Volcanic Island · Gulf of Naples · Natural Thermal Parks
Ischia
The green island of the Gulf: volcanic in origin, rich in thermal springs, dense with history. Ischia offers a different experience from Capri - wilder, more authentic, with black sand beaches, a medieval castle perched on the sea, and the silence of Monte Epomeo at 789 metres.
Ischia is the largest of the three islands in the Gulf of Naples - and, to many travellers, the most rewarding to spend real time on. Unlike Capri, which exhausts itself in a day, Ischia rewards those who stay: a different thermal park each morning, a long lunch in a fishing village, a hike to a volcanic summit with views stretching to Vesuvius.
The island has six municipalities, each with a distinct character: bustling Ischia Porto, medieval Ischia Ponte, laid-back Sant'Angelo, quiet Lacco Ameno. Getting a rental scooter or small car is the best way to explore them all.
Did You Know?
100+
natural thermal springs on the island
789 m
altitude of Monte Epomeo, the volcanic peak
474 BC
first Greek colony on the island (Pithecusa)
The name "Ischia" may derive from the Latin "Iscla" (island), or from the Greek word for the volcanic rock tuff that makes up much of the island. Ischia was the site of the first Greek colony in the western Mediterranean.
What to See on Ischia
Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese)
One of the best-preserved medieval castles in southern Italy, built on a rocky islet connected to Ischia Ponte by a stone bridge. Inside: a cathedral, an eerie monastic cemetery, gardens and a spectacular panoramic terrace. Entry ~€12. Allow 2–3 hours.
Thermal Parks
Ischia's thermal parks are its greatest treasure. Negombo (Lacco Ameno) is the most beautiful, set in a botanical garden facing the sea. Poseidon (Forio) is the largest with 22 pools. Terme di Citara (Forio) is the most affordable. Book online at least a day in advance in summer.
Monte Epomeo
The volcanic summit at 789 m offers a 360° view over the entire Gulf of Naples, Vesuvius and, on clear days, the Amalfi Coast. The hike from Fontana takes about 1.5 hours each way. The final stretch is steep but on a well-maintained mule track. A small café awaits at the top.
Sant'Angelo
A car-free fishing village on the southern coast, with colourful houses on a narrow promontory connected to the island by a sandy beach. The most atmospheric village on Ischia - have lunch by the water, explore the boutiques, and swim off the rocks below the promontory.
Maronti Beach
Ischia's longest beach (almost 2 km) with dark volcanic sand and warm thermal water bubbling up from the ground in some spots. The eastern end near Sant'Angelo is accessible only by water taxi (worth the few euros). Very popular in summer - arrive early.
How to Get to Ischia
Ischia is accessible by ferry and hydrofoil from Naples (Beverello and Mergellina) and from Pozzuoli. The Pozzuoli option is often faster, cheaper and less crowded.
From Naples
Ferry ~75 min (Caremar, Medmar) or hydrofoil ~50 min. Departs from Molo Beverello and Mergellina. Frequent daily services year-round.
From Pozzuoli
Caremar ferry ~35 min. The most economical option - shorter crossing, lower fares and frequent departures. Recommended for day-trippers.
Ferry Schedules - Summer 2026
Services run year-round from Naples and Pozzuoli. In summer departures increase significantly. Always check caremar.it and medmar.it for current timetables.
| Departs Naples | Arrives Ischia | Company |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | 07:15 | Caremar |
| 08:00 | 09:15 | Medmar |
| 10:00 | 11:15 | Caremar |
| 12:00 | 13:15 | Medmar |
| 14:30 | 15:45 | Caremar |
| 17:00 | 18:15 | Medmar |
| 19:30 | 20:45 | Caremar |
| Departs Pozzuoli | Arrives Ischia | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 05:30 | 06:05 | ~35 min |
| 08:00 | 08:35 | ~35 min |
| 10:30 | 11:05 | ~35 min |
| 13:00 | 13:35 | ~35 min |
| 15:30 | 16:05 | ~35 min |
| 18:00 | 18:35 | ~35 min |
| 20:30 | 21:05 | ~35 min |
* Indicative schedules for summer 2026. Check caremar.it and medmar.it to confirm current timetables.
Lesser-Known Corners of Ischia
Away from the main resorts, Ischia hides some extraordinary places.
La Mortella Gardens
Created by composer William Walton and his wife Susana in 1956, this extraordinary botanical garden in Forio contains over 1,000 species of rare and exotic plants. One of Italy's finest private gardens. Entry ~€14. Open Tuesday to Sunday, April to November.
Spiaggia dei Pescatori (Ischia Ponte)
A small beach right next to the Aragonese Castle, used mainly by locals. Almost no tourists. The view of the castle from the water at sunset is spectacular. Free, small and often overlooked by the guidebooks.
Free Thermal Beach at Sant'Angelo
Near the village of Sant'Angelo, volcanic hot springs warm the seawater in a specific stretch of beach. You can enjoy a natural thermal bath for free - just bring a towel and avoid peak hours (before 9 am or after 5 pm).
Lacco Ameno and Villa Arbusto
The most elegant municipality on Ischia, with the famous Fungo (mushroom-shaped rock) in the sea and the Villa Arbusto museum, which houses the Pithecusa archaeological collection - finds from the earliest Greek colony in the western Mediterranean.
Local Tip
Take the Pozzuoli ferry
Most tourists take the ferry from Naples Beverello. The locals use Pozzuoli: the crossing is 35 minutes shorter, the ticket costs less and there are plenty of seats. From Naples, take the Metro Line 2 to Pozzuoli and you are at the port in 20 minutes.