Guidebook for Ischia
Food Scene
Ambiente unico con vista eccezionale sul Castello Aragonese. Cibo ottimo!
10 locals recommend
La Vigna Di Alberto
87 Via Giuseppe GaribaldiAmbiente unico con vista eccezionale sul Castello Aragonese. Cibo ottimo!
Ristorante La Rosa dei Venti
29 Via TestaGood food, beautiful view at two steps by home.
Bar Calise
69 Via Antonio SogliuzzoWonderful place and wonderful cakes.
Drinks & Nightlife
Il Cappuccino
70 Via PortoVery good drinks.
Beaches and Thermal Gardens
The biggest beach of Ischia island. Here is possible to visit Cavascura, the oldest thermal of the island by Roman, many restaurants, taxi boats to and from Sant Angelo.
Maronti Beach
The biggest beach of Ischia island. Here is possible to visit Cavascura, the oldest thermal of the island by Roman, many restaurants, taxi boats to and from Sant Angelo.
Negombo
Via San MontanoBeautiful S.P.A and view on San Montano Bay
Baia di Sorgeto Ischia
35 Via SorgetoNatural Thermal bath in rocks pools.
Cava dell'Isola
Young people and wonderful sun set!
Wonderful thermal pools and gardens. For a day in totally relax!
Piscine termali dei Giardini Poseidon
SNC Via Giovanni MazzellaWonderful thermal pools and gardens. For a day in totally relax!
Places to Visit
Aragonese Castle
3 Via PontileThe iconic picture of Ischia.
Monte Epomeo station
90 via monte EpomeoWonderful and 360 view of Ischia and Bay.
Giardini La Mortella
45 Via Francesco Calise Operaio ForianoFantastic exotic and Mediterranean gardens.
Church of the Soccorso
Via del SoccorsoIt's a beauty church on the see.
Informazioni sulla città/località
Barano is situated on the south west side of the island of Ischia.
This area is famous for its many hills where it is possible to admire the beautiful panorama and the caves build up by landslides over the years.
The first to colonized Barano were the Greeks who erected a nymphaeum under the protection the nymphs and Apollo, goodness of beauty and healing. The ancient finds are bas-relieves (stored in the National Archeological Museum of Naples), marble inscriptions, ancient coins and daily tools.
Barano is made up of several districts: Vatoliere, Piedimonte, Faiano, Testaccio, Maronti, Buonopane (literally “Good Bread”) where many bakers resided in the past. Buonapane is also famous for the healing water of the source of Nitrodi.
Barano is a typical hilly borough and preserves its rural characteristics. The entrance of Barano is market by the ancient aqueduct called Pilastri (1470 ad).
Worth a visit is the Saracen Tower in Testaccio, the windmills of Montebarano, the celebrated gates of noble estates, the several canteens excavated in the tuff (to preserve wines) and the “fosse della neve” (to keep the ice safe over the summer).
It needs to be mentioned the pine forest of Fiaiano where you can enjoy the view on the gulf of Naples.
Other interesting spots are the beach of Maronti with its cocktail bars, restaurants and natural Spas; the hill of Cretaio (and its church that dates back to 17th century); and the villages of Testaccio, Buonopane and Piedimonte also famous for their traditional local dances.
Least but not last is the main square in Barano, the heart of the village and the location of the two churches of San Sebastiano and San Rocco. Finally, the church of San Giovanni Battista is one of the oldest buildings on the island (1400ad) and is home to a canvas from Caravaggio’s school.
Barano D’Ischia -Ischia-
Barano is situated on the south west side of the island of Ischia.
This area is famous for its many hills where it is possible to admire the beautiful panorama and the caves build up by landslides over the years.
The first to colonized Barano were the Greeks who erected a nymphaeum under the protection the nymphs and Apollo, goodness of beauty and healing. The ancient finds are bas-relieves (stored in the National Archeological Museum of Naples), marble inscriptions, ancient coins and daily tools.
Barano is made up of several districts: Vatoliere, Piedimonte, Faiano, Testaccio, Maronti, Buonopane (literally “Good Bread”) where many bakers resided in the past. Buonapane is also famous for the healing water of the source of Nitrodi.
Barano is a typical hilly borough and preserves its rural characteristics. The entrance of Barano is market by the ancient aqueduct called Pilastri (1470 ad).
Worth a visit is the Saracen Tower in Testaccio, the windmills of Montebarano, the celebrated gates of noble estates, the several canteens excavated in the tuff (to preserve wines) and the “fosse della neve” (to keep the ice safe over the summer).
It needs to be mentioned the pine forest of Fiaiano where you can enjoy the view on the gulf of Naples.
Other interesting spots are the beach of Maronti with its cocktail bars, restaurants and natural Spas; the hill of Cretaio (and its church that dates back to 17th century); and the villages of Testaccio, Buonopane and Piedimonte also famous for their traditional local dances.
Least but not last is the main square in Barano, the heart of the village and the location of the two churches of San Sebastiano and San Rocco. Finally, the church of San Giovanni Battista is one of the oldest buildings on the island (1400ad) and is home to a canvas from Caravaggio’s school.
Few know that the actual port of Ischia was originally a small lake called Pantaniello that had a small islet, “Il Tondo” where Basilians erected the chapel of Saint Nicola. The lake was deep just over two meters and fishermen would catch valuable fishes. In the 1670s the lake was opened to act against the bad smell, however the real transformation was merit of King Ferdinando II. A commemorative stone was laid at the entrance of the port as a reminder of the inauguration of the port in 1854.
In 1857 the King inaugurated the church of Portosalvo and not far from there is the Stabilimento Balneo-Termale Militare, the old Real Palace of Ischia.
Walking through Via Roma, the major shopping destination on the island, the historical center will be easily reachable: Ischia Ponte is home to the Aragone Castle, a distinctive symbol of the Island of Ischia.
On the way to the castle there are two churches of San Pietro and Santa Maria delle Grazie, erected in 1781. The latter church is sadly known for the execution between others of Giovanni Battitesta, a noble from Naples, who took part to the revolt of the Parthenopean Republic. Battitesta, who was believed dead, dragged himself on the steps of the Altar where he was later slaughtered. His remains still lie in Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Worth a stop on the way to Ischia Ponte is the church and convent of Saint Antonio, built in the 1740, famous for holding the body of San Giovan Giuseppe della Croce. Next to the church is the Biblioteca Antoniana (public library).
In the historic center of Ischia Ponte there are buildings that date back to the Patricians, members of the ancient Roman aristocracy. Here stand out the church of the Spirito Santo erects by fishermen in 1652 and the Congrega di Santa Maria di Costantinopoli built in 1613 as a voting location.
Not far is the Cathedral erected by Pietro Crossa, duke of Bellante, in 1390 and then renovated by Augustinians, who resided here from 1596 until 1613. It was turned into a cathedral in 1810.
The Tower of Sant’Anna is situated in the area of Cartaromana. Tradition says that it was designed by the artist Michelangelo and then erected in the 16th century by Giovanni di Guevara, duke of Bovino. Close by is the church of Sant’Anna (1498ad) and the church of San Domenico (1580ad).
In the area of Campagnano is possible to visit the church of Santissima Annunziata (1602ad).
The Pilastri are well known for the aqueduct built in 1637 by the Girolamo Rocca, the then bishop of Ischia.
Finally, the church of San Ciro was built in 1926 on an old building dated back to 1893.
Porto d'Ischia
25 Via PortoFew know that the actual port of Ischia was originally a small lake called Pantaniello that had a small islet, “Il Tondo” where Basilians erected the chapel of Saint Nicola. The lake was deep just over two meters and fishermen would catch valuable fishes. In the 1670s the lake was opened to act against the bad smell, however the real transformation was merit of King Ferdinando II. A commemorative stone was laid at the entrance of the port as a reminder of the inauguration of the port in 1854.
In 1857 the King inaugurated the church of Portosalvo and not far from there is the Stabilimento Balneo-Termale Militare, the old Real Palace of Ischia.
Walking through Via Roma, the major shopping destination on the island, the historical center will be easily reachable: Ischia Ponte is home to the Aragone Castle, a distinctive symbol of the Island of Ischia.
On the way to the castle there are two churches of San Pietro and Santa Maria delle Grazie, erected in 1781. The latter church is sadly known for the execution between others of Giovanni Battitesta, a noble from Naples, who took part to the revolt of the Parthenopean Republic. Battitesta, who was believed dead, dragged himself on the steps of the Altar where he was later slaughtered. His remains still lie in Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Worth a stop on the way to Ischia Ponte is the church and convent of Saint Antonio, built in the 1740, famous for holding the body of San Giovan Giuseppe della Croce. Next to the church is the Biblioteca Antoniana (public library).
In the historic center of Ischia Ponte there are buildings that date back to the Patricians, members of the ancient Roman aristocracy. Here stand out the church of the Spirito Santo erects by fishermen in 1652 and the Congrega di Santa Maria di Costantinopoli built in 1613 as a voting location.
Not far is the Cathedral erected by Pietro Crossa, duke of Bellante, in 1390 and then renovated by Augustinians, who resided here from 1596 until 1613. It was turned into a cathedral in 1810.
The Tower of Sant’Anna is situated in the area of Cartaromana. Tradition says that it was designed by the artist Michelangelo and then erected in the 16th century by Giovanni di Guevara, duke of Bovino. Close by is the church of Sant’Anna (1498ad) and the church of San Domenico (1580ad).
In the area of Campagnano is possible to visit the church of Santissima Annunziata (1602ad).
The Pilastri are well known for the aqueduct built in 1637 by the Girolamo Rocca, the then bishop of Ischia.
Finally, the church of San Ciro was built in 1926 on an old building dated back to 1893.
Sant’Angelo is a must see. Next to the coastline there is a graceful village, in the olden time was home to fishermen, but today blends casual elegance with barefoot informality.
On the other side is the peninsula, also called the Tower of Saint Angelo: many say that it looks like a camel’s hump coming out from the sea. For its characteristics it is unique among its kind in Italy.
Sant’Angelo is the perfect de-stress destination: cars are banned and luxurious street bars and restaurants welcome tourists to relax.
The small peninsula reaches a height of 106 meters and it’s linked to the island with an isthmus long 119 meters. There used to be a monastery and a guard tower but were destroyed by the English during their war against the French.
In the area of Sant’Angelo there are thermal sources including the famous Spa Aphrodite and Le Fumarole along the public beach of Maronti (the sand is boiling hot and it’s advised to not walk barefoot).
The church dedicated to Assunta and San Michele Arcangelo dates back to the 19th century and was recognized in 1915.
From Ischia Porto there are two itineraries to get to Sant’Angelo by bus: one bus line travels through Casamicciola, Lacco, Forio and then a stretch vineyards; another bus travels through Barano over the hills and it is perfect for sightseeing.
Reeser Str. 106, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein, Germany
Sant’Angelo is a must see. Next to the coastline there is a graceful village, in the olden time was home to fishermen, but today blends casual elegance with barefoot informality.
On the other side is the peninsula, also called the Tower of Saint Angelo: many say that it looks like a camel’s hump coming out from the sea. For its characteristics it is unique among its kind in Italy.
Sant’Angelo is the perfect de-stress destination: cars are banned and luxurious street bars and restaurants welcome tourists to relax.
The small peninsula reaches a height of 106 meters and it’s linked to the island with an isthmus long 119 meters. There used to be a monastery and a guard tower but were destroyed by the English during their war against the French.
In the area of Sant’Angelo there are thermal sources including the famous Spa Aphrodite and Le Fumarole along the public beach of Maronti (the sand is boiling hot and it’s advised to not walk barefoot).
The church dedicated to Assunta and San Michele Arcangelo dates back to the 19th century and was recognized in 1915.
From Ischia Porto there are two itineraries to get to Sant’Angelo by bus: one bus line travels through Casamicciola, Lacco, Forio and then a stretch vineyards; another bus travels through Barano over the hills and it is perfect for sightseeing.
The borough of Casamicciola is on the north side of the island.
From the historical point of view, Casamicciola is known as tourist vocation area: from ancient times people were visiting the several thermal waters.
Until the end of the 1800’s the city center was on the hilly part of the village (between Sentinella and Maio square). After the earthquake of 1883 destroyed most of the buildings, the center was moved downside around the square of Marina to shelter those who were left homeless.
Until the 1960’s the thermal baths in Casamicciola were the most famous on the island and perhaps in Italy. The spa Pio Monte della Misericordia, founded in 1610 by aristocrat Napolitans, is an emblem of this area’s beauty and economic success. It was originally situated up on the hill and it was rebuilt near the sea after the earthquake. This charity institution has helped poor Napolitans for many centuries: they would receive free thermal cure, including room and board for 15 days.
After it closed down in the 1960’s it has been left in a state of abandonment.
The inhabitants of Casamicciola were also dedicated to agriculture until they were displaced by tourism instead.
Reeser Str. 106, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein, Germany
The borough of Casamicciola is on the north side of the island.
From the historical point of view, Casamicciola is known as tourist vocation area: from ancient times people were visiting the several thermal waters.
Until the end of the 1800’s the city center was on the hilly part of the village (between Sentinella and Maio square). After the earthquake of 1883 destroyed most of the buildings, the center was moved downside around the square of Marina to shelter those who were left homeless.
Until the 1960’s the thermal baths in Casamicciola were the most famous on the island and perhaps in Italy. The spa Pio Monte della Misericordia, founded in 1610 by aristocrat Napolitans, is an emblem of this area’s beauty and economic success. It was originally situated up on the hill and it was rebuilt near the sea after the earthquake. This charity institution has helped poor Napolitans for many centuries: they would receive free thermal cure, including room and board for 15 days.
After it closed down in the 1960’s it has been left in a state of abandonment.
The inhabitants of Casamicciola were also dedicated to agriculture until they were displaced by tourism instead.
Lacco Ameno is a natural amphitheater on the sea and the thermal waters of Santa Restituta () have the highest coefficient of radioactivity of the island.
From the square of Santa Restituta it is possible to see the Torre Municipio, an ex convent dating back to the 17th century and Basilica. On the top of the cathedral was build an oratory in 1036, then enlarged in 1301.
At the end of the 1500’s the Carmelites (order of Roman Catholic friars) modified the original basilica and added several altar and a wooden statue of Santa Restituta.
The front of the cathedral is neo-classical style and it reads that Divae Restitutae V. et M. Patronae Totius Aenariae Sacrum. Tradition says that in 304ad Proclino tortured the Saint and put her on a boat so that could be set on fire in the middle of the sea. An angel came in her help: her persecutors were killed and she was guided to safety from Africa to San Montano in Ischia. Every year on the 16th, 17th and 18th of May, people celebrate Santa Restituta at the sanctuary dedicated to her.
Lacco Ameno has six churches:
La Basilica; the parish-church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (it’s unknown when it was founded and it sites a stautue of Ercole Leonino from the first century bc); the church of Santa Annunziata, the church of Anna e Gioacchino, the Congrega SS. Assunta, finally the church of San Giuseppe near Fango.
Lacco Ameno - Chiesa di Santa Restituta
Lacco Ameno is a natural amphitheater on the sea and the thermal waters of Santa Restituta () have the highest coefficient of radioactivity of the island.
From the square of Santa Restituta it is possible to see the Torre Municipio, an ex convent dating back to the 17th century and Basilica. On the top of the cathedral was build an oratory in 1036, then enlarged in 1301.
At the end of the 1500’s the Carmelites (order of Roman Catholic friars) modified the original basilica and added several altar and a wooden statue of Santa Restituta.
The front of the cathedral is neo-classical style and it reads that Divae Restitutae V. et M. Patronae Totius Aenariae Sacrum. Tradition says that in 304ad Proclino tortured the Saint and put her on a boat so that could be set on fire in the middle of the sea. An angel came in her help: her persecutors were killed and she was guided to safety from Africa to San Montano in Ischia. Every year on the 16th, 17th and 18th of May, people celebrate Santa Restituta at the sanctuary dedicated to her.
Lacco Ameno has six churches:
La Basilica; the parish-church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (it’s unknown when it was founded and it sites a stautue of Ercole Leonino from the first century bc); the church of Santa Annunziata, the church of Anna e Gioacchino, the Congrega SS. Assunta, finally the church of San Giuseppe near Fango.