Why It Is Worth Visiting The Island
Ischia’s charm is undeniable. As soon as Namphen and I stepped off the ferry, we were greeted by crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and stunning architecture. The island is a perfect place for those seeking relaxation and adventure alike. Namphen and I were especially excited about the thermal spas, and we quickly discovered that Ischia is famous for its healing mineral-rich waters. We also enjoyed exploring the charming villages and tasting the delicious cuisine that Ischia has to offer.
Overview of the blog post
In this blog post, we want to share our personal 3-day itinerary for Ischia. We will take you on a journey through our experiences on the island, including visits to historical landmarks, thermal spas, charming villages, and delicious restaurants. By following our itinerary, you will be able to experience Ischia in a way that will leave you with unforgettable memories. So join Namphen and me on this adventure, and let’s discover the best of Ischia together.
How To Get To Ischia
Ischia is easily accessible from Naples, the closest major city. From Naples, you can take a ferry or hydrofoil to Ischia. Ferries depart from the ports of Naples, Pozzuoli, and Procida, and the journey takes approximately one hour. Hydrofoils are faster, taking about 40 minutes, but they are often more expensive. Once you arrive on Ischia, you can explore the island by foot, car, or bus. Taxis and rental cars are also available, but keep in mind that parking can be difficult during the high season.
Click here to book your ferry with directferries.com.
Day 1 – Arrival, Aragonese Castle, Thermal Spa, Seafood Dinner
Arrival on the island
Namphen and I arrived on Ischia in the morning after a short ferry ride from Naples. As soon as we stepped onto the island, we were struck by its natural beauty. We decided to start our exploration with a visit to the iconic Aragonese Castle.
Visit to the Aragonese Castle
The Aragonese Castle is a must-visit attraction on Ischia. This 15th-century castle sits on a volcanic islet connected to the main island by a causeway. We enjoyed strolling around the castle’s grounds, admiring the stunning views of the surrounding sea and island.
Lunch at a traditional Ischian restaurant
After our castle exploration, we made our way to Chalet Primavera, a charming and rustic restaurant known for its traditional Ischian fare. With eager anticipation, we ordered a feast of local dishes, including a hearty rabbit stew, a luscious eggplant parmesan, and a delectable pasta brimming with the freshest seafood. The flavors were nothing short of extraordinary, and we savored every mouthful of the authentic Ischian cuisine that Chalet Primavera had to offer.
Relaxing afternoon at one of the island’s thermal spas
After lunch, we were ready for some relaxation. Ischia is known for its thermal spas, and we decided to visit one of the island’s most famous ones. We spent the afternoon soaking in the mineral-rich waters, enjoying the peaceful ambiance, and feeling rejuvenated.
Dinner at a seafood restaurant
As night fell, we made our way to Ristorante Da Maria in Ischia, a renowned seafood eatery, for a memorable dinner. Excitedly, we feasted on a bounty of fresh seafood, including plump mussels, tender clams, and succulent shrimp, all expertly prepared with locally sourced vegetables and fragrant herbs. The flavors danced on our tongues, perfectly complemented by a crisp glass of white wine, enhancing the dining experience. The seafood extravaganza at Ristorante Da Maria was a true delight for our taste buds, leaving us with cherished memories of a delectable Ischian culinary adventure.
Overall, our first day on Ischia was a perfect mix of history, culture, and relaxation. We were excited to see what the next two days had in store for us.
Day 2 – Boat Tour, Sant’Angelo, Mount Epomeo Hike, Traditional Pizza Dinner
Breakfast at a local cafe
We started our second day on Ischia with breakfast at a local cafe. We ordered espresso and croissants filled with Nutella, which was the perfect way to start the day.
Boat tour around the island
After breakfast, we embarked on a boat tour around the island. We saw stunning beaches, hidden coves, and impressive rock formations. We even got to swim in the crystal-clear waters and snorkel to see the vibrant underwater world.
Visit to the picturesque village of Sant’Angelo
Next, we visited the picturesque village of Sant’Angelo. This charming village is located on the southern tip of the island and is famous for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and stunning views. We strolled around the village, explored its quaint shops, and enjoyed a gelato at a local cafe.
Hike up to Mount Epomeo for breathtaking views
After visiting Sant’Angelo, we embarked on a hike up to Mount Epomeo. This hike was challenging but worth it for the breathtaking views at the top. We could see the entire island and the surrounding sea, and the experience was unforgettable.
Dinner at a traditional pizzeria
We ended our day with dinner at a traditional pizzeria. We ordered authentic Neapolitan pizza, which is thin and crispy with fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. It was the perfect end to an adventurous day.
Our second day on Ischia was filled with natural beauty, culture, and adventure. We were excited to see what the final day of our trip had in store for us.
Day 3 – Day Trip to Procida, Corricella, Seaside Lunch, Trattoria Dinner
Breakfast at a beachside cafe
On our final day on Ischia, we started with breakfast at a beachside cafe. We enjoyed coffee and croissants while listening to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore.
Day trip to Procida Island
We decided to spend our last day on Ischia with a day trip to the nearby island of Procida. We hopped on a ferry and enjoyed the scenic ride to this colorful island.
Exploring the colorful streets of Corricella
Once we arrived on Procida, we headed straight to Corricella, the island’s most picturesque neighborhood. The colorful houses and winding streets made for the perfect photo opportunity, and we loved exploring the local shops and cafes.
Lunch at a seaside restaurant
After exploring Corricella, we had lunch at a seaside restaurant. We enjoyed fresh seafood, including grilled octopus and clams, while taking in the stunning views of the sea.
Return to Ischia for a farewell dinner at a local trattoria
After our day trip to Procida, we returned to Ischia for a farewell dinner at a local trattoria. We ordered traditional Ischian dishes, including rabbit cacciatore and eggplant parmesan, and toasted to a wonderful trip.
Our final day on Ischia was the perfect way to end our trip. We felt grateful for the memories we had created on this beautiful island and hoped to return someday.
Public Transportation In Ischia
Ischia has a variety of transportation options to help visitors explore the island.
One popular way to get around is by bus, which is affordable and reliable. The bus routes cover most of the island, and the buses are air-conditioned and comfortable.
Taxis are also available, but they tend to be more expensive than the bus.
Rental cars and scooters are also popular options, although parking can be challenging, especially during the high season.
Another unique transportation option on Ischia is the funicular railway, which connects the town of Ischia Porto to the top of Mount Epomeo. This railway offers stunning views of the island and is a must-see attraction for visitors.
Overall, Ischia’s transportation options are diverse and can cater to all budgets and preferences.
Where To Stay In Ischia
Accommodations
- Hotel Terme Providence – This elegant 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Ischia, just a short walk from the beach. It features thermal pools, a spa, and a restaurant serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
- Hotel Ulisse – This charming 3-star hotel is located in the village of Sant’Angelo, a picturesque fishing village on the southern coast of Ischia. It offers panoramic sea views, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
- Casa Celestino – This beautiful guesthouse is located in the historic center of Ischia Ponte, just a few steps from the Aragonese Castle. It features spacious rooms with traditional furnishings, a rooftop terrace, and a restaurant serving homemade Italian dishes.
- Tenuta Del Poggio Antico – This rustic farmhouse is set in the hills of Ischia, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. It features an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine.
- Hotel Parco Smeraldo Terme – This 4-star hotel is located in the town of Forio, on the western coast of Ischia. It features thermal pools, a spa, and a restaurant serving fresh seafood and other local specialties.
Conclusion
Recap of the three-day itinerary
Our three-day itinerary on Ischia was the perfect way to explore this beautiful island. We visited the Aragonese Castle, enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at a thermal spa, and took a boat tour around the island. We also explored the picturesque village of Sant’Angelo, hiked up to Mount Epomeo for breathtaking views, and took a day trip to the nearby island of Procida.
Final thoughts on Ischia
Ischia is a paradise island that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax at the beach, explore historical sites, or indulge in delicious food, Ischia has it all. We loved the island’s natural beauty, friendly locals, and laid-back vibe.
We highly recommend visiting Ischia for anyone planning a trip to Italy. With its stunning beaches, natural hot springs, and charming villages, Ischia is a true gem of the Mediterranean. Whether you have three days or three weeks, you’re sure to fall in love with this beautiful island.
Have you ever been to Ischia and have some tips or would like to share your experiences with us? Then be sure to write to us in the comments section. We’re excited to hear your impressions, feedback, and any recommendations you may have.
