Ischia: everlasting charm

Ischia is an island of timeless charm, the largest in the Archipelago of the Gulf of Naples. It extends for about 46 kilometers and is divided into 6 municipalities: Ischia, Barano d'Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Forio d'Ischia, Lacco Ameno and Serrara Fontana.

Its origin is volcanic, in fact it constitutes the emerged part of a volcanic field formed by Mount Epomeo together with other minor eruptive centers. The products of volcanic eruptions, debris and sedimentary deposits then accumulated over time.

It was the German archaeologist Giorgio Buchner, who lived on the island for most of his life, who discovered that Ischia was the first Greek settlement on the Tyrrhenian coast, particularly in the San Montano valley where excavations were conducted from 1952 to 1961.

Buchner's other unconventional discovery in the San Montano necropolis was the discovery of the Cup of Nestor, on which is engraved the oldest fragment of Greek pesia, dating back to the 8th century BC. It is currently kept at the Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae.

Its wonders were then extolled by the most important intellectuals in history, who found inspiration and refuge on the island. It was Giovanni Boccaccio who wrote the first vernacular account of Ischia, where the story told by Pampinea in the fifth day of the Decameron is set.

How to reach the island

The island can be reached by hydrofoil boat or ferry.

There are several options of points from which to embark from Naples: from the port of Molo Beverello, from Calata Porta di Massa, or from Pozzuoli.
The ports of departure for the sea connections are easily reached by car, train, or from Naples Capodichino Airport.

By train 🚄
Once you get off at Naples Central Station in Piazza Garibaldi, you can reach Molo Beverello by cab, or subway by getting off at the Piazza Municipio stop. From here, regular sea connections are made by hydrofoil boat, which takes about 50 minutes to make the journey.

A cheaper but more time-consuming alternative is to take a cab from the station and reach Calata Porta di Massa, from here ferries leave to the island in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

By car 🚗                                                                                                                     
Upon reaching the Naples highway exit, the easiest option for those arriving by car is to follow the signs to the port of Pozzuoli, reaching the embarkation point from which motorboats and ferries depart to Ischia in an hour; alternatively, follow the signs to the Naples port area, Calata Porta di Massa.

By plane 🛬
You land at Naples Capodichino Airport, from which an Alibus shuttle service departs that will take you near Molo Beverello from which to catch the hydrofoil; alternatively, again by Alibus or cab you can reach Calata Porta di Massa to catch the ferry, a less recommended option since only ferries depart from here that are cheaper but reach Ischia in more time.

Where to stay

There are several options available to you if you are looking for a place to stay in Ischia. Ischia Porto should be chosen for its proximity to services; if you want breathtaking beaches and boat cruises, choose Forio d'Ischia. Ischia Ponte, from which you can admire the magnificent view of the Aragonese Castle, charming Lacco Ameno with its mushroom symbol of Ischia, and beautiful Casamicciola Terme, known for its spa facilities, are other locations worth mentioning. The settlements of Sant'Angelo and Barano d'Ischia are located on the southern coast of Ischia, famous for hosting one of the island's most famous festivals.