Ischia: Day Trips and Tours from Sorrento

Ischia is a volcanic island situated on the northern tip of the Gulf of Naples and accessible by ferry or boat from Sorrento. Ischia is well known for its thermal waters, quaint villages and the unique Aragonese Castle.

A day trip to Ischia from Sorrento is the perfect choice if you are looking for an authentic Italian island life experience.

You will find below all you need to know about Ischia, one of the best regions for day trips from Sorrento.

How to get to Ischia from Sorrento?

Ischia is located to the north of the city of Sorrento, across the Bay of Naples. The port of Sorrento is accessible by car, train or bus, and is only a 7-minute walk from the city center.

From Sorrento to Ischia by ferry

Ferries run between Sorrento and Ischia twice a day. Departure takes place from Marina Piccola. The morning ferry departs Sorrento at around 9 AM and the afternoon ferry at approximately 3 PM.

The 48-kilometer journey takes on average an hour and the ferry ticket costs €22.90 for adults. Children aged under 2 travel for free, and children between the ages of 2 and 12 pay a reduced fare of €13. A discount is offered if you buy a return ticket.

Weather conditions can affect the ferry schedule. Book your ticket online in advance and monitor the ferry services websites for any changes.

From Sorrento to Ischia by boat tour

If you have chosen a boat tour for your day trip to Ischia, you will board your vessel at the port in Sorrento. Your tour boat will sail between destinations and dock in Ischia and possibly other islands, such as Procida before returning to Sorrento.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Ischia from Sorrento?

There are two types of day tours to Ischia. The first type of day tour to Ischia from Sorrento involves taking the ferry from Marina Piccola in Sorrento. Your tour begins upon your arrival in Ischia.

The second type of day trip is a boat excursion. Here, you will board your tour boat in Sorrento and transport between the destinations on your tour. Popular sites on this type of day tour are the Aragonese Castle, the islands of Ischia and Procida. Weather permitting, you may be able to enjoy a snorkeling adventure.

Island day tours and boat trips are offered on a standard or private basis. For a private tour, your guide may collect you from your hotel in Sorrento. Alternatively, you can join your tour group at the port in Sorrento or on your arrival on Ischia.

The island’s hot springs and the gardens of la Mortella are two popular Ischia attractions. The fishing village of Sant’ Angelo, the Aragonese Castle and the whitewashed village of Forio are all worth visiting.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Ischia?

Private or small-group boat trips are a great way to visit Ischia and the surrounding area from Sorrento. Larger scheduled tours by coach are also available. Your guide will meet you either at the Sorrento ferry terminal or upon arrival on the island.

Private Ischia day tours from Sorrento with a specific focus such as Ischian food and wine can also be booked.

Small group or private boat trip to Ischia plus Procida from Sorrento

Your day trip will begin at a central meeting point or pickup from your hotel, depending on the tour provider.

You will spend the day cruising in the Gulf of Naples, with stops on the islands of Ischia and Procida. Your skipper or guide will point out sites of interest and you will have the opportunity to snorkel in the clear waters of the islands.

Private boat trip to Ischia plus Procida and Capri from Sorrento

On this private boat tour, you will need to make your own way to the port of Sorrento for your private boat excursion to Ischia, Procida and Capri.

You will spend the day admiring the islands from your viewpoint on board your boat with a guide. You will dock at the island of your choice to sightsee independently and will have time to swim or snorkel en route.

Coach day tour to Ischia from Sorrento

Your guide will meet you at the meeting point in Sorrento and accompany you by ferry to the island.

Your guided day tour on Ischia will begin with a coach tour highlighting the interesting sites on the island. After a lunch stop you will visit the La Mortella gardens. Your excursion will end back at the ferry terminal.

Private day tour to Ischia from Sorrento

Private day tours of Ischia from Sorrento often focus on the history, local life, natural beauty, food and wines of the island.

On a private day trip, you can expect your itinerary to include sites such as the Aragonese Castle, Monte Epomeo and the village of Sant’Angelo with its natural thermal baths.

On food focused tours, you will have the opportunity to sample the local Sfugliatella – a cream-filled pastry and local cuisine such as mortadella, fresh seasonal fruit or engage in a wine tasting at the local vineyards.

How much does a tour to Ischia from Sorrento cost?

Ischia island tours by coach cost around €90 per person and include the roundtrip ferry from/to Sorrento, transport on the island, and entrance to the gardens. Lunch and drinks are excluded in this rate.

Small group boat excursions start at €150 per person and accommodate a maximum of 12 passengers. Snorkeling equipment, snacks and drinks, and beach towels are provided on the boat. Entrance fees are not included and docking fees of €5 to €10 per person are payable on the day.

Private boat day tours begin at €1,600 for a group of up to 10 people, or close to €2,000 for smaller groups of up to six people. Some boats include scuba equipment and offer alcoholic beverages as part of the package, but snorkeling equipment, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are included as standard.

Private guided tours of Ischia can cost anywhere between €300 and €450 per person, depending on what is included on the tour. Most private day tours include lunch or food tastings, a private guide and vehicle and entrance fees. Private tours usually require a minimum of two persons to operate.

Gratuities are not included in any of the prices mentioned and should be added at your discretion.

What will you see and do on an Ischia day trip from Sorrento?

Ischia is a volcanic island with fertile soils and over 100 thermal baths. Some popular places to visit on a day trip to Ischia from Sorrento include:

La Mortella Gardens

The La Mortella Gardens were designed by Susana Walton, wife of composer William Walter. The higher levels of the garden have an open-air Greek theater where summer concerts regularly take place.

Aragonese Castle

Aragonese Castle was built as a fortress in the Middle Ages to protect the island from pirates and enemies.

Monte Epomeo

The highest mountain on the island, Monte Epomeo offers magnificent views across the Bay of Naples.

Sant’Angelo and Forrio

Sant’Angelo is a small fishing village that is famous for its spa, with natural hot springs and thermal baths. The whitewashed village of Forrio is also a popular stopping point for visitors to Ischia.

Capri and Procida

If you have the time, combine a visit to Ischia with a tour of the neighboring islands of Capri and Procida. Enjoy the clear and calm waters in the region for snorkeling or scuba diving.

When is the best time to visit Ischia?

It is best to visit Ischia between June and August if you want to take advantage of the summer weather. The volcanic island has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters.

Are there any tours to Ischia from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are tours departing from another city in Italy:

• Day tours to Ischia from Naples

Travel tips

• Remember to pack sunscreen and a hat along on your tour.
• Pack nausea medication to prevent motion sickness.
• Check the ferry schedule for any changes before leaving your hotel.
• Drink plenty of water if visiting in the summer months to prevent dehydration.