Ischia Island Italy
4
Cruises availables
At departure or passage at this port
Frequently Asked Questions
Ships anchor off the north-east coast and tenders land passengers at Ischia Porto, an almost circular basin that was a crater lake before being opened to the sea in the nineteenth century. The landing stage opens straight onto the lively quays.
On foot, a half-hour stroll along corso Vittoria Colonna, past ceramic shop windows, gelaterie and baroque churches. The walk is flat and pleasant; buses run the same route for anyone wanting to save their legs.
A volcanic rock stack planted in the sea, crowned with walls and joined to land by a 220-metre causeway. The current fortifications date from 1441 under Alfonso of Aragon, but the rock has carried defences since antiquity. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the visit.
By a lift cut into the rock, included in the ticket, or by the old mule ramp for the sturdier. At the top come churches, crypts, hanging gardens and panoramas over the whole gulf, as far as Vesuvius on clear days.
The safe plan: the corso to Ischia Ponte, the Castello Aragonese, then Lido beach within walking distance. Forio or Sant'Angelo need half a day round trip by bus or taxi: too much for a short call.
A cove on the far side of the island where scalding springs bubble up between the pebbles directly into the sea. You settle in as if in a bath, choosing your temperature by how far you sit from the source. It is free, and regulars stay for hours.
Yes, the Lido unrolls its bathing cabins a few minutes from the corso, between rocks and pine groves, with the castle in view for anyone swimming out. Sandy beaches are rare in this region: it is one of Ischia's assets.
Yes, by island buses, but count your hours. The road is winding, public vehicles fill quickly in summer and the island proves larger than it looks from the ship's deck.
Because the island was born of volcanoes. Hot water rises everywhere: in the thermal gardens, in the coves, even in the sea itself. Spa-goers come from all over the world for these waters, and the Romans already came here to treat body and mood.
The euro and Italian, with Neapolitan very present. English is spoken in the thermal establishments and corso shops. Keep cash for island buses, beach kiosks and small pastry shops.
