You’ve heard of Capri. You’ve seen photos of Amalfi. But there’s one island off the coast of Naples that most tourists completely miss — and honestly, that’s part of the magic.
Ischia.
It’s wild. It’s volcanic. It’s ancient. And it’s hiding something no one expects:
An underwater Roman city.
Natural hot springs bubbling out of the sea.
A medieval castle rising straight from the ocean.
Yeah. That’s all one island.
Let’s start underwater.
About 2,000 years ago, a Roman city called Aenaria sat on this very spot. Bustling ports, mosaic-filled homes, public baths… then, one day, it vanished.
Geologists believe a volcanic eruption pulled the entire city beneath the waves sometime between 130 and 150 AD.
Today, its ruins still sit on the seabed — eerily intact. You can see the outlines of harbors, docks, cisterns… even the workshops where Roman artisans once hammered bronze.
Want to see it up close?
Book a snorkeling or scuba diving tour.
Or just take a glass-bottom boat and float right over history.
And if you’re more of a museum person, check out the recovered artifacts at the Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae. (Real name. Real jaw-dropper.)
Ischia isn’t just ancient. It’s alive.
This island is volcanic, which means hot water is literally bubbling up from the ocean floor.
No ticket needed. Just walk down to the Bay of Sorgeto, sit in the natural rock pools, and let your skin soak it all in.
Here’s what’s wild: The hot spring water comes up straight through the sand and mixes with the cool sea — creating naturally heated seawater jacuzzis. For free.
Need something more luxurious?
Head to Giardini Poseidon Terme, Ischia’s world-famous wellness park.
20 thermal pools
A full spa
Seawater pools
Restaurants + gardens to just exist in peace
It costs €45 for a full day, and people swear by it for skin issues, arthritis, and just… resetting your brain.
As if all that wasn’t enough…
Just off the edge of Ischia is a tiny tidal island, connected by a stone causeway. Sitting on top of it is something out of a fantasy movie:
Castello Aragonese.
Massive stone walls. Panoramic views of Naples and the Gulf. Secret tunnels. Flower-filled gardens. And yes, you'll have to climb a steep path to get to the top — but it’s worth every step.
Tickets are €12 for adults. Kids under nine? Free.
People describe it as a “fairytale,” and that’s not marketing fluff. When you stand at the edge of those ancient walls, looking out over an island that still bubbles, steams, and hides cities underwater — it’s hard not to feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
Here’s the truth:
Ischia isn’t just a place. It’s a secret.
It doesn’t have the glossy fame of its neighbors — but that’s exactly why people fall in love with it. You won’t be elbowing crowds for sunset photos. You won’t pay €20 for an espresso.
Instead, you’ll explore sunken ruins. Swim in steaming pools by moonlight. Sip wine in a quiet piazza no one’s geotagged.
And you’ll leave wondering why no one ever told you about this island.
Would you rather follow the crowds to the usual spots — or chase something truly unforgettable?
Welcome!
