Ischia is renowned for its thermal waters and lush landscapes, but for years Italians have flocked to these shores to laze upon its many beaches.
With an old-school charm that captures everything we love about slow southern Italian coastal days – brightly coloured parasols, bronzed bodies turned toward the sun, and a day time itinerary based solely around the opening and closing times of the lidos – it was images of these volcanic sand beaches that first sparked a desire to visit the ‘Green Island’ off the coast of Naples.
Along its roughly 35 kilometres of coastline, you’ll find large expanses of slate-grey sand pockmarked by thermal vents, hidden coves at the bottom of many well-worn steps, narrow stretches that where almost every inch is taken up by sunbeds, and a few unremarkable beaches that are brought alive by the characters that settle in for the day.
But if you’re only in Ischia for a short while, how do you pick which ones to visit?
Well, that’s where this guide comes in.
We’ll walk you through the best beaches on the island, offering practical details on how to get there, parking, accessibility, and what to expect. We’ll also share recommendations for where to stay close to the beach, so you can maximise your time by the Tyrrhenian Sea.
This is our guide to the best beaches in Ischia.
The Ischia Beach Essentials
Before we get into the best beaches in Ischia, there are a few essential things that you need to know; the sort of little insights that will help you pick the perfect beach for your travel style and your holiday plans.
· Free beaches aren’t the norm. Most are divided between paid-for, privately-managed lidos & smaller free sections where you can simply lay down your towel. This arrangement is very common on the Italian coast, and you can expect to pay €20 to €50 for two loungers & an umbrella, depending on the location, season, and level of polish. Some also charge extra for front-row spots or require booking in advance – especially on weekends in July & August (for the purposes of prices quoted in this article, high season is 15th June to 15th September).
This means it’s essential to work out your lido budget before getting to Ischia; prices can really mount up if you’re paying for a lounger every day you’re there!
Not sure what a lido in Italy is or how they operate? Read our short explainer guide
· Parking can be a nightmare. During the summer months, the beaches of Ischia are heaving, and all those people have got to reach the beach somehow. Pretty much every beach in our article has a paid carpark associated with it where you can park for the entire day if you so wish, but the difficulty is that these fill up pretty early. Renting a scooter maximises your chances of getting a space.
· In many situations though, you may be better off just jumping on the bus. Whilst Ischia’s bus network may be uncomfortably busy at times, it’s also pretty extensive and every beach on this list is reachable with public transport.
Find out more about cost and how it works in our ‘Things to Know Before You Visit Ischia’ post (tbc)
· Access isn’t always straightforward for some beaches. It may require a steep descent via steps, while others are tucked into coves or best reached by boat. If accessibility is important, then those near Forio, Lacco Ameno or Ischia Ponte are going to best suited.
· The sand often isn’t soft and white, as Ischia’s volcanic origins means most beaches are made up of coarse, dark sand or small pebbles. It gives the water that clear turquoise glow, but it also gets really bloody hot (making sandals essential).
· Locals regularly bring their own umbrellas, towels, snacks, and drinks with them, and you should consider doing the same. Bringing supplies and plenty water is even more important on the less developed stretches we’ve featured.
· Don’t rush your beach day. Italians love to spend an entire day at the beach, arriving early in the morning and not departing until aperitivo time – we encourage you to embrace this ideal!
· Make sure to check out our main Ischia guide too!
Spiaggia dei Maronti
Ischia’s largest and most dramatic beach, the southern beach of Spiaggia dei Maronti feels far from the more populated coastline of the north.
It stretches for nearly 3km between craggy cliffs and calm, open sea; it’s a place where you can walk barefoot across black volcanic sand, stop for grilled fish and cold wine at a beachside trattoria, and soak in natural thermal waters all within the same afternoon. Despite its popularity, it rarely feels overcrowded, and it’s one of the few beaches on the island where you can nearly always find space, even in peak season.
The cool thing is that most people head over there by a little boat taxi!
Location | Find it here on Google Maps
Type of Beach | Long, wide stretch of fine dark volcanic sand, with smooth pebbles scattered at the eastern end.
Parking | There are a couple of paid-for car parks just beyond Maronti that charge by the hour or the full day – head for this one that charges €3 per hour or €12 per day for a car, and a €3 flat rate for scooters. You might find space along the roadside if you arrive early but it’s not a given, especially in the busy summer months. A few restaurants and beach clubs offer paid parking nearby, though availability is limited and often tied to sunbed or restaurant use, so it’s best to check before committing.
Accessibility | While Maronti is accessible by road from the Barano end, the path from the pretty village of Sant’Angelo involves a fairly steep uphill climb followed by a descent through countryside tracks – it’s scenic, but not exactly easy. A more relaxed and memorable option is to take one of the regular taxi boats from the Sant’Angelo’s marina (maps). These drop you right on the sand, cost €3 per person one-way and take 5-10 minutes.
Facilities | Plenty of space to lay your towel on the free beach (find a large section here), along with lots of lidos renting umbrellas and loungers. Expect to pay around €40 for two sunbeds and an umbrella during the summer months.
Most lidos have restaurants, and even if you’re not renting loungers, we highly recommend grabbing lunch at one of them; we still talk about the delicious lunch we had at Lido Sammy (maps) and highly recommend their gnocchi alla Sorrentina.
You can buy takeaway cold drinks from the restaurants, but if you’re planning on keepings costs down, you’ll need bring over all snacks / packed lunch in a cooler as there are no shops.
Stay | The stylish Hotel Parco Smeraldo Terme is right on the beachfront, and there are several affordable guesthouses a short walk away. You could also stay in Sant’Angelo and reach the beach via the scenic pedestrian walkway.
Good to Know | At the western end of the beach you’ll find Le Fumarole dei Maronti (maps), a section of beach where volcanic gases escape through natural vents, warming the sand underfoot. Personally we found this area a little underwhelming (the vents were mostly fenced off behind a makeshift plastic barrier) but the restaurants do advertise various dishes cooked in the hot sand.
Citara Beach
Just outside our favoured town of Forio, Citara offers the island’s quintessential beach day – a wide sandy bay with shallow, clear water and a string of beach clubs, cafés, and umbrella-lined terraces. Most people come here for the easy access and long days in the sun, but it’s also home to the famous Poseidon Thermal Gardens, making it a natural stop for anyone wanting to combine sea swims with a few hours of spa indulgence.
It’s popular with families and busiest at weekends, but the water is excellent and the western views mean gorgeous sunsets are a daily event.
Location | On the west coast of Ischia, find it here on Google Maps
Type of Beach | Coarse golden sand with pebbly sections, sloping gently into clear turquoise water.
Parking | On Google Maps there are a couple of paid for car parks very close to the beach, including Parcheggio Citara and Parking Poseidon Terme, but we found there to be several more, perhaps temporary, parking areas on the road that runs parallel to the beach. Some lidos also offer free private parking for guests, so it’s worth checking in advance if you’re booking sunbeds. If arriving by scooter, you can usually find a space on the roadside – a much easier option during busy periods, but we’d still recommend arriving before 10am to secure a spot in peak season.
Public Transport & Accessibility | The simplest way to reach Citara Beach with public transport is via the Number 2 bus from Forio, and there are various stops depending upon where on the beach you’d like to base yourself. With regards to accessibility, it’s very easy here – the beach runs parallel to the main coastal road, and there are several entry points depending on where you park.
Facilities | This is one of the most built-up beaches on the island, with a large number of lidos, snack bars, and beachside restaurants. While there are a few places to grab sun hats or inflatables, there aren’t many proper shops, so it’s best to bring anything essential with you. There’s a small free beach section at the southern end, but most of the sand is managed.
Stay | Hotel Citara is a good mid-range pick within walking distance of the beach. If you’re splashing out, the elegant Semiramis Hotel De Charme & Pools has its own thermal pools and dreamy sea views.
Things to Know | Poseidon Thermal Gardens, with its 20+ pools overlooking the sea, is directly behind the beach and worth a full afternoon. And if you can hang around for sunset, you’ll be rewarded.
Spiaggia di San Montano
Tucked into a sheltered bay between Lacco Ameno and Negombo Thermal Gardens, Spiaggia di San Montano is one of the more photogenic beaches on Ischia.
The water’s shallow and clear, good for swimming or just floating around, and the soft curve of the bay gives it a tucked-away feel. It does get busy in summer – especially the lido section run by Negombo.
The sand’s soft, the setting’s lovely, and if you’re already heading to the thermal park, it’s worth making time for a swim.
Location | On the northern coast, find it here on Google Maps
Type of Beach | Soft, golden sand with shallow, clear waters. Nestled between cliffs and well-protected from the wind, making it perfect for swimming and lounging.
Parking | There’s a public parking lot at Negombo if you’re accessing the beach via the spa, or alternatively you can use this private car park. Just to warn you, there’s aboslutely no shade, so expect to come back to a very toasty vehicle! Alterntiavely, you could park in Lacco Amenco and walk over. Spaces can fill up quickly in summer, so arriving early is advised.
Public Transport & Accessibility | Buses 1, 2, and 3 from Ischia Porto or Casamicciola Terme stop at ‘San Montano’ and Lacco Ameno’ stations, both of which are within walking distance of the beach. For those that would prefer to arrive on foot, the beach is easily accessible via a pleasant scenic path from Lacco Ameno.
Facilities | The beach is partly managed by the Negombo Thermal Gardens, which offers sunbeds and umbrellas in their section of the beach (prices seem to vary quite wildly, but expect to pay in the region of €40 for the day). There are also thermal pools directly behind the beach, perfect for a dip after swimming. The free section of the beach has no amenities, so be sure to bring your own towel, shade, and water.
Stay | For luxury, stay at the San Montano Resort & Spa, which offers stunning views of the bay and a free shuttle to the beach. Hotel San Lorenzo Thermal Spais a little less fancy but a very short distance by foot to the beach. Alternatively, any accommodation in Lacco Ameno is well-located for San Montano. Other accommodations in Lacco Ameno, like Hotel Terme San Montano, are within walking distance.
Good to Know | San Montano’s location within a sheltered bay means this is a good option on a windy days (of which there seemed to be quite a few in Ischia).
Spiaggia della Chiaia
A gentle, family-friendly beach that stretches out just north of Forio, Chiaia offers shallow waters, soft sand, and plenty of space to spread out. We wandered past here quite by accident not long after arriving on the island and immediately felt it was somewhere we’d happily throw down a towel for a few hours.
It’s nothing flashy, but that’s exactly why it’s popular – a solid, easy beach day choice where everything you need is within reach.
Location | On the north west coast, find it here
Type of Beach | A wide, pale gold sandy beach with shallow, calm waters, it’s ideal for swimming, floating or just dipping into when the heat gets a bit too much. The shallow water extends really quite far out, making it a great choice for families.
Parking | There are several parking options near the beach, both free and paid. The main car park is located here, just a short walk from the beach. It’s a good idea to arrive early, especially during the summer months, as spaces can fill up quickly.
Public Transport & Accessibility | If you’re staying in Forio, it’s a few minutes walk from the centre of town. For anybody else, it’s handily on the main cicular route – the bus literally passes right by! From the road, the beach is flat and easily accessible, with no stairs or steep paths.
Facilities | One half of the beach is taken up with lidos, but there’s actually a really large section of free beach here – which isn’t a given in Ischia. If you’d prefer to pay to lay, two sunloungers and an umbrella cost €35 in high season, and €30 outside of this (which we think is overpriced considering this isn’t a particularly ‘exclusive’ beach).
There are a few restaurants overlooking Spiaggia della Chiaia, with Ristorante La Ruota having really great reviews and a good pick for a decent lunch.
Stay | Numerous accommodations in Forio within walking distance – some of our favourites include: Hotel Villa Melodie, Villa Ravino Secret Retreat and B&B Marina Garden.
Lacco Ameno Beach
A small, elegant curve of coastline in one of Ischia’s more refined towns, Lacco Ameno beach is low-key and lovely, with soft sand, calm sea, and views over the Bay of Naples (and Il Fungo, a mushroom-shaped rock just offshore that’s become something of a local mascot).
It’s not a sprawling beach, but the handful of well-run lidos make it a great spot for a comfortable swim-and-lounge session, especially if you’re after something peaceful and refined.
Location | On the north coast, find it here
Type of Beach | Sandy with some pebbled patches; it’s pretty narrow in most sections but comfortable with gentle waves.
Parking | We’d recommend heading to Parcheggio Marina di Lacco Ameno (maps) first, where you can pay by the hour or for the entire day. If arriving a little later and you find that car park is full, you may find a space here. On-street parking is also possible – especially if you have a scooter – but note that there are ZTLs in action here and many spots are reserved for residents.
Public Transport & Accessibility | Very easy to reach via the circular bus route, and we suggest jumping off at the stop near the port. From there it’s a super short walk to the town’s lidos – the furthest away will take less than five minutes to reach.
The lidos themselves are easily accessed from the pedestrianised road that sits behind the sea front, making this an ideal beach for those with any limits on mobility.
Facilities | Although you could theoretically throw a towel down in a couple of spots along the beach, Lacco Ameno is very much a place for those that want to rent loungers and umbrellas from a lido. If you’re visting in the summer months, it’s generally recommended to reserve your spot at least the day before.
Most have associated restaurants, but if you’d prefer to eat elsewhere the town has plenty of choice.
Stay | Lacco Ameno is home to a few of the island’s more upmarket hotels, including the Regina Isabella, Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa and San Montano Resort & Spa. If you’d prefer something a little less fancy (and with a more affordable price tag) be sure to check out La Reginella Resort & Spa or Villa Marecoco.
Spiaggia dei Pescatori
Just north of the town of Ischia Ponte, you’ll find Spiaggia dei Pescatori.
It’s a long, slate-grey stretch of sand with a gloriously nostalgic vibe and great views out over the remarkable Castello Aragonese.
The majority of the beach is taken up by old-school lidos, each one proudly clinging to a slightly faded sense of summer glamour. Wooden changing huts painted with bright blue or emerald green accents, neat rows of striped umbrellas, and loungers arranged with geometric precision all stand out against the dark sand; Aperol spritzes arrive on plastic trays, and lunch might be nothing more than a panino wrapped in wax paper, eaten with salty fingers under the shade of a candy-coloured awning.
Be sure to wander to the far end, where lidos give way to open sand and wooden fishing boats rest on the shore. Above them, whitewashed buildings lean into the light, their walls gently flaking, paint sun-worn, with the occasional blush of lemon or rose. Towels hang from balconies, children paddle in the shallows, and the scene unfolds like a fragment of 1970s southern Italy: simple, unstyled, and quietly wonderful.
Location | On the east coast, find it here
Type of Beach | A narrow slate-grey stretch of sand, with a frequent sprinkling of small pebbles that gently slopes into clear, shallow waters.
Parking | Given that this beach is located near the castle and one of Ischia’s most popular towns, parking can get a little challenging – there’s simply too many people, and not enough spots. This car park is your best bet and offers by the hour or full-day options, but this is a decent alternative. Those with a scooter will likely be better off finding a spot on the road.
Accessibility | Given what we mention above, unless you have a scooter, we’d recommend using public transport to reach Spiaggia dei Pescatori; simply hop on a Line 7 bus from Ischia Porto. Alternatively, it’s less than 10 minutes on foot from Ischia Ponte.
Facilities | Numerous nearby restaurants and snack bars; beach clubs offering sunbeds and umbrellas. If you’d prefer free beach, head to the northern section where there’s a decent chunk of sand to lay down your towel.
Bar Marco (maps) is a good shout for a post-beach aperitivo with wonderful views out over the bay and to the castle.
Stay | Whilst Spiaggia dei Pescatori is close to Ischia Porto, we’d personally recommend staying in Ischia Ponte instead. There are lots of hotels & guesthouses there, but a few of our recommendations include Hotel Miramare e Castello and Giardino Eden Resort, but B&B Marcantonio is a good shout if you’re looking for something a little more basic.
Sant’Angelo Beach
Beneath the colourful, tumbling houses of the Sant’Angelo sits a beach of the same name.
Small, sandy and perfectly calm, it stretches along a narrow isthmus that connects the village to the rocky islet known as La Torre: one side lined with parasols and umbrellas, the other facing to the harbour and Spiaggia Maronti beyond.
Its location within one of the island’s most popular villages means that beach is always busy (both with people from the nearby luxurious hotels and day trippers drawn in by Sant’Angelo’s fancier aesthetic), and we’re not sure we’d really want to spend the entire day here ourselves – especially as one of our absolute favourites is just a short boat ride away.
Location | On the south coast, find it here
Type of Beach | A small sandy stretch of sand
Parking | You’ll need to park in the designated lots above the town then walk down through the pedestrian area. This car park is the best located, but recent reviews tend to suggest that the prices reflect its prime position. There’s also some space to park along the road leading to it (and we do seem to recall others along the road that aren’t marked on the map), but that would only be a viable option early in the morning.
Public Transport & Accessibility | To reach Sant’Angelo beach with public transport, you can take Line 1 or either of the circular bus routes. They’ll deposit you (and pick you back up) from this formal bus stop. From here it’s a scenic 10 to 15 minutes walk downhill to the village. Note that this is walk would not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues – particularly the way back up. Also, this is a popular tourist area of the island, so expect queues and packed buses for the journey back.
Facilities | There are a surprisingly large number of lidos operating along this realtively small beach, and they tend to charge around €35 for two sunbeds and a parasol. With regards to free beach, there’s a small section but if you really don’t want to pay for your beach time, you’d be better off heading across to Spiaggia dei Maronti instead.
There are an abundance of restaurants here: Casa Celestino (maps) is a favourite for good reason – excellent seafood, sweeping views, and a long lunch vibe you won’t want to cut short (just be aware that those wonderful views come with quite a high price point); Ristorante Deus Neptunus (maps) is a great alternative with equally expansive views and Dolce è La Vita (maps) offers a broader menu in a chilled setting, ideal for anything from an early morning coffee and cornetto, to lazy brunch and evening cocktails
Expect everything to cost a little more here though.
Stay | This is one of the most picturesque places to base yourself on the island, but the exclusivity associated with Sant’Angelo comes at a cost. Miramare Sea Resort & Spa is our top pick for a luxurious stay, with Roccobarocco Boutique Hotel and Hotel Casa Celestino being really great alternatives.
Spiaggia Arenile di San Francesco
Sheltered by a curving bay and backed to the north by pine-dotted hills, San Francesco is a relaxed beach not far from Forio. The calm sea and peaceful vibe make it a good choice for couples or families, and while there’s development around the edges, it feels more laid-back than overly put-together.
Location | On the north west coast, find it here
Type of Beach | Approximately 400 metres of soft golden sand with clear, calm waters.
Parking | Paid parking is available in the designated car park right by the beach (maps). It’s of a decent size and provides shade for each vehicle. Note that if this is full – which is definitely a possibiltiy in the summer – roadside parking is very limited here so you may have to park closer to the main road.
Public Transport & Accessibility | To access this beach by public transport you need to hop on the main bus route and get off at the stop for ‘La Mortella’ (the famous botanical gardens). From here it’s an easy 10 – 15 minute walk down to the beach, although this will be a bit more of an uphill slog on the way back to the bus stop!. Be aware that like many roads in Ischia, this is pretty narrow with no pavement so please keep your eyes and ears peeled for cars.
Facilities | You can rent two sun loungers and an umbrellas for €30 in the high season (15th June – 15th September), and €20 in the low but there is also a small section of free beach at the end near the cliffs if you want to keep costs down. Along the seafront, you’ll find a few restaurants that also provide a nice spot for a late afternoon aperitivo – La Meridiana (maps) is particularly popular.
Stay | Hotel Zarois a popular hotel located just a few minutes walk from the beach, but if you’d prefer an apartment consider the excellent Villa Caruso. Alternatively, Forio is a great base from which to access this wonderful little bay.
Good to Know | There are some small caves and rockpools at the far end of this beach which are apparently quite good for snorkelling. Additonally, it’s worth noting that whilst the beach is of a decent length, it’s quite narrow meaning and may feel quite busy during peak holiday season.
Cava dell’Isola
Cava dell’Isola is one of the last truly free beaches on Ischia – no lidos, no music from competing beach clubs, and no one trying to charge you €30 for a sunbed. Just a steep stairway down to a wide curve of sand backed by a craggy cliff face, where locals come with snacks, cold drinks, and zero intention of leaving before sunset.
It’s especially popular with younger locals and travellers, so don’t expect silence, but the beach itself has a wild, slightly scruffy charm that makes it feel different from anywhere else on the island.
Location | On the west coast, find it here on Google Maps.
Type of Beach | Coarse golden-brown sand with a steep slope into deep, clear water. One of the better swimming beaches, though not ideal for nervous swimmers as it gets quite deep, quite quickly.
Parking | Paid parking – at around €8 per day – is available in this car park. If that’s full, you’ll likely struggle to source alternative parking nearby – the only exception is for scooters who may find space along the road.
Public Transport & Accessibility | Both the CS and the CD buses stop just above Cava dell’Isola (here on Google Maps).
The beach itself is accessed via a long flight of stairs from the road above which is unfortunately not suitable for anyone with mobility issues.
Facilities | Although we describe this as one of the last truly free beaches on Ischia, we do believe that Ristorante La Capanna, located at the northern part of the beach has a small number of sun loungers for those that have lunch there. However, if you’re just looking for a lunch with a view, Ristorante Cava dell’Isola da Imma & Mauro may be better shouts.
We highly recommend not planning a beach day here without bringing your own umbrella for shade.
Stay | If beaches covered in lidos really aren’t your thing, then you may wish to base yourself near this beach – in which case, look no further than the supremely popular Hotel Cava Dell’Isola. A little dated in parts, its location, with private access to the sand, sun decks and comfortable & colourful rooms makes it well worth considering.
Baia di Sorgeto
One of the most unusual places to swim on the island, and easily one of the most memorable.
At first glance, Sorgeto doesn’t look like much: just a cluster of uneven rocks and a steep staircase down from the cliffs above. But between those boulders, natural thermal springs flow straight into the sea, creating pockets of steaming water that mix with the saltwater around them; sit in the right spot and it’s like you’re in a homemade hot tub!
It’s uncomfortable, unpredictable, and absolutely worth the climb back up.
Location | On the south west coast, find it here
Type of Beach | No real beach, just flat volcanic rocks and stone steps descending into a hot sea pool.
Parking | The easiest way to reach Baia Sorgheto is with your own vehicle, and there’s a small car park at the top of the cliff with a few roadside spots if you’re lucky. Some nearby restaurants may also let you park if you’re eating there. Either way, get there early in summer as spaces fill up fast.
Public Transport & Accessibility | Alternatively, if you’re relying on public tranpsort, take a bus to Panza (this is the bus stop to get off at) and then walk downhill for around 15 minutes to the top of the stairs where you’ll find the main access point. More than 200 steps lead down to the sea and whilst it’s doable for most, they’re absolutely not suitable for anyone with mobility issues.
In summer, you can also take a €5 taxi boat from Sant’Angelo – a scenic, much easier option.
Facilities | No umbrellas or loungers here – just rocks, hot water, and the sea. There’s a bar built into the cliff that serves drinks and snacks, plus a couple of simple places to eat nearby. It’s very much bring-your-own towel and supplies sort of affair though.
Stay | There are a few guest houses and hotels located a short distance from Sorgeto – Villa Eleonora and Hotel Villa Fumerieare two particularly highly-rated properties – but due to limited dining options nearby, most people would be better off basing themselves closer to Sant’Angelo.
Things to Know | The mix of hot thermal water and cold seawater means the temperature changes constantly depending on where you sit – and some spots are very hot. Also, this is definitely a sport where you’ll need to bring some reef shoes!
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