Sant’Angelo is perhaps the most famous and picturesque village on the island of Ischia, though it is not its own town but instead a suburb of Serrara Fontana on the southern coast of Ischia. This town is unique in that it doesn't have a true center but is a grouping of a number of villages like Serrara, Fontana, and a smattering of other hamlets along this stretch of coastline.
How to Get to Sant'Angelo
Sant'Angelo d'Ischia and Serrara Fontana are located relatively far from the ports on Ischia (Ischia Porto, Casamicciola Terme, and Forio), where ferries from Naples (Napoli), Capri, and other locations on the mainland arrive. You can travel by taxi; the trip takes about 30 minutes and the set fare is around EUR 40, plus a night supplement of EUR 3 if arriving in the evening.
To save a bit of money, you can opt to take a public bus, which will get you there from the port in about 45 minutes. You can reach Sant'Angelo with the "Circolare Destra", "Circolare Sinistra", or Line 1 routes, and you will get off at the final stop, Cava Grado.
Another option, which is a great way to get around Ischia in general, is to rent a scooter at the port and zip directly to your hotel in Sant'Angelo. You can also use it to explore the rest of the island during your stay, visiting towns like Barano d'Ischia, Ischia Ponte, and Lacco Ameno, plus sights like La Mortella Gardens and the island's beaches and hot spring thermal parks with their thermal water pools.
If you are bringing a vehicle on Ischia (visitors can embark vehicles to Ischia all year round, but Campania residents can only bring vehicles in the winter), keep in mind that the center of Sant'Angelois closed to traffic.
Sights in Sant'Angelo and Serrara Fontana
The village of Sant’Angelo with its tufa rock islet known as “La Torre” is one of the most famous views on Ischia. This area has always been a bit isolated from the rest of the island, and the main industry here has always been fishing rather than agriculture, which covers most of Ischia. The tourism here is a bit different as well, with nicer hotels and a more relaxed atmosphere, mostly thanks to the center of Sant’Angelo that is completely pedestrian and closed to traffic.
Three Things to Do in Serrara Fontana
Explore the village of Sant’Angelo
Admire the view from the overlooks in Serrara
Try "coniglio all’ischitana" at the Bracconiere restaurant
Sant’Angelo is divided into two parts: the higher part is home to the Church of San Michele Arcangelo and narrow lanes, and the lower part has the marina and boardwalk, main square, and “La Torre”, a tiny tufa stone islet attached to Sant’Angelo by a narrow stretch of land.
The Serrara Fontana Scenic Overlook
There are beautiful views from this side of the island, especially from the Piazza di Serrara scenic overlook, a large terrace facing the sea where you can relax over a coffee or drink far from the tourist crowds.
Mount Epomeo
From the square in Fontana, you can take the shortest path to reach the peak of Mount Epomeo, the ancient volcano at the center of Ischia. It takes about an hour to hike through the chestnut woods and wild countryside to reach the top, where there are a few ruins of ancient cliff constructions like the Eremo di San Nicola. The views are stunning, stretching from the Bay of Naples to the islands of Ventotene and Ponza on clear days.
Saddle Up! Another way to reach the peak of Mount Epomeo is on horseback. You can contact the “Epomeo in Sella” association for a guided excursion on horseback along the slopes of the mountain for a unique way to explore. Information and reservations: +39 333 2521882 - info@epomeoinsella.it
The Beaches of Serrara Fontana
Cavagrado: a tiny, quiet beach near the village of Succhivo
Sant'Angelo: the town's beach is particularly suitable for families with small children, as the waters are shallow and there is a breakwater for waves.
Fumarole: at the far end of the Maronti beach near Sant'Angelo, there is a beach known for its fumarole, or hot air vents that come up through the sand.
Should I Stay in Sant'Angelo?
Sant’Angelo is the quietest village on Ischia, completely closed to vehicle traffic and far from the crowds and chaos on other parts of the island.
Choose a hotel here if you're:
A couple looking for a romantic and relaxing retreat
A family with young children who wants to stroll through town without worrying about traffic
Hotels in Sant'Angelo and Serrara Fontana
Dining in Serrara Fontana Sant'Angelo
Il Bracconiere: famous for its traditional coniglio all'Ischitana, the island's classic rabbit dish!