Ischia

Ischia is one of those places that surprises you in the best way. It has all the beauty of Capri, but with a more relaxed, lived-in vibe and fewer crowds. From healing thermal spas to cliffside sunsets and quiet fishing villages, the island has a soul that feels both grounded and luxurious. It’s a destination that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and truly unwind.

Just spent a long weekend nestled in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea, on Ischia! Ischia is a captivating Italian island that beckons travelers with its stunning natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture. Often referred to as the more mysterious and eclectic sister of Capri, this gem off the Amalfi Coast offers a unique and unforgettable experience. With its gorgeous waters, mouthwatering Italian cuisine and the allure of an Aperol Spritz, Ischia is a destination that has relaxation, pizza, culture, thermal baths and sunshine.

Italy's third most populous island is constantly undermined and overshadowed by its more luxurious cousin, Capri, to the southeast and the Instagram-friendly Amalfi coast. On top of that, the Ischitani are not necessarily brilliant marketeers, a trait which does not lend itself to mass-tourism. Then again, it may be this very lack of mass-tourism which made me fall in love with the island and put together this guide for you!

I first heard of Ischia from Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Series, My Brilliant Friend, and became obsessed with visiting this still relatively under the radar island one day. In early 2019, I learned of the iconic Il Pellicano Group’s acquisition of the stately Mezzatorre Hotel, and with my love of exquisite hotels as well as wanting to live out my own Ischian summer adventures, this seemed like the perfect way to explore this beautiful verdant island. What once had been considered as Capri’s less glamorous or overlooked sibling mostly catering to locals and other Europeans on holiday, today, Ischia has become that new hot place to go. That place you can’t wait to tell your friends about. Ischia truly has unique luxury accommodations that each show their own characteristics and charm.

This tiny island has it all, with beaches, wineries, thermal springs, its own castle, and even a botanical garden to boot. With its proximity to Naples, you can see influences in the cuisine, and dare I say, the pizza on the island is one of the best I’ve ever had. After reaching out to all our expert Italian friends who have been visiting this gem of an island annually for decades, I experienced this beautiful island for myself and put together a list of all the best places to consider when planning your trip. I already can't wait to return!

Mezzatore Hotel and Thermal Spa is a beautiful property on the island of Ischia. Spend the day on a beach lounger overlooking the Gulf of Naples, take a dip in the sea or relax in the thermal baths at the spa. At sunset, have an Aperol spritz at Bar La Baia followed by a delicious dinner at Ristorante La Torre.

Ischia is Capri's lesser known, but incredibly beautiful neighbor just off the Amalfi Coast in the Bay of Naples. With plenty of private thermal spas, luxury hotels with sunset views and understated beach clubs, it's a great place to experience La Vera Dolce Vita.

If you’re looking to experience La Dolce Vita in the Amalfi Coast without large tourist crowds, look no further than Botania Relais & Spa in the picturesque island of Ischia, Italy. This green oasis offers the perfect escape with its extensive Mediterranean gardens while providing you with all the luxury amenities you need.

I bet you've never seen a sunset like this one. Perched atop a hill on the northern side of the island of Ischia, San Montano boasts one of the most impressive vistas that are all the more majestic as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. Every detail is meticulously curated to ensure that every guest has an experience nothing short of perfect. I would stay again in a heartbeat!