Ischia Island: One of Italy’s best-kept secrets

Discover Ischia Island: Italy’s Hidden Paradise of Beautiful Coastlines, Thermal Baths, Rich History, and Authentic Local Flavors

One of Italy’s best-kept secrets is Ischia Island, a small volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples. Ischia has the striking rugged coastlines of Amalfi and the sparkling blue waters of its more famous neighbor Capri, and none of their crowds. Ischia is also more low-key and budget-friendly than Capri, and with more authenticity (while it’s not well-known among international travelers, it’s a popular vacation spot for local Italians).

How to Get to Ischia Island

Getting to Ischia Island is quick and easy, with regular ferry services departing from Naples, Italy’s vibrant southern city. The ferry ride typically takes about 1 hour, offering stunning views of the Bay of Naples along the way. Ferries can be purchased online in advance through the operators’ websites or at the ticket kiosks located at Molo Beverello or Calata di Massa, Naples’ main ferry terminal. Booking ahead is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to avoid long waits and secure your preferred departure time. Three main companies operate ferries between Naples and Ischia:

Medmar: Offers around 4-6 departures daily, with high-speed and regular ferries. Caremar: Runs approximately 5-7 ferries a day, including fast and slower options. Alilauro: Provides around 8-10 departures daily, including fast ferries that cut the travel time.

Ferries run frequently, but schedules can vary seasonally, so check the latest times and book your tickets online for convenience. Additionally, you can catch ferries to Ischia from Sorrento, which is about an hour's drive from Naples. The Sorrento-to-Ischia route offers a scenic alternative if you're exploring along the Amalfi Coast or planning a more relaxed approach.

Pro tip: Arriving early and booking your tickets in advance means you’ll have more time to enjoy a delicious Neapolitan pizza in Naples before heading to this beautiful island paradise!

Things to Do in Ischia

Best things to do in Ischia

Try the Thermal Baths

Thanks to the island’s dormant volcano, Ischia is rich in spas and wellness centers with curative thermal baths with origins dating back to the ancient Romans and Greek. You can dip in one of the dozen pools at Negombo Thermal Gardens, or relax in one of 20 at Giardini Poisedon before enjoying a nice Mediterranean dinner at the beachside restaurant. Both offer spectacular views of the island’s clear, turquoise waters and pristine white beaches. Besides being fun and relaxing, Ischia’s volcanic hot springs are excellent for alleviating sore joints and muscles, as well as rheumatism.

Relax at the Beautiful Beaches

It wouldn’t be a trip to southern Italy without a day or three at the beach. Ischia has an advantage over the more popular beaches at Capri and Amalfi in that its beaches are not only less crowded but less rocky too. On Ischia, you can easily spread out on the white sand along Spiaggia dei Maronti, Sant’Angelo, or Citara, and catch some Mediterranean rays with a tall glass of limoncello.

Discover the Rich Art and History

Ischia was an early colony of Magna Graecia, the collection of ancient Greek settlements in Italy, making it one of the country’s oldest developed areas. Like most of the country, Ischia has its fair share of churches, castles, and museums. The ones most worth a visit are the Castello Aragonese, a formidable yet almost magical-looking, 15th-century castle-fortress perched atop a craggy peak overlooking the ocean. You can also visit the Archeological Museum at Pithecusae, or the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso, a lovely 14th-century chapel hugging a seaside cliff.

Immerse Yourself in the Lush Gardens Giardini La Mortella

While visiting Ischia, don’t miss a trip to the stunning Giardini La Mortella, a lush botanical garden nestled in the hillside of the island. Created in the 1950s by British composer Sir William Walton and his wife, the gardens blend art, music, and nature in a truly magical setting. Wander through winding paths lined with exotic plants, vibrant flowers, and ancient trees, all offering breathtaking views of the sea. It’s the perfect place to relax, take photos, and enjoy a peaceful escape into nature’s beauty – a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility away from the bustling towns.

Go Shopping For Authentic, Affordable, and Artisanal Goods

Compared to the glamour and luxury of Capri and the Amalfi Coast, Ischia offers a more budget-friendly and genuine shopping experience. While Capri and Amalfi are famous for their high-end designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and upscale restaurants, Ischia takes a different approach — offering authentic local flavors and artisanal craftsmanship at more accessible prices.

On the island, you'll find charming local markets and small shops where artisans sell handmade products that showcase Ischia’s rich culinary and craft traditions. Look out for beautifully crafted facial creams, fragrant perfumes, and natural skincare products made from island ingredients. Don’t miss the local vineyards — many markets sell fresh bottles of Ischia’s renowned wine and limoncello, perfect souvenirs to bring home.

For a truly authentic experience, explore the markets like the Marina Market in Ischia Porto or the Sant’Anna Market, where locals shop for fresh produce, cheeses, and homemade delicacies. These markets are excellent places to taste traditional flavors, meet local artisans, and pick up unique gifts that capture the essence of Ischia. In addition, many small shops and artisan boutiques around the island sell handcrafted ceramics, jewelry, and clothing. Supporting local artisans not only gives you a one-of-a-kind keepsake but also helps sustain the island’s traditional crafts.

What to Eat on Ischia

Despite its small size, Ischia surprises visitors with a diverse culinary scene that reflects its unique location and landscape. Being a jewel in Italy’s Gulf of Naples, the island’s coastline is obviously famous for incredible seafood. Restaurants by the water serve up irresistible dishes like spaghetti alle vongole (clams), linguine with prawns, and freshly caught fish such as swordfish and octopus—fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of seafood feast that makes every meal feel like a celebration of the sea.

But what’s truly remarkable is that just a short drive inland, the island transforms into a different culinary world—more rugged, hearty, and mountain-inspired. In the lush hills and cliffside taverns, you’ll find rustic dishes like rabbit stew, robust steaks, and game meats such as pheasant. It’s a surprising culinary contrast packed into one small island: fresh, delicate seafood on the coast and rich, comforting mountain fare just a few kilometers away.

On Ischia, you get to indulge in the best of both worlds—sea and mountain—without ever leaving the island. It’s this diverse range of flavors and local traditions that makes dining here an unforgettable part of the experience.

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