Family Itinerary: Ischia – With a Twist

Why not let us plan your perfect escape to Ischia? Our carefully curated packages are designed to help you experience the very best this enchanting island has to offer.

Although the title may hint at a family itinerary, Ischia truly is for everyone. Imagine whitewashed houses nestled among lush vineyards, olive groves, and fragrant citrus orchards. Picture golden beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, gardens bursting with vibrant blooms, and charming towns filled with character and warmth.

This island, once a glamorous haven for celebrities, writers, and politicians, continues to captivate with its natural beauty and effortless charm. From soothing thermal springs and luxurious spa resorts to vibrant nightlife and picturesque villages, Ischia invites you to relax, explore, and fall in love—with Italy, and with the moment.

🌋 Day 1: Volcano Views & Garden Discoveries

Morning:🚶 Hike (or Pony Ride) Near Mount Epomeo: Start with a scenic family walk (or horseback ride for kids) from Fontana to a viewpoint on Mount Epomeo.

• Optional: book a pony ride with a local guide for younger children.

• Visit the cave chapel San Nicola carved into the stone.

Late Morning:🌵 Giardini Ravino – A quirky cactus and succulent garden in Forio.

• Children love the free-roaming peacocks and turtles.

• There’s a small café with smoothies and herbal teas for a break.

Afternoon:🧖 Soak at Baia di Sorgeto – Natural hot springs in the sea.

• Access via stairs or boat. The thermal waters mix with seawater—fun and safe for a family paddle.

• Bring water shoes and buckets for the little ones!

Evening:🚗 Drive or taxi to Sant’Angelo Village

• No cars allowed — perfect for children to roam safely.

• Sunset stroll, gelato on the square, and a casual dinner at Dal Pescatore (great pasta and pizza).

🏰 Day 2: Castles, Cannons & Ceramic Painting

Morning:🏯 Castello Aragonese – Explore the medieval castle perched on a rocky islet.

• Look for dungeons, hidden corridors, and the old nun’s cemetery.

• Kids’ treasure hunt guides available at the entrance (seasonal).

Lunch:🍕 Ristorante da Coco – Overlooking the sea near the castle; simple and scenic.

• Pizza and pasta options for picky eaters.

Afternoon:🎨 Family Ceramic Workshop (Ischia Porto)

• Many local artisans offer beginner classes tailored for families.

• Paint your own plate or tile to take home as a souvenir.

Evening:🌅 Relaxed dinner in Ischia Porto.

🛥️ Day 3: Pirates, Sea Caves & Beach Time

Morning:⛵ Boat Trip Around the Island (2–3 hours)

• Charter a private or small-group boat with stops for swimming and snorkelling.

• See Green Grotto, Punta Imperatore lighthouse, and sea caves.

• Some boats have a "pirate theme" for kids (ask in advance!).

Lunch:🏖️ Beach picnic at Maronti Beach

• Shallow waters and soft sand, plus umbrella rentals and paddle boats.

• Grab fresh seafood or panini from Ristorante Emanuela.

Afternoon:🌿 Cavascura Ancient Thermal Baths (For Older Children & Teens)

• Roman-style natural spa carved into the rock. Mud treatments and hot springs.

• Teens will love the "Indiana Jones" vibe; not ideal for toddlers.

Alternative for younger kids:Visit Spiaggia dei Pescatori, a sandy beach with shallow waters near Ischia Ponte.

Evening:🍦 Gelato walk + early dinner in Forio or Barano

• Forio has family-friendly restaurants like La Bella Napoli with views.

🎭 Day 4: Gardens, Music & Hidden Traditions

Morning:🎼 La Mortella Gardens (Forio) – Created by composer William Walton’s wife.

• Amazing subtropical garden with fountains, waterfalls, and turtles.

• On some days, there are classical music concerts or children’s storytelling events.

Lunch:🌿 Garden café or nearby trattoria

Afternoon:🏛️ Museo del Mare or Museo di Pithecusae (Lacco Ameno)

• Interactive maritime museum with ship models and local sea legends.

• Or visit the Pithecusae Archaeological Museum, where kids can see ancient artefacts from the island’s Greek past.

Evening:🍝 Family Cooking Class – Learn to make gnocchi, tomato sauce, and tiramisù in a local home.

• Many hosts welcome children with hands-on roles (kneading, rolling pasta, decorating dessert).

• Enjoy your homemade dinner together!

🧚 Day 5: Fairy Trails, Forests & Farm Animals

Morning:🌲 Bosco della Maddalena (Children’s Nature Trail)

• A pine forest with short walking trails, fairy tale signs, and panoramic picnic areas.

• Let kids roam and explore – perfect for a low-key morning.

Late Morning:🐐 Agriturismo Visit or Petting Zoo (Barano or Casamicciola area)

• Several small farms on the island offer visits with animals, including goats, chickens, rabbits, and donkeys.

• Includes fresh cheese tastings and homemade bread.

Lunch:🍴 Farm-to-table lunch at the agriturismo or nearby trattoria

Afternoon:🧁 Final Treat: Pastry Tasting in Ischia Porto

• Try traditional lingua di bue (custard-filled puff pastry)

Evening:🧳 Relaxed final dinner at your hotel or a restaurant with space for the kids to stretch and play nearby.

Other Options to enhance your visit:

• Guided tours to the ancient underwater city of Aenaria, accessible by a glass-bottomed boat.

• Personalised tours

• Explore Mount Epomeo under the Stars

• Hikes & Walks

• Windsurfing

• Rock climbing

• Yoga

• Night Time Trekking - Romantic!

• Wine Tasting

• Boat Tours

• Vespa Tours

• Volcanic cooking courses

• Visit Procida

• Visit Naples

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Tips for Families Visiting Ischia:

• Transport: Renting a car is useful for families, especially if staying outside the main towns. There is the possibility in Ischia to rent Mokka jeeps or why not a vespa, or even bicycles

• What to bring: Water shoes, sun hats, buckets/spades, lightweight backpacks, and baby carriers for steep walks.

• Where to Stay – Choose Your Base Wisely

  • Forio – Great for families: wide beaches, beautiful sunsets, and proximity to La Mortella Gardens, Sorgeto hot springs, and family restaurants.

  • Sant’Angelo – Ideal for older kids; car-free, elegant and relaxing. Offers a safe environment for children to roam freely.

  • Lacco Ameno – Calm and flat, perfect for younger children and strollers, with sandy beaches and family hotels.

  • Ischia Porto – Livelier and more central, with ferries, shops, and good connections, but a bit more traffic.

    
    

  🏖️ Beach Time with Kids

  • Spiaggia dei Maronti (Barano) – Long, sandy, and great for older kids with waves to play in.

  • San Francesco Beach (Forio) – Calm waters and paddle boat rentals.

  • Cartaromana Beach (near Castello Aragonese) – Quieter and scenic, with views of the castle.

  • Bring sun shelters, UV rash vests, and water shoes (some beaches are pebbly or have thermal springs).

    
    

  🍽️ Eating Out with Children

  • Most restaurants are child-friendly, even if they don’t advertise it. Italian culture is welcoming to kids.

  • Don’t hesitate to ask for:

    • Smaller pasta portions

    • Simplified meals (plain pasta with butter or olive oil)

    • High chairs or booster seats

  • Pizzerias and gelaterias are everywhere — perfect for picky eaters!

  • Keep a few snacks handy between meals, as some restaurants open later for dinner (typically 7:30pm onward).

    
    

  🚗 Transport Tips

  • Public buses are frequent but can be crowded and slow, especially in high season.

  • Renting a car is often easier for families, especially with car seats and bags.

    • Parking can be tricky in August.

    • Roads are narrow but manageable with caution.

  • Taxis: Always agree on a price beforehand or ensure the meter is on.

  • Boats: Use hydrofoils or ferries to get to/from Naples. Opt for Caremar or Medmar for smoother crossings with kids.

    
    

  🎒 Packing Essentials for Families

  • Baby carrier or backpack for cobbled streets and hikes

  • Lightweight stroller for towns with smoother surfaces

  • Reusable water bottles (public fountains often have drinkable water)

  • Sun cream, mosquito repellent, and hats

  • Waterproof sandals or water shoes

  • Small travel games/books/tablets for downtime

    
    

  🧒 Activities That Keep Kids Engaged

  • Thermal pools: While some spas are adults-only, many like Negombo welcome children and have age-appropriate pools.

  • Boat tours: Choose shorter (2–3 hour) private or shared rides with swim stops.

  • Gardens and parks: La Mortella and Ravino offer lots of room to explore.

  • Castles and myths: Castello Aragonese has towers, tunnels, and ghost stories that capture children’s imagination.

  • Hands-on fun: Book pizza-making or ceramic painting classes.

  • Wildlife spotting: Look for lizards, butterflies, and peacocks in the wild or in gardens.

    
    

  ⛑️ Health & Safety

  • Pharmacies (farmacia) are plentiful and well-stocked.

  • Tap water is safe to drink.

  • Always carry cash, especially in smaller towns or for taxis and local cafés.

  • In case of emergency:

    • Medical emergency number: 118

    • Ischia Hospital (Ospedale Anna Rizzoli) is in Lacco Ameno.

  • Sun can be strong even on cloudy days — reapply sunscreen frequently, especially after swimming.

    
    

  🎉 Cultural Tips

  • Children are cherished in Italian culture – locals will often go out of their way to be helpful.

  • Don’t be surprised if restaurant staff or shopkeepers give your child a free sweet or biscuit.

  • Teach children a few Italian phrases like:

    • “Ciao!” – Hello / Goodbye

    • “Per favore” – Please

    • “Grazie” – Thank you

    • “Un gelato, per favore” – An ice cream, please 😄

  
  

  "For the perfect holiday on the island of Ischia, don’t wait—just tell us the experience you’re dreaming of, and we’ll take care of the rest."