This Italian island has natural hot springs, fabulous hotels, and stunning beaches

Ischia has an enchanting quality. This volcanic island is located in the Bay Naples. It could be the thermal springs, which have attracted travelers since ancient Greece. Maybe it’s its laid-back atmosphere, which contrasts to the more glamorous (and crowded) sister islands. Capri. Ischia feels retro in a great way. Being there now, it’s not hard to imagine what the island was like during the ‘60s, when the protagonists of Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels vacationed there.

Ischia is a place I haven’t fallen in love in 15 years. However, on subsequent visits, I became enchanted by the island’s exotic gardens, hydrotherapy pools with panoramic views at San Montano and ceramic artisans painting beautiful scenes on tiles at Ceramiche Keramos. But in order to get more intel, I turned to Ischia habitués Marie Louise Sciò, whose family hospitality group runs the glamorous Mezzatorre Hotel Annie Ojile was the founder and leader of Scooteroma The following are some examples of how to get started: Personalized ItalyThe island is a favorite of, who organizes trips for clients.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Mezzatorre Hotel

You can also find out more about this by clicking here. glamorous member of the Leading Hotels of the World may be a relatively new entry for Pellicano Hotels, the company founded by Marie Louise Sciò’s father Roberto, but it has a gloriously old soul. The hotel is situated on a promontory that overlooks a bay. It has the same Slim Aarons feel as the original Hotel Il Pellicano.

San Montano Resort & Spa

This home is fresh off of the first phase renovation. five-star resort The hotel looks strikingly like its sister, a mid-century inspired hotel. Borgo Santandrea Amalfi was on our It List for 2022. On a prior visit, I enjoyed soaking in the outdoor swimming pools that offer panoramic views of Amalfi and enjoying the delicious pizza on the outdoor patio.

Regina Isabella Resort

This is a good example of a reputable company. the hotel that started it all. It has a retro feel, as it was built by Angelo Rizzoli in the 50s. He invited famous friends to join him. There is a medical centre, a private sand beach, two jetties and a tennis court. I love the hand painted tiles on the floor.

Villa Ravino

“Magical Villa Ravino “This is my favorite place on the island,” declares Ojile. This family-run, hidden gem is located in their beautiful garden. It is filled with cacti plants and succulents and home to many peacocks. The restaurant serves local cuisine using ingredients that they have grown in their own garden. “I truly want to stay here every time I check in.”

The Best Things to do

Relax on the beach.

“Some places on the island are worth the journey all on their own—and the Bay of Sorgeto is one of them,” says Sciò, citing this as her favorite beach on the island. It was my first memory of the island: natural hotsprings bubbling into the sea and that feeling of well-being.

Ojile says that Magna Graecia began at San Montano Beach when the Greeks landed. “In modern time, it’s a very busy place. But whenever I go there I remember how the Greeks first discovered Ischia as I soak in the clear waters.”

The thermal springs are a great place to relax.

If you visit Ischia, soak in the famous water at least for one day. SPA (salus per aquam“( is Latin for health by water, and this is exactly what I recommend during your Ischian vacation!” Ojile says. The two main thermal park are Negombo The following are some examples of how to get started: Giardini PoseidonBut the Fonte delle Ninfe Nitrodi It is the oldest spa on the island, as it boasts Greek archeological artifacts.

Take a cruise on the water.

“A boat trip around the island is an absolute must—especially at sunset when the coastline glows with golden light and the hidden coves and dramatic cliffs reveal their full charm,” Sciò says. Ojile says that a boat tour is one the best activities to do on the Island.

Visit the island’s botanical gardens.

Make sure you visit the island and don’t miss it Giardini La Mortella—a magical garden where nature, art, and music come together in perfect harmony,” implores Sciò. This lush subtropical-mediterranean oasis was created by Susana Walton Argentinian, wife of British composer, Sir William Walton. It is home to rare flowers and exotic plants from around the world.

Ojile loves the Giardini ravino. She says that the tour of the garden with owner Lukas will leave you breathless.

Visit a winery in your area.

Ischia’s volcanic soil makes it ideal for growing grapes, particularly the local Biancolella. Visit a local vineyard like the family run Casa d’Ambra Learn more about the wine and try some.

Best Shopping

Ceramiche Mennella

“For someone like myself, who never misses the chance to find a hidden piece, a special color or shape or an object traditional for home or for new project, Mennella This is paradise. And a visit to their workshop with its terrace overlooking the sea will truly brighten your day,” Sciò says.

Mario d’Ischia

Sciò also recommends this artisan shop “I even decided to feature these sandals on ISSIMO – the digital extension of my hotels.”

Ceramiche Keramos

Nello Di Leva is the founder of this ceramics studio, a company based in Italy, created custom-made plates for Indaco as well as a mural of hand-painted tiles for Fonte della Ninfe Niddi. The studio also produces beautiful tableware decorated in lemons, flowers and other motifs. These would make great gifts or souvenirs.

Best Nightlife

Bar La Torre

Don’t forget to stop by for a sunset aperitif in our Bar La Torre. The view over San Montano Bay and Mount Vesuvius is simply unforgettable,” remarks Sciò. “And before you go, let Massimo mix you one of his signature cocktails—it’s the perfect farewell.”

Best Restaurants

Giardino d’Eden

After visiting the Aragonese castle, visit ” Giardino Eden—a stunning spot set right on the water, with breathtaking views of the castle,” Sciò suggests. It’s a great place for a leisurely, long meal on the beach.

Bar Gino

This is always my motto go-to lunch place Ojile says, “I’m in love with the island the minute I set foot on it.” “Gino and his brother serve up the most amazing and huge bruschetta—the bread is just a vehicle to eat the famous Ischian tomatoes. They are extra-red and delicious because of the minerals in them from the ex-volcano Epomeo. She also suggests the local “zingara” (zingara sandwich) sandwich.

Indaco

The Michelin-starred restaurants are the perfect choice for a special celebration or a lavish gourmet meal. Indaco The Regina Isabella is a great place to stay. Chef Pasquale Palmaro uses his memory of the flavors on the island to create innovative dishes that highlight sea’s bounty.

Lisola

I love the new newest Lisola, the collaboration between Nino Di Costanzo, chef of Daní Maison in Ischia, and Ivano Veccia, a renowned pizzaiolo. It’s a gastronomic experience you absolutely must try—a pizza you’ll remember for a long time,” says Sciò.

La Bella Napoli

“La Bella Napoli It’s always a winner! You can enjoy lunch or dinner outdoors, with a complete menu. Also try their fantastic Neapolitan-style pizza. Ojile says that there is something to suit everyone’s taste, including fresh fish and seafood. “My order always is” mosaico di mare Antipasto, with classic focaccia and then spaghetti alle vongole. Book a reservation at the hotel because they don’t accept online reservations.”

When is the best time to visit?

Summer—especially July and August—is the high season in Ischia, so that’s when you’ll find the best weather for swimming and sunbathing but also the most crowds. Most of the hotels on Ischia are only open for a limited time, usually around Easter. They close in November or October.

“June, before the island fills up, is the perfect time to enjoy its beauty—the sea, the beaches, and the gardens—in a more relaxed atmosphere,” says Sciò. October is a great time to discover a new side of Ischia. You can hike up Mount Epomeo and see the island covered in greenery from the top, join the grape harvest or try the local wine, Biancolella. Even the thermal baths of Ischia are worth a visit.

How to get there

Naples Capodichino International Airport, located on the mainland, is the nearest airport. You can take a hydrofoil or ferry from Molo Beverello, the ferry port in Naples. Hydrofoil travel takes approximately an hour, or 90+ if you choose a slower ferry. The main companies include SNAV, Alilauro, Caremar. Medmar. Tickets cost around €12-26 each way. Check the ferry schedules in advance and book tickets. online.

The Best Towns To Visit

Forio

Both Ojile and Sciò consider Forio their favorite town on the island. Forio’s narrow streets, whitewashed homes, and bougainvilleas in full bloom are some of the places that instantly capture your heart. But it’s the view from the Church of Soccorso—perched dramatically above the sea—that truly takes your breath away,” says Sciò. The experience of watching the sun sink below the horizon, the sky painted with warm shades of orange and rose, feels almost holy.

Sant’Angelo

Ojile: “Sant’Angelo offers designer brands, from summer evening dresses to sandals and skincare. “The town has so much charm and beauty that you can go shopping and then stay to enjoy the view or vice versa.”

Lacco Ameno

Lacco Ameno – the smallest town in Ischia – is the home of the Regina Isabella Resort. Corso Rizzoli (named after the resort’s founder) is lined with boutiques and makes a great place to walk. San Montano Beach is located in this area, as well as the Negombo thermal parks.

Ischia

Ischia Porto is the island’s capital, and Ischia Ponte is technically part of that same municipality. Ischia Porto houses the hydrofoils, ferries and ferry docks that arrive from Naples or nearby islands. Castello Aragonese in Ischia Ponte guards a causeway which connects the island to the rest.

How to Get Around

Ischia is a very walkable island, and many streets are pedestrianized or have limited traffic zones. Be careful of scooters or cars on narrow roads. Buses and taxis can be used to travel between the towns.

Public Transportation: EAV Bus is a bus company that runs a network between towns on the island. A single ride costs €1.70 if you buy a ticket at a tabaccaio (small convenience shop) or €2.20 if you buy one on board.

Taxi: Taxis and tuk tuks have the same name. calessini The island is awash with them. Expect to pay €10-40, depending on how far you’re going.