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When you imagine an island vacation in Italy, chances are Capri is the first destination that comes to mind.
The jet-setting, star-studded rocky outcrop may have world-famous beach clubs and glowing turquoise sea caves, but it’s the last place you want to be if authentic Italian charm and sun-drenched vacations that won’t cost you much are on your radar.
Believe it or not, there is another island gem not far away, a short 1-hour crossing from Naples, which Italians themselves prefer to Capri.
Think picture-perfect pebble beaches surrounded by crystal-clear seas, ancient Roman ruins with perhaps half the hustle and bustle of Pompeii, and laid-back seaside towns where time seems to slow to a standstill. Welcome to Ischia:
Now This Actually feels like Italy
At about 6 miles wide and 4 miles, Ischia is much larger then the small offshore volcano Capri, but still small enough to explore in a few days.
It is quite densely populated, with approximately 62,000 people spread across coastal settlements and mountain villages inland. And if you’re wondering what the atmosphere is like here, think calmer and more nature-oriented, much chiller and less flashy.
Not your typical tourist hotspot in southern Italy, if you know what I mean.
Thermal hot springs and spa parks are a big plus, and Mount Epomeo, a dormant volcano that dominates the island’s landscape, offers stunning views of the Gulf of Naples. The beaches are a mix of sandy and rocky coves, and as for the food?
Visiting Europe this summer? The Old Continent recently revised most of its long-standing travel rules and now expects Americans to provide fingerprints and a facial scan to gain entry, among other updated rules.
Be sure to check in advance the entry requirements for U.S. passport holders at your destination.
If you were impressed by Amalfi’s half-decent basic pasta, you’re in for a big treat here. Ischia itself isn’t exactly a hidden gem that only Italians go to, but it has successfully maintained its authenticity and age-old traditions, rather than succumbing to gentrification and mass tourism.
What to see in Ischia this summer
A good place to start is Ischia Porto, the main port and busiest hub on the island.
Known for its picturesque harbour, dotted with bobbing boats and yachts, and timeless historic centre, criss-crossed by bustling shopping streets, it is the gateway for ferry arrivals and the perfect base for some later island exploration.
Just 2 miles from the port, The Aragonese Castle is a fortress that you must see located on a rocky islet, connected to Istria by a causeway.
This is the classic Ischia postcard you sometimes see doing the rounds in niche Instagram circles, and the favorite backdrop for those blood-orange sunsets over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Apart from the medieval sights, if you fancy Ischia’s famous pasta, you might want to reserve a table at Portobello Restaurant. Their pakcheri with shrimp and zucchini will live in our hearts (and palates) forever, and the view of the harbor is second to none.
This is what tourists do wrong: they usually come to Ischia for a day, usually on a return trip from Naples, but they completely miss the whole point of visiting the island in the first place.
Ischia Porto is a pretty good introduction if you only have two or three hours to spare, okay, but it’s far from representative of the actual situation of the island. raw, untouched charm.
Beautiful coastal villages abound
Probably the most beautiful village on the island, Sant’Angelo is a quiet coastal spot on the south coast of Ischia, known for its car-free centre.only pedestrians have access to the center of the village– and pastel-colored houses that extend down to the water.
Home to the most legendary sunset in Ischia, thanks to its prime location on the side of the island where the sun falls directly into the sea. Forio has plenty of seaside bars and a no-nonsense, bohemian atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else along the Amalfi Coast.
Are Chiesa del Soccorsoa whitewashed church on a neighboring promontory, which exudes serious Santorini vibes (minus the blue dome), and if you come all the way here, you might as well enjoy some quality time on the beach.
Forio has beautiful, long sandy plainswhich are rare for the volcanic islands in this Gulf. Citara and Chiaia are among the best and offer easier swimming conditions than other rocky parts of Ischia.
The Poseidon Thermal Gardens are a 5-minute drive from Forio and are one of the island’s many thermal spa complexes. Hot springs directly above the sea, poolside drinks and terraced gardens stretching down to the water.
For the nature lovers among us, You certainly don’t want to miss Serrara Fontana and a walk to Monte Epomeo.
This is one of Ischia’s small, quiet mountain villages, with stone houses, narrow streets and the ‘old Ischia’ feel that the resort-lined coast lacks, and it is the base for Epomeo walks. That would be the highest volcano on the island, rising about 2,589 meters above sea level.
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How cheap is Ischia actually?
On to the most pressing question you’ve probably been waiting for. How affordable is Ischia actually?
Although one of Italy’s least developed regions, Campania (which also includes Naples, the islands of the Gulf of Naples and the Amalfi Coast) is one of the country’s most expensive and touristy destinations.
We’ve touched on this briefly before, but Ischia isn’t your usual sleepy, remote, unheard-of Italian gem.
It is actually quite popular and well established on the tourist map. That said, there is more space – it is about 4 to 5x larger than Capri– more room to breathe, better for a longer stay, less pressure, and considerable cheaper.
Let’s compare both very quickly:
Price difference (Capri vs. Ischia)
Hotels
- Ischia: $80–$200/night (mid-range)
- Capri: $200–$350/night for comparable accommodation
Food and drinks
Ischia
- Pasta meal: $15–$25
- Nice dinner: $30 – $50
Capri
- Pasta meal: $25 – $40
- Luxury dinner: $50 – $100
Transport
Ischia
- Bus rides around the island: $2–$3
- Taxi (long drive across the island): $20–$40
Much larger island, but cheaper rates per mile.
Private cars allowed.
Capri
- Taxi from port to city: $25–$40 for a short ride
- Boat taxis/private transfers: $80–$150+
Every form of transportation is priced in a ‘luxury micro-island’ style.
In summer, no cars are allowed for tourists.
In general prices in Ischia can be up to 30% cheaper than Capri, especially if the tourist zones in both are compared.
In short:
- Ischia is a medium-sized island: not exactly small, but still easy to explore
- Best for: hot springs, nature, relaxed Italian atmosphere
- Most beautiful cities: Ischia Porto, Sant’Angelo, Forio, Serrara Fontana
- Top draws: thermal baths, castles, sunset views
- Costs: middle class, not necessarily budget friendly, but notoriously cheaper than Capri
Going to Italy this summer?
Beat the crowds and really get off the beaten track: check out our 5 hand-picked ‘uncovered’ Italy destinations in 2026.
