Ischia Tours and Holidays

Looking out over the Gulf of Naples, Ischia, the 'Green Isle' of Italy, is the largest of the bay's volcanic islands, and one that feels almost untouched compared to its better-known Amalfi Coast neighbours. Known for its pine forests and terraced vineyards, Ischia rewards those who explore beyond the main resorts with thermal spa gardens, quiet fishing harbours, and a slower pace of life that feels far removed from the mainland. Its combination of natural beauty and local tradition makes it well worth a place on any Italian travel wish-list. 

The island's main harbour, Ischia Porto, promises the ideal introduction to local life, with its waterside cafés and easy access to the rest of the island. Just along the coast, the Aragonese Castle cuts a dramatic figure from the sea and can be reached by a stone causeway that has linked the two for hundreds of years. Inside its walls, you'll find old monasteries, gardens, and wide views across the bay. Beyond the castle, the fishing quarter of Borgo di Ischia Ponte keeps timeless Ischian traditions alive and offers a more intimate afternoon's exploration. 

Away from the coast, Ischia's smaller towns are each worth a visit in their own right. Barano d'Ischia, with its narrow streets, trattorias, and independent stores, preserves some of the island's earliest customs to this day, while Serrara Fontana showcases the majesty of Mount Epomeo, Ischia's dormant volcano and highest point. To the west, Forio is home to the Poseidon thermal gardens and the botanical grounds of La Mortella, while the resort town of Lacco Ameno rounds off the western coast. Though smaller than many of the other towns, this charming resort has its own unique feature in Il Fungo, a mushroom-shaped rock formation carved by the sea over centuries.