What to see in Ischia in 2 days: itinerary through spas, villages and coastal trails

Why visit Ischia in 2 days

Ischia is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples, yet it lives in the shadow of nearby Capri despite offering far more: ancient natural spas, a castle on a volcanic islet, colourful villages and trails through chestnut forests leading to breathtaking views. Two days let you discover the authentic soul of the green island, away from the crowds.

Day 1: Ischia Ponte, the Castle and the eastern coast

Morning (3-4 hours)

Once you disembark at the port of Ischia, head straight to Ischia Ponte, the island's most charming village. Cross the 220-metre stone bridge leading to the Aragonese Castle, a fortress on a volcanic islet inhabited since 474 BC. The visit takes at least 1.5 hours: ride the lift carved into the rock then walk down through churches, hanging gardens and terraces overlooking the entire gulf.

Stroll through Ischia Ponte: 30 minutes
Aragonese Castle: 1.5 hours
Cathedral of the Assunta and Michelangelo Tower: 30 minutes

Hidden gem: beneath the Castle, the small Fishermen's Beach is reached by a hidden stairway between the houses. Very few tourists know about it.

Afternoon (3 hours)

Take bus line 5 or rent a scooter towards Sant'Angelo, the island's most picturesque village. This fishing hamlet is closed to traffic: colourful houses climb the hill around a tiny seaside square. From here descend to Maronti Beach, the longest on the island (3 km), where volcanic fumaroles heat the sand.

Hidden gem: at the far end of Maronti, the Bay of Sorgeto offers free natural thermal pools set among the rocks, reached by a staircase of 200 steps. Hot volcanic water mixes with the cold sea, creating pools at different temperatures.

Evening

Dine in Sant'Angelo at one of the restaurants on the little harbour. Try coniglio all'ischitana, the island's signature dish prepared with cherry tomatoes and local herbs. The sunset from the promontory is unforgettable.

Day 2: Monte Epomeo and the western coast

Morning (3-4 hours)

Devote the morning to climbing Monte Epomeo (789 metres), the highest point on the island. From Fontana (reachable by bus), the trail rises through chestnut woods and vineyards for about 1 hour. At the summit, the view embraces the entire Gulf of Naples, Capri, Procida and the Amalfi Coast. The hermitage of San Nicola, carved into green tuff, is a mystical stop.

Tip: start early to avoid the heat. Bring water and light hiking shoes.

Ascent from Fontana to the summit: 1 hour
Summit stop and hermitage: 45 minutes
Descent: 45 minutes

Afternoon (3 hours)

Head down to Forio, the liveliest town on the western coast. Visit the Church of the Soccorso, a white jewel perched over the sea with a majolica-tiled churchyard that is the most photographed spot on the island. Then treat yourself to a few hours at La Mortella Gardens, created by Lady Walton in 1958: a tropical botanical paradise with over 3,000 rare species, concerts and fountains.

Hidden gem: the Bay of San Montano, north of Forio, is a crescent of fine sand sheltered from currents, ideal for families. Reach it via the pedestrian path from Lacco Ameno.

Evening

End with a sunset aperitivo on the terrace of a bar in Forio, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. For dinner, seek out a trattoria in the Forio hinterland to taste pasta with courgettes alla nerano and the local biancolella wine.

Practical tips

Ischia is reached by ferry from Naples Molo Beverello (1 hour) or Pozzuoli (40 minutes). On the island, use public buses (daily pass 7 euro) or rent a scooter. Spas are everywhere: the Poseidon Gardens are the most famous but also the priciest. For a free experience, choose Sorgeto.