Ischia Beaches: Where To Go
If you’re searching for a relaxing Mediterranean getaway then the island of Ischia and its beaches might just be the answer. Located in Italy, just off the coast near Naples, Ischia has loads of things to do and its high number of beaches is one of the main attractions. Ischia beaches come in all shapes and sizes. From the 100° sand of popular Fumarole dei Maronti beach to the secluded delights of Baia della Pelara beach, nestled on Ischia’s south coast, there’s a beach (or two) for everyone on Ischia. So dive right in and discover all about Ischia’s best beaches.
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links to products or services I’ve found useful. If you make a purchase through these links I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep the travel blog running, so thank you.
Discover the Best Beaches on Ischia
With so many Ischia beaches to choose from, deciding where to go first might be tricky. The photos and information in this article about Ischia’s best and most well-known beaches (along with some more off-the-beaten-track options) should help you to decide.
West Coast of Ischia Beaches (Forio)
Cava dell’Isola Beach
Cava dell’Isola is one of my absolute favourite beaches on Ischia. It’s close enough to the centre of the town of Forio to make it easy to get to on foot (20 minutes walk). The entrance is opposite Via Chiena and marked by some metal railings. Head down the steps to the beach. Someone has handily painted the number on every few steps so you’ll know when you’re nearly at the bottom.
As you arrive at the beach, stock up on water from the bar on the right-hand side. If you’re looking for a wide strip of sand or want to rent an umbrella and sunbed turn left. If you prefer a more secluded area, go right and walk along the rocks in front of the bar.
As you come to the end of the rocks you’ll find a beach which is quieter than the main area. Stop here or, if you’re in search of a desert island-like experience, set up camp under the shade of the pine tree at the far end.
If you’re lucky you’ll have this bit all to yourself and can pretend you’re Tom Hanks in Cast Away. The sea can get choppy here but it’s a lovely area to float about and snorkel by the rocks.
Citara Beach
The beach at Citara is a long stretch of sand. The best part about this beach is the gorgeous greenery growing all along the cliffs next to it. The wall of plants and flowers creates a picturesque setting for your time at Citara.
The popular Poseidon thermal park is also located here and has a private section of the beach. If you’re visiting Citara on a boat, keep an eye out for the big rock close to the shore that looks like a dolphin (or at least in my imagination it does).
South Coast of Ischia Beaches
Cava Grado Beach
Many people skip Cava Grado beach and head straight to Sant’Angelo, which means they’re missing out. Cava Grado is one of the most beautiful beaches on Ischia. It’s easy to get to from the main towns like Forio and Ischia Porto. The buses to Sant’Angelo drop you at a lookout point opposite an enticing fresh juice stand, right above the beach.
Instead of going to Sant’Angelo, take the path behind the bus kiosk then head down the steps to the beach.
The water is clean and there are beautiful views across to Sant’Angelo. It was surprisingly quiet at the end of June, with mostly Italian families enjoying the gorgeous sea and peaceful atmosphere.
When the sun gets too much, cool down with a refreshing natural lemonade (€2.50) from the beachside bar. Fill up on paninis too – you’re on holiday after all. Toilets and a shower are available.
Sunbeds here cost €30 for two and an umbrella. If you’re only planning to stay for part of the day bring your towel and sit in the shade of the rocks at either end of the beach instead.
Sant’Angelo Beach
Sant’Angelo beach sits on a promontory at the bottom of the petite village of the same name, on the south of Ischia. With high-end clothes shops and flashy yachts in the harbour, you’d be forgiven for thinking the beach here might be on the pretentious side.
Thankfully, despite the pricey shops, Sant’Angelo is actually two down-to-earth sandy beaches on either side of a promenade and both are laid back and lovely. Although if you do want to treat yourself to a new holiday bikini, get one before heading to Sant’Angelo so you don’t have to break the bank to pay for it. Pour Moi have some gorgeous summery designs and their bikinis offer great support.
As is the case with many beaches on Ischia, sunbeds and umbrellas are provided by paid-for beach clubs. If you’re planning to spend a significant amount of time here, and why not, sunbeds are €25. However, on the outskirts of these ‘relax zones’, there are still free areas to park yourself. If you want to get some sport in, pedalos and kayaks are available for rent. Or if you’d prefer to let someone else do the work, you can take a short taxi boat to Fumirole (€3) or Sorgeto (€6).
When you feel like stretching your legs, take a stroll around the harbour and enjoy food and drink at one of Sant’Angelo’s restaurants with a view. Although the earlier point about the expensive clothes shops also applies to the restaurants, they aren’t cheap. If the holiday budget won’t stretch to a full meal, treat yourself to a delicious ice cream from the bar at the end of the beach (€2.50 for two scoops). Try the Cassata Siciliana, it’s seriously delicious – you won’t be disappointed.
Fumarole dei Maronti and Maronti Beach
Talking of being disappointed, I have to be honest and say that’s kind of how I felt at Fumarole. I headed here excited to see the phenomenon of boiling hot 100° sand, with steam rising out of it. However, I was left thinking, is that it?
To get to Fumarole from Sant’Angelo take a boat trip from the harbour or follow the signs up and around the coast to the east. It’s a little steep in places and look out for the frequent golf buggies trying to get past in the narrow alleyway. This is a car-free zone, hence the golf buggies ferrying hotel guests about. There are some lovely views of the coast on the ten-minute walk.
Once at Fumarole, you’ll go past a working steam pipe, regularly spouting out blasts of hot steam. Continue to follow the signs to the hot sand beach. There are warning messages telling you not to go barefoot as the sand reaches temperatures of 100°. This all helps build up the excitement in your mind. That is until you have to walk around the back fence of a paid-for private area on the beach and end up in front of a minuscule gated-off area of sand.
To give it its due, the sand is clearly very hot, as now and again plumes of vapour rise up. But that’s it. The beach is overcrowded and the bit you came to see is hidden at the back. Not quite what I was hoping for from this phenomenon.
That being said, it’s not a wasted journey, as further along to the east Maronti beach is very good. There’s a big area of soft sand to relax on and the cliffs provide shade (depending on the time of day). There are plenty of bars for those all-important refreshments. This stretch of beach is similar to some of the sandy beaches on Elba, another Italian island with wonderful beaches.
Sorgeto Thermal Beach
After the slight letdown of Fumarole, you might be in need of visiting one of the most impressive beaches on Ischia and thankfully Sorgeto is that beach. Come in the early evening to enjoy the best of these fabulous natural springs.
Sorgeto is a really fun place to experience. The actual beach is not much to look at but you come here for the water. It really is very hot and the heat ebbs and flows with the movement of the sea. The hot part is to the left as you descend the steps onto the beach. Small blue jetties are provided to help you get into the water without slipping. Although it’s a good idea to bring water shoes as well, as the rocks are slimy.
You can easily pass a few hours relaxing at Sorgeto. Sure you’ll be sharing it with other people but just imagine you’re back in Roman times discussing the issues of the day with your fellow bathers. The rest of the water isn’t skin-burning hot so use it to cool off after you’ve reached your limit in the hot zone.
The beach is free to enter but it will require some walking or a boat to get here, as there is no direct bus. However, you can take the bus to Panza (buses CS, CD, or #1). Get off at Piazza San Leonardo and follow the signs down Via Madonna delle Grazie to Sorgeto (approximately 20 minutes walk).
There’s a bar here that serves reasonably priced food. Drinks are the fun part though, you can choose to have them served to you in the hot springs on a life raft ring (€15 alcoholic/ €10 non-alcoholic). That’s an opportunity not to be missed.
Baia della Pelara
If you’re seeking out a remote beach on Ischia then you should visit Baia della Pelara. Accessible only by foot or by boat, this is a tiny spit of grey pebbles and large rocks. Its small size and inaccessibility are what give it its charm. Here you can get away from the crowds on the island and imbibe peace and tranquillity.
To get here by foot, take the bus to Panza then follow the sign posted walk for around 25 minutes. Much as I love my flip flops the last part of this trek is treacherous terrain so trainers or good walking sandals are a good choice of footwear here.
San Pancrazio Beach and Grotto del Mago
Ah, to find a beach on Ischia without an umbrella in sight. Well, at San Pancrazio beach you’ll have hit the jackpot. Given that you can only get here by boat, the lack of any kind of organised beach paraphernalia makes sense. If you’re on a boat trip or have hired your own, drop anchor and swim over to the desolate beach.
There’s a dilapidated building in the middle of the beach here. It seemed to be inhabited at the time of visiting or perhaps was just being used as shade from the searing sun. San Pancrazio beach is a good option for snorkelling on Ischia. The water is a beautiful turquoise colour and there are plenty of fish swimming about.
A little further east around the coast you can also pass by the Grotto del Mago. This small cave is worth taking a look at as you sail by.
East Coast of Ischia Beaches
Cartaromana Beach
The eastern coast of Ischia offers several beaches which are mostly rocky outcrops or beach clubs. However, Cartaromana beach does have sand. If you’re looking for a great view of the Castello Aragonese then come here. It’s also worth visiting this part of the coast to check out the highly recommended Gardenia Mare restaurant, for lunch in a beautiful seaside setting.
North Coast of Ischia Beaches
Varulo Beach
Varulo is a popular location for pleasure boats to spend time anchored at, as it’s only accessible by boat. There are nicer places to go on Ischia but it has a sandy bank and is wide enough for there to be space for plenty of boats at the same time. So Varulo is worth a brief stop if you have the chance.
San Montano Beach and Negombo Spa (Lacco Ameno)
In the interests of transparency, my main reason for visiting San Montano beach wasn’t for the beach at all. I actually wanted to visit Negombo Spa and take in the thermal water. The fact it also allowed access to another of Ischia’s wonderful beaches was a welcome bonus. Combing both makes for a great half or full-day though. The spa entrance ticket includes access to a private area of the beach and you can even reserve a specific umbrella/sunbed location on a map of the beach if you book in advance. Fancy, I know.
The curved shape of the bay and high cliffs on either side make it a pretty spot to visit even if you don’t want to go to the spa. The beach itself is a bit overtaken with the umbrellas but there is still a free area. Public access is available at either end and there’s a reasonable amount of space but this is a popular beach on Ischia so be prepared for it to be crowded. There are public toilets/changing rooms in wooden sheds at the back of the beach and tall bamboo plants provide a picturesque backdrop and, more importantly, shade.
- For other outdoor activities on Ischia, try hiking to the summit of Mount Epomeo.
- From Ischia it’s an easy ferry journey to explore the stunning Amalfi Coast. Stay in the quaint town of Minori for good value accommodation compared to the rest of the Amalfi Coast.
- If you’re looking for more beach destination inspiration, check out my guide to the beaches on the beautiful Greek island of Folegandros or the Best Beaches in Havana.
- Discover more great Italian beaches on a trip via ferry to Elba Island.
What’s your favourite beach on Ischia? Let me know in the comments below.