5 Things to do in Ischia Porto

With mild winters and scorching summers, Ischia Porto is a superb holiday destination at any time of year. While many people go for the sun-bleached sands, there are plenty of other things to do in Ischia Porto. Whether you're a foodie, a thrill-seeker, you enjoy the great outdoors, are travelling with the family, or are getting away from it all with your better half, there's something to suit all tastes.

From relaxing, outdoor spas and thermal springs, to catching some rays or exploring famous landmarks like the Castello Aragonese, you can make your holidays to Ischia Porto exactly what you want them to be.

Holiday Adventures

If you're travelling with kids, it's easy to take advantage of all the things to do Ischia Porto has to offer! Castello Aragonese is Ischia's most iconic landmark, built by Hiero I of Syracuse in the 5th Century. In its time it's been captured by Romans, acted as home to monks, and shelled by the British. Today, it's a popular attraction and plays host to a variety of events, including the Festival of St Anna.

The best way to get there is to make your way towards the Ponte Aragonese, a bridge which connects the castle to the main island. Walking along the Ponte Aragonese gives you a unique view of the impressive castle, with its high walls and domed Chiesa dell'Immacolata.

After you've paid the entrance fee at the base of the castle, start climbing the stairs towards the top, which take you on a loop through the old buildings and beautiful gardens. However, if you don't fancy the climb, there's a lift at the bottom, which'll take you straight to the top!

No matter how you choose to get there, you can then explore the ruins of the 14th century Cattedrale dell 'Assunta, fragments of historic frescoes and the former prison, Carcere Borbonico. The upper levels of the complex provide breathtaking views back down over Ischia and out across the Tyrrhenian Sea: don't forget to pack your camera! A great day out for the whole family.

Mountain adventures

If you're the adventurous type, you ought to include a visit to Monte Epomeo on your list of things to do in Ischia Porto. The mountain looms over the stunning village of Fontana, which is about 20 minutes' drive away or around three hours if you're feeling heroic and walking! From Fontana, there's a path that leads, just over 2km to the summit of the mountain, which'll take you to a height of 789 metres.

It should take just under an hour to get to the top, so make sure you bring lots of water, particularly if it's a hot day. Close to the summit there's the Cappella di San Nicola di Bar: a little 15th century church which has an adjoining hermitage. After a quick look around, finish your climb to the top of Monte Epomeo. The spectacular panorama alone is more than worth the effort. Again, don't forget to pack your camera!

Hit the High Seas!

If you fancy a change of scenery, the stunning bay of Baia di Sorgeto is the place to go. It's half an hour's walk from Ischia Porto but if the weather's too hot, you can jump a water-taxi, hit the high seas, and soak up the scenery as you go. If you'd rather get there under your own steam, there are plenty of hire-boats available from Ischia Porto's horseshoe harbour and you can gently cruise across to the bay and drop anchor just off the beach, which is perfect for some serious sunbathing.

Boats aren't for everyone, but luckily there's a bus service running straight from Ischia Porto to the village of Panza. From there, you'll find some steps which'll take you down to the Baia di Sorgeto. Be prepared to do a little walking as there's about 300 steps in total!

When you arrive in the little cove, you'll be surrounded by sheer cliffs which make for a spectacular sight. You'll also see locals cooking things like eggs and potatoes on the water, a tradition that stretches back centuries. If you get hungry there's a café down in the bay when you can grab a bite and a cool drink. For the ultimate in relaxation, you can even have a mud spa treatment in a cave!

A trip to Maronti Beach

With a visit to the beach being one of the favourite things to do in Ischia Porto, it'd be a shame to miss out on a trip to Maronti Beach. With its crystal-clear waters and plenty of room, this beach is one of the most popular on the island. It's on the south coast of Ischia, and it's easy to get to from Ischia Porto.

If you have a car then it's around 20 minutes away, while there are regular buses from the resort. As you snake down the hill that overlooks the bay from the east, you'll have stunning views down over Maronti Beach and out across the Tyrrhenian Sea.

While there's ample opportunity to top up your tan, there's also the chance to visit the Cavascura Natural Springs, which are about a ten-minute walk from the beach. Built by the Romans, these are a network of caves and chambers, where you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot waters, provided by the natural springs. As if that wasn't relaxing enough, you can really indulge yourself with a session in the beauty spa that has made its home there. Sweat it out in a sauna, enjoy some beauty treatments or give yourself some well-deserved pampering and de-stress with a luxurious massage!

The hottest beach in Italy!

Across from the beach, you'll see the delightful village of Sant'Angelo. Once again, this is accessible by water-taxi, giving you the opportunity to explore this stunning, hilltop town. It's also worth visiting Le Fumarole Beach, where the sands are warmed by the heat of the earth. Certain parts of the beach get so hot that you'll see occasional jets of steam rising out. It's also not uncommon to see the locals using special containers, which they bury in the sand, to cook themselves a meal!

After your visit to Maronti Beach, head a little further west around the coast to the Baia di Sorgeto and bathe in the warm waters of the lovely rock pools. Then head back to Ischia Porto to see the sunset at Castello Aragonese. You can pack as much or as little into your holiday, with so many things to do in Ischia Porto.