Planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast? You can’t miss spending one day in Ischia, Italy!
While not quite as well-known as the neighboring island of Capri, Ischia packs a ton of beauty and charm but without the crowds.
Ischia offers 17 square miles of rugged beauty and secluded beaches. Known for its thermal spas, delicious restaurants and authentic vibe, there are a ton of things to do in Ischia.
Here’s how to spend one day in Ischia, Italy!
Where is Ischia, Italy?
So you may be wondering, where exactly is and how do I get to Ischia, Italy?
Ischia is the largest volcanic island in the Bay of Naples and neighbors the smaller islands of Capri and Procida.
This makes Ischia a great day trip from Naples or as a stopover on your Amalfi Coast itinerary. Since Ischia is so close to Capri and Procida, I recommend visiting all three islands on your Amalfi Coast trip if you have the time!
→ Read Next: How to Spend a Day in Procida, Italy
How to Get to Ischia
The best way to get to Ischia is by ferry, hydrofoil or private boat.
To day trip to Ischia from Naples, there are two port options for departing to Ischia: Porta di Massa and Beverello. Porta di Massa serves mostly ferries and Beverello is where you’ll catch the hydrofoils! By ferry, the trip to Ischia will take about an hour and 40 minutes, and by hydrofoil, the trip duration is just an hour. It should be noted that Hydrofoil tickets typically cost a few more Euros than ferry tickets!
If you want to travel from Capri to Ischia, the journey takes between 50 minutes to an hour and 25 minutes. And to get from Procida to Ischia, the ferry takes about 25 minutes and the hydrofoil takes just 15 minutes!
Ferries and hydrofoils leave daily in the peak summer season (May – September).
When is the Best Time to Visit Ischia?
Like most of the Amalfi Coast, the most popular time to visit Ischia is during the summer months. Peak season is considered May / June through September. While it may be more crowded during these months, Ischia is generally less busy than places like Capri, Positano or Amalfi. Also, visiting during the summer months means that all of the shops, restaurants and other businesses will be open.
The weather in Ischia during the summer can be quite warm with temperatures reaching the high 80s. But, this is definitely the best time to hit the beach clubs and enjoy the warm waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea!
Visiting in the off-season will offer cooler temperatures, lower hotel prices and less crowds. And because Ischia is also a residential island, there are restaurants and businesses that stay open all year.
Personally, I think visiting the Amalfi Coast in the summer months and enjoying the beautiful beaches and swimming in the sea is the best!
Ischia 1 Day Itinerary: How to Spend One Luxurious Day in Ischia
There are tons of things to do in Ischia, it would be easy to spend a wonderful weekend exploring the island. But if you just have one day to visit Ischia, here is exactly how to spend one perfect and luxurious day in Ischia!
Beach Club at Giardino Eden
Giardino Eden is a hotel, restaurant and beach club all in one. Perched on a beautiful, rocky section of the coastline, this beach club is idyllic and the perfect place to enjoy a day on Ischia.
Enjoy lunch at the delicious restaurant that serves regional specialties and fresh seafood dishes like sea urchin and octopus.
Then, spend the rest of the afternoon soaking in the sun on the loungers with a view of Ichia’s Castello Aragonese, a medieval castle set on an islet off the coast. Or take a dip in one of Giardino Eden’s four pools, several of which are filled with the island’s geothermal waters!
Dinner at Dani Maison
Did you know that Ischia was home to a two star Michelin restaurant? After your relaxing day at one of Ischia’s best beach clubs, treat yourself to some fine dining gastronomy!
Dani Maison serves elevated Italian cuisine with a fun flair; the food is exceptional and each of the many courses aims to surprise and delight guests.
→ Read Next: Dining at Dani Maison
If you’re looking for a more low key dinner, you can’t miss dining at Trattoria Il Focolare. Set on a hilltop, this authentic trattoria is family-run and the owners couldn’t be more welcoming to guests! Plus, the food is delicious with traditional specialties like coniglio all’Ischitana which is a typical local rabbit dish served with tomatoes, garlic and herbs.
Where to Stay in Ischia
Ischia has a number of hotels that cater to every type of travel from luxury to budget. Here are some of the top hotels in Ischia, Italy:
- Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa (Luxury)
- Regina Isabella-Resort Spa Restaurant (Luxury)
- Botania Relais & Spa (Luxury)
- Grand Hotel Il Moresco (Mid-range)
- Le Querce Resort Sea Thermae & Spa (Mid-range)
- Hotel Nettuno (Budget)
Leave a Reply