Ischia is the largest and greenest of the islands in the Bay of Naples a volcano wrapped in vineyards and pine, ringed by thermal water and quiet coves. A few days here move easily between a medieval castle, a hilltop hermitage, and a bay where the sea runs warm. Here is how to spend them well.

01 Cross to the Castello Aragonese

Ischia's signature sight is a fortress built on its own islet, joined to Ischia Ponte by a long stone causeway. Inside are churches, a former convent, old prison cells, and terraces that look back over the whole town. It rewards slow exploring most visitors stay two to three hours.

Good to know Open daily; reach it on foot across the bridge from Ischia Ponte. A lift carries you most of the way up, with a café and panoramic terrace near the top.
Concierge Tip Come in the late afternoon. The light softens, the tour groups thin out, and the sea-facing terraces are at their best.
The Castello Aragonese at blue hour, its illuminated ramparts rising above the sea
Castello Aragonese

02 Spend an evening in Sant'Angelo

This car-free fishing village in the south is the island's prettiest corner pastel houses dropping to a tiny harbour, with a rocky peninsula closing off the bay. It is made for a slow aperitivo and a wander through small boutiques.

Good to know Cars stop at the top of the village; you walk down into the centre. Small water taxis leave the harbour for the Maronti beaches and the Cavascura hot springs.
Concierge Tip Take a water taxi one way to the fumarole beach, then walk the coastal path back for the views.
The pastel houses of Sant'Angelo tumbling down to its small harbour
Sant'Angelo

03 Wander Giardini La Mortella

Above Forio lies one of Italy's finest private gardens, created by Lady Susana Walton on what was once bare volcanic rock. Terraced paths wind past pools, tree ferns, and tropical planting, opening to views over the bay. In season it hosts chamber-music concerts.

Good to know Open select days from spring to autumn (typically Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday) check current days before you go. Allow around two hours; there is a café and many steps.
Concierge Tip Music lovers should time a visit to a weekend concert in the garden's small auditorium.
The open-air theatre terrace at Giardini La Mortella, overlooking the bay
Giardini La Mortella

04 Climb Monte Epomeo

The island's volcanic summit rises to roughly 790 metres, with a tuff-stone hermitage near the top and a true 360° view on a clear day, Capri, Procida, Vesuvius, and the whole Gulf of Naples.

Good to know The path starts above the village of Fontana; the walk up is short but steep, around 45 minutes to an hour. Wear proper shoes and carry water the final stretch is loose underfoot.
Concierge Tip Set out early. Mornings are cooler and clearer, before the midday haze settles over the bay.
The rocky summit of Monte Epomeo with panoramic views over the island and the sea
Monte Epomeo

05 Bathe in Sorgeto Bay

Near Panza, geothermal water bubbles straight up into the sea, mixing with the cool tide among the rocks a natural hot spring you can use for free, and one of the few places on the island worth a swim even in winter.

Good to know Reach it by around 200 steps down from Panza (and back up), or by boat from Sant'Angelo or Forio. The rocks are sharp and slippery, so water shoes help.
Concierge Tip It is most magical toward dusk and at lower tide, when the warm pockets are easiest to find.

06 Give a day to the thermal parks

Ischia's volcanic springs feed a handful of landscaped spa gardens, each with a series of pools at different temperatures set among greenery beside the sea. A full day in one drifting between hot and cool pools is the classic island ritual.

Good to know Most parks open from spring to autumn and sell day tickets; bring swimwear, a towel, and flip-flops. Some require a swim cap, so pack one to be safe.
Concierge Tip Arrive at opening to claim a shaded sunbed and enjoy the pools before the midday crowd.

07 See the coast by boat

Much of Ischia's shoreline sea caves, hidden inlets, the castle seen from the water is only reachable from the sea. Off Cartaromana, you can even snorkel above the submerged Roman town of Aenaria.

Good to know Half- and full-day tours, shared or private, leave from Ischia Porto, Forio, and Sant'Angelo. Most include swim stops.
Concierge Tip Choose an itinerary that pauses at Sorgeto or the San Montano bay, so you swim somewhere special rather than just anywhere.

08 Catch the sunset in Forio

Forio's whitewashed Chiesa del Soccorso stands on a small promontory over the water the island's classic place to watch the sun go down. Follow it with Ischia's own table: rabbit cooked all'ischitana, fresh seafood, and a glass of local Biancolella white.

Good to know Arrive about half an hour before sunset for a spot on the terrace, then move on to dinner nearby.
Concierge Tip For the best rabbit, ask your host for a family-run trattoria inland the island cooks it better away from the harbour.
Panorama of Forio town with its churches and the Torrione tower above the sea
Forio