Ischia has long been a wellness destination thanks to its mineral-rich hot springs. Here’s how to experience them for yourself.

At the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, some 20 miles north of Capri, Ischia is a quiet island known for its stunning beaches and ancient history. It’s also one of the top wellness destinations in Italy. The reason lies in its unique geology, which has decorated the island with natural hot springs and mineral pools that have been considered the secret to long life for thousands of years. 

Like much of southwestern Italy, Ischia was formed from volcanic rock, built up around eruptions of the main peak, Monte Epomeo. The region is one of only two places in the world where that volcanic rock is green tuff, an especially absorbent material. As water runs up from the deepest layers of mineral-rich rock below the sea, it collects nutrients which are then held in that green tuff and heated by underground volcanic activity.  

The result? An almost otherworldly collection of bubbling hot springs, beaches hot enough to cook on the sand, and mud believed to reduce inflammation and reverse the aging process. The waters here are rich in health-boosting minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iodine, and soaking in them can relieve muscle and joint pain, lower blood pressure, and benefit your skin. 

Thermal spas are a favorite all over Italy, but Ischia’s special geography mean there’s so much more to do here than simply soak. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this magical island:  

Negombo 

For the classic Italian thermal spa experience, you can’t top this beautiful complex, where the waters are surrounded by lush gardens leading down to a private beach. There are 14 different pools and grottoes here, from a stone-lined path that takes you through alternating hot and cold waters to a salt-water pool with powerful jets, swimming pools, and picturesque caverns for soaking in peace. Your entry fee provides access to all the water features and the ability to add on personalized treatments like massages and mud wraps in the spa. This is where Giada goes when she visits Ischia.  

Baia di Sorgeto  

To experience the raw power of Ischia’s thermal landscape without the spa setting, visit this public beach where the ocean water is naturally heated to hot springs-level temperatures. Not far from the town of Panza, locals flock to this cliff-lined cove to bathe in a more lively atmosphere. Water taxis can take you here from other parts of the island, or you can walk down a steep flight of stairs from the roadway above to access the water.  

Photo Credit: Fonte delle Ninfe Nitrodi

Fonte delle Ninfe Nitrodi

For those who prefer hiking to pampering, this beautiful park offers mineral water showers and pools set within terraced green parklands, so you can get your soak while connecting with nature. It’s the oldest known spa in the world, and was popular with the Ancient Greeks who colonized the island before Rome. Linger under an invigorating outdoor shower, then stroll along the aromatherapy trail lined with gorgeously scented wild rosemary, sage, lavender, and thyme. Lie on an umbrella-shaded lounger and listen to the breeze in the trees, just as visitors have done here for thousands of years.

Le Fumarole dei Maronti  

Known as the “smoking beach,” this stretch of beach on the island’s southern coast sees super-heated volcanic gas bubble up from underground, making the sand extremely hot and dry. You’ll see mysterious clouds of steam rising from the sand, which can reach temperatures of around 100 degrees! People come here to take a “sand bath,” encasing their bodies in the hot sand to relieve arthritis and joint pain, and even cook food directly in the sand.