What To See In Ischia? A Travel Guide To The Must-See Places

Ischia is not an island to be rushed through. Its irregular shape, covered in greenery and surrounded by a sea that changes color depending on the hour, seems designed not to reveal all its secrets at once.

Those arriving by boat from Naples see a dormant volcanic mass, with calm contours and an atmosphere that cannot be captured in photographs.

But stepping ashore and walking just a few meters is enough to understand that Ischia holds unexpected complexity. And everything begins with its coast.

Between Thermal Waters And Ash Trails

The nature of Ischia is not limited to its landscape. The island has an intimate relationship with the heat of the underground.

The thermal baths, which have served as places of gathering and healing since Roman times, are still active and scattered across different areas.

In Cavascura, for example, steam filters through rocks while visitors bathe in pools carved into stone. There are no neon signs or background music: just hot water and walls oozing minerals.

Those who prefer a less controlled environment can head to Sorgeto, a small cove in the south where the sea mingles with geothermal springs.

There, at certain times, the water can burn if the wrong spot is chosen for immersion. Everything happens among rocks, with no walkways or lounge chairs.

A kind of natural spa where the unpredictable is part of the allure. But there is more than just steam and salt…

Forests, Ruins, And The Echo Of An Unfinished History

In the central mountainous area, Mount Epomeo rises like a spine. Climbing it on foot is an experience that mixes dense vegetation, shifting views, and silence.

From the summit, on a clear day, you can see Naples, Vesuvius, and beyond.

But it’s not only the view that rewards the effort: the path is dotted with ancient monks’ refuges, chapels carved into stone, and abandoned orchards.

Lower down, villages like Fontana or Serrara offer an unexpected pause. Small squares, churches with humble facades, and a life that seems to have no need for tourist validation.

There are fruit stands, stone benches, and clocks no one checks. What’s interesting is that nothing seems arranged to be visited. Yet, one stays.

Ischia Ponte: A Bridge To Another Era

The oldest heart of the island lies at the eastern tip. Ischia Ponte retains its character intact: cobbled alleys, facades showing the passage of time, and a rhythm that is almost meditative.

Here, between wooden boats and hanging laundry, rises a structure that seems lifted from another century.

The Aragonese Castle in Ischia is probably the island’s most iconic site.

Linked to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, this castle built on a volcanic islet has served as a fortress, monastery, and refuge during Saracen attacks.

Walking through its stone corridors is more than a tourist activity: it’s a way to quietly read the lesser-known chapters of the Mediterranean.

Some terraces offer views that could belong to a painting from another era.

But what lingers most is the sound of the wind through the walls and the feeling of having stepped uninvited into someone else’s story.

Hidden Gardens And Green Labyrinths

On the western side, vegetation takes center stage. La Mortella Garden, designed by Susana Walton, is a botanical explosion that doesn’t fit the usual idea of an Italian garden.

Here, species from five continents coexist, with hidden fountains, shaded paths, and small open-air music venues.

What impresses is not its size, but its density: every corner seems designed for the visitor to pause, hesitate, and then move on.

Very close by, the Ravino Gardens offer something different: a collection of cacti and succulents brought from various deserts.

On a Mediterranean island, one can go from a humid jungle to an almost dry landscape.

And in the middle of that contrast, a not-so-obvious possibility opens up: to look without haste.

Our recommendation is that to fully understand Ischia, you have to step away.

A boat ride along its coast allows you to discover inaccessible coves, watchtowers perched between cliffs, and small beaches that only exist at low tide.

From the sea, the island reveals another face: less domesticated, more rugged, but just as livable.

In certain areas, like Sant’Angelo, the colors of the houses seem to merge with the stone. Children play on the pier while adults chat without raising their voices.

The charm and true essence of Ischia is felt in this way—by observing and admiring.

And Things To Do In Ischia: Enjoy Your Vacation To The Fullest

Now that you know where to go in Ischia, here are a few options that you can explore to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. From cruising to indulging in the city events, you should try them all.

1. Boat Excursion

Firstly, you can enjoy cruising through the deep oceans with the Boat excursion services. They provide lunch and a comfortable, cheerful, and unforgettable excursion.

2. Pizza Making Classes

Secondly, you can enroll in pizza-making classes to learn how to do the flip-yo-dough without being embarrassed. Also, it can be a fun way to make your trip to Ischia memorable.

3. Snorkelling Underwater

Thirdly, you can go for snorkelling near the caves with the proper guides to indulge in a breathtaking experience. It can be one of the things you can kick off from your bucket list. Also, you will get to enjoy the real nature at its core.

4. Thermal Park Poseidon Gardens

Lastly, the Thermal Park or Poseidon Gardens should not be missed from your list of activities. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions that provides a therapeutic experience for nature lovers.

With the complete list, now, you can fully enjoy your vacay at Ischia. From travelling to the must-see spots to indulging in some interactive activities, make your trip memorable.

So, go on and grab your flight tickets to make the dream travel a reality!