What To See and Do in One Day on Ischia - 3 Itineraries

Ischia is a relatively large island with six different towns and their surrounding areas. You won't be able to see the entire island in one day, which is possible on smaller islands like Capri or Procida, but will have to say at least one or two nights on the island to be able to see all its highlights.

Where to book the hotel on Ischia Island

That said, if you only have one day available and want to take in Ischia's beauty, here's how to plan out your day:

Here are our three recommended itineraries for one day on Ischia that you can customize to your style and pace.

Itinerary 1: Day at the Hot Springs

Ischia's hot springs are one of the highlights of the island, with curative properties, beautiful grounds, and stretches of beach. Of course, you won't really be able to say you've seen much of the island, but spending the day at one of the gorgeous hot spring spas is an unforgettable way to enjoy the best the island has to offer.

The most beautiful hot spring spas are Negombo and Poseidon. Both are lovely, but we prefer Negombo for its excellent cafè and restaurants and lush park grounds. Regardless, a day spent at either is a pleasure.

Both are about 30 minutes from the port.

• Information about Poseidon

• Information about Negombo

Once you've arrived at the port, you can take the bus to one of the hot springs. As your time is limited and you want to make the most of every moment on the island, taking a taxi may be the better option, reserving the return taxi ride in advance when you arrive in the morning.

Itinerary 2: Exploring Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte

Strolling between these two picturesque coastal towns is a lovely way to spend the day in spring or autumn, when temperatures are mild and walking a pleasure. Once you've disembarked from the ferry at Ischia Porto, meander through the center and down Via Roma to Piazza degli Eroi. Here, stop at the landmark Bar Calise for a pick-me-up, and then continue on to Ischia Ponte, the oldest village on Ischia. Explore its quiet back lanes and classic Mediterranean architecture, and then stop for a visit at the imposing Castello Aragonese.

Visit Castello Aragonese

This historic castle is set on an islet connected to Ischia by a narrow tongue of land. The castle is open daily and tickets cost EUR 10. It is a large complex, and you will have to walk about 2 hours (2 km) to visit it all.

After visiting the castle, relax over lunch at one of the nearby restaurants like Ciccio, Cocò, or Al Pontile.

If you still have some free time before your ferry ride back, take a bus or tax to the fishing village of Sant’Angelo, one of the most picturesque corners of Ischia. You will need about three hours to get to the hamlet, take a walk, and get back to Ischia Porto (the bus takes 45 minutes).

Itinerary 3: The Island by Scooter

To see the most of Ischia in one day, your best be is to rent a scooter (if there are just two of you and you have experience driving one).

At Ischia Porto, there are a number of car and scooter rental agencies where the ferries dock, and the cost of renting a scooter for a day is about EUR 30.

From the port, it's easy to follow the road that skirts the coast around the island, stopping at sights along the way.

We suggest:

• Forio's historic center and Church of Santa Maria del Soccorso

• The Mortella Gardens

• The fishing village of Sant’Angelo

• The Castello Aragonese

With the independence of a scooter, you can also stop to swim at one of the large and convenient beaches along the Maronti or in the warm waters of the Baia di Sorgeto. You can also soak in the hot springs and thermal mud at the Terme di Cavascura.