Things to Do in Ischia: Thermal Parks, Castle and Villages (2026)

The top things to do in Ischia revolve around water. Think thermal pools in gardens, sandy beaches and a castle on a rock. Ischia is the largest island in the Bay of Naples, and it feels greener and more relaxed than Capri. This guide explains which thermal park to choose, what to see and when to go.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Things to do in Ischia at a glance

How to choose a thermal park in Ischia

Ischia sits on volcanic ground, and hot springs rise all over the island. As a result, the thermal parks are the signature experience here. They combine pools at different temperatures with gardens, saunas and often a beach. The island’s thermal spa site lists eight parks, from Forio to Sant’Angelo and Casamicciola.

Giardini Poseidon, Forio

Poseidon is one of the largest and best-known parks. It lies on the Citara bay, with a sandy beach and terraces of pools. Its official site (checked September 2026) lists 20 pools. In addition, it opens from April 18 to October 31, 2026. It is a good choice for a first visit and for a full day.

Negombo, Lacco Ameno

Negombo feels more like a botanical garden, with pools set among plants above the San Montano bay. Its useful info page (checked September 2026) lists 11 pools and daily opening until October 8, with no closing days. In addition, booking online is possible but not required.

Smaller parks

For a quieter day, consider smaller parks such as Castiglione in Casamicciola or the parks of Sant’Angelo. However, seasons and services differ from park to park, so check the dates before you go. In fall, above all, some parks close weeks before others.

The Aragonese Castle

The Aragonese Castle stands on a rocky islet off Ischia Ponte, linked to the main island by a stone causeway. Its history spans about 25 centuries, and Alfonso of Aragon rebuilt the fortress in the 15th century. Inside, you walk past churches, a former convent, prison cells and terraced gardens. Then, from the top, the view takes in the whole east coast.

According to the official castle site (checked September 2026), the castle opens every day from 9 am until sunset. It closes for annual maintenance from January 7 until early March, and ticket sales stop 90 minutes before closing. The climb is steep in places, so wear comfortable shoes.

Gardens, villages and beaches

La Mortella, in Forio, is a subtropical garden. Susana Walton and the composer Sir William Walton created it with the landscape architect Russell Page. Its visit page (checked September 2026) gives a 2026 season from April 2 to November 1. It opens on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, from 9 am to 7 pm.

Sant’Angelo, on the south coast, is a car-free fishing village on a small isthmus. From there, a path and water taxis lead to the Maronti beach, the longest on the island. Meanwhile, Forio is known for sunsets over the sea, and Lacco Ameno for its mushroom-shaped rock in the harbor. Similarly, the town of Ischia Porto offers the main shopping street and the ferry harbor.

Hiking Monte Epomeo

Monte Epomeo, at 789 meters, is the highest point of Ischia. However, it is an uplifted volcanic block rather than a cone. The usual trails start near the village of Fontana. Then they climb to tuff rocks with views over the Bay of Naples. Start early in summer, carry water and wear hiking shoes. Also, check the weather first, because clouds often cover the top.

Getting to Ischia and around the island

First, ferries and hydrofoils reach Ischia from Naples and Pozzuoli. They arrive at Ischia Porto, Casamicciola or Forio. Once on the island, public buses then circle the coast, and taxis and small three-wheel microtaxis cover shorter trips. As a result, most visitors do not need a car, since buses reach most of the things to do in Ischia.

Many travelers also pair Ischia with neighboring Procida, a short hop away. For a guided outing, see the Procida boat tour. For the other side of the bay, compare the Capri boat tour with the Blue Grotto. Also see our guide to things to do in Capri.

Film fans will recognize both islands: together they play the fictional village of Mongibello in The Talented Mr. Ripley.

When to visit Ischia

For most things to do in Ischia, go in May, June or September. At that time, the sea is warm and the parks are open. July and August are busier and hotter. Early October still works well; however, check closing dates, since Negombo closes on October 8 in 2026. Then, from November, many hotels and parks close for the winter.

For more spa ideas, read our guide to hot springs in Italy and browse our thermal and wellness hub. In addition, see the best day trips from Naples and our Naples travel guide.

Staying overnight in Ischia? Compare places to stay below, and see our Amalfi Coast itinerary to plan the rest of the trip.

Affiliate links: if you book through them, Italy2Love earns a commission at no extra cost to you.

To see the coves from the water, compare an Ischia boat tour.

Things to do in Ischia: frequently asked questions

Which is the best thermal park in Ischia?

It depends on your style. Giardini Poseidon in Forio has 20 pools and a beach. By contrast, Negombo in Lacco Ameno feels more like a botanical garden.

Can you visit Ischia as a day trip from Naples?

Yes, by ferry or hydrofoil. However, a thermal park takes most of a day, so two or three nights work better.

When do the thermal parks close?

Seasons vary. In 2026, Negombo opens daily until October 8 and Giardini Poseidon until October 31, according to their official sites.

Is the Aragonese Castle open all year?

It opens daily from 9 am until sunset, except for annual maintenance from January 7 until early March.

Do you need a car in Ischia?

No. Buses circle the island, and taxis and microtaxis cover shorter trips.