Discovering Ischia

The island of Ischia, of volcanic origin, is the largest of the Flegrean islands and stands at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, easily reachable by the sea by ferry from the ports of Naples and Pozzuoli.

An important destination for national and international tourism, Ischia offers its visitors history, natural beauty, thermal springs, art and tradition, making it the ideal place for a summer holiday by the sea, for relaxation and SPA treatments, as well as for interesting excursions to the discovery of the island.

The island is administratively divided by 6 municipalities, each with its own particularities: Lacco Ameno and Casamicciola Terme in the northern part, Forio d’Ischia in the west, Ischia in the east, Serrara Fontana and Barano d’Ischia in the south.

Staying in a villa or apartment in Ischia will allow you to enjoy relaxation by the sea, discover the beauties of this fantastic island with its many attractions not to be missed!

Must-see attractions

Lacco Ameno: Pithecusae and Negombo park

Lacco Ameno is the smallest town on the island of Ischia, known for its symbol of the “mushroom”, a tuffaceous rock carved by the sea and by atmospheric agents, probably after being rolled from Mount Epomeo towards the sea following a volcanic eruption.

Here is Villa Arbusto which houses the archaeological museum of Pithecusae, where you can admire numerous finds from the excavations of Pithecusae and Aenaria including the Cup of Nestor, a Greek wine cup which represents the first example of writing in the world.

Lacco Ameno is much loved by tourists also for its coast with clear waters, sandy beaches and stunning bays where luxury yachts dock, including the bay of San Montano which houses the Negombo thermal park, the most famous on the island with several swimming pools with different gradations based on the chosen treatment, as well as a large garden full of specimens of rare plants.

If you will be on the island in May, do not miss the evocative feast of St. Restituta (from May 16th to 18th) when the town is decorated with luminaries, stalls and rides, and the representation of the martyrdom and of the landing place of the Saint, followed by fireworks and religious rites.

Casamicciola Terme: SPA tourism

Casamicciola Terme offers the highest number of thermal springs with waters with curative properties, making them a destination for international SPA tourism.

Among the major parks of the place, there are the Castiglione Gardens with 10 thermal pools, natural saunas and direct access to the sea, and the Bagnitiello Thermal Park with thermal pools directly into the sea, where hot and cold baths alternate in fresh water and salty, creating contrasting and pleasant sensations.

Do not miss a visit to the Geophysical Observatory, the beautiful beaches, as well as an excursion to the Rotaro volcano and Mount Epomeo.

For a walk in the centre, do not miss a stop in Piazza Marina, the heart of Casamicciola, a meeting place for locals and tourists.

Forio: Poseidon Gardens

Forio is the cultural center of the island, venue for concerts and cultural events at any time of the year, as well as a meeting place for celebrities from the world of entertainment, culture and politics since the 1950s.

Do not miss a day at Poseidon Gardens, the largest thermal park on the island located in the Bay of Citara, with 22 thermal pools at temperatures ranging from 16 to 40°C.

The park is spread over an area of 50,000 square meters of plants and flowers of all kinds carefully cared for, with an area for saunas and massages, Kneipp paths, a private beach equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, 3 refreshment points, one of which is very of an ancient cellar dug into the tuff.

Do not miss a day at Chiaia beach, the largest on the island just 300 meters from the centre, of fine sand with access to the crystal clear sea with shallow water, therefore also suitable for families with children.

Ischia: the Aragonese Castle

The symbol of Ischia is the Aragonese Castle, one of the main attractions not to be missed and which can be visited all year round.

Born as a fortress and strategic defense outpost, it boasts a past of 25 centuries of history, witnessing the passage of various civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans, the Aragonese and Colonna dynasty.

The castle not only houses important historical artifacts, but represents a work full of life where numerous events of all kinds take place, exhibitions of ancient and contemporary art.

The terrace of the castle, which faces east towards Capri, Procida and Vivara, offers a wonderful view over the whole archipelago and creates a perfect atmosphere for hosting weddings, conferences, parties and cultural meetings.

On the western side overlooking St. Anna bay, it is possible to enjoy a delicious dinner in the restaurant on the magnificent terrace or in its garden, or organize small conferences and meetings for up to 35 people in the conference room.

Serrara Fontana: the village of Sant’Angelo

Serrara Fontana is located in the highest area of the island and still retains its rural soul, between viticulture and trekking.

Going down towards the sea, you meet the village of Sant’Angelo, the most picturesque and famous of the island: a seaside village made up of narrow alleys, houses leaning against each other and colored facades clearly visible from the sea, typical Mediterranean architecture which has allowed the original fishing village to make the tourist fortune of the area by becoming a chic place frequented by many VIPs.

In Sant’Angelo there is the Aphrodite Apollon Thermal Park with 12 thermal pools (temperature from 20° to 40°C), 2 of which with sea water, a children’s pool, a sauna in a natural cave, all surrounded by a garden with and flowers, private and equipped beach reachable in 10 minutes on foot or by taxi-boat from the marina.

Do not miss the feast of San. Michele Arcangelo at the end of September, one of the most beautiful on the island.

Barano d’Ischia: Nitrodi spring

The story tells that in Barano there was the sanctuary dedicated to Apollo and the Nymphs Nitrodi guardians of the miraculous spring, used over the centuries to treat wounds, skin diseases, burns, acne, dermatitis and much more.

The water flows from the Nitrodi spring in the form of a shower at a temperature of 27°C, in fact there are no swimming pools to avoid adding chemicals, thus preserving its naturalness.

Its healing properties were recognized by the Ministry of Health in 2003.

To complete the day and rediscover complete well-being, it is possible to immerse yourself in nature and experience a hydro-aromatherapy journey, enjoy a rosemary massage with a revitalizing effect, conclude with a drink of herbs from the park that offers unique smells and sensations.

If you decide to spend your holidays in Ischia, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the island’s attractions and rediscover well-being in its SPA parks.

Italian Rent House can provide, on request, the ferry tickets to reach Ischia and organize exciting guided excursions or boat trips.

Contact us for more information.