Italy for me From Italy with love
Ischia Island is famous for its mud and thermal healing springs. This place was considered a resort even in the times of Ancient Rome. And since the 15th century, the island has been actively visited by European nobility. According to legend, the god Jupiter (dio Giove) immured the giant Tifey under the island. Now the giant sleeps, and his breath heats the island.
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Healing Springs
Thermal springs are the main reason to visit the island. About 300 springs are springing all year round. Therefore, you can have a rest here in any season, even in winter. Springs are divided into two types:
- Thermomineral – warm, up to 40°C
- Hyperthermal – hot, 80-100°С
The thermal water contains salts, minerals, sulfates, phosphates, bromine, bicarbonates, etc. In addition to thermalism, you will be offered mud therapy, massages, magneto-, electro- and phototherapy, and ultrasound examination here. The complex effect of healing waters, mud, sand, and sea climate has an effect on the second day. People come here to be treated for various diseases:
- Problems with the musculoskeletal system
- Respiratory diseases
- Gynecological problems
- Skin problems
- Problems with blood vessels
- Diseases of the hearing organs
Before such treatment, you should consult your doctor. There are several contraindications, for example:
- Pregnancy
- Aggravation of chronic diseases
- Heart problems
- Cancer diseases
- Epilepsy
- Tuberculosis
- Hypertension
- Hemophilia
In addition to healing procedures, natural saunas in flowering bushes, delicious seafood, and walks in the picturesque area contribute to the healing of the body and spirit.
Thermal Parks
The island is divided into 6 resort parks.
Poseidon Gardens
Poseidon Gardens (Giardini Poseidon Terme) is the most famous park. Located in the Gulf of Citara (baia di Citara), commune of Forio (comune di Forio), this is the west of the island. 22 thermal pools with a temperature of 22-38 degrees, 4 Kneipp baths – from cold to hot and Japanese baths – the basis of the Poseidon Park. There is also a 33-meter swimming pool, 4 children’s pools, a beach, a medical and aesthetic center, boutiques, and three restaurants.
The park is open from 15 April to 31 October, from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. The wellness center is open from 9.30 a.m to 6.00 p.m. From 2 October, the park closes at 6.30 p.m.
Ticket price:
Full day: adults – 32 EUR, in August – 35 EUR. Children from 4 to 11 – 16 EUR, in August – 17.5 EUR. Children 0 to 3 – free entry.
Half day, from 1.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.: adults – 27 EUR, in August – 30 EUR. Childrenfrom 4 to 11 years old – 13.50 EUR, in August 15.00. Children from 0 to 3 years old – free of charge.
For more information, please visit the gardens’ official website www.giardiniposeidonterme.com.
Castiglione
Castiglione Park occupies the bay between the cities of Ischia and Casamicciola. The famous commander Giuseppe Garibaldi restored the treatment here.10 swimming pools, 8 of them are thermal, 30-40°C.
Restaurant, natural saunas, spa, private beach, and the opportunity to ride above the park on the funicular. Behind the park are a chestnut grove and a pine forest for walking.
- The official website of the park: www.termecastiglione.it.
Negombo
Negombo Park, in the Bay of San Montano (Baia di San Montano) in the northwest, is home to exotic plants from around the world. In addition, 22 thermal pools, saunas, restaurants, cafes, bars, and the sea are waiting for you.
Opening hours: 8.30 a.m. – 7.00 p.m.
Ticket price:
For 1 day: from 8.30 – 33 EUR, from 1.30 p.m. – 26 EUR; from 3.30 p.m. – 22 EUR.
For several days: 3 days – 90 EUR, 6 days – 173 EUR, 9 days – 255 EUR, 12 days – 325 EUR, 15 days – 395 EUR.
Aphrodite-Apollo Park
The Aphrodite-Apollon Park is open from April to October in the Sant’Angelo area. On the territory of 7000 sq.m., there are 12 swimming pools, a spa, natural caves, beauty salons, and a fitness center. In addition, the park offers aqua aerobics, yoga, and Pilates activities.
Opening hours: 9.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Tropical Park
The gardens of the Tropical Park (Parco Termale Tropical) are strewn with tropical flowers and shrubs. The park has 9 swimming pools, a jacuzzi, an indoor spa, and all the appropriate treatments for thermal parks – from bathing to sports. The park is open from the end of March to the end of October.
Current prices can be checked on the official Russian website of the Tropical Park: www.parcotropical.it.
Eden Park (Giardino Eden)
Eden Park (Giardino Eden) is located in the island’s capital. A distinctive feature – naturally created thermal baths along the coast. The park is not big. It has only 4 pools. You can visit this place from mid-May to late September. All parks have pools with ordinary water for those who are not allowed to take therapeutic baths. Swimming pools are labeled with water temperatures. And at the entrance, everyone is given a map with a description and layout of the park so that you do not miss anything interesting.
Hotels
Based on the reviews of tourists and personal experience, we have selected for you the best hotels on the island of Ischia near the thermal springs.
3 stars
Hotel Villa Verde
Hotel Villa Verde offers cozy rooms equipped with everything a modern man needs. From the windows of the hotel – an incredible view of the mountains. The Poseidon Gardens and Negombo thermal parks are a couple of kilometers away.
Hotel Villa D’Orta
The hotel on the north coast of the island, Hotel Villa D’Orta is located in Casamicciola Terme. The pool offers a panorama of the coast. Pleasant additions to staying at the hotel are a free transfer to the center and back, a spa complex, food from home products, and wines from the hotel’s own cellars. You will have a free entrance to the thermal salons of the Casamicciola region.
4 stars
Posidonia Residence
The classic-stylePosidonia Residence hotel is a 10-minute walk away from the island’s harbor. From here ferries go to Naples and back. The hotel apartments have living rooms, kitchens, and private bathrooms.
Tenuta Del Poggio Antico
Tenuta Del Poggio Antico will give you a truly Italian atmosphere. The sea, vineyards, and citrus trees will please your eyes and body, while the pools with thermal water will put your mind and body in order. Relax on the balcony or patio in your own room. Cocktails are served by the pool. Late breakfast is also available.
5 stars
Grand Hotel Excelsior
The world-famousGrand Hotel Excelsior invites guests to enjoy exceptional views. Balconies and terraces of rooms overlook the sea or the garden. The hotel is located in a noble mansion—superior rooms, swimming pools, a wellness center – everything for guests. In addition, a fitness center is open for those who are used to keeping fit. From the hotel, you can walk to one of the main attractions of the island, Aragonese Castle, in 10 minutes.
San Montano Resort & Spa
San Montano Resort & Spa is a 4-minute drive from the beach, where a free shuttle will take you anytime. Marine style and views of the island and the coast – all this you will find in the hotel rooms. And how pleasant it is to lie in a hot tub and admire the bay! Of course, a five-star hotel’s attributes are at your service – a thermal pool, hydromassage, a private beach, and an exceptional individual approach.
Apartments and B&B
Luxury Relais Villa Magdalena
Luxury Relais Villa Magdalena is a bed and breakfast hotel. A pool in the garden complements the bright, comfortable rooms with wooden furniture. There are rooms with a private terrace. You can safely take your pets with you.
Appartamento Iasolino
Appartamento Iasolino has 2 bedrooms, a living area, and a kitchen. Negombo Hot Springs Park is 5 km away. The Aragonese castle is about 2 km away.
Tours
Tour operators offer a variety of tours to Ischia. However, remember a few important things before choosing an option for yourself. First, the hotels are open all year round. Secondly, most of the thermal parks are closed during the off-season. Thirdly, only hotels with indoor thermal centers remain.
To find out the opening hours of the parks, it is better to look at the information on the official websites. Then, choose a hotel close to the park where you would like to relax.