Giada's Guide to Ischia
An idyllic paradise about an hour from Naples, the island of Ischia has been a Mediterranean escape for centuries. With sandy beaches and quaint fishing towns, Ischia is a favorite vacation spot among Italians and has remained largely undiscovered by tourists, giving the island a local feel.
Originally colonized by the Greeks in the 8th century BCE (they brought some of the first grape vines to Italy!) and later overtaken by the Romans, Byzantines, and Neapolitans, among many others, Ischia has a rich ancient history that is best experienced with a visit to Castello Aragonese, one of the island’s most famous landmarks.
But Ischia is not just another picturesque island; it’s been revered by Italians for centuries as a wellness destination for rejuvenation and relaxation. Nicknamed “the green island” for its abundant vegetation, Ischia is beloved for its natural hot springs filled with water rich in health-boosting minerals that can relieve muscle and joint pain, lower blood pressure, and benefit your skin.
Whether you’re traveling for stunning views, delicious coastal seafood, or looking to unwind at some of the most beautiful spas in the world, Ischia has it all.
Travel Tips
Ischia is a summer destination and is at its best June through September, though be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices in August, as it is a favorite holiday spot for the Ferragosto season. The shore towns are quite flat and well-equipped with sidewalks, making Ischia a good spot to visit for families and those with mobility challenges. Most beaches are sandy, but water shoes can come in handy for the few rocky ones.
Ischia has six towns (Ischia Porto, Casamicciola Terme, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Serrara Fontana, and Barano), each with unique restaurants, beaches, and thermal spas to explore. The island is larger than many visitors anticipate (much larger than nearby Capri, for example), so it’s best to map out your travel plan ahead of time to make the most of each day and reduce travel time.
Getting Around
The closest airport to Ischia is Naples (NAP), which is served from most European cities. From Naples, take a one-hour ferry ride from Naples Beverello or Naples Calata Porta di Massa to Ischia Porto, Casamicciola Terme, or Forio.
Once you’re on the island, we recommend staying in the centrally located towns of Lacco Ameno or Ischia Porto. For transportation around the island, a taxi is the easiest option, but Ischia also has several bus lines that run every 15-20 minutes and make multiple stops between towns. Tickets can be purchased in any tabacchi (cigarette shop) or you can buy your ticket on board the bus, though at a higher cost. Some hotels also offer a shuttle service to the island’s main sights.
Eat
Boccia Alimentari Aragonese 1938 $
To live like a local and do some cooking during your stay, this small grocery store near Castello Aragonese is the best place to shop for fresh produce. It’s famous around the island for its homemade bread, which many restaurants buy to use for their bruschetta and panini. Swing by the shop for a mortadella sandwich (or the supplies to make your own), but be sure to visit in the morning, as the bread sells out quickly!
Bar Pasticceria Trani $
For a sweet treat after a visit to the Castello Aragonese, head to Trani. Located on a side street by the Castello’s bridge, this small cafe is famous for its incredible cakes, Neapolitan pastries, and, of course, gelato. No matter the dessert you indulge in, the warm, vibrant, authentically Italian environment feels like a true taste of la dolce vita.
Gelateria Gasparotto $
This gelateria in the heart of Lacco Ameno is a favorite among locals, and you’ll often see people lined up outside starting in the late afternoon. Staying true to their motto of creating “ice cream for everyone,” the artisanal gelateria makes clean, thickener-free gelato with gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan options using local Ischian produce in flavors like apricot and lemon and basil.
Bar Ristorante Emanuela $$
After exploring Sant’Angelo, head to this casual restaurant on Le Fumarole beach for a seafood lunch. Located on top of the island’s fumaroles, natural vents in the earth that release hot volcanic gas, this beachfront gem is one of the few restaurants that cooks some of its food under the sand as locals have done for centuries. Start with the house wine and try one of the dishes cooked in the fumaroles for a unique experience.
Da Nicola $$
Photo Credit: Da Nicola
Easily accessible by water taxi, this bar on Le Fumarole beach is one of Aunt Raffy’s favorite spots. Dine on seafood classics like spaghetti alla vongole and fritto misto on a gorgeous deck right over the water. Finish your meal with their homemade limoncello, then head to the beach for a swim in Le Fumarole’s famous thermal waters.
Nonna Marì $$$
Tucked into the terraces of Botania Relais and Spa, this adorable lunch spot was modeled on owner Luigi’s mother’s kitchen. As you enjoy the stunning sea views from the terrace, sip on vino percoche (wine with peaches) and enjoy fresh mozzarella di bufala on a bed of tomatoes grown in the property’s organic gardens. If they’re on the menu, try the meatballs–the texture and flavor is so outstanding, you’ll be transported instantly to nonna’s kitchen.
Snack Bar Gino $
Locals love this casual beach bar in Casamicciola Terme for a fresh, laid-back lunch. There’s not a bad view in this small, open-air eatery, the perfect spot to refuel after a day in the Mediterranean sun. Start with fresh tomato bruschetta or prosciutto and melon and then order the Zingara, a traditional Ischian panino filled with grilled prosciutto, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. The great food is second only to the amazing hospitality shown by owner Gino and his team!
Auras $$$
This romantic little restaurant has a great view of the Castello Aragonese and highlights Ischian cuisine, showcasing local seafood in homemade pastas and raw tartares. Order the fried zucchini flowers to start (some of the best we’ve ever tried!) and follow it with one of their homemade tagliatelle dishes. The Auras team goes out of their way to make the dining experience truly memorable, from the attentive service and elegant decor to owner Paolo’s handwritten notes on his favorite dishes.
Daní Maison $$$$
Photo Credit: Daní Maison
Make your way through the whimsical garden oasis of Ischia’s only two-Michelin-star restaurant to reach the intimate, 4-table dining room where elegance, innovation, and sophistication are on the menu. Every dish on chef Nino di Costanzo’s innovative tasting menu is a work of culinary art, drawing on Ischia’s raw ingredients for inspiration.
Giardino Eden $$$$
Just south of the Castello Aragonese, this seaside restaurant delivers a luxury dining experience that will entice all of your senses. Watch the sunset over the Castello as you enjoy unique twists on fresh seafood and pastas and sip local wines. The mussels and homemade saffron gnocchi sprinkled with taralli bread crumbs were some of Giada’s favorite dishes on the entire island.
Indaco $$$$
Photo Credit: Indaco
Located inside the Regina Isabella hotel, this Michelin-starred restaurant has a romantic dining room right on the water. Through the seafood-focused testing menu, Ischian-born chef Pasquale Palamaro strives to tell the story of Ischia’s sailors and fishermen using fresh ingredients grown in the on-site garden. If you’re not ready to commit to a full tasting menu, any of the dishes can be ordered a la carte.
La Bella Napoli $$
Located in a lively piazza off of the water in Forio, this relaxed local spot serves up a variety of Neapolitan-style pizzas and seafood supplied by local fishermen. We recommend starting with one of their seafood appetizers, like the grilled octopus, followed by any of the pizzas. The perfectly chewy crust is so flavorful, you won’t believe you’re not in Naples. Be sure to make a reservation, as this is a popular spot in the summertime!
La Cantina Torre di Mezzo $$
For an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views, visit this farm-to-table restaurant run by a husband-and-wife team high on Mount Epomeo. The menu changes daily to offer whatever’s fresh from their garden (Giada adored the zucchini frittata), but you can expect to see some classics like local salumi, bruschetta, and the island’s famous slow-roasted rabbit served with bucatini in tomato sauce. If you’ve still got room for dessert, the zeppole are a must. Pro tip: Reserve a taxi both to take you there and pick you up at the end of the night!
Ristorante Dortas $$$
This “zero km” pizzeria in Ischia Porto serves some of the best Neapolitan-style pizza on the island in a sleek and modern atmosphere. Order a classic margarita pizza with buffalo mozzarella or try the topping-packed capricciosa, named for those who can’t make up their minds! Regardless of your topping choice, you’ll love the perfectly chewy, thin crust topped with fresh, local ingredients.
Taverna Antonio $$
You’ll be instantly drawn in by the sophisticated, nautical decor of this upbeat restaurant on the harbor in Ischia Porto. Everything on the menu is excellent, from bruschetta topped with local produce to innovative seafood dishes and homemade desserts. Giada loved their tomato bruschetta, watermelon salad, and classic Zingara so much that she had to make her own!
Trattoria Il Focolare $$
Family-owned Il Focolare is one of the best places to try Coniglio all’Ischitana (Ischian-style rabbit), a rustic peasant dish that’s one of the island’s most iconic. Dining here is more than just a meal—the staff welcomes you in like family, providing aperitivo in their garden, bringing you their favorite dishes in the rustic dining room, and inviting you into the kitchen and ancient cellar to learn about their family history. You’ll have to call ahead to reserve the rabbit, as it's slow-cooked all day and the restaurant only prepares as much as they’ll need.
Do
Aperol Spritz Truck
For the perfect sunset, head to Piazzale del Soccorso near Chiesa del Soccorso in Forio and grab a drink from the Aperol Spritz truck. The truck offers a few different types of spritzes as well as snacks that you can enjoy while lounging in the Aperol-orange bean bag chairs scattered throughout the piazza. Take a picture with the “#loveForio” sign and sit back and relax as you take in the lively atmosphere, music, and incredible sea views.
Castello Aragonese
Step into the past as you walk through the stunning terraces of this open-air, historical exhibition. Originally an ancient Greek fortress built in 474 BCE, the castle’s form and function has evolved over the centuries, with churches, homes, and shops added as the island’s population increased. Today, the transformation of the Castello continues, with the addition of two cafes, an art gallery, and a small hotel. As you climb up and make your way through 24 different checkpoints, you’ll be rewarded with the best views on all of Ischia.
Explore Sant’Angelo
Once an ancient fishing village, this picturesque town is filled with quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants housed in white-washed buildings with pastel detailing. Explore the nooks and crannies of Sant'Angelo’s charming alleyways with breathtaking views of the sea around every corner. Nearby, you’ll find Le Fumarole and Maronti beaches, as well as three different thermal parks.
Fonte delle Ninfe Nitrodi
Photo Credit: Fonte delle Ninfe Nitrodi
For those who prefer connecting with nature to soaking in pools, this beautiful park offers the island’s famous healing mineral water in showers set within terraced green parklands. It’s the oldest known spa in the world, and was popular with the Ancient Greeks who colonized the island before Rome. Reserve an umbrella-shaded lounger and listen to the breeze in the trees, then stroll along the aromatherapy trail lined with gorgeously scented wild rosemary, sage, lavender, and thyme.
Giosymar Boat Charter
Giada’s favorite way to see the Italian islands is always by boat. For private boat rentals and charters on Ischia, look no further than Giosymar. Offering both full-day and half-day tours of Ischia and the Amalfi Coast, the staff at Giosymar provides exceptional service that will make you feel like Italian royalty. Each rental includes a knowledgeable skipper, cooler packed with wine and soft drinks, snacks, and swimming supplies like snorkels and floats. Admire the stunning cliffs of the “green island” from the water, stopping along the way to swim in the Mediterranean’s crystalline water.
Hike Monte Epomeo
Ischia’s lush landscape is thanks to the island’s central volcano, Monte Epomeo. Hiking the mountain, Ischia’s highest point, rewards you with breathtaking views of the lush greenery, terraced vineyards, and oceanside cliffs. To reach the summit, start in the small village of Fontana and follow the signs to the path. The trail to the top is about two miles long, with restaurants along the way. The entire hike takes about 2-3 hours from start to finish, including some fairly steep sections.
Mezzatorre Spa
Photo Credit: Mezzatorre Spa
The thermal spa at this 5-star hotel is one of the nicest on the island. Giada loves going there to relax in their thermal pools and saunas. Try one of their famous mud treatments or peruse their extensive beauty brochure for a plethora of other facial and body treatments. While the spa is open to all hotel guests, outside visitors can purchase a day pass for 150 euros, which includes access to both the spa and the hotel’s private beach.
Negombo
Due to the healing properties of the mineral-rich hot springs all over the island, a thermal spa experience is a must on Ischia. Giada and Aunt Raffy agree that Negombo is one of the best, with lush gardens surrounding the various pools and 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 saltwater 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.
San Montano Beach
This large beach in Lacco Ameno offers both paid beach clubs as well as a large spiaggia libera (free beach). It’s one of the nicest sandy beaches on the island and is surrounded by cliffs and Mediterranean shrubs, making it feel magically secluded. The easy-to-access amenities, including a cafeteria and public bathrooms and showers, as well as the warm, shallow water, make it a perfect choice for families traveling with kids.
Tommasone Vineyards
Did you know that Ischia is home to some of the oldest winemaking in Italy? At this picturesque, fourth-generation vineyard in Lacco Ameno, you’ll taste a piece of history. After a tour of the 250-year-old cellar and a walk through the gorgeous terraced vineyards, you’ll make your way to the tasting room, an open-air gazebo with views of the sea. Don’t plan to eat right before or after your visit—the vineyard provides a plethora of incredible antipasti alongside your wine tasting that will leave you stuffed!
Visit Lacco Ameno
One of Ischia’s six municipalities, Lacco Ameno lies between Ischia Porto and Forio, making it a great base for your visit. With beaches, adorable shops, gelaterias, and bustling restaurants, it’s the perfect place to experience a slice of local life. Walk along Corso Angelo Rizzoli and take in the vibrant energy and coastal views, including the fungo rock, affectionately named for its mushroom-like shape.
Stay
Botania Relais and Spa $$$$
This idyllic 5-star resort in the hills of Lacco Ameno is a slice of tranquil paradise. Entering the property feels like walking into a private oasis with beautifully outfitted rooms in white stone villas that are connected by three outdoor pools, a thermal spa, gardens, and grassy terraces. The resort is only a five-minute walk from San Montano beach and has breathtaking views of Monte Epomeo. A stay here includes a phenomenal breakfast buffet on the terrace, shuttle service to Lacco Ameno and Forio, complimentary outdoor yoga, and the most helpful concierge team.
Hotel La Reginella $$$
Photo Credit: Hotel La Reginella
For a more casual city stay in the heart of Lacco Ameno, La Reginella provides a taste of local Ischian life. The 4-star resort offers guests a variety of amenities, from a thermal spa with seven indoor and outdoor pools to an outdoor breakfast in a gorgeous piazza. Each room is outfitted with colorful ceramic-tile floors and balconies for an elegant island feel. The hotel is within walking distance of downtown Lacco Ameno, as well as multiple beaches, making it a great home base from which to explore all of Ischia.
Le Querce Resort $$$
Photo Credit: Le Querce Resort
For a convenient stay near the ferry in Ischia Porto, check out this 4-star hotel with a terrace overlooking the nearby island of Procida and the iconic Castello Aragonese. Many of the rooms offer incredible sea views and are elegantly furnished with ceramic tiles from the Amalfi Coast. Along with an excellent restaurant, the hotel offers an outdoor pool with breathtaking views of the sea and a stunning private beach.
Regina Isabella $$$$
Photo Credit: Regina Isabella
This 5-star luxury resort located right on the water in the heart of Lacco Ameno is Aunt Raffy’s go-to spot when she visits Ischia. The go-to resort for many celebrities over the years, the Regina Isabella is bursting with Mediterranean glamor. Each room has unique mid-century modern decor and offers an incredible view of the sea or tranquil garden. With three excellent restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Indaco, a thermal spa, two private beaches, and incredible concierge services (thanks, Raffaele!), you’ll never want to leave.
Get a taste of the region
Bucatini Lunghi Pasta
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- $19.00
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- $21.50
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Anchovy Filets In Tin
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- $17.00
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- $18.50
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Basil-Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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- $9.00
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- $10.50
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Small Bluefin Tuna Filets in Olive Oil
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- $30.00
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- $33.50
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Bluefin Tuna Filets in Olive Oil
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- $51.00
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- $57.00
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Pomodorino Di Corbara Whole Tomatoes
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- $16.00
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- $17.50
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Corbara Yellow Tomatoes
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- $14.00
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- $15.50
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Organic Puttanesca Sauce
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- $12.00
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- $13.50
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Capri Dolce Vita Book
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- $97.00
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- $105.00
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Fusilli Corti Pasta
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- $10.00
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- $11.50
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Colatura di Alici Mediterranean Fish Sauce
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- $24.00
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- $26.50
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Amalfi Coast Book
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- $97.00
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- $105.00
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