Ischia Travel Guide

Where to eat, what to do, and where to stay on this beautiful island + a 3-day itinerary

Hi guys! Where do I even begin? Ischia had been a dream of ours to visit for a while and after some close friends raved about the island (specifically, the food!), we knew we had to check it out. We recently spent 5 days on the volcanic Island off the coast of Naples that is known for its picturesque beaches, thermal waters and spas, rich history, and of course, local cuisine and wine. I can’t say enough great things about it, especially if you’re looking for a beautiful destination that’s less crowded than it’s sister island, Capri.

Growing up, I fell in love with the island of Kauai on a few family vacations. The greenery, the crystal clear water, the chill vibe, and we can’t forget Lappert’s Ice Cream! Ischia reminded me of the Italian version of that with a little bit of Greece wrapped into it. You’ve got sparkling beaches, lush hillsides, and those picture-perfect towns you just want to wander through all day. The ideal combination for a vacation destination if you ask me! Ischia strikes that rare balance between relaxation and adventure. One moment you’re unwinding in a natural hot spring, the next you’re exploring charming villages, hiking coastal trails, or dining alfresco by the sea at sunset. It’s a wellness escape that is anything but sleepy.

I could go on and on about the island for days, but it’s about time that we dig into the travel guide! Thanks again for being a part of our WTF To Make For Dinner community on Substack! I hope it’s helpful and that you have the most amazing time in Ischia. Stay tuned for more of my travel guides (Rome, Positano, and Venice are up next!), and of course, exclusive recipes!

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Where to Eat

Il Focolare - This restaurant was featured by Stanley Tucci on his show Searching For Italy and we’ve always dreamed of going. It’s located up in the hills of Fiaiano, and unlike most other restaurants on the island, it doesn’t serve any seafood. You’re immediately greeted with some local wine and the most beautiful spread of appetizers on their patio. This family-owned restaurant is best known for their traditional rabbit dish called coniglio all'ischitana. It was a must, along with a variety of other dishes that were made and served with fresh herbs from their property (including Italian sweet peppers, potatoes, lasagna, and more). If we hadn’t filled up on it all, we would have definitely opted for their steak which came highly recommended as well. We met several members of the family including Silvia (who runs the show), along with Agostino and Francesco (the chefs holding it down in the kitchen). They were so kind and welcoming, and along with offering endless dessert tastings, they even took us on a quick tour of their historic wine cellar that’s carved into the mountain. As I mention below, this is the same family who owns Casa d’Ambra Wines (one of the most popular in Ischia). If you’re heading to the island, I wouldn’t miss this unique experience!

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