How To Spend Four Days In Ischia And Make The Most Of Your Time

AD- I went on a press trip to Ischia paid for by Imperatore Travel. But all thoughts and opinions are my own

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of working with Imperatore Travel in Italy. I got to experience a trip to the island of Ischia nestled just off the coast of Naples. Honestly, I’ve always been a huge fan of Italy. The weather is beautiful, the food is scrummy and there are so many places to see and explore and Ischia did not disappoint. Four days in Ischia was a great amount of time to see the island. But not long enough if you want to relax and soak up the sun (and eat all the amazing food).

My whole trip was planned out for me although I could have stayed relaxing and exploring the island for a lot longer. If you’re short on time or want to max out around bank holidays then you’ll be pleased to know you can do a lot in just four days. Check out what you should fit into four days in Ischia.

Spending four days in Ischia: Day 1

Your very first day will pretty much just consist of travel. If you do opt to get a super early flight you might have some of your afternoon left to enjoy. But the likelihood is you’ll be a little tired.

You’ll want to grab a flight into Naples Airport which is covered by a large number of airlines flying from across the UK. You’ll have plenty of choice with carrier and times. Our flight with BA left Gatwick Airport for Naples at 2.30pm and we arrived at 6 pm.

From Naples airport, we took a taxi transfer to the ferry terminal which took around 30 minutes. This  saw us get into the terminal around 7.30pm. We then had enough time to grab a snack and drink before the once an hour ferry across the Naples Bay to Ischia. The boat takes around an hour and you will need to purchase a separate ticket for your additional baggage (although it’s only a few euros). After setting off at 8.20pm we arrived in the Port of Ischia around 9.15pm where we transferred over to the Garden & Villa’s 4-star resort. For more information on what I thought of The Garden and Villa Resorts head here.

Must do’s in Ischia: Day 2

After a quick breakfast, it’s time to head to the port to pick up a boat tour to take you all around the island. There are lots of companies who can take you on your trip but make sure you opt for a full island tour. There’s so much beautiful coastline to experience. A lot of tours make a stop in the beautiful St. Angelo to give you time to stretch your legs and grab a drink. We were out for around 3 hours so it’s perfect to do in the morning before the sun gets too high. Although don’t forget your sunglasses and suncream regards of the time of year you go.

By the time the boat tour is finished you’re likely to be hungry so head to La Bussola on the coastline of Forio. Make sure you taste some fresh seafood caught on and the island. Plus wash it down with some wine made exclusively on the island. Ischia is all about self-sufficiency and you can taste it in everything you eat and drink. With four days in Ischia you’ve got to select your restaurants well to experience all it has to offer.

An afternoon in Ischia

After sitting down on your boat tour, take to your feet and explore the La Mortella Botanical Gardens in Forio. La Mortella is a beautiful subtropical and Mediterranean garden which was has been developed since 1956 by the late Susana Walton, the wife of British composer Sir William Walton. Scale the hills and be greeted by vast views over the islands bay and wonder through nooks of flowers and trees.

After a little relaxing at the hotel and a change, it’s time for dinner. Grab a taxi and head to Montecorvo, hidden away off the streets. This is an authentic Ischian restaurant loved by locals which you wouldn’t happen to just stumble across. This restaurants speciality is wild rabbit which is cooked and seasoned with fresh tomatoes and herbs.

4 day itinary for Ischia: Day 3

Start day 3 off a bit earlier and head on a hike to the summit of Mount Epomeo which is the highest mountain in Ischia standing at 789 meters, towering over the rest of Ischia. The origins of the mountain date to when it was originally formed after an underwater volcanic eruption. This resulted in an uplift of the magmatic masses from the seabed. There are a variety of walks you can do to reach the summit ranging from 15 minutes to 5+ hours. We opted for a 2.5-hour hike accompanied by our guide. She was great and pointed out the plants and the tufa-stone caved dotted along the mountain along the way. Reaching the top you’ll find a former monastery and a beautiful cafe so you can relax with a cold drink before making your descent.

I’d definitely recommend a guide, especially if you’re doing more than the 15-minute walk.

Michelin star food and exploring castles in Ischia

Enjoy a well-deserved lunch at the 5-star Hotel Manzi where you can dine in their Michelin star restaurant. Then enjoy the views from their roof terrace or book yourself in for a quick spa treatment.

As if you hadn’t done enough walking today head to the northern point of the island for the Aragonese Castle. The medieval castle stands on a volcanic rocky island which is only connected to the mainland via a man-made causeway created. You can only explore part of the castle as there are two hotels onsite. And a family do still live inside the grounds #lifegoals. But the views you get from the top over the bay are stunning and you can learn a bit more about the castle’s use as a fortress of defense.

Now it’s time to grab some souvenirs to take home from locally created wine, olive oil and liquors to face masks using mud from the islands thermal waters. And of course your traditional magnets, keyrings, and postcards. Head into St. Angelo in the evening for dinner at the wonderful Casa Celestino, looking out on the beach and fill your belly with seafood.

How to spend four days in Ischia: Final Day

It might be the day you head home but the fun doesn’t need to end quite yet as you start the day with a trip to the Poseidon Thermal Park. There are over 20 pools of varying temperatures. This includes a sauna dug into a cave, a wellness centre and a stretch of private beach to top up your tan. Don’t expect first class service here as it can be a little lax, but it’s great for relaxing. Make sure you take your own towel/ robe and swim cap as you can’t get into the pools without the later. Thankfully the pools more than make up for the lack of service. Take a dip in the bubbling jacuzzi waters of the 36-degree water. Relax in the warm 40-degree water before plunging into the 15-degree water straight after. Or just relax and take a swim in something a little cooler.

Once you’re done around midday it’s time to change out of your swimwear and make your journey back to the ferry terminal for your trip back home.

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