A Guide to Ischia, Italy — The Best of Ischia Island

Imagine an island that represents the best of Italy — spectacular views, beautiful beaches, fantastic food, zero pretension whatsoever. Welcome to Ischia, Italy. This island in Campania, southern Italy, delivers on every level.

As an Italy travel expert, Ischia (EES-kee-ah) has been a place I’ve wanted to visit forever — and I finally got my chance when my husband Charlie and I decided to go for a four-day “mini-moon” after our Prague wedding, before our big honeymoon to South America later in the year.

And Ischia island could not have been more perfect! It was easy to get to — just a short ferry ride over from well-connected Naples. It was full of places to explore, from small villages to an actual castle to geothermal spas hiking trails up mountains. It was filled with tons of good food, including excellent Neapolitan pizza, fabulously fresh seafood, and agriturismi dishing up plate after plate of appetizers and stewed rabbit.

Looking back, I’m still blown away at just how much Ischia has to offer. Of all the islands in Italy that I’ve visited (around 15 or so by now), Ischia is probably in my top two, along with Salina in the Aeolian Islands.

At the same time, what I most appreciate about Ischia is that its visitors are primarily Italians (and, specifically, Neapolitans). This island doesn’t cater to the yacht crowd with luxury boutiques, or whistle-stop tourists with cheap souvenirs. Instead, Ischia is filled with really nice mid-range clothing shops and fabulous restaurants — because Italians love to look good and eat well!

If you’ve read Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels (My Brilliant Friend, anyone?), you might recall that while most of the book takes place in rough neighborhoods in Naples, some pivotal scenes take place on the island of Ischia. If you’re as big of a fan of her writing as I am, you need to come here.

Ischia is a truly special place, one of my favorite places I’ve visited recently, and I’m excited to share it with all of you.

This post was published in October 2023.

Things To Do in Ischia, Italy

Ischia can be an island for lying on the beach and eating gelato — if that’s what you want to do. But that would almost be a waste, because Ischia is so much more than that.

I recommend that you prioritize taking a boat trip…