For decades, Ischia played second fiddle to its flashy neighbour Capri, tucked into the Bay of Naples and largely overlooked by international crowds. That's changing. The volcanic island – famous for thermal springs, fishing ports and a refreshingly unpolished take on Italian island life – is suddenly on the radar, and Condé Nast Traveller UK has rounded up the hotels worth booking.
What makes Ischia different from Capri and Procida is that the everyday life of the place is right there on the surface. Think nonnas hanging laundry between buildings, religious processions winding through town, Vespas zipping past. There's no need to hunt for the 'real Italy' here – it's simply the default setting. The island stays rugged and fuss-free, even as its hotel scene punches well above its weight with some of the strongest properties in the country.
The top pick for a beachfront stay is the Regina Isabella, a long-standing classic in Lacco Ameno that has drawn Italian celebrities since the 1950s. For a wellness-focused trip, the Mezzatorre Hotel occupies a restored watchtower surrounded by pine woods above the sea, leaning hard into Ischia's natural thermal heritage. And for old-school Italian glamour, the San Montano Resort & Spa sits on a hillside above San Montano Bay, with sweeping views and a grand, mid-century feel. The list mixes headline luxury names with smaller boutique boltholes, chosen for design, location, warm service and genuine sustainability credentials rather than just star ratings.
Beyond the hotel gates, Ischia rewards a slower pace. The island's volcanic soil feeds lush gardens – La Mortella, the hillside gardens created by composer William Walton's wife, are a highlight – while the Aragonese Castle, built on a rocky islet connected to Ischia Ponte by a stone bridge, is the island's most recognisable sight. Thermal parks at Sant'Angelo and Casamicciola let you soak in naturally heated pools, and the ferry ride from Naples takes barely an hour. Food is a draw too: rabbit is the island's signature dish, along with seafood, local wines grown on volcanic slopes, and granita made with island-grown citrus.
Why it matters: Ischia suits travellers who want the Bay of Naples scenery without Capri prices or crowds, and who'd rather spend the afternoon at a thermal pool than queue for a photo spot. Shoulder seasons – May–June and September – are ideal, when the sea is warm, hotels are quieter and the towns still hum with local life. As the secret spreads, the window for experiencing Ischia in its pleasantly under-the-radar state is narrowing.
Full hotel picks via Condé Nast Traveller UK.
