Mount Epomeo Hike: Walking On Ischia, Italy

Mount Epomeo (or Monte Epomeo) stands proud in the centre of the laid-back island of Ischia, off the coast of Naples, Italy.  At 789 metres high, Mount Epomeo provides a wonderful opportunity to take a reasonably easy hike to the peak of this volcanic island.  Find out how much time to allow for the trip, what to expect on the way and enjoy plenty of photos illustrating the route.

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Time Required to Hike Mount Epomeo

The hike to Mount Epomeo on Ischia takes approximately 50 minutes each way. Of course, this depends on how long you spend stopping to take photos, or if you treat yourself to a food or drink break at one of the restaurants on the way. It’s a shorter hike than some other Italian island hikes, like Monte Capanne on Elba island, but it’s still an enjoyable trek.

Once you’ve taken your photos, get inspiration for your Instagram Hiking Captions.

Distance

This route is a short 3km walk which makes it a great afternoon activity. However, whilst the distance is short, there are some steep sections. Which of course just means after you’ve completed it, the evening’s gelato will taste so much sweeter.

How to get to Ischia Island

Ferries run from Naples to Ischia throughout the day. The journey typically takes between 50 to 75 minutes. You can book tickets online in advance.

However, after an exhausting experience with a late metro, being directed to the wrong ferry terminal and running around in the heat trying to work out where to go (and having to pay for a new ticket as I watched my booked ferry leave before I could get to it) the idea of this ferry and transfers combined ticket sounds divine.

I’ve not felt so stressed travelling in a long while as I did at Naples harbour. Save yourself the stress and time in long queues at the harbour during peak season by getting your transport and tickets all combined in to one. It gives you the reassurance of knowing that your transport from your arrival point in Naples (airport, station or hotel), the ferry crossing to Ischia, and your transfer on arrival to the island are all taken care of.

Check the price and availability of an advance combined ferry and transfers ticket.

Best Time to Hike Mount Epomeo

If you’re hiking on Ischia in the warmer summer months then the best time to set off for Mount Epomeo is in the early morning or mid to late afternoon. Although some of the walk is shaded, sections of it are out in the open and sweltering sun, so avoid midday if you can.

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Details of the Mount Epomeo Hike

How to Get to the Start

The walk to Mount Epomeo is one of the best hiking trails on Ischia. Head to the village of Fontana to find the start of the route. 

The CS or CD bus will take you to Fontana from most towns on Ischia (e.g. Forio, Casamicciola, Lacco Ameno, Ischia Porto).  Bus tickets cost €1.50 per person each way and you buy them from bars and shops.  It’s possible to buy tickets from the driver on some buses but this isn’t guaranteed so it’s safer to get your tickets in advance. Remember to validate your ticket by putting it in the machine on the bus.  If you don’t, you could be fined.

Tip for the CS Bus Route

The CS bus timetable shows that it goes all the way down to Cavagrado beach first and then back up and on to Fontana.  However, on several trips, it actually changed from the CS to the CD bus at Cavagrado, and then went back the way it came instead of on to Fontana.

So you might want to save yourself the hassle (and confusion) and get off before the bus turns off the main road of Via Provinciale Panza. From there you can walk eastwards and slightly down the start of Via Parroco Leonardo D’abundo, where there is a bus stop on the left-hand side. Wait there and catch the next bus that’s displaying CS as the route (it will have already come back up from Cavagrado). 

Fontana Village

Once you arrive at the tiny village of Fontana, get off the bus right in the centre, next to Chiesa di Sant’Antonio da Padova.  Before you head off for the hike, take a drink in the village square opposite the statue of Jesus. It’s smaller than the version in Rio but makes for a great backdrop nevertheless.  Try the delicious pastries from Bar Epomeo (€2 each), and soak up a bit of village life.

After you’ve stocked up on water from the village shop, cross over the road and walk a few meters to the west.  Look up and you’ll see a sign for the start of the Mount Epomeo trail, to the right of Bar La Baita.

If you want to be more sustainable, don’t forget to pack your own collapsible water bottle and save valuable space in your bag.

First Section of the Hike to Mount Epomeo

The first part of the walk is on a passageway that heads upwards between the village houses.  Whilst the tarmac makes it easy underfoot, the steep incline keeps it challenging. You know it’s a steep route when there’s a handrail provided.

Keep following the same path upwards as it opens up into a wide road, Via Militare.  Turn left and continue along the road as it twists and turns upwards. Signs at key points along the way will stop you getting lost.

After around 20 minutes you’ll see signs for Monte Epomeo, and you’ll need to head left off Via Militare. Follow the road up to the restaurant Miscillo Sapori.  There are hammocks and a peaceful vibe here, perfect for breaking the journey on the way up or down.

If you’re not stopping on the way up, pass by, with the restaurant on your right, and you’ll start a very steep section of road, which ends at another restaurant, La Porta Di Agartha.

Second Section of the Hike

Continue on past the restaurant and you’ll reach the beautiful wooded part of the Mount Epomeo hike.  Here you can enjoy some much-needed shade as you walk.

After you get through the woods, the fun part starts. You’re nearly at the peak by this point but will have to contend with some slippery boulders in order to complete the route. There are steps worn into some of the rocks and thin channels to guide you through others. Never mind flip flops, you’ll be glad you put your trainers on for this bit. 

I use Nike trail shoes which have extra grip, great for loose surfaces and they’re also very lightweight.

It’s not a very long section and you’ll soon come out at a restaurant with an enviable view, Ristorante La Grotta da Fiore.

The Summit

The family-run restaurant is beautiful but you’re still not quite at the top of the hike.  Staff are friendly, pointing the way so you don’t miss reaching the summit.  Stop here for an ice-cool fresh orange juice, or something stronger, after you’ve completed the climb.

A minute or two more and you’ll arrive at the summit, where you’ll find stunning panoramic views across Ischia.  Spend time taking in verdant terraces and the sparkling jewel of the deep blue sea beyond.

Whilst you’re here, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit a church carved out of rock. La Chiesa de San Nicola is located right under the peak of Mount Epomeo.

Before starting the return journey, ask at the restaurant to see the ‘other view’.  They will lead you through the inside of the building, where there is a dining room with one heck of a view. 

With views as incredible as this, you’ll probably take a lot of photos. Use my article on Italy captions to help you come up with some great captions.

Pass through the dining room, out the door at the other end and follow the path to the lookout point. From here you can look back and see the break in the rocks caused by the 5.8 magnitude earthquake that shook Ischia in 1883.

If you’re looking for inspiration for other places to eat, check out my guide to 10 of the best restaurants on Ischia.

For an extension to the hike, on your way back you can visit Pietra dell’Acqua, a 30-minute diversion each way.

What Else to Do in Fontana Village

Once you’re back in Fontana, head for the weird and wonderful Museo de Casa.  This residence carved out of the rock is situated a 10-minute walk eastward out of Fontana, on the main road. 

You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the giant Egyptian Sphinx statue staring at you from between the trees.  This place is eccentric in bucketloads.  Joe Exotic eat your heart out, the bathroom and bedroom are a shell bedazzled dream (or nightmare, depending on your point of view).

The owner is clearly proud of his work and friendly, pointing out where to look and allowing you to wander his home.  To see more tunnels dug out of the rocks, head up above the property. Although watch out for the flies and several decades of dust. 

If you like individuality and aren’t afraid of the dark then check out the Casa Museo whilst you’re in Fontana.  But I wouldn’t make a special journey just to see it.  Entrance is free but a donation is encouraged. 

Other Adventures to Experience on a Trip to Ischia

Taking a boat trip has to be one of my favourite activities on Ischia. For total ease, join a boat tour of the island. Lie back and enjoy the azure waters on plenty of swimming stops. Eat a freshly prepared lunch whilst you take in the views of the Grotta dell’Amore and indulge in drinks and pastries as your captain sails you around the whole of Ischia island.

Check the price and availability of the amazingIschia guided boat tour.

To get some real local flavour and enjoy seriously good Italian food, take an Ischian cooking class. Combine learning about local culinary traditions with tasting the real deal made from fresh Ischian ingredients. Impress your friends back home with your new authentic Italian speciality dishes.

Check the price and availability of the delicious Ischia cooking class.

Many visitors to Ischia combine spending time on the island with a visit to the Italian mainland. If that’s part of your plan, a visit to nearby Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii are a must. Pompeii is so huge that it can be tricky to fit in a visit to both in a day if you’re doing it independently. A full day tour from Naples or Sorrento will enable you to make the most of your time and enjoy discovering all about the history of the area.

Walk to the crater’s edge of the imposing Mount Vesuvius volcano and make the most of Pompeii with an experienced guide to explain the history and significance of the incredible site. Check prices and availability of the Vesuvius and Pompeii day trip.

Map

I’ve created a map showing the key points covered in this Mount Epomeo hike. Click the arrow icon to the left of the map heading to view the names of each key point and to access the on/off ticks to show the hiking route.

There are loads of outdoor activities to enjoy on Ischia. Discover more about the island with my guide to the top things to do on Ischia.

• Love walking? Check out this Loch Lomond cycling and walking itinerary – no car required.
• Enjoy these weekend walks in Cambridge, UK.
• Visit the nearby Italian Amalfi Coast and complete the short but beautiful il Sentiero dei Limoni, the Path of Lemons, from Minori to Maiori.

Have you enjoyed any other Ischia hikes? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear your recommendations.