The island of Ischia is one of the most important destinations for tourism that are found in the Gulf of Naples. It is famous for its transparent sea and thermal waters. The main sites of interest on the island are the Thermal Garden Resort Poseidon, the Sorgeto bay, the Soccorso church and Aragona Castle. Furthermore, the village of Sant'Angelo and the Nitrodi thermal springs should not be missed. Below a short follow up on how to get to the island of Ischia, leaving from the port of Pozzuoli or Porta di Massa Naples.
How to get to the island of Ischia leaving from the port of Pozzuoli
A number of ferryboats leave dail from the port of Pozzuoli to the island of Ischia, increasing their frequency during the summer months.The companies that operate this sea route from Pozzuoli to the island with ferryboats are Medmar and Caremar, whith destination to the ports of Ischia and Casamicciola Terme. In addition to the ferryboats, tourists can also take the motorship fom the shipping company Gestur. The navigation takes about 50 or 60 minutes, with another 15 minutes added, if the ferryboat makes an intermediate stop at the nearby island of Procida.
How to get to the island of Ischia leaving from the port of Porta di Massa Napoli
The marine connection Naples - Ischia is also guaranteed from the port of Porta di Massa Napoli, one of the main terminals for ferryboats and hydrofoils. The shipping companies are equally Medmar and Caremar. In comparison with the connection Pozzuoli - Ischia, leaving from Calata Porta di Massa, you have the possibility to reach all the main ports of the island: Ischia, Casamicciola Terme and Forio. There will also be a difference in navigation time, as it will be 10 or 15 minutes longer than the 50 or 60 minutes it takes leaving from the port of Pozzuoli. Lastly, some of the ferryboats leaving from Porta di Massa will also have the intermediate stop at the island of Procida, like the ones leaving from Pozzuoli.
How to get to the island of Ischia leaving from the port of Napoli Molo Beverello
For the tourists that desire to stay on the island in the Neapolitan gulf for some days,.the port Molo Beverello also provides regular marine connections Naples - Island of Ischia. Differently from the ports mentioned before (Pozzuoli and Porta di Massa), from the port Molo Beverello only the hydrofoil boats will depart, which give you the possibility to get to the island in less time than with the ferryboat or motorship. In fact, this solution connects Naples to the island in 45 minutes, again, considering an intermediate stop at the island of Procida. In relation to the referred shipping companies, Alilauro takes the first place. It is, in fact the only one to guarantee a direct crossing without intermediate stops and therefore reducing even further the traveling time from Naples to the island of Ischia.
The difference between hydrofoil and ferryboat
Before choosing which way to get you to the island of Ischia, it is important to consider by what means of transport you have arrived in Naples. If you have traveled by car, you will have to take the ferryboat because no vehicles are allowed to board on hydrofoil. On the other hand, the hydrofoil would be your perfect choice if you have arrived by plane or train, or if you have decided to leave your car in one of the guarded parkinglots on the port of Naples. Furthermore, it must be underlined again, that the hydrofoil is the fastest vessel at disposal for the tourist to get to one of the main ports of the island (Ischia, Forio and Caamicciola Terme). Finally, departures from the port of Naples (Molo Beverello) with hydrofoil will allow you to reach all three ports, including the port of Forio, (not far from the famous Soccorso church, one of the most photgraphed sights of the island of Ischia).
Landing restrictions
Another reason to choose the hydrofoil over the ferryboat, is the fact that during the high summer season, there will be a landing restriction on the island of Ischia. For example in February 2020, the municipal council has approved the landing restriction for cars and motorcycles from the 10th of April to the 30th of September.This enforced block for two and four wheeled vehicles ( also for the ones resident in Campania) is meant to protect the islands tranquillity during the summer months.This way, the Island of Ischia can show its best side to the numerous tourists that come for their holiday to this exclusive location, transformed into such by Angelo Rizzoli in the 50's. However, the restriction does not apply to the vehicles whose owners have a stable residence on the island throughout the whole year.
Car rental service for tourists on the island of Ischia
When the hydrofoil lands in either the port of Casamicciola Terme or the port of Forio, tourists have the opportunity to pick up the rented car they have booked during the organization of their vacation, right on the spot. This way, they can enjoy their holiday without any worries.The car rental service is offered by the company Calise. Other than a car, if desired, you can also book a scooter, in order to move around mor freely on the streets of the island. The company Car Rental Calise is present on the island since more than 30 years and is the ideal solution for who loves to move around independently during their vacation. Alternatively, the pick up of the rented car or scooter can also be organized directly at the hotel you chose for your stay. For who is interested to visit the small villages on the island and reach the more isolated beaches, should more likely choose to rent a scooter.
Parking lots at the port of Naples
The harbour of Naples has a number of guarded parking lots, perfect to leave your car and take the hydrofoil to the Island of Ischia. The largest is the Parking lot Parcheggio Brin, from where then its possible to reach the port Molo Beverello or Porta di Massa Napoli. Parcheggio Brin has 800 parking spaces. Another parking lot you can find is Garage Ferraris; it has a shuttle bus service for 4 peole at a time, directly to the port Molo Beverello, and space for 95 cars (of which 80 are covered parking spaces) Another alternative is the Parcheggio Buono, very near to the port Molo Beverello; it offers a shuttle bus service to and from the airport of Naples.
Costs of the ferryboat Naples - Ischia
Tickets for a singular person to the Island of Ischia have an average cost of €9 - €15. If you are taking the car the cost can be €50 (to consider average price).