Ischia between thermal springs, volcanic landscapes and island culture

Ischia combines thermal waters, volcanic landscapes, historical sites and Mediterranean nature within a small area. It also offers beaches, vineyard-covered hills, pine groves and impressive panoramas. Those looking for a hotel in Ischia can therefore discover the character of the island according to their own interests: cultural and historical sites, hot springs, gardens, hiking trails and regional cuisine all stand on an equal footing.

Culture between fortress and archaeology

The Castello Aragonese stands on a small island of trachyte rock on the eastern side of Ischia and is connected to the island by a 220-metre-long stone bridge. The fortress was restored from 1965 to 2003, while retaining its historic character. Most of the Castello Aragonese has been open to the public since the late 1990s. Below the Church of Santa Restituta in Lacco Ameno lie the Scavi e Museo Santa Restituta. They document life and culture on Ischia from the Greeks to the early Christians. The Museo degli scavi di Santa Restituta houses Greek, Roman and Byzantine finds. The Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae also has a section on the geology and volcanic phenomena that have shaped life on Ischia from antiquity to the present day.

Thermal springs as a defining island theme

Ischia’s thermal springs have been known and used for their beneficial effects since the arrival of the first Greek colonists in the 8th century BC. This long-standing connection between nature and wellness can be seen in several places. At the Parco delle Ninfe di Nitrodi near Buonopane in southern Ischia, thermal water is provided directly from the spring, without chemical or physical treatment, at its natural temperature of 28°C. The park’s terraces are home to olive, fig and pear trees alongside Mediterranean scrub and aromatic plants such as sage, rosemary, lavender, thyme, broom and laurel. Organised wellness activities such as yoga, music therapy and meditation complement the offerings of the Parco delle Ninfe di Nitrodi.

The Baia di Sorgeto is located in Forio, near Panza on Ischia, close to the village of Sant’Angelo. There, hot thermal water mixes with seawater to form natural warm pools where it is possible to bathe even in winter. From the village of Panza, the bay can be reached on foot via a steep staircase or by sea. The Parco Termale Negombo is located in the Bay of San Montano between Monte Vico and the Zaro promontory. In the 1970s, Negombo was transformed from a private park into a hydrothermal park open to the public. It was designed to combine the therapeutic properties of the thermal water with an entertaining and health-oriented stay.

Volcanic landscapes, trails and sea

Ischia’s thermal landscape includes the rocky slopes of Mount Epomeo, gentle vineyard-covered hills, pine groves, beaches, the fresh sea breeze and numerous impressive panoramas. The trails on Monte Epomeo pass through chestnut forests, holm oaks, strawberry trees, heather and the Buceto spring. The trails on Monte Epomeo offer a beautiful view of the Castello Aragonese and the Gulf of Naples. The Sentiero della Maddalena connects active fumaroles with other natural features, as well as the colours and scents typical of the Mediterranean landscape. Spiaggia dei Pescatori is located right by Ischia Porto.

Arrival and island experiences

Ischia can be reached by sea from the ports of Naples, Mergellina and Pozzuoli by hydrofoil and ferry. The “Passeggiando per Vulcani” island route starts at the port of Ischia and leads to Montagnone and Monte Rotaro. Three concert seasons take place throughout the year at the Giardini La Mortella: chamber music recitals in spring and autumn, and a festival for youth orchestras in summer. Cuisine is also part of the island’s character: rabbit prepared with Ischian white wine is considered a typical dish of the entire island of Ischia and a culinary ritual at Sunday meals as well as at large family and community gatherings.

Discover more places on Ischia

To compare different places on the island, you can also explore Casamicciola Terme, Forio, Fontana, Lacco Ameno and Barano D'ischia.

To the higher-level travel overview: Ischia.