The Insider’s Guide to Ischia, Italy

• Aragonese Castle - Built in 474BC, with a storied past including Syracusan Greek Hiero I to Alfonso of Aragon, Aragonese today is a wonderful tourist site to walk around. The castle is situated on a rocky inlet and juts out from the main island on the Northeast Coast of Ischia, connected by a causeway. Start from the very top of the castle and make your way down to the ground level.

• Negombo Springs - Ischia is known for its warm springs, and none are more famous or popular than Negombo. Beautiful gardens surround a dozen pools (each with its own temperature). Overlooking the gorgeous San Montano beach, this is the perfect spot to relax and soak it all in.

• Sant’Angelo - The most charming town on the southern part of Ischia, and rumored to be where former German Chancellor Angela Merkel would base her holidays. A wonderful town at the very southern tip of Ischia to walk around, grab lunch, and watch the boats in the marina.

• Scannella Beach Club - THE beach club to go to in Ischia, Scannella is situated down the side of a very, very steep cliff to the water. Come here for the ultimate relaxing day, surrounded only by the sparkling blue sea and natural rock formations. Scannella has three warm water pools, and a great restaurant for lunch. Scannella is only accessible by walking down a few hundreds of steps, which we did and do not recommend, or by taking a short boat ride from Sant’Angelo. Pro tip: take the boat ride!

• Giardini la Mortella - One of the most beautiful private gardens in all of Italy. Created by Susan Walton, wife of composer William Walton, in 1958, the meticulous tender loving care they had put into this place absolutely shows. Great to explore for a morning or afternoon when you want a break from the beaches. Throughout the summer there are concerts held in its recital hall.

Ischia is amazing on its own, but if you have the time, combine it with a stay on the Amalfi Coast and get the full experience of being able to explore and spend time in popular Positano/Amalfi/Ravello areas, as well as enjoy some relaxing island time on Ischia.

• O’Pignattello - An elegant restaurant in the heart of Lacco Ameno, and dare I say, one of the best restaurants in Ischia. Owned by a young couple, this is definitely worth coming to. Using traditional dishes made with local ingredients but with a sophisticated edge, many call this their favorite restaurant in Ischia. Very well curated wine list, including some fantastic Champagnes, and incredible service!

• Dani Maison - The only 2 Michelin star restaurants on the island, Dani Maison is where you want to go for an impressive and special evening. Starting off with apertivi in the garden with a glass of Champagne, they then lead you indoors to your table for the evening for the most fantastic tasting menu. Each course is a work of art from Chef Nino de Constanzo. There is also a great wine list, boasting many of Europe’s top wineries. Come hungry!

• Saturnino - Lovely romantic restaurant in Forio. If you love seafood, this is your spot. Wonderful spot for a date, when we went the restaurant was lively and completely full. You can choose a tasting menu (and let them surprise you) or also order a la carte.

• Terra E Sapori - Traditional Ischian fare. Very casual, authentic restaurant surrounded by vineyards just inland from Forio. Not walkable from Forio, will need a car or taxi to get there, but well worth it! Get their full antipasti plate, everything is amazing, and end with the owner’s own digestif!