A Digital Nomad's Guide to Ischia, Italy

The island of Ischia is a short boat ride from the port of Naples. The island is known for volcanic soil that produces lush foliage and thermal hot springs, but for me, the island represents a peaceful, slow life that I needed a reminder of. I spent a full two weeks on Ischia, after traveling through France and Italy with my girlfriends for a full month. We parted ways in Florence; they flew back to the US, and I took the train to Napoli. Once on Ischia, I rented an Airbnb with a beautiful patio, stocked up on fresh groceries, wrote, cooked, did pilates, and only left my Airbnb for scooter rides and thermal plunges. It was perfect.

Bay in Ischia at night
Ischia harbor at dusk

Getting there

From the central train station in Napoli, I chose to walk 30 minutes to the Calata di Massa port. You can also take a taxi or Uber for $10. Be sure to stop and get a pizza at Pizzeria Da Attilio; you won’t regret it.

Ferries
Slow ferry, Calata di Massa: 90 minutes and costs $14
Hydrofoil, Molo Beverello: 50 minutes, slightly more expensive

Transportation

Once on the island, I recommend renting a scooter for $25/day. You can walk from the ferry to the scooter rental shop. 

  • To arrange a rental, message Danilo on WhatsApp at +39 333 851 2191
  • Tip: you do need to pay for scooter parking around the island. If you don’t, you will be ticketed. (Yes, I got a ticket.)

Where to stay

The island is small, so you can scooter anywhere in one day. My favorite part of the island is the southwest, near Sant’ Angelo; there are free thermal hot springs that merge with the ocean in a secluded bay close by.

Here is my Airbnb recommendation. 

Where to eat

I chose to predominantly cook, as the produce in Ischia was local and fresh. I did eat a few meals out to taste the local flavor and, of course, take a daily scooter ride for gelato.

Here is my Google Maps food list, with highlights below: 

  • Grocery: Sebon
  • Gelato: Gelato shop in the town of Sant’ Angelo; you can’t miss it
  • Fresh fish: Colombaia, Maronti Beach 
  • Local experience for dinner: La Vigna Di Alberto 
  • Beautiful view for dinner: Ristorante l’Arca

Where to play

My favorite part about Ischia is that it’s small; there isn’t pressure to rush to and fro. However, my favorite spots are in the Google Maps list, with highlights below: 

  • Local thermal hot springs: Baia di Sorgeto – you can park your scooter and walk down the steps toward the cove
  • Massage: Negombo – a bit expensive, but worth a try if you want to feel pampered
  • Gardens: Giardini la Mortella 
Couple on beach in Ischia