Last Updated on June 26, 2025
Located in the Gulf of Naples and of volcanic origin, Ischia reveals itself as a destination that, far from the loud spotlight of mass tourism, stands out with a serene and powerful identity. The island doesn’t need gimmicks to surprise: it’s enough to arrive, let the salty air stir your soul a little, and above all, avoid looking at the clock. Below, a series of keys to not get lost among the charms of Ischia and to fully experience it — unfiltered and free from forced itineraries.
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An island measured by the silence of its thermal spas
Those who arrive in Ischia hoping for a wellness-focused trip usually shed their calendars rather quickly. Here, thermal waters aren’t a luxury, but part of the daily rhythm. The natural springs have been around since Roman times and blend effortlessly into the landscape.
Thermal parks such as Negombo, Poseidon, or Castiglione offer pools of varying temperatures, Kneipp paths, volcanic mud treatments, and views that seem to go on forever. There’s no need to book an expensive treatment to be absorbed by the experience. Just immerse yourself and remain silent for a while. In fact, it’s in that mineral stillness that the island begins to truly speak.
The other Mediterranean: unhurried routes
There’s something about Ischia that invites you to walk without a destination. It’s not just the beauty of the coast, which alternates between hidden coves and golden sand beaches, but also that way of being typical of island towns: baroque, weathered, but vibrantly alive. Forio, with its cream-colored architecture and the Church of Santa Maria del Soccorso perched on a promontory, seems made for those who seek panoramic views without filters.
Strolling through the historic center of Ischia Porto and crossing to Ischia Ponte means almost accidentally encountering the Aragonese Castle, connected to the rest of the island by a narrow causeway. Inside the castle, echoes of the past mingle with the sea breeze, and the feeling of being suspended between centuries is nearly unavoidable.
Where to stay when you choose to spend a few days in Ischia
Not all accommodations in Ischia conform to the impersonal standards of international tourism. Some remain faithful to a more intimate aesthetic, in harmony with the surroundings and the island’s character. One option located in one of the island’s most evocative areas is the Excelsior Belvedere Hotel & Spa Ischia, whose location allows you to explore both the bay and inland trails without needing long journeys.
The appeal of this kind of lodging is not only the quality of the service, but the opportunity to let the environment dictate the pace of your days. The design, Mediterranean gardens, and proximity to quiet beaches all contribute to that delicate sense of seclusion that you sometimes seek without knowing it.
Savoring the island’s culinary delights
Ischian cuisine needs no reinvention to remain relevant. It’s prepared with what’s available — and what’s available is excellent. Fresh fish, sun-drenched tomatoes, aromatic herbs picked just meters from the kitchen. “Coniglio all’ischitana”, a rabbit stew slowly cooked with white wine, garlic, and thyme, is a classic served without pretense.
Family-run trattorias, many hidden along backstreets or integrated into rural houses in the island’s interior, are places where you learn to savor the silence between courses. It’s not unusual for a meal to stretch out all afternoon, with long pauses between lightly acidic white wines and desserts like the thin “torta caprese” or sun-dried figs from the neighboring garden.
Ischia from the sea: a unique perspective
There’s a moment in the day when the island changes texture. It’s when the sun sets behind Mount Epomeo and the light softens. For many, this is the perfect time to set off on a private boat excursion. Sailing around Ischia’s perimeter reveals not only sea caves and coves inaccessible by land, but also a kind of geological order invisible from the ground.
During the trip, it’s possible to anchor in front of Sant’Angelo, a former fishing village transformed into a nearly cinematic corner. From there, the view inland reveals cultivated terraces, winding paths, and pastel-colored houses stacked without any sense of urgency.
Mount Epomeo, Ischia’s strategic vantage point
Mount Epomeo, the highest point on Ischia, stands as a reminder of what the island was and still is. From the summit — accessible by foot with a walk of just over an hour from Fontana — unfolds one of the widest views in the region: Capri in the distance, the silhouette of Vesuvius to the north, and sometimes, if the day is clear, the shadows of Ponza or Ventotene.
Curiously, even up there, with volcanic dust blowing in the wind and a view open to the horizon, Ischia never fully reveals itself. It always keeps something hidden: a nameless corner, a forgotten path, a restaurant without a sign that only opens for locals.
Ultimately, a vacation in Ischia is unforgettable! Just when you think you’ve experienced it all, there’s always something more to discover.
