Ischia

Travelers visit the island of Ischia, the largest in the Gulf of Naples, to relax in the thermal spas, explore the 21 miles (34 kilometers) of coastline, hike the peak of Mt. Epomeo, and dine at its waterfront restaurants. You can tour Ischia island by sea on a boat tour that also stops at the tiny island of Procida nearby or by land on a food and wine tasting tour.

• A day trip to Ischia is perfect for a beach break or a relaxing soak in the thermal baths.

• If you join a walking tour of the island, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunblock.

• The scenery on Ischia is particularly beautiful, so it's worth packing your camera.

Ischia is located off the coast of Campania, and you can take a ferry from Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast to the island's main town of Ischia Porto in about an hour, making it an easy day trip.

Ischia can be very crowded in summer between June and September, so spring and fall—when the weather is warm but the crowds have yet to arrive—are the best times to visit.

There are a number of lovely beaches along the coast—the most famous include Sant'Angelo below Serrara Fontana, Maronti Beach near Barano d'Ischia, and Citara near Panza. The imposing 15th-century Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese) at Ischia Ponte and the English-style La Mortella Gardens in Forio are also popular attractions. Ischia is also close enough to the coast of southern Italy to offer lovely views along the coastline and over Mt. Vesuvius.

Yes, Ischia is worth visiting. Among the three islands in the Bay of Naples—Capri and Procida are the others—Ischia is the largest and usually more affordable. In addition, it has beautiful beaches, relatively fewer tourists, and is known for natural thermal springs and spa resorts.

Three days is ideal for visiting Ischia. The island is larger than Capri and has multiple towns worth visiting, from Ischia Porto and Forio along the north coast to Sant’Angelo in the south. Three days is enough to explore these towns and beaches, hiking trails, hot springs, and historical sites.

Ischia is most famous for its thermal springs, which have been popular since the days of ancient Greece—if not earlier. The island is also known for beautiful beaches, underrated hiking trails, and the Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese), which lies on an islet connected to the island via a stone bridge.

The best time to visit Ischia is from April to June and September to October. These times avoid the sweltering heat of midsummer but are often still warm enough for swimming. Visiting during Easter, Christmas, and religious festivals, such as the Festival of St. John in June, is ideal for experiencing local lifestyle.

You can take many kinds of tours in Ischia, but most focus on water sports, sampling local wines and cuisine, and visiting beaches, the Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese), and picturesque fishing villages. You can also take boating excursions around the island or to Capri, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast.

You know the phrase, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That said, Ischia is not considered as beautiful as Capri, but it has its own charms. While glitzy Capri is luxurious and perfectly manicured, Ischia is down-to-earth. Unlike Capri, it features natural hot springs and underrated hiking trails.