Sun-drenched days, salty hair, long lunches and nowhere to be — Ischia is the kind of place that gently nudges you to slow down and soak it all in. Tucked quietly off the coast of Naples, this lush Italian island is all rugged cliffs, thermal waters and old-world charm. Less glitz than Capri, more soul than you expect. Keep reading to see how Ischia quickly found its way into our co-founder Hayley’s heart and stayed there.
Why Ischia
Truth be told, we originally had our hearts set on Ponza, another petite Italian island just off Naples. But as the travel gods like to remind us, plans change for a reason. Enter the beautiful rugged Ischia, Capri’s relaxed sister, and honestly? This island did not disappoint.
Getting There
We flew from Melbourne into Athens, then hopped on a short flight to Naples. From there, it’s an easy 45-minute ferry ride straight to Ischia.
Where We Stayed
We were on Ischia for 7 days and stayed on the east side of the island, close to the town of Ischia and overlooking the old castle known as Castello Aragonese. The hotel, Strand Hotel Delfini, albeit a little bit retro Italian, was lovely. It was the simplicity and location of this hotel that I liked most. The view over the castle out front was really spectacular, with the hotel oozing old-world simplicity and charm. We loved the little water taxi out front, which could zip you into town at any time of day for $5 per person.
We then moved to the south-west of the island to a beautiful, family-run hotel called Punta Chiarito. This hotel captured the glory days of Ischia, with an indoor thermal pool and stunning organic cuisine made on the property, all sourced from the family’s own vegetable gardens and orchards. Just 100 steps below is one of the island’s best beach clubs, where you can relax in natural thermal hot springs, eat fresh squid pasta and enjoy an Aperol spritz.
Where to Eat on Ischia
Good food is a given here, but these were standouts:
1. Punta Chiarito — even if you’re not staying, make time for lunch. House-grown produce, simple flavours and so much love on the plate.
2. Baia di Sorgeto — this little beach club is home to a lovely little restaurant serving up fresh pasta, juicy watermelon, Aperol spritzes and endless dips in warm water. Stay all day.
3. Coco — relaxed, local and effortlessly delicious.
Favourite Things to Do
1. Hire a charming old car and cruise the island — you can loop Ischia in a few hours, but trust us, take your time.
2. Early morning swims with the locals at sunrise. Watching Italian nonnas and nonnos wander down to the water as the sun comes up is pure magic.
3. Take a boat day trip to Procida for lunch and wander its colourful seaside streets.
4. Long, lazy beach days (non-negotiable).
5. Spend an afternoon in Sant’Angelo, a quaint seaside village full of charm.
6. Soak it up in Ischia’s famous thermal pools — there are over 100 to choose from.
7. Explore the mountains that rise up behind the island for breathtaking views and fresh air.
