Lacco Ameno is located between Casamicciola and Forio d'Ischia, and is the smallest town on the island of Ischia. That said, this tiny spot is the birthplace of Ischia's modeern luxury tourism.
In the 1950s, Italian publisher Angelo Rizzoli fell in love with Lacco Ameno, and made the 18th-century Villa Arbusto his island residence. He immediately understood the area's potential for tourism, and built Ischia's first luxury hotel here, the Regina Isabella. This resort with a private beach, pool, restaurant, and spa was the model for future spa grand hotels in other areas of the island, and soon the international jet set began to discover the charms of Ischia, for decades overshadowed by the neighboring hot spot of Capri.
How to Get to Lacco Ameno
You can reach the town of Lacco Ameno 'in just a few minutes by bus or taxi from both the port in Ischia and the port in Casamicciola, the two main ports on the island where ferries from Naples (Napoli), Pozzuoli, and Procida all dock. During the summer months, ferries from Capri, Sorrento, Positano, and other locations on the Amalfi Coast also dock here.
The bus routes that run between Lacco Ameno and the Ischia and Casamicciola Terme ports circulate the island to the left and right. You can also reach other towns on the island by bus from Lacco Ameno, including Ischia Porto, Ischia Ponte (home of the Aragonese Castle), Barano, Sant'Angelo, and Forio and its La Mortella gardens.
Bus schedules on Ischia
You can also embark your own vehicle to reach Lacco Ameno all year round (except for residents of the region of Campania), but we do not recommend bringing your car to the island in the summer due to the heavy traffic and lack of parking.
Sights in Lacco Ameno
On the main square of Lacco Ameno, you can visit the Church of Santa Restituta, patron saint of the island. The waterfront promenade is also lovely, and on summer nights is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cafès playing live music.
Villa Arbusto and the Coppa di Nestore
Villa Arbusto was built in the 18th century and purchased in 1952 by the publisher Angelo Rizzoli. Today the villa houses a museum with a collection of archaeological finds dating from the neolithic to Roman times that were unearthed in this area. The most important is the “Coppa di Nestore”, one of the most ancient existing examples of writing using the Greek alphabet, dating from the eighth century BC when Ischia was known as Pithecusae.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 to 1:30
Closed Monday
Tickets: EUR 5
"Il Fungo" or "The Mushroom"
Just offshore, a tufa stone formation rises 10 meters above the water, created by the volcanic activity of Mount Epomeo (Monte Epomeo) and cooled by the sea in a unique mushroom shape.
Three things to do in Lacco Ameno
Soak in the hot springs at the Parco Termale del Negombo
Take an evening stroll along Corso Angelo Rizzoli
Swim in the breathtaking Bay of San Montano
The Beaches in Lacco Ameno
Bay of San Montano: a half-moon-shaped bay lined by fine sand, part of which is included in the Negombo Gardens, a thermal park.
Spiaggia delle Monache or Varulo: accessible only via sea, and located behind the marina in Lacco Ameno.
Should I Stay in Lacco Ameno?
Lacco Ameno is a quiet, laid-back town with a wide variety of lodgings but not much nightlife.
This town is ideal for:
Couples looking for a quiet getaway who also want to be able to take an evening walk in town.
Those who want a high level of service while on vacation
Hotels in Lacco Ameno
Dining in Lacco Ameno
O' Pignatello: an elegant restaurant on the main street in Lacco Ameno.
Trattoria Casa Colonica: inside the Negombo Park, serving traditional dishes on a colorful terrace.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Villa Arbusto Museum: orari, biglietti e prezzi
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday) from 9am to 1pm and from 5pm to 8pm.
Tickets: full: EUR 5; reduced EUR 4.