Things to do in Ischia

Ischia is the volcanic island west of Naples. It's the one people visit for water that already comes out of the ground hot. Thermal springs have fed the island's economy for centuries.

What sits on the island

Castello Aragonese sits on its own rock. A stone bridge built in 1441 joins it to the main island. Ischia Porto, the main town, sits across the water.

• Mount Epomeo. The island's high point, a raised volcanic block rather than an extinct cone — Ischia last erupted in 1302. Reached in a half-day walk from Fontana.
• Sant'Angelo. A car-free fishing village on a headland in the south, reached on foot from the car park.
• The Maronti beach. The island's longest stretch of sand, backed by cliffs and its own thermal springs.
• Forio. The west-coast town, quieter, with the Poseidon thermal gardens on its edge.

What people come for

Thermal parks are the island's specialty. Pools sit at different temperatures, and steam caves are cut into the rock at Cavascura. Boat trips circle the island and stop for swimming off the cliffs.

Procida, the smaller island next door, is often added as a half-day by boat. Its Corricella harbour is lined with pastel houses.

Practical

• Weather. Summer runs warm and dry, near 28C with the sea around 26C; winter stays mild, close to 12C by day. Outdoor thermal pools run April to October; some indoor ones stay open through winter.
• Getting here. Hydrofoils from Naples run under an hour; car ferries take longer and cost more with a vehicle.
• Getting around. Buses circle the island; a scooter or small car saves real time between towns.
• What to bring. A swimsuit that can handle sulphur water, and a towel the thermal parks won't rent cheaply.
• Sant'Angelo. No cars at all; the walk in from the car park takes about fifteen minutes.