Visit Ischia Italy: Thermal Bliss and Coastal Charm

Welcome to the ultimate travel guide to Ischia, the lush volcanic gem in the Bay of Naples. Known as the green island for its fertile landscape, natural hot springs, and centuries-old vineyards, Ischia is where Campania wineries meet steamy spa escapes. If you’re into slow mornings, long wine lunches, and sunsets that feel like postcards come to life, this island is about to steal your heart. From the pastel harbors of Ischia Porto and Forio to the storybook silhouette of Castello Aragonese and the bliss of its famous thermal parks, Ischia is a place that invites you to unwind, explore, and taste everything it has to offer. Planning a trip? This guide has all the best things to do in Ischia, where to swim, sip, soak, and stay.

What are the best things to do in Ischia Italy?

Visit the iconic Castello Aragonese in Ischia Ponte

Rising straight from the rocks and waves, Castello Aragonese looks like it was pulled from the pages of a fantasy novel. Cross the long stone bridge from Ischia Ponte and step into a world of secret passageways, sun-soaked terraces, and sweeping sea views you won’t stop talking about. It’s moody, magical, and dramatic in all the right ways, exactly the kind of place that makes your trip to Ischia unforgettable.

Soak in the natural thermal springs in Forio

Need a full-body reset? Poseidon Thermal Park in Forio is your ultimate island escape. Set right on Citara Beach, this lush thermal oasis comes with over 20 steamy pools, a private beach, and enough sea breeze to make you forget what day it is. Spend the afternoon hopping between warm and toasty pools, sipping something cold, and letting those volcanic waters work their magic. It’s peak relaxation Ischia style.

Wander the botanical beauty of Giardini La Mortella

Giardini La Mortella is pure magic. Created by Susana Walton, wife of composer William Walton, this botanical wonder blends exotic plants, lily-covered ponds, and hidden viewpoints with a touch of artistic soul. It’s not just a garden, it’s a place to slow down, breathe in the jasmine, and get lost among orchids and waterfalls. If you’re into green escapes or just need a quiet break from beach life, this one’s for you.

Loose yourself into the streets of Ischia Ponte

If you’re craving that picture-perfect slice of southern Italy, head straight to Ischia Ponte. Think pastel buildings, cobblestone streets, and the salty breeze of the Tyrrhenian Sea, all with the majestic Castello Aragonese rising in the distance. Grab an aperitivo at a seaside café, browse tiny boutiques, and let the slow rhythm of island life take over.

Hike to the summit of Mount Epomeo

Ready to swap the beach towel for hiking boots? Set your sights on Mount Epomeo, Ischia’s tallest peak and a must for outdoor lovers. Starting near the village of Fontana, the trail winds past vineyards, volcanic cliffs, and quiet paths, then boom, you’re rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Capri, the Bay of Naples, and the distant Amalfi Coast. It’s not too hard, but the payoff? Pure magic.

Explore the village of Lacco Ameno

Lacco Ameno brings a touch of elegance to island life, with chic hotels, sea-view restaurants, and laid-back marina vibes. But its real claim to fame? The “Fungo,” a quirky mushroom-shaped rock rising from the bay that’s impossible to miss. Grab a seaside table for lunch, sip something bubbly, and take in the views, because this corner of Ischia knows how to do effortless charm.

Visit the thermal springs at Cavascura

Forget glossy spas with background jazz and cucumber water, Cavascura is the real deal. Hidden in a rocky gorge behind Maronti Beach, this ancient thermal spot lets you do wellness the old-school way. Think steamy caves carved into the mountain, mineral-rich mud straight from the source, and pools that have been bubbling since the days of togas and sandals. It’s raw, it’s wild, and it’s exactly what your body (and Instagram) didn’t know it needed.

Step Into Serenity in Sant’Angelo

Sant’Angelo is a car-free fishing village where time slows down and charm flows freely. With pastel houses perched above the sea and little boats bobbing in the harbor, this village feels worlds away from the bustle of modern life. Wander its narrow lanes filled with artisan shops and sea-view cafés, or relax on the small beach that wraps around the bay.

Discover the town of Forio

Forio, tucked on Ischia’s west coast, feels like the kind of place you stumble upon and never want to leave. With its sun-bleached churches, crumbling watchtowers, and café-lined streets, it’s effortlessly charming. The star? Chiesa del Soccorso, sitting proudly on a cliff like it knows it’s photogenic. Come sunset, locals and travelers gather by the sea with a spritz in hand, because if you’re watching the sky melt into the water anywhere on the island, it should be here.

What are the best things to do around Ischia?

Raise a glass beyond the island

When you’re ready for a change of scenery, hop off Ischia and head to the mainland for a taste of something special. Just a scenic ferry ride connects you to the rich vineyards of Campania, where terroir and tradition come together in unforgettable ways. One standout experience? Napoli Wine Tours, a small-group adventure that blends vineyard visits, cellar insights, and a delicious lunch under the Mediterranean sun on the backdrop of Mount Vesuvius. Sip local varietals like Lacryma Christi in volcanic-soaked soils and learn the stories behind each bottle.

Wander the streets of Procida

Just a 15–25 minute ferry ride from Ischia Porto or Casamicciola, Procida is the colorful under‑the‑radar island you didn’t know you needed. With its pastel fishermen’s houses, sleepy beaches, and waterfront trattorias, it’s a refreshing contrast to Ischia’s volcanic glamour. Wander through Marina Corricella, snap photos in its postcard-vibes harbor, and enjoy a seaside spritz before heading back to your thermal spa retreat.

Want to uncover more charming detours like this? Explore our full guide to visit Procida Italy and plan the perfect island escape.

Visit Naples and its vibrant streets

Ready to add a splash of bold culture to your Ischia retreat? Jump on a ferry from Ischia Porto and you’ll be in Naples in about 50 minutes on a high-speed ride, or one and a half hours by regular ferry. Once you arrive, the city’s energy hits you immediately: cobbled alleys, iconic pizza joints, and centuries of history packed into every corner. Explore the vibrant historic center, book Naples wine tours, wander Spaccanapoli’s buzzing lanes, dive into world-class museums, and don’t miss a slice of true Neapolitan pizza, Naples is the unbeatable urban side of your island adventure.

Craving more? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Naples and turn your beach break into a full-on cultural feast.

Good to Know before visiting Ischia Italy