Free walking tours in Ischia and what to see

Must-sees

Ischia is the largest island in the Bay of Naples, volcanic in origin and famous for its thermal waters. Its most recognisable image is the Aragonese Castle, built on an islet joined to land by a stone bridge. Inside the walls you can visit churches, convents and terraces with views. At its foot is Ischia Ponte, the old borgo of Celsa, with fishermen's streets, and a little further on is Ischia Porto, whose harbour fills an old volcanic lake.

Explore the other towns: Lacco Ameno, with the Fungo rock and the archaeological museum of Villa Arbusto, home to Nestor's Cup; Forio, with the white church of the Soccorso and the La Mortella gardens; and Sant'Angelo, a car-free fishing village. Climb Monte Epomeo to see the whole island and try one of its thermal parks or Maronti beach.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours on Ischia. The most common options are guided visits to the Aragonese Castle and the borgo of Celsa, cruises around the island and panoramic minibus tours of the various towns. There are also boat trips to Procida, on their own or combined with a tour of Ischia, and day trips to the island of Ponza.

How long to spend

For the essentials, the castle, Ischia Ponte and a tour of the island, allow two days. With three or four you have time for a thermal park, an afternoon in Sant'Angelo, the climb up Epomeo and a trip to Procida, a few minutes away by boat.

Where to stay

Ischia Porto is the most convenient base: boats arrive from Naples and the buses that circle the island leave from here. There are hotels of every kind, many with thermal pools. Forio and Lacco Ameno are good alternatives for sunsets and for being close to the thermal parks. In summer it is worth booking in advance.