Must-see attractions in Ischia

There are castles and then there’s Ischia’s Castello Aragonese, a veritable fort-city set on its own craggy islet, looking like a cross between Harry…

A symphony of plants, La Mortella (the myrtles) is the former home and gardens of the late British composer William Walton (1902–83) and his Argentine…

The good news is that this museum is well signposted and has a car park. The bad news is that it's on a perilous corner on Ischia's mountain road between…

Housed in the elegant Villa Arbusto, former home of local celeb Angelo Rizzoli, the Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae enjoys a heady historical location…

To anyone of average fitness, an ascent of Ischia’s slumbering volcanic peak is practically obligatory. The views from the rocky summit are superb. And,…

Among all those posh, dreamy (sometimes expensive) spas, it's nice to have access to something that's thermal and free. Located at the bottom of 300 steps…

The vision of local botanist Giuseppe D’Ambra, who has collected plants since the 1960s, this 6000-sq-metre garden pays homage to the not-so-humble cactus…

This diminutive white church perched above the water in the town centre was originally part of a 14th-century Augustinian monastery; its side chapel and…

Long, sandy and very popular, this beach was a favourite landing spot for pirates, who would bury their loot beneath the sand. Reach it by bus from Barano…

Located on Ischia's northwestern tip, this secluded rocky spot is perfect for a solitary swim in clear, deep water. To get here, follow the walking path…

Just outside Lacco Ameno and wedged between two headlands, this gorgeous bay is the place for warm, shallow, crystal-clear waters. It's situated in front…

This pint-sized museum encased in the larger Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae pays homage to the man who turned humble little Lacco into a celebrity…

A striking 15th-century watchtower, Torre del Mare, now serves as the bell tower to this church that is also Ischia’s cathedral. The current church,…

If you are an old salt at heart (or have a penchant for model ships), don’t miss Ischia’s maritime museum with its lovingly documented exhibits. Objects…

The little church near the top of Monte Epomeo is the 15th-century Cappella di San Nicola di Bari, which features a pretty majolica floor. The adjoining…

Wedged in between Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte is the island's most down-to-earth seaside beach – think colourful vintage fishing boats, soccer matches…

Check out this church’s 18th-century baroque extravaganza, with its fetching peach-coloured facade, semicircular chapels and elevated terrace popular with…