Ischia is the largest island in the Bay of Naples and some would also say the most beautiful. Easy to get to from the city of Naples by hovercraft and perfect for those of you who need a bit of pampering, relaxation, beach, and more of what the island has to offer. A magical island adventure guaranteed to enchant you. The island is the ideal setting for a family holiday, honeymoon, get-away, and for all those in search of adventure and fun.
Our Top 14 Tips - What to do on the island of Ischia
Enjoy Ischia’s hot springs some of which are free. Head to Sorgeto where temperatures here average between 30 and 37 degrees. Enjoy these springs in the winter and by moonlight in the summer; experience Fumarole where the steam vents under the beach reach very high temperatures so bring some potatoes, chicken and not forgetting the foil to wrap food up, dig a small hole where the sand is hot and place your food in the bottom and cover it all up. Wait for a while and you have a hot meal! Add a nice chilled bottle of Ischia Bianco Spumante and you will be transported to heaven.
Get yourself covered in mud! Body, hands and feet; and what about an all encompassing mud face mask. Head to Terme di Cavascura or the Antiche Terme Belliazzi.
Explore the island 50s style. Enjoy a vintage tour on the island’s 3-wheeler with your own personal guide. Get to eat local buffalo mozzarella (yummy) and head to a cellar where you will actually drink from the barrels of wine.
Experience an evening tour of Ischia’s main pinnacle, the Castello Aragonese, Accompanied by your expert Historian Guide, you will explore this masterpiece. Discover hidden rooms and the secrets behind closed doors. The guided tour will take you along the path that leads to the Clarisse nunnery; the fading frescoes of the Giotto school in the Cathedral’s crypt, the Bourbon prison, the alleys, old houses, and churches, the breathtaking view over the sea. During your visit, your guide by the light of the lantern will entice you with tales of the various invaders and dynasties who contributed to the history of this fortress. You will be visiting the carefully tended monastery and then your evening tour is capped off by a delicious aperitivo on the King’s Terrace overlooking the sea. A great way to spend a spring evening.
This is not the usual wine tour cooking class. You will spend time with a local family and experience life here on the island. Or why not enjoy a farming experience and bring home techniques that will allow you to recreate your own garden with vegetables, herbs and fruit trees as well as learning the methods to look after them, A great experience for children to get their hands dirty.
If you are into volcanoes, then you have the option of hiking inside a volcano or cooking using the heat of the volcano. During this trip your guide, an expert geologist will lead you through canyons, ravines, pinnacles and other geological formations as you learn about the volcanic origins of Ischia and the many benefits of its waters. Along the hike, look for and collect aromatic wild herbs which will be used in the preparation of your lunch.
For the artist amongst you paint with local artists. There is a community of artists on the island.
Scuba dive or go for a snorkel with an archaeologist and skin-diver guide. Discover the underwater archaeological ruins of Roman’s settlement of Aenaria and get face to face with the most important species which populates the Mediterranean Sea. Swim through a natural “Jacuzzi” caused by the bubbles of CO2. This activity is ideal for those of you who are interested in looking after the planet Finally, “an interesting conclusive symposium will reveal the results of the studies carried out, concerning the health of the world’s seas, and forecast on future scenarios”.
Go fishing with local fishermen. The waters of Ischia provide some great fish for example Lampuga which you can have grilled or baked; with the fillets you can make carpaccio; or marinated with lemon and sour sauce and pomegranate.
Enjoy a bike tour or whizz around on your vespa or why not hire a jeep for the day.
Visit the amazing gardens of La Mortella with over 1,700 species of different plants in the garden which won the award as the most beautiful botanical garden in Italy. Explore the gardens which will be opened just for you during one of the closing days to the public and you will also be allowed to enter Lady Walton's house and offered an aperitivo on the terrace which overlooks the gardens.
Why not hire a boat for the day and discover the island by sea.
Practice yoga. Seek out the energetic spots with your specialised instructors.
Enjoy Ischia’s beaches The Bay of Citara, Cava dell’Isola, San Francisco, La Scannella all in Forio. The pretty beach of Spiaggia di San Montano in Lacco Ameno, I Maronti in Barano, Cavagrado, Carta Romana or what about Spiaggia degli Inglesi. Endless beautiful beaches await.
