaking views and excellent service.

Luxury spa hotel

A luxurious experience with fantastic views and facilities.

Things to do in Ischia

First and foremost, Ischia is a beach destination. and the popular and busy towns of Casamicciola and Lacco Armeno have the largest beaches. Find a spot on the public beach or spring for loungers and an umbrella. Our advice though is to head for one of the beachfront thermal spas for a unique experience. If pure relaxation sounds like hard work there are plenty of things to see and do, from the Aragonese castle just off Ischia Porto to the strenuous hike to the top of Mt Epomeo in the middle of the island. The very best way to see all of Ischia however is on a surprisingly inexpensive private day trip by boat. Your skipper knows the best spots for swim stops, and lunch. The tiny island of Procida is a short ferry ride away, so you can check out Italy's Capital Of Culture from 2022. There are boat trips available to Capri, and ferries too.

Ischia Circumnavigation Private Boat Tour

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Ischia

How many days should I spend in Ischia?

We suggest spending at least 2 full days in Ischia, in order to being able to enjoy its beautiful nature, beaches, grottos and have some time to take boat trips in the area.

How much should I expect to spend per person per day in Ischia?

A quick lunch with a drink is around 25/30 euros. Museum and sight entrances are usually between 10 and 20 euros. For dinner, budget at least 40 euros each. You'll also find pizzerias serving classic Neapolitan style pizzas, and this can make for an economical meal option.

How do I get around Ischia?

There are different ways to explore Ischia. For a truly authentic experience, rent a scooter and move around like a local; you can also take a private taxi. here are two public bus services that run in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. We definitely suggest exploring the island on foot too, it might be quite challenging at some points but definitely worth it!

Where's best, easiest and safest to get some local currency?

The easiest and safest way to get Euros would be withdrawing money from local ATMs. There are also many currency exchange places all around the island, but be aware their commissions might be quite high, especially in the city center.

Is there a general/average opening times for attractions, galleries and museums? Are there any late or early opening days, or a day of the week when things are generally closed?

Museums and attractions usually open around 9:00/10:00am. Some sites are closed on Sundays, like some churches during the services; other museums and attractions might be closed either on Sundays or Mondays.

What are the usual opening hours for shops (souvenirs, clothes, grocery, etc.)? Are there any days when most shops are closed? Are there any stores open 24/7?

Shops are usually open from 9:00am to 7:30/8:00pm. Some shops, especially family-run and smaller businesses, might close for lunch break between 12:30pm and 3:30pm and are usually closed on Sundays and in some cases on Mondays.

Is the island safe?

Ischia is a very safe place; however, as in most touristic cities around the world, pickpocketing is unfortunately common in certain crowded place and touristic sites.

What are the options for people with dietary restrictions and intolerances?

There are more and more restaurants in Ischia focused on providing options for people with dietary restrictions and intolerances. Many pizza places offer gluten-free pizzas and you can also find many vegetarian options in most restaurants.