Thermal gardens, a castle on its own rock and sandy bays on a green volcanic island in the Bay of Naples. Here's what Ischia is like, when to go and how long to stay.
Fly to Naples, then take a hydrofoil or ferry to the island. The EU is bringing in new entry checks, so check the rules on GOV.UK before you book.
Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
May, June and September are the best months, warm and sunny with the sea warm enough for swimming and the thermal parks open. July and August are hot and busy, especially at weekends when Neapolitans visit. Many hotels and thermal parks close in winter, from about November to March.
A castle and old convent on a rocky islet, joined to the island by a stone causeway. Walk up for views across the bay.
The island's biggest thermal park, on the Bay of Citara, with about 20 pools at different temperatures by the sea.
A thermal park and beach in gardens around the bay of San Montano, with pools, sand and sunbeds.
A pretty, car-free fishing village on the south coast, with hot springs and the Maronti beach nearby.
Walk up the island's old volcanic peak for views over the whole Bay of Naples.
Lush gardens created by the composer William Walton's wife, with terraces of tropical plants above the sea.
A tiny neighbouring island of pastel fishermen's houses, a short boat ride away.
Fly to Naples, then take a taxi or bus to the port. The hydrofoil to Ischia takes about an hour, and the slower car ferry about an hour and a half.
They're different. Ischia is bigger, calmer and better value, with thermal pools and beaches, while Capri is smaller, glitzier and busier with day trippers.
No. Buses go all round the island, and taxis and small boats fill the gaps. Car rules for visitors can be strict in summer.
Three or four days covers the castle, a thermal park and a beach. A week lets you slow down and add Procida.
Put Ischia on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.