When my partner and I visited Sorrento years ago, we took the ferry to the island of Capri for a day trip. Capri has expensive designer shops, high end hotels etc. but I found it rather superficial. I have since been curious to check out the other islands in the Campanian Archipelago group. Ischia was the natural choice as it is the largest of the islands. It is only about one and a half hour from Naples by ferry, 50 minutes by hydrofoil. 

As the ferry drew near Ischia in late afternoon sunshine, the sea sparkled like champagne! I couldn’t wait to get off to start exploring the island. 

Whilst most tourists seem flock to the neighbouring Capri for her glamorous reputation, the genuine natural beauty that is Ischia is “hidden” in broad daylight! I think the locals want to keep it that way as most of the people that we encountered were Italians.

La Rosa B&B

It’s a matter of luck that I chose La Rosa for us to stay. It had everything we needed for a restful break in Ischia. It’s a villa in a quiet location about a brisk 35-minute walk to the ferry port. Our room was spacious and light with doors to a balcony and windows on the other side. We could see the sea and the island of Procida from the balcony!

Porto d’Ischia

Porto d’Ischia is the main port on the island. The waterfront bustled only when a ferry arrived. Other time there’re just locals, fishermen and taxi drivers stopping for a chat with one another. It’s so pleasant just to walk around it, and to feel the warmth of the sun!

Away from the main road in and out of the port, there’re charming tree-lined streets with shops and restaurants and leading to the beach

Ischia Ponte

Ischia Ponte and Porto d’Ischia are about a mile apart. It’s a slightly larger village than Porto d’Ischia and much busier. The main street is flanked by shops. Pedestrians have to hop on and off the narrow pavement to give way to 2-way traffic on the narrow street!

Castello Aragonese 

At the far end of Ischia Ponte the majestic Castello Aragonese looms large at a distance on a small, rocky island. It’s unmissable as the causeway bridge leading to the castle is in the middle of Ischia Ponte!

I was looking forward to spending an afternoon at the castle. Unfortunately it was closed for the winter until 7 March 2025 – the day of our departure from the island! I had to contend myself with marvelling at its grandeur at a distance and taking copious photos from every possible angle!

More about Ischia

To explore the other parts of the island we engaged a taxi for a morning tour around Ischia. The driver Pippo showed us all the sights we wouldn’t have been able to see without a car. He spoke good English and was very proud of his island which is clean with no litter or graffiti. There’s little sign of deprivation as most of the dwellings seem to be villas.

Around Ischia tour

First we were taken to the far north-eastern point of the island for a bird’s eye view of Ischia dominated by Castello Aragonese.

Barano d’Ischia

Next stop was Barano d’Ischia, a high point overlooking the south of the island with Sant’Angelo in the background.

On our way to next stop Serrara Fontana, Pippo pointed out that this house was built on tufa rock, found throughout the island

Serrara Fontana

Another viewpoint at Serrara Fontana brought Sant’Angelo closer to view.

Sant’Angelo

Sant’Angelo is a little fishing village with a beautiful setting. Similar to Ischia Ponte, it is connected to a huge rock by a narrow causeway with crystal-clear water on both sides. It’s however much less crowded.

I was so pleased that we stopped for over half an hour there for a drink. There’re people relaxing and enjoying the pre-season peace and tranquility. Such idyllic surroundings and laidback vibes! I could stay there much longer!

Forio

Forio is on the western side of the island. It’s famous for its beautiful beaches and fantastic sunset. The main street through it was more packed with people than Porto d’Ischia

Chiesa del Soccerso

Chiesa del Soccorso is one of the most popular sunset spots in Ischia. Pippo also told us proudly that it was the location for a romantic comedy called Avanti! in the 70’s starring Jack Lemon

Lacco Ameno

We also stopped briefly Lacco Ameno – another viewpoint – before heading back to Porto d’Ischia.

It was then time for a lovely seafood lunch at Pane e Vino – one of the restaurants on a row of lemon yellow buildings just on the other side of the ferry port.

Ischia provided a great break for a few days away. We had brilliant and even warm weather (up to 18°C in the afternoon). The blue sky, sapphire-coloured sea, the warm sun were like balm to the soul that had been deadened by the long weeks of winter doldrums!