♨️ Bay of Naples, Italy

Things to do in Ischia

The volcanic thermal-spa island of the Bay of Naples

A favourite for honeymoons

Ischia is Capri’s larger, greener and more laid-back neighbour — a volcanic island famous for its thermal spa gardens, botanical parks and unhurried seaside villages. Where Capri is glamour and day-trippers, Ischia is a place to stay a few nights and slow right down: soak in geothermal pools, wander the causeway to a castle on its own islet, and swim off quiet black-sand beaches. It’s a favourite for wellness, honeymooners and older travellers who want the Bay of Naples without the crush.

Thermal spa gardens, botanical hideaways and quiet sea-view villages — a relaxed, romantic island for a slower Italian honeymoon.

Time needed

2–3 nights

Best time

Late April–October, when the thermal parks are open

Region

Bay of Naples, Italy

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Don’t miss

The thermal spa gardens

Ischia’s volcanic heart feeds a string of thermal-park “gardens” — Giardini Poseidon, Negombo, Aphrodite Apollon — where terraced geothermal pools of different temperatures step down to the sea among the greenery. A full day drifting between the pools is the quintessential Ischia experience, and the whole reason many people come.

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Top things to do in Ischia

  • The thermal spa parks — Giardini Poseidon and Negombo — for a full day in geothermal pools.Find tours
  • The Castello Aragonese, a medieval castle on its own islet reached by a causeway.Find tours
  • La Mortella — the famous subtropical botanical gardens above Forio.Find tours
  • Sant’Angelo, a car-free fishing village, and the long black sands of Maronti beach.Find tours
  • The hike (or ride) up Monte Epomeo for views across the whole island.Find tours

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Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours and the big-ticket experiences — compare and book ahead so they don’t sell out.

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Where to stay near Ischia

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How to get to Ischia

Ferries and faster hydrofoils run to Ischia from Naples (about 50–90 minutes, from Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa) and from Pozzuoli and Sorrento. It pairs easily with tiny Procida on the same route. Unlike Capri, Ischia is a place to stay rather than rush as a day trip.

Hire a car in Naples

Compare rental deals — handy for reaching Ischia at your own pace

Best time to visit

Late April–October, when the thermal parks are open. May–June and September are ideal — warm, swimmable and spa-friendly, without the August peak crowds and prices.

Ischia tips

  • Ischia rewards an overnight stay — it’s bigger and more relaxed than Capri and wasted as a rushed day trip.
  • The thermal parks (Poseidon, Negombo) are seasonal, generally open spring to autumn — check dates in the shoulder months.
  • Sant’Angelo is a pretty, car-free village and a calmer, more romantic base than the busier main port.

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Opening hours, prices, transport and entry rules change — always verify before you go, and check your government’s current travel advice. Some links are affiliate links; Wavvia may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.