Just dreaming: is Ischia a possible day trip?

If I had to choose one thing, I would go to one of the thermal parks. We had a wonderful day at Negombo.

But if you have the days, why not spend a few there; you get a much better feeling for the island that way..

Could I ask why you love Sorrento so much??
Do you have any favorite restaurants in Sorrento or in one of the nearby towns??? I will be there in a few days so looking for recommendations... Many thanks..

This trip to Sorrento is for only 4 nights (it's my 14th stay there) but I was thinking about a day trip to Ischia just to put something new on my adventure list. For me, Sorrento is a nice place to relax after a couple very busy weeks performing (I'm an opera singer) at an international music festival in Assisi. 10 performances in 13 days can wear me out! In Sorrento I always stay at Hotel il Nido, which is above the city. They also are my favorite restaurant. Don't ask what's on the menu - it changes according to what is freshest. Trattoria da Emilia on the Marina Grande is my 'hey I deserve this' seafood extravaganza. I swear it swims directly to my table via the kitchen. Da Gigino has good food too but I especially like sitting where I can watch the pizza oven. Inn Bufalito is a favorite. The Foreigner's Club is not. Watching the sunset from the park overlooking the swim clubs is always breathtaking. As Apollo's chariot touches the water, between Capri and Ischia, the area seems to explode in fire. The people gathered around almost always stand in silent awe. Later, as it gets dark and from the restaurant terrace at il Nido, you see the diamon necklace light up around the Bay of Naples. Magical. Of course, that little cloud just above Vesuvius makes me a bit nervous - hahaha.

I understand your love of Sorrento - we love it too. However, if it’s relaxing you are after - why not spend the entire 4 days on Ischia? We haven’t been there yet but will be there in just 2 weeks! We plan on spending our 4 days there relaxing in thermal spas, exploring quaint fishing villages and eating fabulous food! This will be our recharge and renew after a very busy May before we go inland for the rest of our trip. We are staying in the northwest part of the island near Forio. You might just make Ischia your new go-to place!

Robert thank you so much for all that good info on Sorrento..we arrive tomorrow morning!

Good Morning, Gigi8!
The things I treasure most, from my soon-to-be 22nd trip to a few regions in Italy, are the people I have met. The owners and staff at il Nido rank very highly and so my visits there are about visiting friends. The relaxing comes from not having to do anything but wander the streets and remind myself that "I like ME here." The same is true in many other cities around Italy. "Bentornato, Roberto!" is something I hear in shops, hotels, apartments, gelatorias, cafes and restaurants every year. I still play 'tourist' by searching for a new place to visit. Italy has so much to explore! Every region is different in so many ways: wines, recipes, customs, dialect, weather etc. etc. This year my trip is truncated because of my performance schedule so a 'day trip' is all I can manage. Trust me, on the plane going home (they always have to force me aboard kicking and screaming), I will be planning the next, extended visit! Please, enjoy Ischia and let me know what I need to include in my all too brief visit!

Hi Robert,

I don’t have much to offer in terms of Ischia but just wanted to follow this post.

I used to know a co-worker who visited Ischia every summer.
She used to say that it’s best to stay a few days to relax and, “enjoy just being there”, without feeling rushed.
You know… “Il dolce far niente…”

Since you’ve traveled to your favorite places for so many years, a day trip won’t be doing Ischia, or you, any justice, but this is just my opinion.

And… If you do end up going to Ischia, please report back, thanks!

How long does the ferry take to get there & back?

Enjoy your time in beautiful Italy!