Ischia is the largest of the six towns on the island of Ischia, and is divided into two smaller villages: Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte, separated by a length of road a couple of kilometers long. Ischia Porto is, as its name suggests, where the Ischia port is located and the island's hub for private yachts and public ferries and hydrofoils from Naples (Napoli), Capri, Procida, Sorrento, Positano on the Amalfi Coast and other ports on the coast of Campania. This is the busiest town on the island, and where most restaurants, cafès, bars, shops, and tourist services are located...especially along the main Corso Vittoria Colonna.
How to Get to Ischia Porto
Ischia's main port is connected all year round with Napes (Napoli) and Pozzuoli via regular ferries and hydrofoils that run daily. During the tourist season from the beginning of May through September, there are also direct ferry links with Capri, Sorrento, Amalfi, and Salerno.
The ferry trip by hydrofoil or high-speed ferry from Naples to Ischia Porto takes about an hour, while regular ferries take about 90 minutes.
Book a ferry from Naples to Ischia
There are also ports in the towns of Forio and Casamicciola Terme on Ischia, while Lacco Ameno and Sant’Angelo are home to small marinas for private boats.
Sights in Ischia Porto
Ischia Porto is recommended for those who are looking for lively nightlife and a place to take a walk, dine, or have a cocktail in the evening. It's a good base if you only have a short time on the island and want to use public transportation to visit sights like the Castello Aragonese (Aragonese Castle), La Mortella gardens, Mount Epomeo, Casamicciola Terme, Barano (home to the famous I Maronti beach), Forio, Lacco Ameno, and Sant'Angelo, as the main bus terminal where routes for towns and destinations across the island depart is located here. By boarding the bus here at the beginning of the line, you'll be more likely to find a seat.
Walking around Ischia Porto
Ischia's youth gather at la Rive Droite, or the port's right bank, for a cocktail come sundown. Along the pier, there are a number of bars and clubs where you can stop for a drink or aperitivo.
Continue to Via Roma and Corso Colonna, which closes to traffic in the evening, lined with shops and boutiques that stay open until late so you can browse for artisan wares and souvenirs after dinner. There are also a number of cafès and bars with al fresco tables streetside and live music along this stretch of road.
The few nightclubs on Ischia are also located along this stretch, including Valentino Club. After dancing the night away, the traditional calls for breakfast at bar Calise, where the croissant is an island icon.
Three things to do in Ischia Porto
Have a cocktails at Riva Destra
Shop on Via Roma
Spend the night dancing and have breakfast at Bar Calise
Beaches in Ischia Porto
Ischia Porto is most famous for its shops, bars, and restaurants, but there are also a number of sandy beaches with beach clubs and crystalline water, despite the proximity to the port.
Spiaggia del Lido: behind Via Roma, this is the closest beach to the port and has sand and shallow water. Restaurants and beach clubs line the waterfront.
Spiaggia dei Pescatore: halfway between Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte.
Spiaggia degli Inglesi: near the charming village of Sant’Alessando toward Casamicciola.
Spiaggia di San Pietro: popular with the locals and stretching from the port almost to Ischia Ponte.
Should I Stay in Ischia Porto?
The municipality of Ischia, and in particular Ischia Porto, is a great place to stay if you're looking for a lively town with great nightlife where you can take an evening stroll, dine out, or simply stop for a drink after sunset. This is also the easiest base for getting around by bus to explore destinations across the island; the bus terminal is located here for a number of local routes and you can easily find a seat on the bus. You can also reach the Aragonese Castle and other top sights on Ischia easily, as well as spas and thermal hot springs. There are a wide variety of hotels here, as well, suitable for any travel budget.
Hotels in Ischia Porto
Dining in Ischia Porto
There are a number of restaurants in this area. Our favorites are:
Dai Tu: fish restaurant along the Lido
Terrazza Mimì: restaurant on the riva destra
Explore more options: Where to book the hotel on Ischia