Ischia, Italy: things to do & places to stay
21.07.2023 - 07:28
/ roughguides.com
/ emperor Augustus
Ischia (of Italy) is fantastic for an island escape. Located in the Bay of Naples, and neighbour to busy Capri — this destination is an underrated gem. Ischia is crowd-free, packed with history and close enough to Procida for some lovely island hopping. Take a closer look at Ischia with our in-depth guide.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Italy , your essential guide for visiting Italy .
In the first century BC, Emperor Augustus looked at the Bay of Naples and decided to give his island of Ischia to Naples in return for Capri. Since then, low-profile Ischia has always been overshadowed by its more famous neighbour.
Capri has attracted an endless number of rich and famous over the years. Meanwhile, Ischia tends to attract a loyal clientele of wellness tourists attracted by its thermal springs and spa hotels.
There's no doubt Capri is beautiful but for a relaxing island holiday, Ischia is a much better bet. Even as the ferry slips into the horseshoe-shaped harbour of Porto, you can see this is a special place.
Towering over the island, Monte Epomeo is Ischia's highest peak. A rugged volcano, now dormant and dense with pine forest, it looks so lush it could almost be in Central America, rather than on a small Mediterranean isle in the Bay of Naples.
Ischia is known for its spas and 103 natural volcanic springs © Shutterstock
Get off the ferry at Porto and you'll find that everything here is emphatically Italian. Housewives pack local shops, critically squeezing plums and sniffing lemons. While older men hang out in cafés, playing cards and drinking caffè corretto — espresso livened with a shot of grappa.
Ready to experience Italy without the hassle of planning or booking? See our tailor-made trip to the Highlights of Italy. Spend the first few nights in the capital city of Rome before moving down south to Naples. From here, you will discover the Amalfi Coast before heading to Florence. Tuscany and Cinque Terre await and finally — the fashion capital Milan.
Ischia is known for its 103 volcanic springs which treat a variety of ailments, from rheumatism to gout. Taking the waters is so serious here that the Italian public health service directs patients to Ischia's therapeutic springs.
Book San Montano Resort & Spa for a discreetly luxurious bolt hole with seven pools, and a garden fragrant with lemon, lavender and jasmine where you can enjoy soothing alfresco spa treatments.
Alternatively, nearby Negombo is one of the island’s biggest wellness attractions. Almost like a thermal spa park, it sports 14 pools dotted around grounds dense with jungle-style foliage, exotic blooms and modern sculpture.
Or for a more budget-friendly spa experience, head to Il Sorgeto, near the