The Italian island of Ischia is famed for its thermal spas, beautiful gardens and for being an antidote to nearby Capri’s glitz and glamour.
Ischia has been in Capri‘s shadow but according to travel experts, the volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples is increasingly on the tourism radar.
Travel website Issimo hails the island as a “legendary wellness destination” which is a little bit rough around the edges.
Michele Sambaldi, president of the Ischia is More campaign to promote the island, has said previously that the destination offers “an incredible amount of culture and richness”. He added: “With Ischia, it’s a matter of beauty and love.”
Islanders have been keen to promote Ischia’s year-round appeal, hailing its mountain trails, vineyards, archaeological sites and pretty villages.
Ischia Insider describes the island’s Aragonese Castle as its “blockbuster sight”. Found in the oldest fishing village on Ischia, the castle dates back to the 5th century BC, with highlights including the Putridarium, a cemetery for nuns who lived in the castle in the 16th century.
Minutes away from Aragonese Castle is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, described by Ischia Insider as a “monumental” Baroque church, which the same publication suggests is another top attraction.
Beach lovers can choose from the Bay of San Montano and the Bay of Citara, identified as two of the most beautiful and most popular beaches in Ischia.
Boasting golden sand and calm waters, the beaches are also home to two of the island’s biggest thermal spas, Negombo and Poseidon Gardens.
A more family-friendly alternative is Chiaia Beach in Forio, which offers shallow waters and easy access to the town centre.
Food-wise, The Infatuation online travel guide recommends Taverna Antonio for traditional desserts such as homemade gnocchi with mussels; busy Bar Gino which is a “reliable spot” for Caprese salad and Ristorante da Emiddio, a family-run restaurant where seafood pasta dishes are “stars of the menu”.
The most booked hotels in Ischia in the past month according to Booking.com are Hotel Continental Ischia, Hotel Parco Delle Agavi, Parco dei Principi Resort & Spa and Il Gattopardo Hotel in Forio.
EasyJet, British Airways, American Airlines, Ryanair, TUI, Jet2, Wizz Air Malta and Ryanair all fly directly to Naples International.
The average flight time is two hours and 55 minutes, with the best price found by Skyscanner for a return flight at £31. This is subject to change and availability.
It’s about two hours from the airport to Ischia by road and ferry.