Ischia holidays

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Ischia is the largest of the islands off Italy’s beautiful Neapolitan Riviera. Visitors arrive into Naples International Airport and are whisked across the bay by ferry or hydrofoil. The moment that Ischia looms into view above the waves is a special one. You might notice the volcanic peaks, the crisp white lines of the buildings or the emerald-green flora: whatever catches your eye, set foot on the island and it’s the warm welcome of the locals that will live long in your memory.

There are many excellent hotels on the island of Ischia. Famed for its healing thermal waters, it is no surprise to find a selection of exclusive spa hotels offering high levels of service and wellbeing. There are also hotels set amid gardens, next to the beach, or perched on cliffs. The best offer swimming pools and great dining options, with many Ischia hotels welcoming guests on a half-board basis. In Ischia, all-inclusive stays are also available, though half-board or breakfast-only are the favoured board types here. Don’t worry, the magnificent array of local restaurants will tempt you in and more than make up for having to leave your hotel.

Ischia Porto is the biggest town on Ischia and a great base for your holiday. Restaurants, bars, coastal beauty spots and public thermal springs can be found within minutes of your hotel. Ischia Ponte and Sant'Angelo are also popular choices for holidaymakers.

The beaches of Ischia are on a par (ssh… perhaps better!) than those on little sister Capri, yet Capri gets the bulk of the day-trippers when the sun shines. That suits most visitors to Ischia just fine. It does get busy, especially in July and August, but you won’t feel overrun on the sands and your favourite table should be available at that sweet little trattoria you discovered on the first night.

Finding cheap Ischia holiday deals is easy. Simply use the TravelSuperMarket search tool to compare some of the best holiday packages available, then choose the one you want. You can also compare prices on travel extras, such as insurance and car hire in Ischia.

Use our brief climate guide to Ischia to figure out when to go…

When it comes to sun-kissed holidays, Ischia begins to shine in May when average daytime temperatures start to rise above 20C. The peak of the summer season arrives in July and August, with more than 10 hours of sunshine and average temperatures pushing past 30C. By October, however, things start to wind down. Winter is quiet in Ischia and the weather is mild, though ferries are still available and it is a pleasant time to see the sights (if it’s not raining). You may even see a little rainfall throughout the summer in Ischia, but clouds quickly disperse and give way to brilliant blue skies.

Ischia puts on a fine performance each year with a host of brilliant annual events…

Ischia Film Festival; June-July: The medieval Aragonese Castle is the setting for this glamorous affair, which attracts a clutch of silver-screen stars. A series of talks, workshops and other events take place alongside regular movie screenings.

Festa di Sant’Anna; July 26: The feast day of St Anne is marked in spectacular style. Firstly, decorated boats parade on the sea in front of a judging panel, then fireworks light the night sky. The finale is a “burning” of the Aragonese Castle. Get there early with a picnic to claim a great spot.

Ischia Jazz Festival; September: Jazz musicians turn out in force on the island for this early autumn festival featuring drums, trumpets, guitars and a whole lot of pizazz.