Ischia, off the Campania coast not far from Naples, is nicknamed “the green island”. Less well known than its sister island Capri, Ischia’s natural and historical heritage has long been recognized. A small volcanic island in the Phlegrean archipelago, over the years it has become a must-see in southern Italy, and will leave its mark on you in many ways. But where to stay in Ischia? What types of accommodation are available and how do you get there?
We’re going to show you all the interesting areas to see, which we’ve separated into 4 main zones. Whether you prefer the history of the harbor to the east, the vegetation of Forio or the spas of Casamicciola and Sant’Angelo, Ischia has something for everyone, offering you a trip cut off from the world and time for a real rejuvenation cure.
Main information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting accommodation in Ischia, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view. They should give you a better idea of the destination and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Ischia:
- $ This hotel, ideally located near the coast, has very affordable rooms,
- $$ This accommodation in Sant’Angelo features a spa and superb views of Maronti beach,
- $$$ This luxury establishment is perfectly located and offers a wide range of services.
Map of where to stay in Ischia
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Ischia, you’ll find on the map below all the Ischia accommodation recommendations we’re going to share in this guide. You can also use it to locate the different areas we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Ischia
Where to stay in Ischia and surroundings
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Ischia.
Casamicciola: accommodation near the thermal baths
Ischia, like the rest of the Phlegrean islands, grew out of a volcano which today can only be seen from Mount Epomeo, 788m high. From the village of Fontana, you can hike up the now extinct volcano. You'll have a panoramic view of Ischia and the Gulf of Naples. In fact, it's thanks to the presence of these volcanic soils and the groundwater linked to underground activity that Ischia is renowned for its thermal heritage, one of the richest in the world! The best place to stay is Casamicciola Terme, on the northern flank of the island, where you can take advantage of the omnipresent thermal baths.
The virtues of Ischia's thermal waters are recognized as relaxing and therapeutic, thanks to their content of saline, alkaline and sulfurous elements. Most of the accommodations in this northern part of the island offer spa-related services and numerous pools of natural water, ensuring a relaxing and health-promoting stay. Facing the Tyrrhenian Sea from its northern flank, there are plenty of hotels to choose from, both along the coast and more secluded in Ischia's green landscape. All prices are possible, which is an undeniable advantage if you want to travel on a budget while taking advantage of this district's advantageous location.
You'll be able to discover :
- o Vagnitiello - Parco Balneare Idroterapico : a large spa complex where you can take full advantage of the natural springs.
- Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae (Pithecusae Archaeological Museum ): A true reconstruction of ancient and Roman history, with a wealth of archaeological artefacts.
- Spiaggia di San Montano: A small beach nestling between the north-western cliffs, where you can rent deckchairs.
To help you choose where to stay in this northern part of Ischia, we have selected the finest hotels where to stay to offer you the best travel experience on the Italian island.
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Close to the coast, this charming, affordable hotel offers tastefully decorated accommodation. Restaurant and terrace with breathtaking sea views. Indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi offering excellent value for money.
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A charming establishment with an outdoor swimming pool, where you can stay in rooms with a balcony or terrace overlooking the sea. Jacuzzi available on your terrace. Shuttle service to town available.
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Panoramic views of Ischia and the Gulf of Naples, a private beach, a thermal pool and a sunny terrace with trees await you at this establishment, where you can stay in classically decorated rooms. Balcony available.
Stay in the peaceful port of Sant'Angelo
To the south, you'll find the small coastal village of Sant'Angelo. With a landscape of colorful houses and whitewashed facades surrounded by turquoise waters and white rock from which to bask in the sun, the fishing village of Sant'Angelo is like something out of a movie, and enjoys a tranquil atmosphere as it is still preserved from massive tourism. It's also worth noting that car traffic is not allowed on this southern islet, which protects it from any noise pollution.
As you will have gathered, the presence of natural thermal baths is a major tourist attraction. Numerous luxury hotels where to stay occupy this part of Ischia, to satisfy a clientele ever more eager to enjoy the best treatments this Italian region has to offer. We've put together a selection of the most interesting establishments to consider if you want to stay in this southern part of Ischia.
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Located 500m from the beach, this guest house offers accommodation in classic, functional rooms. Enjoy breakfast in the garden or on the sunny terrace. Hammocks allow you to relax in the sun.
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This spa hotel offers breathtaking views of Maronti beach from the pedestrian street of Sant'Angelo. Guests can stay in rooms decorated in the colors of the Marina. Outdoor thermal pool and sun terrace.
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A renowned hotel in Sant'Angelo, this spa hotel offers several outdoor thermal pools with incredible views over the bay. The areas are planted with lush vegetation, and the rooms allow you to stay in a haven of peace.
Staying at Ischia Porto: to the east
Arriving via Ischia's largest port to the east, you'll discover the town and its center. The municipality known as Ischia Porto acts as a modern capital, offering a myriad of restaurants, typical bars and picturesque spots just waiting for your arrival. The Marina remains reasonably sized, guaranteeing a pleasant and still authentic experience of visiting the Phlegrean island. Just along the coast to the south-east, you'll find beaches such as San Pietro and dei Pescatori, translated as "fishermen's". For Ischia was first and foremost a fishing village.
Take a stroll along the charming coastal lanes and you'll arrive at the Ischia Ponte, which refers to the promontory of the Aragonese Castle linked by a bank of land to the rest of Ischia. Established in the 15th century, this unmissable building is perched on a steep islet, giving it a strategic island position in times of pirate invasion. The citadel contains a prison, a dungeon and several churches, which were once a refuge for thousands of families. The view across the volcanic island and its colorful villages is breathtaking, and a precious souvenir of your visit to the Campanian archipelago.
In this part of the island, you'll find a wide range of hotel accommodation at a variety of prices, so you can find exactly the right one to suit your budget. Here's our selection to save you time.
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With its view of the Aragonese castle, you'll love this very affordable hotel that lets you stay in rooms decorated in natural wood and classic style. The rooms offer panoramic views of Ischia Ponte, and the restaurant is well worth a visit.
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Set in a beautiful Mediterranean building, this hotel close to the historic center offers thermal pools and top-quality spa services. You can stay in classically decorated rooms overlooking the castle or the wooded grounds. Sun terrace.
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An excellent hotel with breathtaking views over the bay of the Gulf of Naples and the island's castle. You'll also have access to 3 pools, including one with thermal water, for an invigorating stay. You can stay in classically decorated rooms of the highest quality.
Staying near Forio: to the west
Forio is the municipality that stretches from the north-western part of Giardini La Mortella to the south-western edge of Sant'Angelo. It's here that you'll understand the meaning behind Ischia's nickname of"green island". The island has been home to many artists and poets for decades, including Goethe, who wrote one of his most beautiful poems for Ischia, and earned its name from the profusion of luxuriant vegetation that makes it so attractive.
This beautiful private garden is home to tropical and Mediterranean plants over more than 2 hectares. Panoramic views of the bay can be enjoyed from the upper gardens. A Greek theater overlooking the sea and a museum also await you for occasional musical events and tributes.
Most of the accommodation you'll find will be concentrated in the small municipality of Forio, which also boasts an old town and numerous points of interest:
- Forio market: Every Thursday, the meeting place of Ischia's capital
- Caffè internazionale Bar Maria: a 50s institution that brought together great artists and is now a historic landmark. Recommended for a drink.
- Chiesa del Soccorso: Greek-Byzantine in style, the church stands on the Forio promontory and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
- Sorgeto thermal waters: A natural cove featuring a thermal park where warm waters meet cold marine waters.
We've selected the best places to stay for a unique Forio experience.
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Situated on the seafront, you'll enjoy staying at this establishment featuring a rooftop Jacuzzi and tastefully decorated spaces in traditional Italian style. An indoor pool and hearty breakfast await you for a perfect stay.
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With an incredible view of the sea, you'll love staying at this establishment, which boasts a huge outdoor swimming pool planted with trees, where numerous deckchairs await you, as well as a restaurant. The center of town can be reached in 15 minutes by shuttle bus.
Summary
So you know all about Ischia and everything there is to discover! It’s an Italian island we can only recommend if you love authenticity and relaxing calm. It’s worth noting, however, that Ischia is already a popular destination for Italians, so you’ll need to book your accommodation well in advance.
The Green Isle offers hotels mainly in the sectors we’ve selected, and you’ll have the added advantage of being able to find all ranges of hotels. However, it’s best to take advantage of the thermal baths in your accommodation, or to be close to the numerous public spas in Casamicciola and along the west coast. Don’t hesitate to choose accommodation where to stay with a sea view, which will enhance your experience and make your stay unforgettable