Planning a Trip

Getting There

Ischia's three main harbors -- Ischia Porto (the largest), Forio, and Casamicciola -- are very well connected to the mainland through frequent ferry and hydrofoil service. Medmar (tel. 081-5513352; www.medmargroup.it) offers ferries from Napoli to Ischia Porto and from Pozzuoli to both Ischia Porto and Casamicciola. Caremar (tel. 081-0171998 from abroad or tel. 892123 from anywhere in Italy; www.caremar.it) runs ferries to Ischia Porto and Casamicciola from Pozzuoli, Procida, and Naples (Molo Beverello). Alilauro (tel. 199-600202 from within Italy or 081-4972222; www.alilauro.it) runs hydrofoils from Mergellina to Ischia Porto and Forio and from Naples (Molo Beverello) to Ischia Porto and to Forio. SNAV (tel. 081-4285555 or 081-4285500; www.snav.it) runs hydrofoils and catamarans from Mergellina, Naples (Molo Beverello), and Procida to Ischia Porto and Casamicciola. Navigazione Libera del Golfo (tel. 081-5520763; www.navlib.it) operates from Salerno to Ischia. Alicoast (tel. 089-234892 in Salerno; 089-871483 in Amalfi; and 089-811986 in Positano; www.amalficoastlines.com) offers connections from Salerno, Capri, Amalfi, and Positano to Ischia Porto. Some of the hydrofoil lines are suspended during the winter because of rough seas. Most of the ferries are equipped for car transport but very few of the faster hydrofoils are: If you want to bring your car, make sure you reserve well in advance because space is at a premium. Also, always check with the transport company as local authorities sometimes restrict the number of cars allowed on the islands during the height of the summer, allowing only residents to bring their cars.

Getting Around

Although larger than the other islands, Ischia can easily be toured via public transportation. SEPSA's public bus system (tel. 081-991808 or 081-991828) is very well run and organized: One of its lines tours the island toward the right (circolare destra marked CD), and one circles toward the left (circolare sinistra marked CS); other lines crisscross the island between its major destinations. Tickets are 1.20€ ($1.70/85p) and are valid for 90 minutes; a daily pass costs 4€ ($5.60/£2.80). You can get a printout of the bus schedule from the tourist office.

You can find taxis at the stands strategically located around the island, including all harbors and main destinations, or call tel. 081-984998, 081-992550, or 081-993720. Some of the taxis are picturesque three-wheelers -- motorette -- but they are rapidly disappearing. A 10€ ($14/£7) minimum charge applies inside the town of Ischia (it's pretty much a flat rate), but drivers use the meter for trips outside town.

You can also rent scooters and small cars on the island directly from Fratelli del Franco, Via A. de Luca, Ischia Porto (tel. 081-991334), which also rents bicycles, and at euroscootercar, Via Iasolino, Ischia Porto (tel. 081-982722).

Visitor Information

The AACST tourist office of Ischia is at Corso Vittoria Colonna 116, 80077 Ischia (tel. 081-5074231; fax 081-5074230; www.infoischiaprocida.it). They also maintain information booths on Via Sogliuzzo 72 in the center of Ischia Porto and by the harbor (tel. 081-5074211; Mon-Sat 9am-noon and 2-5pm). There you'll find free maps of the island as well as information and brochures.

Special Events

In May, the island hosts Ipomea, an international exposition of rare temperate-zone plants that is held in the exclusive grounds of the Parco Termale del Negombo (tel. 081-986152; www.negombo.it).

The Festival of Sant'Anna on July 26 is celebrated with evocative displays by the Aragonese Castle. The festival originated from the adoration of Saint Ann, the mother of Mary, who is believed to protect pregnant women. Originally, locals would sail to the small bay of Cartaromana with candles on their bows to honor the saint. Slowly, this tradition developed into the spectacular Festa del Mare, in which a procession of boats and floats crosses the water, and the castle and harbor are illuminated. If you are in the area around this time, be sure not to miss this memorable sight.

Summer is also the height of the musical season at La Mortella (tel. 081-986220; www.lamortella.it), the seat of the William Walton Foundation. Besides the concerts, the foundation also hosts a yearly music and opera workshop. An additional musical event is the Ischia Jazz Festival (www.ischiajazzfestival.com or www.circuitojazz.it/ischia.htm), which usually takes place over 5 days in the beginning of September.