Ischia Island , to the west of the Gulf of Naples , is one of the hidden paradises of Southern Italy with its lush nature, thermal health centers, untouched coves and colorful structures. Ischia Island, which is overshadowed by the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri , is a destination frequently preferred by Italians living in and around Naples for a holiday in the summer months.
The history of the island in health tourism, where natural spring waters and thermal pools are used for treatment due to volcanic movements in the region, goes back to ancient Rome. Numerous hotels and accommodation facilities with magnificent views over the rugged geography of the island overlook the blue of the Mediterranean.
Ischia Island, Naples
Ischia Island Attractions
- Aragon Castle
- La Mortella Gardens
- Villa Ravino Gardens
Ischia Island, Naples
Ischia Island is a natural wonder located in the south of Italy , west of the Bay of Naples. With its unique traditions and comfortable lifestyle, the island, where the local people prefer to rest, have fun and eat for most of the year, has combined the shining warm atmosphere of the Mediterranean with the comfort of Southern Italy.
Ischia, an island of volcanic origin, has been a healing place for hundreds of years with its hot water coming from underground springs. There are more than 100 thermal spas and accommodation facilities serving health tourism throughout the island. The population, which is 60 thousand in winter, increases 6 times in summer, mainly with domestic tourists.
Ischia Island Attractions
1. Aragon Castle
Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese) was built on a rock near the island in 474 BC. The castle, which is supported by two towers against the attacks that may come from the sea, has changed hands many times throughout history by the local people, especially the Romans, and pirates. There is also a small chapel dedicated to St. John Joseph in the castle, which is one of the first stops for visitors to the island today. The castle can be reached on foot from the island of Ischia via a road added later.
🕘 Aragon Castle visiting hours are 09.00-18.00. The castle is open to visitors 7 days a week. 💶 Aragon Castle entrance fee is 5€, student and discounted entrance is 3€.
2. La Mortella Gardens
La Mortella Gardens is one of the island’s unique beauties, created by British composer William Walton by planting tropical and Mediterranean plants. The garden looks like a botanical garden with plants planted since 1946. Located next to the garden, which has a unique view of Forio Harbor, the house is used as a museum where documents and documents describing the life and musical works of British composer William Walton are exhibited. There is also a recital room in the museum where famous music artists perform on a regular schedule.
🕘 La Mortella Gardens visiting hours are 10.00-18.00. The garden is open to visitors 7 days a week. 💶 La Mortella Gardens entrance fee is 5€.
3. Villa Ravino Gardens
Villa Ravino Gardens is a magnificent garden, located in Forio-Citara Bay, that emerged in return for 50 years of private work by the owner of the villa, Captain Giuseppe D’Ambra. Villa Ravino, which has the title of the richest botanical garden in Europe with its collection of cacti and succulents grown outdoors, received an award from the European Parliamentary Observatory as the most environmentally friendly place in Italy. Eco-friendly events are held in the garden throughout the year.
🕘 Villa Ravino Gardens visiting hours are 09.00-18.00. The garden is open to visitors 7 days a week. 💶 There is no entrance fee to Villa Ravino Gardens.
Thermal facilities on Ischia Island
Negombo is the island’s most visited facility, which stands out with its thermal tourism. 10 thermal pools built in Negombo in Lacco Ameno are located on the side of the mountain and in this way, you can be in touch with nature. The facility also has a beach. You can visit the facility without the need for a reservation, if you want massages and other personal treatments, you need to call and make a reservation in advance.
Poseidon , the island’s largest thermal park. It is in an ideal location for those who want both the sea and health, with its location by the sea and having 20 different degrees of thermal pools. The thermal pools at the facility work with natural water resources. It has a garden, restaurants and a bar. Poseidon Gardens is located in Citara Bay on Ischia’s west coast.
Castiglione is a more economical thermal pool and a more preferred place for families with children. It gets very crowded in high season because it is economical. In addition to nine thermal pools, it also has one olympic pool filled with sea water and two indoor pools.
Spring is the best time to visit Ischia. The festivals that start on the island with the spring continue until October and are celebrated with great enthusiasm. The most famous festivals of the island are the chestnut and mushroom festival. Festivals are celebrated in small and cozy squares of the island with music, lots of food and of course lots of wine.
Ischia has many beautiful hotels and resorts in the hills with great views. If you want to sunbathe and mingle with people, you can go down the hill, discover how beautiful life is in the shadow of Monte Epomeo, on the island’s magnificent beaches, in the hot thermal spas, and try to understand why Emperor Augustus gave this island to the Neapolitans in exchange for Capri.
Iscia receives fewer tourists than its immediate neighboring island, Capri, but is flooded by Italians and Germans in the summer. Visiting these regions of Monte Epomeo and its lush foothills should be on your must-do list. The vineyards that grow on the volcanic foothills of Monte Epomeo are the source of the world’s finest wines.
How to get to Ischia Island ✈️
Transportation to Ischia Island is provided via Naples. Turkish Airlines has direct flights to Naples from Istanbul Airport. You can reach the island in 45 minutes by ferry from Naples’ Beverello Port. Ferry services go up to 10 reciprocal flights per day during the summer months. Outside of the high season, there are 4 departures, at least 2 departures and 2 arrivals, per day.
Ischia Island , with its beautiful sandy and volcanic beaches, healing thermal springs, mud baths, water and nature sports opportunities, is ideal for those looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday. Those who add Naples and its surroundings to their itinerary should spare at least one full day for this charming island.
