Why Ischia is Italy’s Best Kept Secret: 3 Days of Thermal Bliss, Seaside Charm & Sun-Soaked Relaxation
View of Castello Aragonese
Ischia might just be Italy’s best-kept secret. Tucked in the Bay of Naples, this volcanic island offers everything from rejuvenating thermal baths to sun-soaked beaches, charming seaside villages, and affordable luxury — without the crowds of nearby Capri (although, to be fair, Capri is still one of our favorite islands).
We fell in love with Ischia’s laid-back pace, its warm-hearted locals, stunning Mediterranean views, and the undeniable sense of serenity you can feel from the moment you step ashore. If you haven’t heard of Ischia, it’s time to put this hidden gem on your Italy bucket list.
Why Visit Ischia?
Thermal Spas: Naturally heated by volcanic activity, Ischia’s thermal waters are world-famous and ideal for relaxation and healing (be sure to check out Giardini Poseidon Terme!).
Affordable Island Life: Compared to Capri or the Amalfi Coast, Ischia is more budget-friendly but just as beautiful.
Nature & Beaches: Enjoy dramatic coastlines, clear waters, and lush green hills dotted with lemon trees and vineyards.
Authentic Italian Vibes: Ischia feels local, untouched, and slow-paced — perfect for a reset. Plus the food is absolutely incredible and the views are amazing.
Ideal for Wellness Travelers: With healing waters and peaceful garden retreats, it’s Italy’s spa island.
Best Time to Visit Ischia
We visited Ischia in June and the weather was absolutely perfect, skies were clear, and it was relatively uncrowded. We absolutely loved visiting in early Summer and highly recommend this time of year. Other great times are:
Late April to early June and September to early October are ideal — fewer tourists, mild temperatures, and lower prices. You can still get some great deals around this time.
July and August bring vibrant beach life but also high heat and more crowds. While the crowds are normally less than more popular islands like Capri, there can still be very busy days.
Off-season (Nov–March): Many hotels and thermal parks close, but it’s quiet and feels more local. This is a great time to explore but expect temperatures to be much cooler in the 50’s and 60’s Fahrenheit (11 - 16 Celsius). The winter time is typically the wettest time of year. So, great for affordable and budget travel, but you may have to sacrifice warmer weather and some attractions being closed.
How Long Should I Stay in Ischia?
We think 2–4 nights is perfect to unwind, enjoy the spas, explore the island’s beaches and highlights, and soak up the charm without rushing. There are plenty of things to do on Ischia, so 2 days may feel a bit rushed, but if you want to just get a quick feel for the island, you can easily do this in 2 nights. We stayed 3 nights and thought it was perfect, giving us a good balance of sightseeing with relaxation. If you are visiting as part of a larger Italian island hopping vacation/holiday, we’d recommend staying at least 1 night, but we would recommend visiting longer!
How to Get to Ischia from Naples (or another port)
View from Naples Port
Ischia does NOT have an airport. So, the only way to get to Ischia is by ferry, unless you want to opt for a private helicopter service (you baller you).
There are a few ports you can travel from to get to Ischia. The most widely used and the one with the most amount of daily ferries is from the Naples Port (AKA Naples Beverello Port), however there is another port nearby called Calata Porta di Massa (don’t worry they are connected by a free shuttle bus). Either of these ports will offer plenty of ferries between Naples and Ischia. We recommend arriving early, especially if it is your first time, to make sure you know which port and pier you are leaving from. For those worried about arriving too early, there is a small shopping area and coffee shops to enjoy while you wait.
We’ve had a few close calls with missing ferries and prefer a more leisurely approach by arriving about 20-30 minutes before our ferry, finding our terminal/port, and then grabbing a coffee.
Should I take a Regular Ferry or Hydrofoil?
What’s the difference? Hydrofoils are normally much faster, a little smaller, and will cost a little bit more (24 Euros for the Hydrofoil versus 17 Euros for the regular ferry). We would recommend using the Hydrofoil, however just note that they can be a bit bumpier, so if you are prone to sea sickness you may want to consider taking sea-sickness pills ahead of time or consider taking the slower passenger ferry. The passenger ferry on the other hand is slower, but normally smoother, and a bit larger. Typically, there is a little more room to spread out on the passenger ferry than the hydrofoil. For us personally, even though Ash is prone to sea-sickness, we almost always opt for the hydrofoil because we would rather get their faster and are willing for a bumpier ride for more time on the island.
How to Choose?
High-speed ferry - Hydrofoil (aliscafi): ~50 minutes from Naples Beverello Port
Regular ferry: ~1.5 hours from Naples Porta di Massa
Ferry operators include Caremar, Alilauro, and SNAV
All of the companies are solid, so really just find the time that works best for your schedule.
For planning: we recommend using FerryHopper to find routes and schedules that work for you and then book in advance via Direct Ferries.
Pro Tip: Arrive early — seats are first come, first served and you will definitely want to find your ferry and port ahead of time especially during high season where there can be crowds of people all trying to find their ferry!
Pro Tip #2: If you do NOT have digital tickets, then make sure to get to the ferry terminal at LEAST 30 minutes early to have time to pick up your tickets from the ticket window
What If I want to Island Hop or Travel From Somewhere Other Than Naples?
You’re in luck! Ischia is very accessible from multiple islands. Again, we recommend checking FerryHopper to research routes and times that work best for you. You can easily travel to Ischia directly from:
Capri
Positano
Sorrento
Procida
Salerno
If you are planning on island hopping, just be sure to map out your trip and book your ferry tickets in advance, especially between islands. Also note, if you are traveling during the off season, the ferries may offer fewer departures.
Getting Around Ischia
We found it pretty easy to get around Ischia without a car. While renting a car can give you more freedom for exploring the island, just know that the roads can be tight, narrow, and curvy. If you prefer to explore on your own, we would recommend you rent a scooter. We took public buses around the island and found them to be pretty reliable and affordable (just remember to be at the bus stop a little early if you are taking the last bus across the island somewhere - our bus ended up leaving 10 minutes early and boy were we glad we got on early!)
Public Buses: Reliable and cheap — the best way to get around without a car.
Car/Scooter Rentals: Great for exploring remote areas. Roads can be narrow and winding.
Taxis: Available, but pricey. Agree on a fare beforehand or request the meter.
Water Taxis: Fun way to reach beaches and seaside towns!
Helpful Hints for Visiting Ischia
Population: ~60,000 residents
Unique Fact: One amazing thing about Ischia is it is home to 100+ natural thermal springs — many of them accessible at public beaches or spa parks.
Sim Cards & Wi-Fi: TIM and Vodafone have good coverage. Many hotels offer free Wi-Fi. We recommend Airalo if your phone has eSIM capability (use code MATTHE6398 to get $3 off)
Entrance Requirements: No visa needed for most tourists (check Italy’s entry requirements); however normally EU Schengen rules apply.
Cash/Card: Many small places are cash only — carry euros
Water: Perfectly safe to drink
Reservations: Recommended for dinner in high season
Plug Type: Type F and L (European standard); bring a universal adapter
Driving: Roads can be narrow and steep — drive with care
Sunscreen is a must even on cloudy days
Weather & Packing:
View from Castello Aragonese
Summer: Hot & sunny and the most popular time to visit. Expect temperatures in the mid 80’s Fahrenheit (28-29 Celsius) and lots of sunshine. Be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and water shoes!
Spring/Fall: The weather is normally really great this time of year. Expect temperatures to range from the low to mid 60’s to the low 70’s Fahrenheit (18 - 23 Celsius), but it can really cool off at night so be sure to pack a light jacket and layers.
Winter - can definitely get chilly and windy. Expect temperatures in the low to mid 50’s Fahrenheit ( 10- 12 degrees Celsius). Winter is also rainy season. While you may find some great deals during this time, expect possible rain and cooler weather.
Bring a swimsuit no matter the season — spas are open even in cooler weather
Travel Essentials for Ischia
Refillable water bottle – stay hydrated while exploring
Swimwear (Matt is a huge fan of Chubbies swimsuits!)- bring 2 sets if staying multiple days
Beach cover-up for walking between beach clubs or popping into restaurants
Lightweight, breathable fabrics (Ash likes these types of sundresses) – linen and cotton work best
For guys - bring a nice pair of shorts or light linen pants and a polo
Water shoes (for rocky beaches)
Portable charger (buses don’t have chargers - at least as far as we know)
A compact travel umbrella or packable raincoat - especially during shoulder season when it can get a little rainier.
Lightweight Daypack – Perfect for carrying your camera, sunscreen, and snacks while exploring the island.
Comfortable Walking Sandals or neutral sneakers – You'll be walking through gardens, old towns, and up cobblestone streets—these are a lifesaver.
Airalo eSIM – We used this for instant data access without swapping SIM cards (use code MATTHE6398 to get $3 off)
Sunscreen – The island sun is strong—this one’s great for sensitive skin.
Waterproof Phone Case – Essential for boat rides and sudden rain showers.
Travel Backpack for your carry-on. Ash got this specific one for her birthday and it fits so many things. It also comes with additional bags that are great for fitting shoes, laundry, etc.
We love our Samsonite luggage. We’ve had so many issues with fabric bags ripping or snagging over the years that we switched to the hard cover bags and have had no issues!
Packing Cubes - We don’t go on any trip without these. It helps divide out items by function and rolling and stashing items in these cubes allows for more room in your back for souvenirs.
Where We Stayed: Hotel Myage
Perched on a hillside between Ischia Porto and Casamicciola
Offers breathtaking sea views, multiple thermal pools, and peaceful gardens
On-site restaurant is excellent — don’t miss their fresh seafood risotto
Wellness spa treatments are available for extra pampering
Our favorite thing was the terrace with sweeping views of the ocean. This is a great place to enjoy your breakfast as well - just be careful, Ash had a rogue seagull steal her croissant - something we still laugh about today.
➡️ Book it here
Or click here to see other amazing hotels in the area.
🌊 Top Things to Do in Ischia in 72 Hours
Our Favorite Highlights:
Poseidon Thermal Gardens – The ultimate spa day with 20+ pools, saunas, sea views, and a private beach. This was such a cool experience and one that you have to do while enjoying Ischia. There are plenty of pools so it does not feel overcrowded even in Summer. While you can normally easily find tickets the day of, if you want to book your tickets in advance click here.
Castello Aragonese – Dramatic cliffside medieval castle with panoramic views. This is one of the most photographed sights in Ischia. We absolutely loved wandering around the castle. There is a self-guided tour you can do and plenty of amazing views. If you do one thing in Ischia make it this! Click here if you prefer a guided tour of the Castle.
Spiaggia di San Pietro – Gorgeous sandy beach near Ischia Porto, great for relaxing, especially after wandering your 10,000 steps around the castle.
La Soglia del Mare – Upscale beach club & restaurant for lunch with a view - if you are looking for a good beach lounge day with umbrellas and amenities this is a great choice.
Sant’Angelo Village – Pastel-colored pedestrian-only fishing village - great for wandering around and getting a little cultural experience.
Punta Imperatore Lighthouse – Off-the-beaten-path sunset spot
Spiaggia di Cava Grado – Tranquil cove with turquoise waters
Spiaggia di Citara – Wide sandy beach backed by cliffs and beach bars, one of the most popular!
Banana Beach (Sant’Angelo) – Family-friendly and fun.
More Ideas & Experiences
Giardini la Mortella – Exotic gardens with rare plants, waterfalls, and musical performances
Mount Epomeo Hike – Climb to the island’s highest peak for 360° views
Wine tasting at Pietratorcia Winery – Local wines in a beautiful vineyard setting. If you prefer a guided wine tour around Ischia click here.
Negombo Thermal Park – Smaller, more serene alternative to Poseidon
Boat tour around the island – Great way to see hidden beaches and grottoes - here is a great one to consider.
Day Trip to Procida – Colorful island just 30 minutes by ferry, you can either take a ferry on your own to Procida or book a boat tour to take you around
Capri by Boat – Day tours leave daily from Ischia Porto
Snorkeling & Hidden Coves Tour – Join a local guide for secret swimming spots - This is one of the most popular tours.
Thermal Grotto Tours – Discover hot springs along the coast
Interested in booking a tour around the island or doing a walking tour with a local - Check out excursions on Viator or GetYourGuide!
🏖️ Best Beaches in Ischia
Looking for a certain beach vibe in Ischia? Check out our beach comparison to help you find the right vibe:
| Beach Name | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spiaggia di Maronti | Long & lively | Families, beach clubs |
| Citara | Scenic, with spas | Easy access + thermal baths |
| Cava Grado | Quiet, natural | Snorkeling, sunbathing |
| San Pietro | Central | Couples, sunbathing |
| Scarrupata di Barano | Remote | Adventure seekers |
Restaurants to Try
Hotel Myage Restaurant – Excellent seafood and views - we are a little partial as we absolutely loved the view and the hotel, plus the staff was amazing and made great local wine recommendations!
Ristorante Emanuela – This is a great option if you want oceanfront dining with daily catch specials right near the town of Sant’ Angelo and the castle.
Da Pasquale (in Forio) – Another great restaurant in Sant’ Angelo with amazing pasta and pizza.
La Lampara – If you are looking for a bit more of a splurge restaurant with absolutely incredible views of the bay and classic Italian food with a wine list to match definitely check out La Lampara!
Final Thoughts
Ischia for us was literally a Microsoft Wallpaper image come to life. When Ash first saw this background she marked it as a bucket list item. This became one of our favorite islands to visit in Italy! Ischia gave us everything we love about Italy — warmth, flavor, scenery, and peace — with none (ok maybe just a little bit) of the stress. It’s an island that has all the beauty of islands like Capri, absolutely stunning, yet Ischia still feels down-to-earth and more local. Whether you're planning a romantic retreat, a wellness escape, or a slow-paced Italian holiday, Ischia is the island you'll never want to leave.
View of Ischia from Sant’ Angelo
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