Ischia may not be Capri, but it has several unique features that make it stand out. This beautiful island combines natural beauty, thermal relaxation, and cultural treasures, making it an excellent destination for those seeking both recreation and wellness. Ischia is renowned for its thermal waters, which have volcanic origins and are celebrated for their therapeutic properties. The island is home to numerous thermal parks and natural springs, including the Poseidon Gardens and the Aphrodite-Apollon thermal park. Visitors can enjoy diverse landscapes, ranging from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, lush hills, and vibrant gardens. Mount Epomeo offers breathtaking panoramic views, while the La Mortella Gardens serve as a botanical oasis. From a historical perspective, Ischia was the first colony of Magna Graecia and is home to significant archaeological sites, such as the excavations at Santa Restituta. The Aragonese Castle, linked to the mainland by an isthmus, is another notable point of historical and cultural interest. And let’s not forget about the cuisine! Ischian dishes emphasize local products, featuring specialties like Ischian rabbit, zingara ischitana (a sandwich made with two slices of bread, mozzarella, tomato, prosciutto crudo, and lettuce, all grilled until crispy), and delicious lemon cake. Ischia offers a tranquil luxury experience, attracting fewer crowds compared to Capri.
Ischia's beaches cater to a variety of preferences, ranging from sandy, equipped beaches to hidden coves. Maronti Beach: located in Barano d'Ischia, Maronti is the largest beach on the island. It features both free areas and equipped bathing establishments. A unique aspect of this beach is the fumaroles, where visitors can cook eggs or other foods in the hot sand. Citara Beach: Known for its fine, clear sand and turquoise waters, Citara Beach is one of the most popular spots in Ischia, particularly for those who enjoy soft sand. Sorgeto Bay: famous for its thermal waters that flow directly onto the beach, Sorgeto Bay creates a warm and beneficial natural pool. It’s an ideal location for those seeking thermal bathing in a natural setting. San Montano Beach: situated in Lacco Ameno, San Montano Beach boasts fine sand and shallow waters, making it perfect for families with children. Cava dell'Isola Beach: located in Forio, Cava dell'Isola is one of the few free beaches on the island, featuring coarse sand and a more natural atmosphere. Sant'Angelo: this charming seaside village is connected to the island by a narrow isthmus and offers a beach with light sand, ideal for walks and enjoying the landscape. Pescatori Beach: Found in Ischia Porto, Pescatori Beach is small and picturesque, retaining a traditional atmosphere. Most of the beaches feature beach club and restaurants. Such as the Giardino Eden, one of the best beach clubs in Ischia in the splendid bay of Cartaromana where you can enjoy fresh, delicious seafood.
Ischia features a number of luxurious hotels across the island. Most famous the Mezzatorre Hotel, member of the Leading Hotels of the World and part of the Pellicano Hotels, founded by Marie Louise Sciò’s father, Roberto. It possesses a charming old-world ambiance with a stunning vista overlooking a secluded bay and evokes the same 1960s Slim Aarons-inspired aesthetics as the original Hotel Il Pellicano. The San Montano Resort & Spa is a five-star resort now closely resembling its mid-century-inspired sister hotel, Borgo Santandrea in Amalfi. With outdoor hydrotherapy pools, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the island, as well as offering excellent pizza on the outdoor terrace.
The Regina Isabella Resort was built in the 1950s by publisher and film producer Angelo Rizzoli, who hosted many of his famous friends there, hence it has a charming retro vibe. The resort features a medical spa, a private beach, two jetties, a tennis court, and one of the island’s best Michelin-starred restaurants. Villa Ravino is a family-run hidden gem, surrounded by a stunning garden filled with succulent plants and cacti, which is also home to several peacocks. They have a restaurant that serves local dishes made with many ingredients grown right in their garden.
Local Speciality: Zingara Ischitana
We will not cover the Ischia cuisine in detail as this would take pages and pages to cover. Instead a little tip on a must-local-try: Zingara ischitana. A delicious sandwich made with two slices of bread, mozzarella, tomato, prosciutto crudo, and lettuce, all grilled until crispy). Porto 51 is a great local spot, or Bar Totó Vatoliere.
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