Ischia is the largest and (probably) the most beautiful island in the Gulf of Naples. Along its verdant coast, beaches, important historical sites and small spa towns alternate.
The island is not small and, for the success of your holiday, it will be important to choose where to stay in Ischia. Each area has its pros and cons and the main factor to consider is your needs as a traveler.
In this guide we will analyze the best areas to stay in Ischia and I will provide you with a list of the best hotels on the island based on reviews, location, cleanliness and value for money.
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Where to stay in Ischia: best areas
Some of the best places to stay in Ischia are on the quiet southern coast. It is the place to be if you are looking for clean waters and a relaxed atmosphere.
It is a slightly more isolated area than the rest of the island and away from the traffic of the north-east coast. Here you will find two of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the island: Sant ‘Angelo beach and Maronti beach.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to enjoy a lively evening scene, opt for Ischia Porto or Lacco Ameno. From here you can walk to Ischia Ponte and the Aragonese Castle or take part in one of the many boat excursions that depart from the port and nearby docks.
Still haven’t decided where to stay in Ischia? Here is an overview of the best areas:
- The best area to stay in Ischia: Forio
- Where to stay in Ischia with the family: Forio – Casamicciola Terme
- For a quiet beach holiday: Sant’Angelo – Barano
- Where to stay in Ischia if you are looking for nightlife: Ischia Porto
- Where to stay in Ischia for a romantic holiday: Ischia Ponte – Sant’Angelo
- Where to stay in Ischia for a luxury holiday: Lacco Ameno
Forio d’Ischia
Forio d’Ischia is the largest city on the island, full of tourist attractions, beaches and events. It is the best place to stay in Ischia if you want to be in the center of the action and at the same time have excellent connections with the rest of the island and with the mainland.
Forio is particularly appreciated both for the beauty of its beaches (including the famous Bay of Citara) and for its charming historic center. It is considered the cultural heart of the island and among the attractions not to be missed are the Mortella Gardens and the Soccorso Church, from which you can admire the sunset.
Ischia Porto
The city of Ischia is the busiest area and where most of the restaurants, bars, shops and tourist services are located. In turn it is divided into smaller villages: Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte, connected by a road closed to traffic about 2 km long.
In the evening, young people gather on the right bank of the harbor for a drink or an aperitif. Some of Ischia’s best-known nightclubs are found in this area, such as the Valentino. After dancing all night, it is traditional to have breakfast with the traditional Ischian croissant of Bar Calise.
Among the most popular beaches in the area are the English beach, the Pescatore beach and the Lido beach, the one closest to the port and with shallow waters.
Ischia Ponte
Ischia Ponte is easily reachable from Ischia Porto by bus (line 7 – about 10 minutes) or on foot (2 kilometers – about 30 minutes). This is one of the best-preserved historic villages on the island of Ischia, an ancient fishing village nestled at the foot of the Aragonese Castle.
The original architecture of the village is largely intact, made up of narrow alleys crowded with historic houses. There is a mix of humble island residences and Baroque aristocratic palaces such as the Watchmaker’s Palace, now home to a small but interesting marine museum.
Take a trip to the Bay of Cartaromana; a few steps from the Aragonese Castle, this small bay is known for the thermal springs that rise through the sea floor and heat the water.
Sant’Angelo
Sant’Angelo is perhaps the most picturesque area of Ischia. It is a suburb of Serrara Fontana located on the southern coast of the island and suitable for those looking for a holiday dedicated to tranquility and the sea.
The tuff islet known as “La Torre” is one of the most iconic views of Ischia. This area has always been a little more isolated than the rest of the island and most of the locals are devoted to fishing rather than agriculture.
From the main square of Serra Fontana, you can take the shortest path to reach the top of Mount Epomeo, a no longer active volcano and Ischia’s highest peak. It is an excursion of about an hour through chestnut woods, wild countryside and ancient ruins, such as those of the Hermitage of San Nicola.
The area is also known for the Maronti beach, a sandy beach that stretches for about 3 kilometers and is home to numerous bathing establishments and free public beaches.
Casamicciola Terme
Casamicciola Terme is one of the main tourist destinations on the island because it is home to some of the most important spas on Ischia. But that’s not all it has to offer, it also boasts a beautiful promenade, with shops, bars and restaurants.
However, unlike Ischia Porto, here everything closes around midnight, making Casamicciola Terme the area to stay if you want a quiet family holiday dedicated to thermal wellness.
Lacco Ameno
Located between Forio and Casamicciola, Lacco Ameno is the smallest town on the island and the cradle of luxury tourism. In the 1950s, the Italian publisher Angelo Rizzoli fell in love with Lacco Ameno and made Villa Arbusto his residence on the island.
He immediately understood the tourist potential of the area and built Ischia’s first luxury hotel here, the Regina Isabella. Most of the structures in the area are resorts with spas and luxury hotels and represent the Ischian answer to the glamor of Capri.
Near the main square of Lacco Ameno, you can visit the Church of Santa Restituta, patron saint of the island, and still in the area you can immerse yourself in the famous Negombo Thermal Park.
Recommended hotels in Ischia
To conclude our guide on where to stay in Ischia, we have decided to provide you with a list of the best hotels in Ischia based on reviews, location, cleanliness and value for money.
- The best luxury hotel in Ischia: Excelsior Belvedere Hotel & Spa
- The best boutique hotel in Ischia: Hotel Casa Celestino
- The best economy hotel in Ischia: B&B Marina Garden
- The best thermal hotel in Ischia: Terme Manzi Hotel & Spa
- The best family hotel in Ischia: Villa Araucária
Best Luxury hotels in Ischia
Hotel La Madonnina
Miramare Sea Resort & Spa
Grand Hotel Il Moresco
Terme Manzi Hotel & Spa
Best Budget hotels in Ischia
White 1903
Hotel Villa Rita
B&B Marcantonio
Villa al Porto
Family hotels in Ischia
Ischia Dream Visions
Residence Villa Cristina
Residence San Domenico
ELMA Park Hotel Terme & Spa
This article was translated by CrowdsourcedExplorer.com
