Day 1 in Ischia

Welcome to Ischia, an Island off of the port of Naples, about 45 minutes by ferry from Naples, and 45 minutes from Capri. Upon arrival, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do from visiting historic landmarks to spending a day at a thermal spa to hikes on Mount Epomeo. Here`s is an itinerary of how to spend three days on the island.

Start your day off in the town of Forio, it is one of the larger towns in Ischia and a popular place to stay for tourists because of the abundance of hotels, lively downtown shopping district and of course the beautiful bay and beaches. Spend some time wandering around the town stopping in one of the many restaurants, bakeries or cafes for a bite to eat. Afterward, pop into some of the quaint boutiques and souvenir shops to grab something to take home with you. Forio is also home to one of the most popular spas: Poseidon Thermal Gardens in the bay of Citara, as well as the Giardini La Mortella, a lavish Mediterranean garden with thousands of rare plants.

One of the most notable landmarks in Forio town is Chiesa del Soccorso, an old antique church located on a hilltop overlooking the sea. We recommend taking a few minutes just to take in the views and checking out the church. It is a charming church, but not something you need to devote a lot of time to. It does house an art gallery and a small municipal museum. If you are looking for something romantic to do, the Church is the perfect place to admire the sunset.

We recommend renting a scooter to explore more of the island. Take a drive about 25 minutes over to the nearby smaller village of Sant`Angelo. While Forio has more of a energetic town vibe, Sant`Angelo is much more quaint with it`s colorful beach on the hillside. The village is so small that they only allow residents and local traffic to drive through, so you will have to pay to park outside of town (near where the bus stop/taxi stand is as well) and continue by walking into town. The town is built next to a giant rock with a small strip of beach that joins the two parts of town together. There are shops, restaurants and cafes that allow you to watch the boats in the small marina.

Wander through Sant`Angelo, exploring the tiny side streets, relaxing at one of the cafes for lunch and taking in the views across the Tyrrhennian sea. You`ll also find a number of beaches in the area. Chia di Rose Beach is the closest to the town center, located just near the marina. Cava Grado and Le Fumarole are two other beaches nearby. This is also where you`ll find three thermal parks within a short walk of the village center: Romantica Thermal Park, which is also a four star hotel, followed by Tropical Thermal Park, the entrance of which is located next to the bus stop area, and Aphrodite Thermal Gardens, which is located along the path from Sant`Angelo to Maronti Beach.

From the small fishing port in Sant`Angelo it is also possible to take a water taxi to a number of destinations including Le Fumarole Beach and Maronti Beach.

As night falls, spend your evening enjoying a bit of people watching from the terraces of the many cafes that are strategically placed on the most picturesque seaside promenades and panoramic outlooks. The elegant cafes around the harbor in Ischia are perfect for aperitivo, but there are also plenty of bars and nightclubs to dance the night away if you are up for something more energetic.

Day 2 in Ischia

Wake up early today and make your way to one of the relaxing thermal parks or natural springs on the island. You can`t come to Ischia and not visit one - It is what the island is famous for! And there is no shortage of spas to choose from.

Ischia is a volcanic island, and since the Greeks arrived on the island about 3,000 years ago, the island has been highly prized for the volcanic waters. The Romans created thermal baths in grottos here cleverly pumping bubbling naturally hot water into cavernous rock saunas. After both world wars, veterans came to Ischia seeking rest and relaxation. Today, the island`s famous thermal baths feature fresh and saltwater pools as well as water and mud treatments of every type imaginable.

There are a number of places on the island where you can take advantage of these natural phenomena, including the natural hot springs of Sorgeto, or at the thermal parks and gardens such as Poseidon or Negombo. You will also find that many hotels contain the word `Terme` in their names. If a hotel has `Terme` included in the title then it`s likely you will find a thermal spa or wellness center, using its own natural underground resources.

It is important to note that the spas in Ischia are very different from what we would consider a spa in the US. Think more outdoor water park with multiple pools, grottos, hot springs and areas dotted with lounge chairs and umbrellas. You can also enjoy spa treatments, but it seems the primary purpose is to go for a full day of just relaxation while enjoying the thermal amenities and private beach. There is typically a restaurant or snack bar as well.

The Poseidon Gardens, situated within the Commune of Forio, is the largest thermal park on the island, with 22 thermal curative pools, from which springs waters ranging from 60° to 104° Fahrenheit. It is a thermal paradise that, extending over 60,000 sq miles, touches the sea with its stunning beach.

The Negombo Hydrothermal Park, in the village of Lacco Ameno, is quite large and boasts a beautiful garden rich in tropical plants and lush vegetation. This spa offers `kneipp` which is a method of alternating series of cold and hot water to stimulate circulation. There are also many other thermal pools varying in temperatures. During the months of August the park puts on musical and cabaret performances every evening.

The Thermal Park of Castiglione offers ten large thermal pools with temperatures that range between 86 and 104° F, as well as an Olympic-sized pool filled with seawater. The Park is nestled inside a lush green space of flower beds and large pine trees.

Located in Ischia Ponte, Giardino Eden offers optimal regeneration in its peaceful ambience. Its privileged position allows for stunning panoramic views. The park boasts four different pools set inside surroundings of rich vegetation.

Next up is the therapeutic spa, Fonte delle Ninfe Nitrodi, situated in the town of Barano d`Ischia. This spa offers hypothermal water with properties that have been well-known since Antiquity. The waters are said to be a natural cure-all because of its various elements that make it ultra-effective in curing skin conditions and other problems. It also has many benefits in other health cures as well.

The Aphrodite Apollon Thermal Park, near Sant`Angelo d`Ischia, other than containing 12 thermal pools, also boasts a calming sauna inside a natural grotto. Afterward, take a visit to the Fumarole Beach to take a `bath` in these therapeutic sands - as an extraordinary experience, and definitely a must!

After spending a relaxing and reviving day in the natural spas, take in the culinary delicacies of Ischian cuisine: Rabbit of Fossa, Ischia`s famous Caponata, its particularly delicious bread and pizza, the typical red-bean soup, the freshest of the fresh fish catch, and honey - these are just some of the fruits with which nature has generously endowed the Island.

You will also find a notable wine scene on the island. With a number of vineyards on the island, you have a good selection of local wines. The volcanic terrain contributes to the harvesting of very unique wine grapes, which make excellent whites and reds of grand character that perfectly accompany the local dishes. Ischia Bianoc, which is made primarily from Forastera and Biacolella grapes, the latter believed to come from vines introduced by ancient Greeks, is one of the area`s DOC labels.

Citrus trees also grow all over the Island - you might have guessed that the traditional Limoncello liqueur is their delightful result!

Day 3 in Ischia

Wake up early today and head to the medieval Aragonese Castle, by far the most striking landmark in Ischia and a must see! Located in Ischia Ponte, it`s built on a small rocky island connected by a skinny causeway to Ischia town and dates back to 474 BC. The castle has a really rich story. In it`s lifetime it`s ownership has changed hands so many times. At one point it was captured by the Romans, then by the King of Naples and Sicily and even fell under the control of the French and British in the 1800s. Ischia`s many battles throughout the centuries were waged here, and one can only imagine the sieges and feasts that this hilltop fortress has seen it its lifetime. Today, it is owned by a private citizen who keeps the castle open for visitors year round. The grounds and gardens are beautiful and the views are the best you`ll find in all of Ischia.

After paying the admission at the entrance, you can follow the self-guided tour through the church, the convent, the nun`s cemetery (they used to let their bodies decompose on draining seats along the walls), the olive groves, the Bourbon prison, and the panoramic balconies and viewpoints. The hotel within the castle walls, Albergo Il Monastero, is only accessible to guests.

After visiting the Aragonese Castle spend some time walking around Ischia Ponte. There are many excellent shops to find beautiful handmade ceramics to take home to family and friends here.

Spend the rest of your day exploring more of the bustling seaside towns and amazing fishing villages. Since the island is larger than Capri you have a number of places to choose from. You can also get a boat to Porto, as well as from Casamicciola, to visit the nearby island of Procida.

Alternatively, spend the remaining party of your day relaxing on one of the many gorgeous beaches of the island. You are spoiled with the number of choices as Ischia`s coastline is formed of golden sandy stretches of beach and twinkling bays; some of the most glorious in the Campania region. Depending on your beach-going style, time of day, and what you`re in the mood for, there are so many gorgeous beaches to try. Also, For those who love sport activity under the fresh, open air, the Island offers ample opportunities: from paragliding and windsurf, to trekking and horseback riding, diving and canoeing.

Spend you last evening enjoying Ischia`s nightlife in Porto, the nightlife scene here is fun with lots of restaurant, boutiques and shops that are open before and after dinner. You will also find a great concentration of disco bars and nightclubs.

Additional Days in Ischia

Should you be able to spend additional days in Ischia we recommend enjoying more of the island. For Mother Nature lovers, stroll in the park, or spend more days relaxing at the beach, sunbathing, or go sailing. Simply grab a good book to read while you are at the beach as there is no noise of heavy industries or cars honking in a traffic jam.

For something more adventurous, spend the day trekking Mount Epomeo, the view from the top is one of the best in Italy. There are various paths you can take to get to the top, but we recommend the walk from Serrara Fontana that leads up to the peak. Along the way, there are also a couple of restaurants where to stop.

Also, there is so much art and culture to experience. The island of Ischia loves festivals and concerts in the gardens. You`ll find brochures and information at hotels and attractions on the island about the many year-round activities.

Your Last Day in Ischia

Depart your hotel for the ferry for your return home or onto your next adventure. Savor the memories of a very special time in Ischia on the Bay of Naples.