Ischia is a volcanic island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It lies at the northwest entrance to the Gulf of Naples, opposite Cape Miseno and is part of the Campania region. Ischia is also known as Italy’s spa island as the island consists almost entirely of volcanic rock and it has more than 100 natural thermal springs and therapeutic spas which have been used for centuries for their healing properties.
Ischia is a lush volcanic island in the Bay of Naples, loved for its thermal spas, sandy beaches, and charming villages. Getting to Ischia by ferry is the most popular and scenic way to reach this island paradise, ideal for both day-trippers and longer stays.
No flights are needed to reach Ischia. The ferry offers a more relaxed and scenic travel experience, allowing you to arrive in the heart of the island without the stress of airports or tight luggage limits.
Here you will find all the reasons why Ischia is worth a visit, as well as information about ferry connections, transportation options and places worth seeing.
How to book ferry tickets to Ischia with goferry
Booking your ferry ticket through goferry is fast and user-friendly:
- Choose your departure port and preferred dates
- Compare ferry companies, timetables and vessel types
- Add passenger information (and vehicle details if needed)
- Pick the fare that suits your travel plans
- Secure your payment and receive instant confirmation by email
Why book your ferry to Ischia with goferry?
goferry offers a complete and reliable booking experience:
- All major ferry companies in one place
- Real-time prices, availability and schedule comparisons
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Fast and secure booking process
- Multilingual customer support
- Easy to modify or manage bookings
Useful tips for travelers
- Book early, especially in summer or if bringing a car
- Be flexible with departure ports (Pozzuoli may be better for vehicles)
- Pack light. Space is limited on high-speed ferries
- Carry essentials like sunscreen, motion sickness tablets and a power bank
- Check the weather forecast. Rough seas may delay crossings
Ferry routes to Ischia
Ischia Ferry Port
Ischia has 3 ferry ports: Casamicciola, Forio and Ischia Porto.
- Ischia Porto: This is the main port of Ischia and is located in the town of the island close to restaurants, stores, sights and hotels. It is easy to reach by car, cab or bus and offers ferry connections to Capri, Naples, Pozzuoli, Salerno, Procida and Sorrento
- Casamicciola: The port of Casamicciola is located in the northern part of Ischia and offers ferries to Naples, Procida and Pozzuoli
- Forio: The port is located in the western part of Ischia, between the headlands of Punta Caruso and Punta Imperatore, with ferries arriving from Naples, Forio and Casamicciola Terme
Ischia is well connected with many destinations. The most popular ferry routes are from the mainland of Italy and the ferry ports of Naples and Pozzuoli.
The main ferry connections are:
From Naples (Molo Beverello) to Ischia ferry
There are more than 30 departures available per day and the ferry from Napoli to Ischia takes about 50 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the operator.
Pozzuoli - Ischia ferry
The duration of the sailing is approximately 1 hour with about 20 daily departures.
Salerno - Ischia ferry
One sailing per day with a sailing duration of 3 hours.
Procida - Ischia ferry
Seasonal connection with 2 departures per day and the ferry journey is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Ferry from Amalfi to Ischia
2 sailings per day and the crossing lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Ferry from Positano to Ischia
This route operates everyday and the sailing lasts about 2 hours.
Ferry boat from Sorrento to Ischia
2 daily routes with a duration of 1 hour 10 minutes or 1 hour 20 minutes.
On-board amenities: Most operators offer these connections with ferries that have amenities such as seating areas, snack bars and restrooms. Hydrofoils also offer these connections with shorter travel times but less space.
Note: In high season, departures are more frequent and there are many departures every day. During the rest of the year, the timetables may be reduced, so it is advisable to check the timetables in advance.
How far is Ischia from mainland Italy?
- Naples – Ischia: approx. 18 nautical miles
- Pozzuoli – Ischia: approx. 12 nautical miles
- Sorrento – Ischia: approx. 23 nautical miles
These short distances make Ischia perfect for spontaneous weekend trips.
Transportation in Ischia
Because of its relatively small size the best way to explore the island is by bicycle, car or bus. Many of the town’s attractions and villages are connected with public transportation or private tours and there are many transportation options available to explore the island’s beautiful landscapes, villages and attractions.
- Bus: The island has a reliable public bus system connecting most key locations around the island.
The main bus terminal is located at the main port, close to the arrival pier
- Car/motorcycle: Passengers can either board the ferry with their cars and motorcycles or rent a car as soon as they arrive in Ischia. Note that parking and driving on Ischia can be difficult as the roads are narrow and there is a lot of traffic on the island, especially in summer
- Taxi/water taxis: Taxis are available throughout the island at key locations like ports, bus stations and popular attraction points. For visitors that would like to reach more secluded beaches or enjoy a ride around the island boat taxis are also available
- Bicycles: Biking is a good option for getting around the island for visitors that enjoy cycling through hills and coastal roads with scenic views
Tip: Vehicles are prohibited in Sant’ Angelo. You can reach the city with a car, bus or taxi but all vehicles must be parked or stop in a designated area outside of the village.
Vacation in Ischia
The island has an elongated shape and the highest point is Mount Epomeo, an extinct volcano that last erupted 1200 years ago. Historically, Ischia was once inhabited by the Greeks, who called the island Pithecusa (island of the monkeys in Greek), but abandoned it after a volcanic eruption in the 7th century BC. The island was inhabited in the 2nd century BC. It was later colonized by the Romans, who called the island Aenaria, and remains of the Roman settlements and baths can still be found on the island today.
Ischia was primarily an agricultural island and it became a popular tourist destination after the 1950’s thanks to the film producer Angelo Rizzoli that used the island as a setting for many of his films ( eg. the movie Cleopatra starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor).
Ischia is divided into 6 municipalities that offer a beautiful combination of natural landscapes and wonders, lush vegetation, historical sites, thermal spas, clear waters, coastal views and is an ideal destination for those seeking for some peace and quiet but also for those looking for adventure.
What to do in Ischia
- Walking tours: The villages of Ischia are easy to explore on foot as they are pedestrian-friendly. Many visitors opt for a hike to admire the charming villages with their narrow streets, such as Ischia Porto, Forio and Sant'Angelo
- Explore the thermal spas: There are several thermal baths on Ischia where you can relax and be pampered. Poseidon Gardens is one of the most famous with more than 20 thermal pools, saunas and a beautiful setting. Negombo is another beautiful park with hot springs in Lacco Ameno and the thermal park of Castiglione, which is located near Casamicciola Terme in an area surrounded by olive groves
- Wine tasting: Some of the local wineries offer tours. Ischia has a long tradition of winemaking.
- Local cuisine: try some of the local dishes that reflect the Neapolitan tradition. Some the best culinary delights of Ischia are spaghetti alle vongole (pasta with tomatoes, clams, garlic, and basil), pizza di scarola fritta (pizza with escarole, anchovies, olives and raisins), cornetto di Calise (a croissant filled with cream and black cherries) zingara ischitana (sandwich with ham, mozzarella, tomato and lettuce)
Beaches in Ischia
Ischia offers a long coastline with stunning beaches and a mix of sandy shores, rocky coves, crystal clear and shallow waters.
Here are some of the best beaches in Ischia:
- Sant' Angelo Beach is ideal for people who prefer a quieter beach
- Maronti Beach is one of the most popular beaches with golden sand, thermal springs and several cafés and restaurants along the beach
- Cava Grado is mainly favored by the locals and offers calm waters and several beach bars nearby
- Cartaromana Beach offers fantastic views of the Castle of Aragon and has blue water and white sand
- San Francisco is ideal for visitors interested in watersports and is close to the town of Forio
Sightseeing in Ischia
- Discover the island's charming towns and stroll through the narrow streets with their colorful houses
- Explore the ancient fortifications and the museum of the Castello Aragonese, a medieval castle dating back to 474 BC
- Hike to the top of Monte Epomeo, which offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and Ischia, and enjoy the natural beauty of the island
- Stroll through the peaceful gardens of La Mortella, filled with exotic flowers and plants
- Learn more about the ancient Greek colony of Pithecusa at the Museo Archeologico di Pithecusa
FAQs about your trip
What’s the easiest port to reach Ischia from?
Naples Beverello Port is the most central and busiest for departures to Ischia. Pozzuoli is better for vehicles.
Can I take my car to Ischia?
Yes, but during summer months, non-residents may be restricted. Check rules before booking a vehicle ticket.
Are there overnight ferries to Ischia?
No, all crossings are daytime only due to the short distances involved.
What’s the cheapest ferry option to Ischia?
Slow ferries from Pozzuoli are usually the most affordable.
Can I bring a pet on the ferry?
Yes, pets are welcome on most services, as long as you follow carrier or leash requirements and bring any necessary documents.
