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🇮🇹 Italy · Places to discover

What to see in Ischia ?

34 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.

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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 (10)

Aragonese Castle of IschiaWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Aragonese Castle of Ischia

Landmark

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.
Basilica of Santa RestitutaWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Basilica of Santa Restituta

Landmark

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.
Torrione di IschiaWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Torrione di Ischia

Landmark

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.
Marina CorricellaWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Marina Corricella

Landmark

The island's oldest fishing village, featuring pastel-coloured tower houses stacked dramatically against the cliff face. This iconic setting from the film Il Postino is accessible solely on foot from Terra Murata.
Church of Santa Maria delle GrazieWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie

Landmark

Seventeenth-century church with a vivid yellow façade overlooking Marina Grande. Its bell tower is the unmistakable visual landmark of the harbour, whilst the interior preserves authentic maritime votive offerings.
Pithecusae Archaeological MuseumWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Pithecusae Archaeological Museum

Landmark

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.
Cemetery of the 33 Victims of CasamicciolaWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Cemetery of the 33 Victims of Casamicciola

Landmark

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.
Church of San LeonardoWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Church of San Leonardo

Landmark

Small parish church nestled in the Chiaiolella neighbourhood, away from the beaten tourist trail. Its architectural simplicity and adjacent maritime cemetery imbue the place with touching authenticity.
Torre di MichelangeloWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Torre di Michelangelo

Landmark

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.
Marina Grande di ProcidaWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Marina Grande di Procida

Landmark

The island's principal harbour, lined with characteristic colourful houses and working fishing boats. The beating heart of Procida where locals gather at sunset.

Nature & parks (5)

Riserva Naturale di VivaraWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Riserva Naturale di Vivara

Nature

Volcanic islet connected to Procida by a bridge, a protected nature reserve of exceptional biodiversity. Once a Bourbon hunting lodge, visits are restricted and guided to preserve its wildlife.
Monte EpomeoWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Monte Epomeo

Nature

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.
Baia di SorgetoWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Baia di Sorgeto

Nature

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.

Limoneto di Procida

Nature

A grove of century-old lemon trees cultivated on terraces using the traditional pergolati method, which shields the fruit from salt winds. Some growers offer visits to explain why Procida's lemon is Italy's most fragrant.

Lago del Bagno – Cratere di Ischia

Nature

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 (3)

Belvedere di CampagnanoWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Belvedere di Campagnano

Viewpoint

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.

Corricella fishing jetty at sunset

Viewpoint

The fishermen's jetty of Corricella at golden hour, when boats return and locals settle on the steps for the evening passeggiata. A suspended moment of island life, utterly free of tourist artifice.

Sentiero costiero tra Corricella e Chiaia

Viewpoint

Coastal path hugging the tufa cliffs between these two emblematic beaches, with direct sightlines to Corricella from above. The finest vantage point for photographing the fishing village.

Activities (6)

Cantine TommasoneWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Cantine Tommasone

Activity

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.
Morning market at Marina GrandeWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Morning market at Marina Grande

Activity

A daily market of local producers convenes at dawn on the main quay. Garden tomatoes, Procida lemons, fresh cheese and fish landed that very hour—this is the true pulse of the island.
Boat tour of Sant'AngeloWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Boat tour of Sant'Angelo

Activity

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.

Island tour by scooter

Activity

With Procida spanning just 4km², a scooter hired from Marina Grande lets you complete a circuit of the entire island in 30 minutes. The authentic local way to hop from beach to beach, pausing at spontaneous viewpoints.

Boat rental at Corricella

Activity

Several fishermen rent out traditional wooden boats by the day with no permit required. The finest way to explore sea caves and coves inaccessible on foot, such as Grotta di Circe.

Sentiero dei Pizzi – Monte Epomeo

Activity

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.

Beaches (6)

San Montano BeachWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

San Montano Beach

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.
Spiaggia di ChiaiaWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Spiaggia di Chiaia

Beach

The island's longest beach, a sweeping expanse of grey-black volcanic sand framed by tuff cliffs. Reached by a 200-step staircase from the road, which keeps it mercifully free from overcrowding.
Spiaggia dei MarontiWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Spiaggia dei Maronti

Beach

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.
Chiaia di Rose BeachWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Chiaia di Rose Beach

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.

Spiaggia del Postino (Pozzo Vecchio)

Beach

The fine-sand beach immortalised in the film Il Postino, framed by ochre-hued tuff cliffs. Less crowded than Chiaiolella, accessed by a steep staircase that deters hurried tourists.

Spiaggia della Chiaiolella

Beach

The islanders' favourite beach, sheltered within an almost enclosed bay facing the islet of Vivara. Calm, shallow waters ideal for families, with fishing boats moored peacefully offshore.

More to discover (4)

Sant'Angelo VillageWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Sant'Angelo Village

Place

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.
Via Vittorio EmanueleWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Via Vittorio Emanuele

Place

The island's main thoroughfare connecting Marina Grande to Chiaiolella, a proper shopping street lined with local grocers, bookshops and artisan workshops. Far from tourist bustle, this is where Procida's everyday heartbeat sounds.
Ischia Porto Market – Via RomaWikipedia (it) - CC BY-SA

Ischia Porto Market – Via Roma

Place

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.

Cemetery of Procida

Place

A 19th-century maritime cemetery overlooking the sea, with fishermen's graves adorned in mosaic and ceramic photographs. An authentic place for quiet reflection that offers an unexpected vista across the Neapolitan coast.
What to see in Ischia - Italy? 34 places · Hozy