Holidays to Ischia

What more could you want in a holiday destination than stunning natural surroundings, a great range of historical landmarks and world-class attractions? After a day spent exploring the breathtaking landscape, lounging on the beach or swimming in the warm waters, you can relax and unwind at one of Ischia’s many natural spas. Both tourists and visitors have made the most of the healing earth of Ischia for thousands of years, since the days of the ancient Roman Empire. Some of the most popular attractions of Ischia include the spas at Negombo or Poseidon Gardens, where you can enjoy a soak in a mineral rich thermal pool and benefit from the healing qualities of Mount Epemeo’s renowned volcanic mud. If you prefer a glass of bubbly to bubbling hot springs, let loose with a relaxing night out at one of Ischia’s nightlife venues. Ischia has a renowned heritage in wine making, extending back thousands of years. The vineyards here are rustically beautiful and a sight to behold on tasting tours, while many still produce some of Europe’s most sought after wines, ideal for sipping as you people watch from the terrace of a local bar.

Ischia is located off the coast of Naples, close to the more famous island of Capri. While it’s not as well known as other island resorts, Ischia is a beach lover’s paradise and is particularly suited to those who prefer a truly tranquil time at the beach. Baia di Sorgeto is an unusual beach with a compact stretch of sand and large rocks that you can stretch out on to sunbathe, as well as a number of thermal pools. You’ll also find the island’s famous healing mud, or fango, here, which you can slather over your skin to clear up acne, smooth out wrinkles and give you skin a glow that will have everyone commenting how well you look when you get back from your holiday. San Francesco Beach is located in Forio, an area that has Arab elements in its heritage and scenic architecture. The beach is idyllic, the landscape dotted with domed buildings and views of the lush green mountainside. Another good bet for beaches in Ischia is Cartaromana, the proud owner of the best views of the island. Again, there are thermal waters here which mean you can swim all year round, while the warm waters are ideal for treating muscle aches and joint problems.

If you love the fresh food movement, you’ll love Ischia, as the food here revolves around locally produced ingredients, and natural produce obtained from the nearby sea and mountain regions. You’ll find a good deal of fresh meat served in the local restaurants, including delicious wild rabbit, an island speciality. Rabbit is traditionally cooked with garlic, tomatoes and wine in terracotta pots for a rustic taste. Snails taste a lot better than they sound and are cooked here with wild grasses, both as a starter and a main dish with salad, onions, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. As you’d expect from an island nestled amongst abundant waters, fresh fish is one of the most popular dishes here, with some of the most popular dishes being calamari, sea urchin and langoustine. The volcanic soil is renowned for its fertility, so expect your palate to be tantalised by strong-tasting, fresh vegetables with almost every meal. While you’re here, don’t miss out on the local bread, which is often sweetened with beeswax, flowers and fruits. 

A holiday in Ischia is great for an active nightlife scene, whether that means relaxed evenings out, dancing through the night or dining out with your significant other. The balmy evenings are the ideal venue for lounging on café terraces and people watching, while you’re never far from several nightlife hubs at the nearby cities if you prefer a more upbeat nightlife scene. In Ischia itself, the nightlife tends to be more sedate, with the harbour acting as the backdrop to most of the nightlife. Both tourists and locals gather here to eat, drink and socialise at the many cafés, restaurants and bars. Most of the restaurants and bars make use of the year round pleasant weather with outdoor beer gardens and seating areas, with some integrating the beach, so you can watch the sunset as you enjoy your drink. The food and drink venues in Ischia are careful to provide snacks and ice cream to keep you refreshed in the summer months, and there’s even live classical and jazz concerts held here between April and November at the gardens of Villa La Mortella.

If you’re planning a family holiday in Ischia, you’ll be happy to discover that there’s a wide range of family friendly attractions to keep the whole family entertained during your vacation. One of the main draws of Ischia is the natural beauty and wonderful climate, meaning you’ll always be able to head outside for a game of football, a swim in the warm sea or a dip in the thermal pools on many of the island’s beaches. Adults will enjoy reading in the sun, drink in hand, while their kids splash about in the sea or comb the beach for shells. Many families choose to head to the island’s scenic pine forests, which give off an invigorating aroma that really recharges your batteries. The forests are perfect for packing a picnic and heading off on a family adventure, spotting birds and wildlife, or keeping active with a woodland bike trail. When it comes to man made attractions, the island’s main offering is the theme park Perris Park, which has a wide selection of rides for all the family and great amenities.

Ischia’s glorious weather, cooling sea breezes and idyllic beaches are ideal for coaxing you into a romantic mood. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special relationship milestone, take a break from the kids or take some quality time out together, Ischia’s stunning natural surroundings are just what you’re looking for in a romantic destination. As you explore the island’s lush green mountainsides, tantalising pine aromas and sun-drenched golden beaches encourage a state of deep relaxation and tranquillity, making you feel a million miles away from everyday stresses and worries. Ischia is an ideal choice of romantic holiday destination for couples that like to really kick back and relax on their holiday, and don’t want to visit too many attractions, preferring instead to spend their time exploring the natural surroundings of the island, and enjoying plenty of mud baths and sunbathing sessions on the beach. Parents and busy couples in particular will relish the opportunity to soothe away their aches and pains in one of the island’s many thermal pools, or take a healing dip in the Ischia mud to enhance both health and vitality, with the added benefit of ironing out wrinkles and giving the skin a lovely, healthy glow. Another main draw of Ischia for couples is the vineyards, which are ideal for visiting for wine-sampling tours that are sure to get you both in the mood for romance.

Ischia is one of those places that really gets you in the mood for heading outside and staying active, whether it’s with a hike, a bicycle ride or a game of football on the beach. The invigorating scent of pine hangs in the air as you take a trek through the winding footpaths that lead across the countryside, while you can challenge yourself to a challenging hike at one of the many fields, woods or mountains of Ischia. Thanks to the year round pleasant weather and warm climate, there’s likely to be plenty of Mediterranean sunshine during your holiday so you can head outside whenever you like. Adrenaline junkies will want to test their hiking skills with a climb up Mount Epemeo, with its 788-metre peak. If you make it all the way up the mountain you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the opportunity for some unbeatable holiday snaps.

One of the most distinctive features of Ischia is its themal springs and Ischian mud, which is known both for its cultural significance and wonderful healing benefits. The island has a rich and diverse heritage, having been colonised by some of the most iconic cultures in history including the Saracens, Romans and Greeks. Simply strolling around Ischia will give you a feel for the heritage as the landscape is dotted with historic landmarks including the Castello Aragonese and Soccorso’s Church. There are a number of ancient watchtowers lining the coast, such as Guevara Tower, one of the island’s iconic sights that is said to have welcomed Michelangelo as a guest at one point. Other excellent cultural attractions include the Pithecusae Archaeological Musuem, the Angelo Rizzolo Museum and the Luchino Visconti.