🇮🇹Italy · Places to discover
What to see in Ischia?
18 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Ischia is not Capri. That's precisely what makes it an honest destination: fewer yachts, more thermal springs, a local life that hasn't entirely capitulated to tourism. The volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples draws its reputation from the hydrothermal springs of the Giardini Poseidon and fishing villages like Sant'Angelo, where cars cannot enter.
The best period falls between May and June, before the summer saturation of ferries from Naples and Pozzuoli-allow three to four days to explore the island without rushing. Hire a scooter rather than depend on crowded buses. Avoid the thermal resort hotels hawking "wellness" at inflated prices: the public or semi-public springs offer the same water for far less.
Landmarks & heritage
3 places
1Wikimedia CommonsLandmark
Torre di Michelangelo
An Aragonese watchtower from the 15th century perched above Casamicciola, often overlooked by tourists. The approach path through the vineyards gives a true taste of authentic island life.
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Landmark
Landmark
Cemetery of the 33 Victims of Casamicciola
Quiet memorial dedicated to those who perished in the 1883 earthquake that devastated Casamicciola. A poignant place of remembrance, carefully tended by locals and far from the usual trails.
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Landmark
Landmark
Torrione di Ischia
Fifteenth-century Aragonese tower at the edge of Porto di Ischia, repurposed as a contemporary art exhibition space. A hybrid venue where heritage meets living creation, largely bypassed by tour groups.
Museums
1 place
4Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Museum
Pithecusae Archaeological Museum
Museum housed in Villa Arbusto at Lacco Ameno, home to the Cup of Nestor, one of the oldest examples of Greek writing in the Western world. A rare window onto the earliest Greek colony in the West.
Religious sites
1 place
5Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Religious site
Basilica of Santa Restituta
The oldest Christian basilica on the island, located in Lacco Ameno, built atop Greco-Roman ruins. The underground museum reveals fascinating archaeological layers dating to the 4th century.
Castles & fortresses
1 place
6Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Castle
Aragonese Castle of Ischia
A medieval fortress perched on a rocky islet connected to Ischia Ponte by a causeway. A thousand years of history concentrated in a single location, with a truly breathtaking 360° view over the Gulf of Naples.
Nature
3 places
7Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0Nature
Baia di Sorgeto
Rocky cove at the island's southern tip where natural hydrothermal springs bubble directly into the sea. Locals bathe here on winter nights—bring a torch and a bottle of local wine.
8Wikimedia CommonsNature
Monte Epomeo
Ischia's highest point at 787 metres, accessible on foot or by donkey from Fontana. The summit panorama encompasses the entire Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and occasionally Sicily on clear days.
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Nature
Nature
Lago del Bagno – Cratere di Ischia
Volcanic crater lake in the heart of Ischia Porto, ringed by stone pines. Locals stroll here in the evening; it's one of the rare spots where you forget you're on a tourist island.
Viewpoints
1 place
10Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Viewpoint
Belvedere di Campagnano
Natural terrace on the heights between Ischia Porto and Casamicciola, reached by a 20-minute path from the road. Sweeping views over the harbour and the Bagno lake crater, far from the crowds.
Activities
3 places
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Activity
Activity
Sentiero dei Pizzi – Monte Epomeo
Hiking trail departing from Serrara Fontana towards the Epomeo summit, less crowded than the route from Fontana. Winds through vineyards, chestnut groves and the island's characteristic green tufa rocks.
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Activity
Activity
Boat tour of Sant'Angelo
Local boatmen from Sant'Angelo offer tours of sea caves and coves inaccessible on foot along the southern coast. Negotiate directly at the jetty early in the morning for the best sea conditions.
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Activity
Activity
Cantine Tommasone
Family wine estate at Lacco Ameno producing Biancolella and Per'e Palummo on volcanic terraced vineyards. Tastings direct at the domain, no booking needed in the morning, with views across the vine terraces.
Beaches
3 places
14WikipediaBeach
Spiaggia dei Maronti
Ischia's longest natural beach at 2 km, reachable only on foot or by boat from Sant'Angelo. Hydrothermal vents warm the sand in places—a unique geological phenomenon.
15Wikimedia CommonsBeach
San Montano Beach
Crescent-shaped beach set in a sheltered bay at Lacco Ameno, blessed with exceptional blue-green waters. Shallow and tranquil, it's favoured by local families on weekends.
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Beach
Beach
Chiaia di Rose Beach
Wild beach on the northern coast, accessible only by boat or via a lengthy footpath from Casamicciola. Nearly deserted on weekdays, it boasts rich underwater life and remarkably clear water.
More to discover
2 places
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Place
Place
Ischia Porto Market – Via Roma
Daily morning market where local producers sell vegetables, cheeses, fish and the island's aromatic herbs. The ideal place to purchase artisanal limoncello and chat with genuine islanders.
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Place
Place
Sant'Angelo Village
Car-free fishing village in the island's south, with colourful stepped alleyways descending to a diminutive beach. One of the best-preserved settlements on the Tyrrhenian coast, especially enchanting at dusk.
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