Ischia or Procida? Our tips

In its four square kilometres, Procida preserves some very valuable historical evidence and unique natural beauty. Its fame is due to its primitive beauty, but also to literature (first and foremost Elsa Morante, who set her novel 'l'isola di Arturo' here) and cinema (we recall that Massimo Troisi's last masterpiece, 'il Postino', was set here).

Ischia has been known since antiquity for the therapeutic properties of its thermal waters, mentioned even in Homer's Iliad and Virgil's Aeneid. Over time, it has built up an international reputation because it truly offers everything a visitor could wish for: sea, nature, sports, but also relaxation at the thermal baths and lots of fun.

Ischia is the largest of the Flegrean islands and includes 6 municipalities. With its 64,000 inhabitants, it is the most populous island in Italy after Sicily and Sardinia.

Its 3 main ports (Ischia Porto, Forio and Casamicciola) are well connected to Naples and Pozzuoli. From here one can also reach Procida, Capri and the Pontine islands (Ventotene and Ponza). In summer, connections with Amalfi, Positano and Salerno are also guaranteed.

Unlike Procida, here you can bring your own car but only if you are not a resident of Campania. However, it is difficult to find parking and you have to deal with the traffic, which despite being an island is very heavy, especially during the summer.

To get around Ischia, we recommend using the buses, which all leave from Ischia Porto, just a short walk from the pier, or renting a scooter, to get around freely without worrying about timetables or long queues in the sun!

Procida still retains its identity as an island of fishermen and a humble, reserved character. For this reason, too, it deserves to be explored slowly. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the Italy of yesteryear, with locals chatting happily in the streets, going about their daily lives without paying much attention to the curious glances of visitors. The buildings are typical, simple, but if you go beyond appearances you can discover small hidden wonders: quiet secret gardens, small squares sheltered from the wind, views that suddenly open up to the sea. Strolling along the streets, it is impossible not to be caught up in the cheerful frenzy of the Procidans, and how can one not be captivated by the scent of freshly baked Procida tongues, passing by the bar Roma, or by the appetising aromas of the little restaurants in Corricella, which offer freshly caught fish every day. For more on local cuisine, check out our tips on where to eat in Procida.

Ischia is an island, but the first impact is that of arriving in a bustling, well-organised city. It may leave you disoriented at first, but as you enter its streets and neighbourhoods, you discover the character so typical of southern Italy: the crystal-clear sea, the lush gardens, all enlivened by the smiles and friendliness of its inhabitants, accustomed for generations to welcoming tourists from all over the world. There is no shortage of services here, and in some areas, you can breathe in the air of the city: shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, everything is at your fingertips.In addition to the residents, many regular visitors populate the island, as well as groups of tourists of all ages strolling the streets.

Ischia is a large island, each area has its own peculiarities and you can choose the one best suited to your needs: if you are travelling with friends and looking for fun, there is Ischia Porto; if you prefer relaxation, the Sant'Angelo area is perfect for you; with children, you could choose the beaches of Forio.

• Relax at the thermal baths, no doubt about it! The most famous are the Giardini Poseidon and Negombo, but you can also find more private but still very elegant places... on Ischia you really will be spoilt for choice!
• A visit to the Aragonese Castle, an ancient fortified fortress that tells 25 centuries of history and is in its own right the symbol of the island.
• A stroll through the La Mortella gardens, home to a multicoloured riot of subtropical and Mediterranean plant species.
• Climb Mount Epomeo, about an hour's walk to reach the summit at 789 metres above sea level, and from there admire a landscape stretching as far as the Circeo archipelago.
• Take the little boat at Sant'Angelo to reach Sorgeto Bay (and thus avoid 300 steps!) to bathe in the warm thermal water
• A dive into the history of Ischia? Don't miss the Pitchecusae Archaeological Museum, housed in Villa Arbusto in Lacco Ameno. The exhibits preserved here are priceless!
• You can't leave the island without tasting the rabbit all'Ischitiana, the main dish of the local gastronomy!

If I don't want to spend a fortune, is Procida or Ischia better? Prices on the islands are always slightly higher than average, but on balance neither Ischia nor Procida are overpriced, especially if you choose the low season (May-June, September-October).

Ischia, being much larger, has a wide variety of well-organised hotels, from the simplest to the most luxurious, offering all kinds of comforts.

Procida has been developing its accommodation offer in recent years, focusing more on alternative structures to hotels, such as B&Bs, flats and, of course, glamping, the flagship of open-air holidays. You don't know what glamping is? It is an innovative holiday concept, in contact with nature without giving up comfort and a touch of luxury. Discover it with us!