A Day Trip to the Island of Ischia
Ischia is a large island with six separate towns, so you won't be able to visit the entire island in a single day. That said, there are a number of fun and interesting sights and activities that can be included in a day trip from Sorrento.
Ferries run between Ischia and Sorrento from April to October, leaving in the morning and making the return trip in the afternoon.
Ferry schedule and prices Sorrento - Ischia
Thermal Baths and Spas
The most famous attractions on Ischia are the island's historic thermal baths, and there are a number of outdoor spas with mineral spring pools in a range of temperatures, saunas, steam baths, and massage treatments. The most famous are The Giardini Poseidon and Negombo, both of which also have large private beaches.
From the port of Ischia,you can reach these two spas by bus: Line 2 for Poseidon (Citara Poseidon stop), and Lines 1,2, CS, and CD for Negombo (Lacco Ameno stop, which is about a ten minute walk from the spa).
- Open from mid-April to mid-October
- Entrance: about EUR 30
Tour of the Island by Scooter or Boat
Another fun way to experience Ischia is by renting a scooter so you can explore the island at your own pace, stopping at the prettiest towns and beaches, including the lovely Cartaromana Beach, known for its hot water pools and volcanic mud that visitors apply to their faces and bodies for a free spa treatment! Don't miss the quiet and picturesque village of Sant'Angelo, where you can hop on a boat from the tiny port that will take you to some of the most hidden and remote beaches along the island's coast. Request a lift to Cavascura, with its thermal baths and curative mud massages.
If you love gardens, be sure to visit the Giardini della Mortella, one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Italy that has more than 1,000 rare and exotic plants.
There are a number of scooter rental agencies located at the port of Ischia.
A Walk to the Castle
If you would like to stretch your legs a bit, once you disembark on the island you can take a stroll through Ischia Porto to nearby Ischia Ponte, which is a pleasant walk through the most lively city center on the island to the famous Castello Aragonese. Inside this large castle complex, you can visit the ruins of the 14th century Cattedrale dell'Assunta (destroyed by English cannons in 1809), the Chiesa dell'Immacolata, The Convent and Cemetery of the Poor Clares, the Church of San Pietro, and the small torture museum. After you've visited the castle, you can continue on to the Spiaggia dei Pescatori beach between Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte to take a refreshing dip alongside the islanders.
- Open daily from 9 am to 8 pm in summer, and from 9 am to 4 pm in winter
- Tickets: EUR 10
There is much to see on Ischia, so you may want to consider staying a night or two. Here you can book a hotel on the island.