Guide of Ischia

Ischia is a volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples, Italy. You just take a short ferry from Naples Beverello to reach the island and they run all day from 8am-8pm. Ischia is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples and somewhat of an antidote to flashy and expensive Capri. Ischia embodies all the charms of southern Italy along with crystal clear thermal waters, breathtaking landscapes and brilliant places to eat.

A brief history of Ischia

In 700 BC the Greeks wanted to establish trade with the Etruscans on the mainland and they discovered Ischia. Then the Romans seized Ischia and Naples in 322 BC and the island was passed around amongst the  Byzantines and the Angevins until we skip forward to the 16th century when the island was under constant attack from pirates. Then, in March 1734 Ischia was taken by the Bourbons and administered by a royal governor seated within the castle. The population on the island has increased significantly over the decades, in 1936 Ischia had 30,418 inhabitants, today it is over double the size and is also home to a large population of German people.

Things to do in Ischia

Firstly, be sure to visit the Aragonese Castle, which stands guard on a rocky island, it is connected to Ischia by a strip of sand. Then why not visit the Giardini la Mortella, an enchanting garden full of colours and scents, that was made public in 1900. It was originally built by the English composer William Walton and a small museum about his life and works is located in one part of the garden complex.   Another amazing garden and home is the Giardini Ravino Villa, which has a botanical garden that has been a 50-year project by owner, Captain Giuseppe D'Ambra. It has one of the richest collections of cacti cultivated outdoors in Europe and the attached villa was awarded for being the most eco-friendly property in Southern Italy.

Beaches around Ischia

Maronti Beach, in the south of the island, is where the famous Cavascura Natural Springs and caves are located.  It is positioned a short distance from Sant’Angelo and the views over the town are amazing from here. If you need to stay close to the port, then try the fisherman’s beach, or the Spiaggia dei Pescatori, which is next to the port and is perfectly good for a dip. Pagoda Beach is also close by, it is only small but has beautiful golden sands, it also provides an escape from the summer crowds. Citara Beach is a bit bigger and near Forio town, it comes fully equipped with all the services you could need, from sunbeds to restaurants - this beach has it all! It is surrounded by low cliffs that are covered with vegetation and is a great place to have an early evening aperitivo.