Ischia's coast runs from long sweeps of dark volcanic sand to tiny coves you reach on foot or by boat. Most beaches mix a free public stretch with private lidos that hire out loungers and umbrellas. Here are the finest, and how to make the most of each.

01 Spiaggia dei Maronti

The island's longest beach, a wide curve of dark golden sand along the south coast below Barano. There is room to spread out, calm shallow water for swimming, and warm patches of sand near its western end where the volcano makes itself felt.

Good to know Reach it by road to the eastern end, or by water taxi from Sant'Angelo. Lidos and beach restaurants line part of the sand, with free stretches in between.
Concierge Tip Take the water taxi from Sant'Angelo one way it's quicker than driving and a lovely approach along the cliffs.
The long curve of Spiaggia dei Maronti along Ischia's southern coast
Spiaggia dei Maronti

02 Baia di San Montano

A sheltered, horseshoe bay near Lacco Ameno with the clearest, calmest water on the island shallow a long way out, which makes it the first choice for families and nervous swimmers. The thermal park of Negombo occupies part of it.

Good to know Split between a free public area and paid lidos; reached by a short walk down (some steps, then a flat path) and served by bus. There's a snack bar on the sand.
Concierge Tip Arrive in the morning the surrounding hills shade the free end first, and the bay is at its most still.

03 Spiaggia di Citara

Forio's classic swimming beach, a soft-sand bay on the west coast with clear water, shoals of small fish, and low rocks just offshore you can swim out to. Much of it belongs to the Poseidon thermal gardens, with a smaller free section alongside.

Good to know Easy to reach on foot, by car, or by bus, with parking, cafés, and shops nearby. The free stretch is small and fills fast in summer.
Concierge Tip It faces west, so linger for the sunset one of the best on the island, straight off the sand.

04 Spiaggia di Cava dell'Isola

The free, natural beach the locals love, set in a cove just north of Citara below tall cliffs. The water is clean and good for swimming, there are caves at one end you can swim into, and the mood is young and lively in summer.

Good to know Reached by a flight of steps from the road, with parking above. There's little natural shade and only a single beach bar for chairs, so come prepared.
Concierge Tip Bring your own umbrella and water the cove is exposed, and it's a long way back up for supplies.

05 Spiaggia della Chiaia

A big, easy-going sandy beach right beside the town of Forio, with calm, shallow water held back by low breakwaters. It's roomy enough to stay uncrowded even in season, and family-friendly throughout.

Good to know Walkable from Forio's centre and ferry port, with parking at the edge and a generous free public area beside the lidos. Plenty of restaurants and bars within steps.
Concierge Tip If you're arriving on a day trip by ferry to Forio, this is the beach to head for no transport needed.

06 Spiaggia di Cartaromana

A small, scenic beach on the east coast, prized for its view of the Castello Aragonese rising from the sea. The real draw is below the surface: the ruins of Aenaria, Ischia's sunken Roman port, lie just offshore and can be explored by mask or guided boat.

Good to know Reached by a steep path and steps down from the road and back up or more easily by boat. It's narrow and pebbly, with a couple of restaurants, and loses the sun by mid-afternoon.
Concierge Tip Come by boat or on a guided snorkel trip; you'll save the climb and see the Roman ruins properly.

07 Spiaggia dei Pescatori

The most convenient beach if you're staying in Ischia town a dark-sand strip running from Ischia Ponte toward the centre, an easy walk from the harbour and the castle. Locals and visitors share it, and the water is clear.

Good to know Free to use, with loungers for hire from the bars behind it. The dark sand gets hot by midday, so bring flip-flops; the free area has no showers.
Concierge Tip Go early or late in the day; it's narrow and busy at weekends, and best enjoyed outside the midday peak. It's also the closest beach to our door just a few minutes on foot.

08 Planning a beach day on Ischia

A little forethought goes a long way. Nearly every beach offers both hire and a free section, the buses connect the main ones, and water taxis reach the coves around Sant'Angelo. Footwear matters sand turns scorching, and some shores are rocky.

Good to know Pack flip-flops or water shoes, a hat, water, and sunscreen; on the smaller free beaches, bring your own umbrella. Check ferry and bus times if you're combining beaches.
Concierge Tip Match the beach to the wind when it blows from the west, the sheltered eastern beaches near Ischia town stay calm, and vice versa.