This beautiful island off the coast of Naples, has long lived in the shadow of its infinitely more famous older sister, Capri. In the last years this has changed however, with travelers increasingly turning to Ischia to vacation at a slower pace, enjoying long days at the beach or at one of the islands many thermal spas. Keep scrolling for more information on Italy's "Isola Verde".
Looking for a postcard pretty fisherman's village with no cars? Sant'Angelo is your spot. Soak up the atmosphere in the piazza sipping an Aperol Spritz at sundown and you might not ever want to leave. Dine at legendary Il Pirata or head up a small alley and have an excellent pizza napoletana at Da Pasquale. The village also comes with its own two sided beach and plenty of water taxis that can take you wherever you want to go.
This is the main port and "capital" of the island. It is a perfect starting point if you want to explore as much as possible. In the town itself you also find a fair amount of shopping opportunities and some night life (think piano bars, not Ibiza style clubs) down by the harbor and on the main walk. Ischia Porto seamlessly flows into what is known as Ischia Ponte where you find the famous Castello Aragonese. For visits to the castle make sure to book a guided tour, possibly at sunset.
This is the second largest town on the island and also home to a port with frequent connections to the mainland. Forio is lively and although not as picturesque as Sant'Angelo it has a charm of its own. There are several good restaurants here, including one of my absolute favorites (subscribe to my newsletter and I will let you in on the secret). Forio is also where you will want to charter a boat with a skipper for the day and head out to explore the many caves and secluded beaches the island has to offer.
The Botania Relais & Spa certainly does its name justice. The lush greenery of this resort is stunning. Located 1 km inland from Forio you will be enjoying complete seclusion, whilst not being far from the action. When booking through me you get free breakfast, EUR 90 resort credit, and possibly also an upgrade, early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability at check-in).
At the Mezzatorre Hotel & Spa you will be transported to glamorous times gone by. Ischia is home to an important international film festival and this hotel is the first choice of patrons.
When booking through me you get free breakfast, USD 100 resort credit, and possibly also an upgrade, early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability at check-in).
At the the San Montano Hotel & Spa you will be pampered. Enjoy the health properties of Ischia's thermal waters and enjoy the sunset gazing onto the distant Vesuvio volcano.
When booking through me you get free breakfast, USD 100 resort credit, and possibly also an upgrade, early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability at check-in).
The beneficial properties of the thermal waters of Ischia have been known since Roman times. When on the island you need to try them for yourself. The hotels I have recommended all have their own spa facilities, but there is also the day spa at the Giardini Poseidon.
The wine industry in Ischia has really picked up and there are several wineries that offer tours and tastings. My recommendations are as follows:
Casa d'Ambra the island's best known producer.
Cenatiempo also very good local winemaker.
Mazzella if you would like to know what being a heroic wine producer means.