Ischia, a volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples, is bursting with sun-kissed sandy beaches, thermal waters and a rich history of winemaking – and it’s not as crowded as Capri
Ischia, an Italian gem that might have escaped your notice thanks to the flashy appeal of neighbouring Capri, is now claiming the spotlight. This volcanic isle in the Gulf of Naples features soothing thermal springs, gorgeous sandy shores and a deep-rooted tradition of wine production.
Being roughly four-and-a-half times larger than Capri, it provides more space to relax, far from crowds competing for the ideal Instagram snap of their Caprese salads. The island contains six municipalities, each packed with attractions that could easily occupy several days of discovery.
Whether trekking to family-owned vineyards, bathing in mineral-laden thermal springs, savouring fresh seafood, or relaxing in gardens connected to a famous British composer, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
CambridgeLive editor Anna Starnes explored the beautiful Mediterranean destination, writing: “Locals say the best way to take a break from real life is with a dip at a thermal park.”
Featuring 20 pools in total, many containing thermal spring water thought to possess healing qualities, visitors are in for a real delight, reports Bristol Live.
Be prepared to receive a swimming cap – standard procedure in Italy – and you can opt to wear a robe whilst moving between pools, enhancing the opulent spa-style ambience.
The park’s clever design across six hectares of terraced levels adds to its lavish feel.
The verdant foliage and breathtaking vista of the Bay of Citara give the impression of stumbling upon natural swimming holes. Each one is unique, allowing you to experience the 15C plunge pool before unwinding in the 40C counterpart, designed to boost circulation.
Eating and drinking in Ischia
Following such blissful relaxation, why not treat yourself to a regional tipple whilst soaking up even more stunning panoramas?
Anna said: “I ventured into the hills on the south side of the island to learn about winemaking at the family-owned Antonio Mazzella Cellars. The trek offers gorgeous views and made me respect the family’s efforts to overcome adverse conditions since 1940 in order to make their award-winning wines.”
The occasionally precipitous ancient trails, flanked by pumice stone cliffs, can only be reached on foot, making it difficult to fathom how they consistently ferry provisions up there in the sweltering heat. The family hand-picks and crushes the wine on the mountainside in compact caves hewn into the stone.
Astonishingly, the must, or pressed grape juice, is channelled all the way down to the coastline and loaded into purpose-built containers on a waiting vessel.
“Biancolella is a fresh wine with high acidity,” Emma said. “I enjoyed it so much that I bought a bottle, plus one of the Vigna del Lume wines – it was a risky move trying to stuff them into my checked bag but they made it home safely! The wine and tasting sessions are both reasonably priced, with a two-hour session around £34.”
Seafood lovers and pizza fans alike will find Ischia a paradise
“I expected to eat my fair share of fresh catches on this island, but I didn’t realise there would be so many opportunities to enjoy raw fish dishes,” Emma added.
At Un Attimo Di Vino, which charmingly translates as “a moment of wine”, situated in the bustling La Riva Destra harbour quarter of Ischia Porto, the freshness is unparalleled with the chef parading a fish through the restaurant, declaring it had been swimming just six hours earlier.
“I then indulged in an elegant take on fish and chips, with a thin, crispy layer of potato over a fillet of fish.”
Anna’s culinary adventure continued at Rena, a stylish cocktail bar-cum-restaurant tucked away at the far end of Maronti Beach on the southern shore, where a DJ spun tracks creating a genuine beach party vibe, and the raw prawn dish was exceptional.
“Pizza enthusiasts are also in the right place in Ischia. At Ristorante Pizzeria Da Ciccio, on the island’s west coast, the quality of the ingredients shines through on the simple margherita.”
It’s near the ancient Castello Aragonese, which sits on a small tidal island connected to Ischia by a causeway.
“When holidaying on Ischia, you must try the other of its delicacies: rabbit. After a breathtaking sunset aperitivo on the terrace of the enchantingly magical Punta Imperatore Lighthouse hotel, on the west coast, I sampled the speciality rabbit pasta dish, which was melt-in-the-mouth delicious.”
Anna also visited two tranquil gardens, starting with the family-run Giardini Ravino, which boasts the largest and most diverse European collection of succulent plants.
“This peaceful haven off a bustling street in the west of the island showcases art in its gardens, as well as lemons as big as my hand – something that always fascinates visitors even if it is quite normal to Italians. I can also recommend stopping for a refreshing cactus cocktail at its on-site cafe.”
Alternatively, consider spending the night at Villa Ravino, its creatively designed lodge featuring curved roofs, doorways and pools. The second garden, Giardini La Mortella, was once the residence of British composer Sir William Walton.
His wife Susana Walton and landscape architect Russell Page are credited with designing the captivating gardens, drawing inspiration from across the globe.
The island continues to foster opportunities for young musicians, with the outdoor Greek Theatre, boasting a breathtaking view of the Bay of Forio, hosting youth orchestras during the summer months. If you’re seeking budget-friendly accommodation in the vicinity, Casa Di Meglio hotel is a hidden gem, its elevated terrace providing stunning sea views from the north coast.
Anna summed up her experience, saying: “There is a joy to everything I encountered on Ischia – love of good food, wine, and relaxation. Escaping to this unshowy Italian island is what holiday dreams are made of.”