Ischia – Sandy beach, green hills, natural hot springs, great cuisine

The island of Ischia is located in the northern area of ​​the Gulf of Naples and is the perfect destination for all those who love a stay full of history, nature and relax

Virtually unknown to most people until the early 1950s, the island of Ischia is located in the northern area of ​​the Gulf of Naples. The island is part, together with Procida, Nisida and Vivara, of the Campania archipelago of the Flegrean islands.

Ischia, in fact, became famous thanks to the publisher and film producer Angelo Rizzoli who docked here with his yacht in 1951 and, understanding the potential of this area, attracted tourists from all over the world.

Rizzoli did not limit himself to advertising Ischia in his magazines, but here he built hotels, accommodation facilities, a hospital and even a football field. The entrepreneur also chose Ischia as a film set to shoot several films, attracting an elite tourism made up of characters from the world political and economic scene, Italian and Hollywood actors, artists and musicians.

Where is located Ischia?

Set about 40 minutes off the coast of Naples by ferry and just a few kilometers from the tiny islet of Procida, Ischia is the third most populated island in Italy and is connected to the mainland by ferry all year round.

You can catch a hydrofoil to the island from Molo Beverello in Naples or a regular ferry from Calata di Massa in Naples and the town of Pozzuoli. Ferris also run to the island from Sorrento, Capri, Positano, and Amalfi in the summer.

What to see in Ischia

Ischia is known as “The Green Island” for its lush countryside of Mediterranean flora that covers much of its area.

The island of Ischia covers an area of ​​about 46 square kilometers and from an administrative point of view includes six municipalities: Barano d’Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Forio d’Ischia, Ischia, Lacco Ameno and Serrara Fontana. Famous with the name of “Green Island” for the presence of unspoiled nature and itineraries that know how to conquer trekking lovers, Ischia is a place that thanks to its mild climate is an ideal destination throughout the year.

Visiting the island of Ischia it will not be difficult to be fascinated by its golden beaches, the sea with crystal clear waters and its excellent culinary tradition. Ischia is also famous for being one of the European resorts with the highest density of spas, which are real thermal gardens with pools of different temperatures, waterfalls, muds and private beaches that attract thousands of visitors every year.

Natural Hot Springs and Gardens

Since ancient times, the island of Ischia has been famous for its thermal waters which have made it one of the largest spas in Europe. All the thermal parks are immersed in a wonderful natural environment, between the green of nature and the blue of the sea, and inside they have swimming pools, Kneipp paths, saunas and massage centers.

During a stay on the island, take some time to relax in one of the numerous thermal gardens, such as the Negombo Thermal Park, which has numerous swimming pools arranged in the terraces of a hill and the Poseidon Gardens, the largest thermal park on the island of Ischia with 20 swimming pools surrounded by greenery just a few steps from the sea and the bay of Citara.

• Poseidon Gardens
  
  South of Forio, spa lovers will find the Poseidon Gardens, a vast balneo-thermal park that offers a wide variety of treatments and services, including sauna, whirlpool and healing thermal water pools. There is also a beach below for those who love more tranquility.  
  
  

• The Cavascura Thermal Baths

  located at the bottom of a rocky gorge, enclosed by steep tuff walls, they are the oldest spas in Ischia and date back to Roman times. The springs have remained in their natural state, with caves, waterfalls between the rocks and thermal rivulets. Other treatments can be added to the thermal baths, such as muds, manicures and massages.
  The sulphurous waters are known for their therapeutic properties in cases of rheumatic, bronchial and skin diseases.

• Parco Termale Aphrodite Apollon 
  
  A two-kilometer path connects Sant’Angelo to Cavascura, passing by the Aphrodite Apollon Thermal Park: it is a very scenic route, even if a little tiring.
  Beyond the ivy-covered entrance of this luxurious spa extends a complex of gyms, saunas, gardens and terraces and 12 swimming pools with different temperatures. In this park you can choose between wine-based facial treatments, smoothing mud showers and personalized kinesitherapy.
  
  
• Negombo
  
  Negombo is a spa park created with respect for the environment, with Zen thermal pools, hammam, a Japanese labyrinth pool, contemporary sculptures, exotic plants and a private beach on the Bay of San Montano. It is an enchanting place, mostly frequented by young people. Negombo also offers a diner and a range of massages and beauty treatments.

Beaches of the island

Green and sunny all year round, Ischia fascinates many visitors not only for its spas but also for its beaches.

Beaches of Ischia

1. Spiaggia dei Maronti
   
   Among the most famous is certainly the Maronti beach where the beach has sand mixed with pebbles and the sea is crystal clear blue. About three kilometers long, it is one of the best known and most beautiful beaches on the island: its name derives from the Greek and means quiet beach.
   
   The largest part of the beach is located in the municipality of Barano d’Ischia and can be reached by following a panoramic road that descends in hairpin bends and offers spectacular views, or from the charming village of Sant’Angelo via a pedestrian access or water taxi.
   
   
2. Spiaggia nella Baia di Sorgeto
   
   In the municipality of Forio, the Bay of Sorgeto is an intimate and secluded inlet where the sea water mixes with the thermal water that flows under the ridge.
   
   Thanks to the particular conformation of this bay, sheltered from the winds and, in the summer months, kissed by the sun for almost the whole day, bathing in the moonlight is typical, as well as the truly unique possibility to immerse yourself in complete safety even in colder months than winter. Sorgeto can be reached on foot following a path that starts from the village of Panza or you can use a water taxi.
3. Spiaggia dei Pescatori
   
   Located close to Ischia Porto, about 200 meters from the entrance to Ischia Ponte, along a stretch of coast once used only by fishermen, the picturesque beach of Pescatori is a golden sand beach surrounded by a unique and suggestive landscape.
   The place still has an authentic atmosphere thanks to the many wooden fishing boats pulled up to dry on the sand and the scent of fresh fish from the typical restaurants on the sea.

Nightlife in Ischia

The hub of the island’s nightlife takes place in the municipality of Ischia.

The main area of ​​reference for young people is the upper area of ​​Corso Vittoria Colonna where the most famous nightclubs of Ischia are located, such as the Valentino, open after midnight with live music and disco. Also in this area it is worth visiting the Harem or Pier 18 on the harbor. In Ischia there are many American bars offering live music.

Among the best known are the Ecstasy in Piazzetta dei Pini, with piano bar until midnight, Dionysus, Friends, Kiwi in Ischia Ponte and the Cappuccino at the Rive Droite.

Another important point for nightlife is Forgio where the Dolce Vita and Alta Marea stand out, open until dawn on the port. For live music and Latin American dances, the Millenium on the Rive Droite should be mentioned.

For those who love a quieter evening, the ideal is the Orange Garden at Corso Colonna or the Old Naples tavern where typical Neapolitan songs are played and danced.

Weather Ischia

What is the weather like in Ischia? Below are the temperatures and weather forecasts in Ischia in the coming days.