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Ischia Bucket List: Amazing Places to Visit in Ischia, Italy
Ischia is located around 30 kilometers north of Naples’s city and the largest of the Phlegrean Islands. The largest settlement on the island is the main town called Ischia, and the main attraction is the numerous thermal spas that attract visitors from across the world.
The town of Ischia, though compact, is full of numerous attractions such as the Aragonese Castle and the Anthony’s Library.
The island itself is volcanic in nature and arguably the most picturesque in the Bay of Naples. Besides the striking landscape, the island is also known for its pebble beaches and flowing hills. Today I will take you through the 15 best things to do on this exotic island in Italy.
Visit the iconic Aragonese Castle
The Aragonese Castle is possibly the main attraction of the Ischia town and island. It is a magnificent building that will take you way back in history.
The Castle was built in 474 as the first fortress of the island by Gerone before it was turned into King Alfonso’s Castle and later a jail for political detainees.
Today, the Castle is run privately, but visitors are allowed to tour inside. It features an elevator and a good bar with striking views of the sea.
The location is also where various theatrical events are host, including the Ischia Film Festival.
Spend some time at Piazza Antica Reggia
This is the island’s busiest harbor. Here, everything is fast-paced – the motorboats, tourists, and whizzing scooters in narrow streets. You will find many shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, and taxis along Via lasolino and Benchina Olimpica.
Choose a spot to take coffee or gelato as you enjoy the views of the sea.
Take in the seascape at Sant’Angelo
Walk or take a scooter to the southern end of the island to find the idyllic fishing town of Sant’Angelo.
This village is unique because it is attached to the main village of Serrara Fontana by a thin beach strip called Spiaggia de Sant’Angelo.
There are plenty of bars, cafés, and shops along the narrow boardwalk. You will find the Fumarole Beach, known for its geothermally heated dunes to the northeast of the village.
Watch the sunset at the Church of Soccorso.
The Church of Soccorso is regarded as one of the most romantic spots on the island. It is located on the western edge of Ischia in a place called Forio. The church is small but breathtaking as it is set on a peninsula overlooking the waters, making it one of the best places to watch the sunset.
Chiesa del Soccorso is among the most recognizable landmarks on the island. The church was built in the 14th century and restored later in the 18th century.
Its setting is awe-inspiring as it is situated on top of a secured cliff, offering an ideal place to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Another exciting thing about this Augustinian church is its all-white walls, which adds to its charming.
Take pictures in the town of Lacco Ameno.
The town of Lacco Ameno is located in the northwestern region of the island. It is pretty small, thus easy to explore, and has plenty of attractions.
The first and probably the main attraction in the town is the iconic Il Fungo (the mushroom), which 10 meters tall rock in the middle of the water.
The rock was spat out by the volcanic eruption of Mount Epomeo. The rock was huge but gradually eroded by the wind and sea, giving it a mushroom shape.
Chill in a thermal park
Ischia Island is known for its unique hot baths. There are 103 spring warm baths and 29 basins, each with slightly different features based on the water’s mineral compositions.
The recommended thermal parks on the island include:
- Giardini Poseidon in Forio
- Fonte Dele Ninfe Ntrodi
- Thermal Park Aphrodite Apollon
- Negombo
Check out the Botanical gardens.
The island of Ischia is also known as the green island due to its diverse nature. The island has two main botanical gardens that are a must-visit.
They include the Giardini La Mortella and a Giardini Ravino.
Swim in thermal baths at Sorgeto Bay
While it is now a known fact that Ischia is a thermal bath haven, Sorgeto Bay is quite unique.
This pebble beach produces thermal water that pours into the sea and turns into a natural pool right in front of your eyes.
You can swim in this water even during winter as it is always hot.
Beware, though, as, in some spots, the water is extremely hot!
Pray for your trip to Basilica Di Santa Maria Di Loreto.
For members of the Catholic Church, the Basilica Di Santa Maria Di Loreto is a place to worship while staying in Ischia.
The church features some elaborate designs and holds mass daily.
Taste quality Italian wines at Casa D’Ambra
The island of Ischia is not only about beautiful nature and beaches, but it also happens to have very fertile soil and ideal weather for viniculture.
The winemaking practice in this island dates back to the Ancient Greeks’ period and even was nicknamed the ‘Land of Wine’ by the Romans.
The grapes used to produce the wine are native to the island.
The best place to sample the indigenous wines is a wine house called Casa D’Ambra in the south of Forio. The area has been making wines since 1888.
Enjoy meals at Al Pontile Ristorante.
Dining in Ischia is an experience on its own, and no place offers that experience other than the Al Pontile.
Located near Castello Aragonese, the restaurant features a row of parasol-shaded tables on either side of the beach road (Lungomare). You can also choose to sit inside if you wish.
Their menu serves some of the best Italian dishes, including spaghetti and gnocchi, and Ischian rabbit or Coniglio alla Ischitana.
Spend the night at the beach
Another great thing about Ischia Island is that air pollution is very low since there are few vehicles or tall buildings. This makes the sky on the island clear most of the time, including at night.
Experience all the island’s beaches
Each beach on the island offers something different. If time is not a factor, you can visit most or even all of them. Some of the most popular include Citara, San Montano, San Francesco, and Spiaggia Dei Pescatori.
Party till dawn at a nightclub
Looking for activities in Ischia at night? One of the finest nightclubs in Ischia is the Blanco Disco Club. It is located on a rocky waterfront in the northern part of the island in Casamicciola Terme.
The club is open only on the weekends, and the parties last until the wee hours.
Our Top Hotel Picks for Ischia Island
Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa – Set on 7 hectares along the Gulf of Naples, this upscale seasonal hotel in a former 16th-century watchtower is 2 km from dining in Lacco Ameno and 4 km from Casamicciola ferry terminal.
Albergo Della Regina Isabella – Overlooking the beach, this refined hotel alongside trendy shops and restaurants is 1.6 km from the gardens of La Mortella and 12 km from medieval Aragonese Castle.
San Montano Resort & Spa – With elevated views of the Pontine Islands, this upscale hotel is 6 km from the Giardini Ravino botanical gardens and 12 km from the medieval Castello Aragonese.
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, tour packages, and affordable flights in Ischia Island and nearby cities? Check out our list of affordable Ischia hotels and resorts via Agoda and Booking.
Ischia Travel and Tour Packages
To help you plan out your visit to Ischia Island, we listed places to visit and other unique activities in Ischia, Italy.
We also listed some of the best travel and tour packages and excellent flight deals and accommodation.
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