11 Most Beautiful Beaches in Ischia, Italy
Ischia is one of the most popular islands in Italy and in the world. It is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples, made up of six different municipalities, and being a volcanic island, it is best known for its mineral-rich thermal waters.
The volcanic nature in fact makes Ischia an island full of thermal springs that flow in every corner, even directly into the sea.
Lush and sunny all year round, the “green island” enchants with its spas, pebble beaches to reach on foot, isolated coves, and equipped beaches where you can practice balneotherapy. However, the island of Ischia is much more than a seaside resort.
Of course, the sea, the spas, and the beaches are the main tourist resource of the area, but there are really many things to see and do in Ischia. Just think that the island was the first colony of Magna Graecia. Ischia, therefore, strikes not only for its naturalistic beauty but also for its gastronomy, warm hospitality, and cultural traditions.
It is a destination to visit even in winter, thanks to its mild climate all year round. So let’s see the most beautiful beaches on this wonderful island.
Pescatori beach, Ischia town
The Pescatori beach (Fishermen’s beach) is located close to Ischia Porto, about 200 meters from the entrance to the ancient town of Ischia Ponte, along a stretch of coast once for the exclusive use of fishermen only (hence the name).
It is a picturesque beach of golden sand immersed in a unique and suggestive landscape, with the Aragonese Castle on the right, the colorful houses of the Mandra village behind and, in the distance, the islands of Vivara and Procida.
The beach is equipped with every tourist service and comfort, has several bathing establishments, and has completely free beach stretches. The sea is beautiful, blue, crystalline, and transparent, with sandy and sloping bottoms that are excellent for swimming.
To get here, go to Mandra in the municipality of Ischia, even using local transport if you don’t have a car. From this beach, you can admire a wonderful view of the gulf.
Bay of Sorgeto, Forio d’Ischia
On the island of Ischia, the characteristic phenomenon of fumaroles is also present in the beautiful Bay of Sorgeto, in the municipality of Forio d’Ischia, where the thermal water flows from the depths of the earth a stone’s throw from the shore, forming a real natural thermal park, free and therefore open all year round. For this reason even in winter you will find people immersed in water because the temperature inside the tanks can reach 37 degrees.
In the summer, it is advisable to go down to the bay of Sorgeto very early, otherwise, you risk not finding a place; while it is absolutely a must, at least once in your life, to take an evening bath in the moonlight immersed in the natural pools between the sea and the spa. In this bay, sheltered from the winds and kissed by the sun, citizens and tourists arrive fascinated by the transparency of its seabed.
The bay is not really easy to reach: from Punta Chiarito, from which you will have a beautiful view over the whole bay, there are more than 250 steps to reach the sea. And just as many to go back up.
Scarrupata, Barano d’Ischia
Scarrupata is a place not to be missed in Ischia: an inaccessible and difficult to access inlet, which has kept illegal construction and mass tourism away. This stretch of coast, which ends with a beautiful beach of large pebbles washed by a transparent sea with a rich seabed, is a unique place for travelers who are lucky enough to discover it.
To reach it you will have to face a path in nature that starts from the locality of Vatoliere in the municipality of Barano d’Ischia. At the Scarrupata di Barano, it is good to dedicate a whole day because if the descent is fast (you can reach the sea in ten minutes), the ascent, especially in summer, can become even more tiring if done under the sun.
The route is not difficult to walk, however, it could become a problem for those suffering from vertigo. For them it is advisable to take a small boat from the Maronti beach to reach Scarrupata by sea.
The beauty of the place, the sea, and the excellent restaurant that you will find in the bay deserves to spend happy hours diving in the sea, swimming, snorkeling and lots of sun.
If you love snorkeling, go and explore the nearby cove of San Pancrazio, which is located near the Scarrupata; here, there is a cave where the play of light between water and stone creates a unique atmosphere.
Fungo beach, Lacco Ameno
The Fungo Beach (Mushroom Beach), located in the municipality of Lacco Ameno, is so called because a short distance from it, there is a rock whose shape, as a result of long erosions, has the characteristic of a mushroom, which over time has become a symbol of the island.
This large tuffaceous boulder precipitated from Mount Epomeo (the highest island peak), gives its name to this beautiful beach. The Fungo beach is a real postcard, with colorful houses in the background and a timeless atmosphere. The sand is fine, and as the seabed is shallow and protected by cliffs, it is suitable for children; it also has a free space and one with bathing establishments.
Given the narrowness of the beach, the stretch of free beach is very small. In the surroundings, there are bars and restaurants. Very crowded in the summer months; it is sunny from the morning until around 4 pm.
The Fungo Beach is easily accessible because it is located in the center of Lacco Ameno and can be reached by bus and car along the main road surrounding the island.
Cava Ruffano beach, Serrara Fontana
One of the most beautiful and characteristic beaches of Ischia is that of Cava Ruffano, located in the municipality of Serrara Fontana and clinging to a picturesque ridge of rock overlooking the sea.
The glance from above, is something spectacular: crystal clear water, which takes on the tones of emerald and changes color as you move away from the coast. Among the rugged peaks of the sea, we find an oasis of peace, a small cove surrounded by Mediterranean scrub, in a wonderful stretch of sea.
The beach of Cava Ruffano is found inside a small cove between one of the ridges that welcome, in the upper part, the last stretch that can be traveled by car.
Getting there is also easy by public bus, getting off at the “Cava Grado” stop and then descending to the sea via a staircase right behind the restaurant. The sand of the beach is fine and mixed with pebbles.
Bay of San Francesco, Forio d’Ischia
The beach of San Francesco is located a few kilometers from the port of Forio and is easily accessible by car and public transport. On the right side it is surmounted by the spectacular promontory of Punta Caruso, a destination for those who love rocks and a bit of tranquility.
This beach is suitable for those who love water sports, tourist facilities, and perhaps dining in a typical restaurant, illuminated only by the light of the sunset before and the moon after.
The sun, as indeed also in the other beaches of the municipality of Forio, remains until late in the evening, thanks to the happy exposure to the west of the territory.
The Bay of San Francesco has a magical atmosphere: when the sun goes down, the beautiful beach lights up fiery red.
San Francesco Beach is the ideal alternative to the more popular Chiaia Beach. It is always crowded, but the clientele is different, especially due to the presence of excellent hotels in the area.
Maronti beach, Barano d’Ischia
The most famous beach of Barano d’Ischia and of the whole island is certainly the spectacular Maronti beach, a stretch of sand about 3 kilometers long (the longest on the island) bathed by a sea where the blue fades into cobalt as you move away from the shore.
A beach set between the sea and the mountains in its last stretch borders the municipality of Serrara Fontana and enchants with the singular phenomenon of fumaroles. There is probably no tourist who arrives in Ischia who does not already know, at least hearsay, the word “Maronti.” Its name derives from the Greek, which means “quiet beach.”
This beach can be reached by a panoramic road that descends in hairpin bends from the town of Barano (offering spectacular views), or by water taxi from the charming little port of Sant’Angelo.
A new extension work now allows pedestrian access from Sant’Angelo, while the numerous summer establishments offer various services.
The beach is very busy but offers uncrowded days in the high season. The beach is also equipped with numerous bathing establishments and large free beach areas.
Sant’Angelo beach, Sant’Angelo
One of the most evocative corners of Ischia is certainly Sant’Angelo, an ancient maritime town, formed by a group of colorful houses that slope down onto a small port, closed by a small beach that allows for peaceful baths even in the case of a not very calm sea.
The seaside town comes alive from the first light of day and remains lively until sunset, with the establishments close to the square and the luxuriant nature reflected in the sea.
There are four beaches in Sant’Angelo. Hidden inside a small cove is the beach of Cava Ruffano. Not far from the square is the beach of Sant’Angelo, with private bathing establishments.
Many stone steps will lead you, instead, to the beach of Cava Grado, a corner of paradise where you can enjoy the sun and the sea in absolute relaxation. Among the experiences to do, there is certainly a visit to the nearby fumaroles.
Bay of Citara, Forio d’Ischia
Citara beach, in the municipality of Forio d’Ischia, is located in a beautiful bay below Punta Imperatore, where the largest thermal park on the island is also the Poseidon Gardens.
In the lush bay of Citara you can spend relaxing days in the sun, between walks on the shore and swimming in the blue of the sea, enjoying one of the most beautiful beaches of Ischia, made of white sand and clear waters.
The beach is one of the most popular places for summer seaside tourism. Here there are numerous well-equipped bathing establishments but also stretches of free beach.
There is also a large number of restaurants and bars. In addition to the beauty of the place, the subsoil has a great wealth of hydrothermal resources that become one with the sea water.
Before going down to the sea, or perhaps afterwards, take advantage of the pools of the Poseidon Gardens, which overlook the beach. The beach is easily accessible both by car and by public transport.
Convent beach, Casamicciola Terme
The Convent beach is located in the municipality of Casamicciola Terme, in the northern part of the island. The beach is so-called because it is located right in front of the Convent of the Passionist Fathers. Given the small size of the beach, the free area is a bit restricted. There are also equipped bathing establishments and even a bar restaurant.
To access it, you have to go down about 50 steps, but despite this, it is very popular with families as the position of the opposite cliff has formed a small bay where the water is shallow. Being, therefore, a beach characterized by shallow waters and crystal clear waters, it is perfect for children. It is very busy in the summer, but it is a place to relax in the sun.
Beach of the Nuns, Lacco Ameno
In the municipality of Lacco Ameno there are coves with a tropical charm such as the wonderful and wild beach of the Nuns (Spiaggia delle Monache). This narrow strip of sand bathed by a cobalt blue sea is an unspoiled corner of Ischia that can only be reached by sea aboard a taxi-boat.
The name of the beach derives from the presence of aplysia, tiny mollusks that live in marine habitats particularly rich in algae, and Posidonia, commonly known as “sea nuns” due to their shape and dark color reminiscent of the nuns’ veil.
The Beach of the Nuns is a natural inlet subject to the restrictions of the Marine Protected Area due to the presence of a beautiful Posidonia meadow. A cove with a very high environmental value that must be preserved as much as possible from uncontrolled boating.
