Italians have long known that Ischia is the place to escape to in the Bay of Naples. Larger and greener than nearby Capri or Procida, the island feels surprisingly complete — with thermal springs, sandy beaches, vineyard-covered hills, and historic towns all within easy reach.
That’s why choosing where to stay in Ischia makes all the difference. The island offers everything from legendary luxury spa resorts built around thermal waters to intimate boutique bed-and-breakfasts and relaxed seaside guesthouses.
Discover our favorite places to stay on Ischia below.
Where To Stay In Ischia
Ischia is much larger than nearby Capri, and each part of the island has its own atmosphere. If it’s your first time visiting — especially if you plan to explore on foot — we recommend staying around Ischia Porto or Ischia Ponte, near the Castello Aragonese. This area is central and lively, with easy ferry access, plenty of restaurants and several beach clubs.
For a slightly more local feel, Lacco Ameno and Casamicciola Terme are also excellent bases. These smaller waterfront towns have ferry connections and are quite walkable, with a relaxed atmosphere that feels a bit less polished than Ischia Porto but still charming.
Most of the island’s luxury spa hotels are clustered in the hills above San Montano Bay, near Lacco Ameno. These resorts enjoy spectacular views and easy access to Negombo Beach Club, though they’re somewhat removed from the main towns, so you’ll usually rely on taxis or hotel shuttles to move around.
On the western side of the island, Forio has a laid-back local character and a handful of small guesthouses and seaside hotels along with a cute town center.
The picturesque village of Sant’Angelo, on the southern coast, has a slightly glamorous, Capri-like feel. It’s one of the prettiest corners of the island and lovely to visit for the afternoon, though it’s quieter and more removed from the ferry ports so you’ll definitely want to rent a car or scooter if you stay here.
Best Luxury Hotels in Ischia (€€€€)
San Montano Resort & Spa
In the hills above the bay of San Montano
With five panoramic thermal pools, a saltwater swimming pool, and numerous lounge areas, San Montano is one of Ischia’s leading spa hotels. Perched above the bay of San Montano, this world-class resort boasts 73 rooms and suites, alongside four restaurants, a beach club, and sea views for miles. For maximum privacy, opt for one of the villas, or book a suite with access to a private infinity pool to watch the sunset each evening.
Stroll through San Montano’s grounds to admire Ischia’s verdant coastline, or hop on a helicopter excursion for a bird’s eye view of the island. Indulge in massages and beauty treatments at the Ocean Blue Spa and decompress in the balmy steam of the sauna—nestled in the rock of an ancient cave. The relaxing Lemontano Massage takes place outdoors in the hotel’s citrus grove.
Regina Isabella Resort
Harborfront in Lacco Ameno
Located on the northwestern corner of Ischia, Regina Isabella Resort overlooks the pretty harbor of Lacco Ameno. The hotel has an impressive wellness center which includes four swimming pools, two tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art gym. Hotel rooms are decorated in a mid-century style with tiled floors, period furniture, and modern accents.
You can’t miss booking a table at Indaco Restaurant, a Michelin-star restaurant overlooking a quiet cove. Indaco’s head chef Pasquale Palamaro has designed an unforgettable menu for his guests. It presents imaginative, flavorful dishes served in a fanciful way. Seaweed dumplings served with black garlic and sour peaches are a swirling combination that tells a story rooted in history, about the ingredients from the area. Keep an eye out for their guest chefs who come for pop-up events throughout the year.
Mezzatorre Hotel
In the hills above the bay of San Montano
A glamorous hotel with a theatrical feel, Mezzatore is set within a 16th-century watchtower overlooking the sea. With powder-ruby walls and thickly lined black windows, the hotel retains an air of when Italian movie director Luchino Visconti was owner and resident during the 1950s. Now the property is part of the Pellicano Hotel family and has been exquisitely restyled by Marie Louise Sciò, one of the leading tastemakers and hoteliers in Italy.
Suites with sharp white walls and bright ivory sheets are breezy and spacious, yet unabashedly authentic with bohemian fabric prints above beds or covering the cushions. For an even more secluded experience, a cottage is available for rent, nestled amongst the ethereal woodland.
Mezzatorre is particularly charming in the spring and autumn when ochre sunlight dapples through their many trees and restful days can be had in their dreamy thermal spa.
Faro Punta Imperatore
Clifftop lighthouse near Forio
If you’re looking to truly get away from it all, Faro Punta Imperatore is one of the most extraordinary places to stay on Ischia. Set inside the island’s historic lighthouse on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Gulf of Naples, this intimate hideaway feels worlds away from the bustle of the main towns. The restored lighthouse now hosts just four exclusive rooms, simply styled with white walls, wood shutters and sweeping sea views.
Much of the magic lies in the shared spaces: a rooftop terrace with a small bar for sunset aperitivi, quiet lounges with a fireplace and library, and several terraces where dinner is served under the glow of the lighthouse beam. The Secret Lighthouse Restaurant Luci offers creative seasonal menus, while breakfast baskets are delivered each morning to enjoy overlooking the sea. Just note that reaching the property requires descending a long staircase from the road above — a small price to pay for one of the most secluded and romantic stays on the island.
Botania Relais & Spa
Garden retreat above San Montano bay
Right around the corner from Mezzatorre, Botania may not have seaside views but it’s a chic, secluded oasis in Ischia—one that we love for a romantic hideaway. An artisanal marvel, this upscale boho-chic hotel feels like a union of Puglia and Bali. Surrounded by ancient olive trees and added ferns, guests can feel connected to the natural world from the moment they arrive. Well-known for their vegetarian restaurant, Il Mirto, fresh vegetables are their focus: cooked with Mediterranean flair and heart. They also have Il Corbezzo restaurant which has an impressive spread of tantalizing pastries in the mornings. For an evening aperitif, sip a chilled cocktail in their natural yet trendy grotto bar, La Grotta.
We recommend their bio-snorkeling experiences for visitors looking to see for themselves the impressive coral and vibrant fish lacing Ischia’s waters.
Excelsior Belvedere Hotel
Ischia Porto, near Castello Aragonese
Located near Ischia Porto and the castle, the Excelsior Belvedere Hotel is a sumptuous, grand dame hotel set within a former mansion. The suites feature exuberantly patterned floor tiles and regal king-sized beds to stretch out in. The poolside Belvedere restaurant is helmed by Libera Iovine, Ischia’s first chef to be awarded a Michelin star. As a result, the restaurant offers thoughtfully-curated tasting menus and delicious food. Choose from an array of fresh seafood dishes, a rabbit-tasting menu that celebrates the island’s famous coniglio, or a plant-based option that exalts seasonal produce from the hotel’s vegetable garden.
We love Excelsior Belvedere’s private beach with its pearly sand, crystal-clear water, and views of Castello Aragonese. The hotel also has an array of swimming pools, with ambient evening lighting, bordered by fragrant flowers and ferns. We recommend ordering room service for breakfast and enjoying thermal spa treatments for an added dose of luxury.
Best Mid-Range Boutique Hotels in Ischia (€€€)
Albergo Il Monastero
Inside Castello Aragonese, Ischia Ponte
Set upon its own rocky islet, the medieval Castello Aragonese is one of Ischia’s landmarks. With a birds-eye view of the island, the castle’s prominent position has ensured its safety over the centuries. In fact, thousands of families once lived within its fortified walls, which still house ruins of a cathedral, quaint little streets, panoramic terraces, and a dozen churches. Visitors can take an elevator up to explore the castle, which is open 365 days a year. The castle even hosts events including the Ischia Film Festival. However, few people realize they can even sleep within the castle!
Tucked within a 16th-century monastery, Albergo Il Monastero is a unique heritage site on the island of Ischia. The rooms are simple, but it’s a great place to linger over a sunset aperitivo and enjoy a scenic meal high above the sea. It’s worth splurging for Suite 8, the most spacious room in the hotel. This room features large windows along with its own private terrace. The hotel’s rooftop terrace and restaurant are also open to external guests.
Giardino Eden
Cartaromana Bay, near Ischia Ponte
For a luxe spot to top up your tan, Giardino Eden is a hip beach club offering views of the ancient bay of Aenaria and the Roman castle. This elegant, underrated spot is best known for its saffron yellow deck chairs and shady palm trees. But it’s also a hotel with quaint rooms where you can relax in between dips in the sea. Go for the day or book an overnight stay at this Capri-style beach club.
Near their swimming pools, Eden’s outdoor restaurant is arguably one of the most Instagrammable places in all of Italy. The property can also arrange a private candlelit dinner on Eden’s Rock—perfect for a proposal or anniversary night!
Paradise Relais Villa Jantò
Hills above Casamicciola Terme
Perched high above the port of Casamicciola, Paradise Relais Villa Jantò feels worlds away from the bustle of the coast. The setting is one of its greatest draws: sweeping views stretch across the island toward the sea, while the swimming pool faces a lush green mountainside that gives the property a peaceful, almost secluded atmosphere.
Because of its elevated position, getting around requires a bit of planning — but the hotel makes it easy. A complimentary shuttle runs regularly down to the port area, and taxis are readily available. For maximum flexibility, many guests opt to rent a scooter to explore the island at their own pace.
Back at the property, the rooftop terrace is one of the coolest vantage points in this part of Ischia, especially at sunset, when the light washes over the hills and coastline. There’s also an on-site restaurant, making it easy to settle in for a relaxed evening without needing to venture back down the mountain.
Umberto a Mare
On a cliff near the town of Forio
Set on a promontory near the town of Forio, Umberto a Mare serves some of Ischia’s best seafood. What few people realize is that this popular gourmet restaurant doubles as a guesthouse with cozy bedrooms and beautiful views. This is a 3-star hotel that goes above and beyond its class. Each room has a private terrace overlooking the sea, and loungers are provided for sunbathing. A family-run hotel since 1936, Umberto a Mare is the sister property of Eden Ischia mentioned above.
Casa Celestino
Sant’Angelo village
Just a 2-minute walk from the charming borgo of Sant’Angelo, Casa Celestino is a bright hotel with views for days. Enjoy sunbathing on your private terrace before strolling into town with gelato in hand. Although the town is a little remote, you can easily catch a boat from Sant’Angelo to a sandy beach at Spiaggia dei Maronti.
Best Casual & Affordable Hotels in Ischia (€€)
Don Felipe
Cartaromana Bay, near Ischia Ponte
A true hidden gem in Cartaromana, Albergo Don Felipe is one of those places where the setting more than makes up for the simple rooms. Perched above the bay, the hotel enjoys beautiful views of the Castello Aragonese and the surrounding coastline from its terraces and small panoramic pool. Be prepared for a few stairs to climb to reach the property — but the peaceful atmosphere and sweeping vistas are well worth the effort.
The location is ideal for easy access to some of Ischia’s best beach clubs, including Giardino Eden and Il Delfino, both just a short walk away. You can also walk into Ischia Porto in about 30 minutes, or take a bus or taxi; many guests prefer renting a scooter to move around more freely given the hilly terrain.
Dinner on the rooftop terrace is particularly lovely. The menu is small and straightforward, but at sunset the views truly steal the show. Rooms are comfortable and unfussy — opt for a sea-view room if possible.
Villa Ravino Eco-Hotel
Hills above Forio
Searching for a truly unique stay? Villa Ravino has the largest succulent garden in Europe, and staying here feels a bit like sleeping inside a botanical garden — with Bali vibes from every lush, leafy corner. Established in the 1960s by Peppino D’Ambra, the property offers guests the chance to immerse themselves in this verdant oasis, wandering among cacti, tropical plants, and panoramic viewpoints.
Because the hotel is located slightly inland above Forio, you’ll want a scooter or taxi to move around easily, though the peaceful setting is part of the appeal. After exploring the gardens, stop at the bar for their infamous “Cactus Cocktail.” The Ravino Ecolodge also welcomes visitors in the cooler winter months, as well as remote workers in need of reliable Wi-Fi and a tranquil base year-round.
