In the Gulf of Naples, the island of Ischia stands out for its lush vegetation, thermal waters, and stunning sea. Its volcanic landscapes, beaches, and gardens coexist with culinary traditions known worldwide. Dedicating five days is enough to capture the essence of Ischia and experience it at a slow pace, although it is a destination that always calls visitors to return.
The island welcomes visitors with a coastline that constantly changes. To the south, Spiaggia dei Maronti stretches for several kilometers, offering a striking contrast between volcanic sand and the blue Mediterranean. In San Montano Bay, the water is calm, creating a sheltered setting ideal for those seeking serenity. Further west, San Francesco provides a family-friendly atmosphere and open views toward a horizon that seems endless. Each stretch of coast has its own distinct character, forcing one to choose between relaxing under the sun or exploring more hidden coves.
Some areas remain hidden from those who travel by road. Sea caves, dramatic cliffs, and small beaches can only be discovered aboard a boat. Sailing around the island offers a different perspective: rocky silhouettes carved against the horizon, the constant sound of waves, and the chance to link the route with Capri or Procida. It is during this navigation that one understands Ischia’s dimension as part of an archipelago that never repeats itself.
Beneath the island’s surface lies a treasure that has shaped its identity: thermal water. Since ancient times, travelers and locals have sought in these springs a refuge for body and mind. Giardini Poseidon brings together more than a dozen pools of different temperatures surrounded by Mediterranean gardens. At Negombo, mineral-rich waters combine with a meticulously designed landscape. In Sorgeto, hot springs bubble directly into the sea, creating a natural outdoor jacuzzi. Those who wish to experience this aspect of the island in a specialized environment can find options in accommodations with integrated spas and thermal facilities. A practical reference is HotelFloridianaIschia.com, where rest and thermal tradition blend with a Mediterranean setting that enhances the experience.
Local cuisine reflects the richness of a land where volcanic soil and sea come together on the table. Coniglio all’ischitana, a rabbit stew with aromatic herbs and white wine, is among the most emblematic recipes. Spaghetti with seafood concentrates all the flavor of the coast, while morning markets showcase the island’s daily life: fishermen unloading the day’s catch, farmers offering vegetables grown on terraces, and bakeries where the aroma of rum babà mixes with that of freshly baked cornetti. Every meal becomes a way to better understand the identity of Ischia.
Moving away from the coast reveals another side of the island. Mount Epomeo, of volcanic origin, offers hiking trails that climb through vineyards and woods, leading to a 360-degree view over the gulf. Along the way are hermitages carved into the rock and small villages that seem frozen in time. The Aragonese Castle, built on an islet connected by a stone bridge, is another must-see stop: a place condensing centuries of military, religious, and civil history. These sites show that the island is not only about sea and spas but also a stage full of memory.
After five days, the feeling is that the island has only shared part of its secrets. Hidden coves remain to be discovered, family-run restaurants to be visited, and local festivals that change with each season. This impossibility of encompassing everything in a single stay is what makes Ischia such a magnetic destination. The journey does not end upon departure: it remains open, as if the island intentionally kept a new chapter for the next time.
