Things To Do On Ischia, Italy: Top 10

Ischia is the place for you if your ideal travel destination involves seemingly endless amounts of beaches, exploring the great outdoors and loads of delicious Italian food.  That’s not all this gorgeous island has to offer though, there are loads of things to do on Ischia.  There’s medieval history to explore, healing waters to bathe in and a lot more besides.  It’s possible to visit Ischia on a day trip from Naples but if you’ve got several days to spare it’s worth spending them on Ischia, so you can enjoy more of its attractions.  Here’s my guide to the top 10 things to do on Ischia.

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Top 10 Best Things To Do on Ischia

Learn About Ischia’s History at the Castello Aragonese

One of the first things to do on Ischia is to visit the iconic Aragonese Castle.  You’ll likely have already noticed it keeping watch over the island on your journey to get here.

There’s been a castle at this location on Ischia island since 474 BC.  Over the centuries it seems like everyone has wanted a piece of Ischia.  The Romans, Arabs, French and many more in-between used it as a base for their various armies.  And if that wasn’t enough drama, it spent a period providing shelter from pirates to the locals and was also battered to bits by the English. As such, much of the original architecture has sadly been destroyed.

However, there are still interesting sights to see here, though some of them not for the faint-hearted.  The number of instruments for carrying out torture and the graphic illustrations of how they worked is eye-opening.  Clearly, one or two methods for inflicting pain simply weren’t enough. 

Another gruesome area is the crypt.  This is one of the most horrific and fascinating spaces I’ve ever been in.  What at first glance appear to be ancient toilets, in fact, turn out to be dank stalls of death where the humors from decomposing monks were collected, as the bodies were seated on top.  Feel for the poor nuns who spent hours shut inside with them, sometimes succumbing to disease and death themselves as a result.

After all that horror show, you’ll be glad to walk the grounds and take in deep breathfuls of clean sea air.  As you climb the ramparts, the incredible panoramic views back across Ischia Ponte make it worth sweating in the sun for.

The walk around the site is 2km and largely uphill, including uneven staircases. Allow at least two hours for your trip. Whilst you don’t get to go into any real main part of the castle, you can visit several churches, a wine-making cellar and enjoy walking along the peaceful terraces. 

Be a Captain for the Day – One of the Best Things To Do On Ischia

Climb to the Top of Mount Epomeo

Ischia is a great island for walking, due to its small size.  A reasonably easy, but steep, 50-minute hike will take you to Mount Epomeo, at the centre of volcanic Ischia.  At the top of Mount Epomeo, you’ll get the best views of the island, with azure water as far as the eye can see.  Spend time at the summit taking in the panoramic views of Ischia and discover a church built out of the mountain. 

The cafe at the top makes a glorious stop for refreshments.  If this sounds like your kind of activity, view more photos and a detailed description of the route to hike Ischia’s Mount Epomeo.

As an added extra, once you’ve finished hiking the mountain, you can check out the eccentric Casa Museo on the edge of Fontana village.  The bathroom made of shells, in this house painstakingly carved out of rocks, has to be seen to be believed. Entrance is free but there’s a plate for donations. Whilst I wouldn’t include it on its own as one of the top things to do on Ischia, if you’re in the area it’s worth a look.

Explore Ischia’s Beautiful Beaches

Beaches are in plentiful supply here, making it an easy activity to include on your list of things to do on Ischia.  If you want to give yourself a challenge, make it your mission to explore as many as you can.  Most beaches will have sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, which might be just what you’re looking for, or an unwelcome distraction from the natural beauty of the coast, depending on your point of view.

Either way, spending time in the warmth of the sun and splashing about in the clear blue waters is an activity you don’t want to miss.  Add in a fresh natural lemonade, made with local lemons, and the odd ice cream and you’ll be in holiday heaven in no time.  Ischia beaches vary in shape and size, from town centre sandy spots to rocky enclaves.  Not forgetting the one where the sand gets to a heady 100° temperature.  Enjoy them all if you have the time.

For more great Italian beaches, find out how to visit the island of Elba via ferry from Piombino.

Discover Ischia’s Magical Hidden Beach

When you’re on Ischia you might find yourself wondering if there are any really remote beaches you can visit.  Thankfully, for those of us who like a bit of a hike, the answer is yes.  The small and (im)perfectly formed Baia della Pelara can only be reached by walking or by boat (see number two on this list for more details).  Although the walk isn’t a long one, at around 35 minutes each way, the route takes you through the gorgeous countryside of Ischia. From giant green bamboo plants to arid orchards of olive trees, there’s plenty to see on the way.

Once you get close to the beach itself, the views of the rolling green countryside and the deep blue sea beyond are worth the trip alone, without needing to scramble down to the bay below.  If you do make the descent, it’s done at your own risk, as the marked pathway ends just before the steep rocks down.  There are no supplies once you set off on this walk, so take everything you need with you.

Have a Drink With a Difference at Sorgeto

As a volcanic island, Ischia is a popular place to come and ‘take the water’.  The thermal water here is believed to offer healing properties due to its mineral content.  Head to Sorgeto, a natural thermal beach on the south coast, so you can test the theory for yourself.  Regardless of its medical attributes, an evening spent in the crazy-hot water is one of the most fun things to do on Ischia.  Be warned, when I say the sea here is hot hot hot, I’m not joking. 

Another thing to be aware of is the massive number of steps down to this beach, which of course means, the return trip is a bit steep.  Especially after you’re all chilled out from hanging around in the warm water.  Don’t let that put you off though.  There’s a bar at the bottom and, if you’re feeling decadent, you can have your cocktails served to you in the sea on a floating life ring.

Treat Yourself to a Day at a Spa

If you’re really keen to make the most of Ischia’s thermal springs then don’t stop at just a visit to Sorgeto. Add a trip to one of the many thermal parks on the island to your list of things to do on Ischia.  Whilst many hotels will offer their own small spa, I recommend you splash the cash on a day or half-day at the blissful Negombo thermal spa. 

Although spas are designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, I like to get my money’s worth and have plenty of different things to try.  Negombo spa is brilliant for this, as there are loads of well-kept options to dip your toes into.  It’s spread over multiple levels with plenty of relaxation zones if you do like to rest when you’re meant to be erm, well, resting.  Aside from meeting my slightly peculiar approach to unwinding by having loads to do, the spa here also has another major plus point, it’s right on the beach.  So once you’ve cleansed your mind, body and soul you can go and enjoy the calming sounds of the sea.

Take a Day Trip to the Playground of the Rich and Famous, Capri

Capri is not technically one of the things to do on Ischia itself, but the upmarket island is so close that it would be rude not to pay it a visit whilst in the neighbourhood.  Book an organised tour or go independently on the direct ferry.  Journey time is 50 minutes, making it a good option for a day trip. 

Capri is easy on the eye but not so easy on the wallet.  The shops in Capri town include Versace, Valentino and Gucci, all places I, unsurprisingly, didn’t visit.  Once you’ve picked your jaw up off the floor at the price of clothing here, there are actually plenty of beauty spots to discover.  Several waymarked walks will lead you out of the horrendously busy port and town and towards stunning coastal views, including the Arco Naturale.

If your legs can take the walk back up, you could also spend time at one of the beaches, and enjoy the picture postcard blue sea. 

Speaking of all things blue, the Blue Grotto on Capri draws throngs of tourists daily but its tiny size means a long queue is almost inevitable in peak and shoulder season. You have to ask yourself if up to 1.5 hours queuing for only a few minutes inside the grotto is worth it. If you’re visiting Capri on a day trip from Ischia I’d give it a miss and spend the time exploring the island instead.

For an alternative day trip from Ischia, head over to nearby Procida island, to see the pretty pastel buildings. Procida is smaller than Capri and less popular, as such it makes a good option if you’re keen to avoid the crowds of Capri.

Or, if you’ve got a few days, head over to explore the nearby Amalfi Coast. The small town of Minori makes a great base.

Spend an Evening in Forio

Forio is one of Ischia’s largest towns and it really has that holiday feel to it. Small enough to get your bearings quickly and with a vibrant buzz in the evening, it’s a great place to stay on Ischia.

I stayed at the wonderful Matì Maison.  Clean, modern and set amongst a beautiful garden, with plenty of places to lounge.  This little slice of paradise is located in the peaceful countryside but close enough to walk to bus stops, beaches and Forio town centre (eight minutes walk), providing a perfect mix of convenience and tranquillity.

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I might be saving the best for last on this list of things to do on Ischia when I tell you that I had the best ice cream I’ve had in years in Forio. 

At Bar Re del Café, on the main thoroughfare of Corso Francesco Regine, the flavours on offer change regularly but if you time it right, you have to try the zenzero e limone (ginger and lemon).  It is out of this world. Frankly, the ice cream here is that good that I’d stay in Forio just to be able to sample it for my nightly passeggiata.  I’m getting withdrawal symptoms as I write.

Whilst you’re in Forio, catch the sunset at Chiesa del Soccorso. After that, visit ll Torrione, a 15th-century tower that’s been turned into a museum for works by local artist Giovanni Maltese.  Finish the evening off with a visit to one of Ischia’s many restaurants.

Have you visited the island? What were some of your favourite things to do on Ischia? Let me know in the comments below.