Guide to planning a trip to the wonderful Island of Ischia

Among the islands of the Gulf of Naples, there is one that seems untouched by the rush of modern life. Ischia, the largest of the Neapolitan archipelago, does not impose itself with grand monuments or the artificial bustle of organized tourism. Its charm reveals itself gradually, like a book without a back cover. Planning a trip to Ischia is not just about booking tickets: some organization is needed to make the holiday perfect.

The importance of choosing the right time to travel to Ischia

June and September usually offer a combination that’s hard to beat: mild weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices. In July and August, the island changes its skin. The beaches fill with Italian visitors, maritime traffic intensifies, and terraces can barely keep up. That doesn’t mean summer is inhospitable. It just requires a different approach: getting up early to walk without heat, booking in advance, and accepting that Ischia, during high season, turns into a livelier organism. In contrast, during spring or early autumn, the pace is different. The sea is still warm, the trails are clear, and conversations in the trattorias stretch on without interruption.

How to get there without losing your way

The usual route is from Naples, specifically from the Neapolitan port to the island’s ports: Ischia Porto, Casamicciola, and Forio. The choice depends on where accommodation has been booked, although it’s also worth considering the schedules and trip duration. There are fast ferries that can take just 1 hour. For those arriving at Capodichino airport, there is a shuttle bus service that connects directly with the Neapolitan port. And from there, everything depends on the wind and how willing one is to be carried along by the current.

Which area to choose depending on the type of traveler

The island is divided into six municipalities, each with its own character. Ischia Porto, the main hub, concentrates much of the commercial activity and maritime connections. Those seeking logistical convenience often settle here. Forio, on the western coast, offers wide beaches, theatrical sunsets, and a moderate nightlife. It is ideal for those who want to move without haste. Further north, Lacco Ameno is known for its discreet elegance and its archaeological museum. For example, in the center of Ischia you’ll find the Hotel Continental Ischia, from which you can easily reach the main points of interest. It also offers a range of relaxation services, such as a spa, thermal pools, and body care circuits, perfect for unwinding and disconnecting during the trip.

What to pack

The temptation to overpack can be counterproductive. Ischia is an island made for walking: narrow streets, steep slopes, stairs that seem endless. Proper footwear can make all the difference. Not much more is needed. A swimsuit, light clothing, a jacket for cooler evenings, and a book that can withstand the salt and sand. Cosmetic products are unnecessary: many of the island’s thermal waters have healing properties that not even the best serum could imitate.

Beyond the postcards

Once in Ischia, decisions shift in scale. It’s no longer about tickets or suitcases, but about choosing between swimming in a rocky cove or following the trail that leads to Mount Epomeo. Between diving into a natural hot spring or getting lost in the gardens of La Mortella. You can spend an entire afternoon on a terrace overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, chatting with strangers, or improvise a boat trip with no fixed destination. And then there are days when the sky suddenly changes, and the rain transforms both the landscape and the conversations. Days that don’t appear in brochures, but are etched in memory more deeply than any scheduled excursion.

Hard to say goodbye

Leaving Ischia is more than just leaving an island. There is a strange feeling as the boat pulls away from the port. A mix of lightness and confusion. As if something had been left behind, among the pine trees, the steam of the thermal baths, and the soft voices of the elderly playing cards at sunset.

Some return. Others don’t. But all, at some point, find themselves thinking back to that island and the unforgettable memories they made there. Ischia is an idyllic destination!