Ischia, the largest of the Phlegrean Islands, has – as long as man can remember – been considered the European capital of wellbeing. Its springs and ancient natural baths offer intense pleasure and relaxation, in any season, to those looking to combine the best of wellness and spa treatments, enogastronomy, idyllic scenery and even sport activity, all within the setting of uncontaminated and pristine nature.

Its geographic location ensures that the entire Island is blessed with the climatic and environmental conditions ideal for restoring the mind, body and spirit.

The thermal baths on Ischia are the stuff of legend (literally), which narrates that the giant Tifeo (Typhon) was imprisoned by Zeus inside Mount Epomeo. After centuries of punishment the giant implored Venus to request his pardon from Zeus; when hot tears ran from the repenting rebel’s eyes, the Father of the Gods was moved by pity. He thus pardoned Tifeo and transmuted his tears into natural thermal waters.

Ischia represents the capital of European thermal vacations: it holds 103 thermal springs, 69 fumarole aggregations, and more than 300 separate bath establishments.

The use of the springs for therapeutic purposes has continued throughout the millennia, and to this day is a “must” attraction for those looking to relax and enjoy beauty and wellness treatments amidst some of the best nature landscapes that Mother Earth has to offer.

For visitors who wish to find re-invigoration via thermal cures, the hardest thing to do is choose from among the numerous types of Ischian springs: there is an incredible variety of waters, including hot, very hot, thermal and hyperthermal mineral waters.

Let's begin with the two most famous thermal spring parks of Ischia: the Poseidon Gardens and the Negombo Park.

The Poseidon Gardens, situated on the evocative Bay of Citara, represent the largest thermal park on the Island, with 22 thermal, curative pools; the temperatures of thse spring waters range from 60.8-104° Fahrenheit (16-40° C). A definitive characteristic of this park is its abundant waters, which continually churn to renew themselves.

Visiting Poseidon means jumping into a 60,000 sq. m. (14.8 acres) thermal paradise where one can regain psycho-physical well-being and equilibrium on the shores of the Tyrhennian Sea.

The Negombo Hydrothermal Park, set in the splendid Bay of San Montano (in the village of Lacco Ameno), was built by request of Duke Luigi Silvestro Camerini, a great humanist and traveler, who sought out a locale where he could express his love for botanical life. The result is this thermal park, rich in tropical plants and lush vegetation. Negombo invites guests to enjoy its 15 thermal pools (in varying temperatures), hydro- and plantar massages, a private beach and a beauty and wellness center. During the month of August the park puts on musical and cabaret performances in the evenings, often featuring renowned Italian artists.

Moving on to the town of Barano d'Ischia, in the area of Buonopane, we can find the Ninfe Nitrodi Springs, reputed for the therapeutic qualities of the medium-mineral and hypothermal waters. The properties of these waters have been well-known since Antiquity (from the 3rd Century B.C.), when the Greeks first erected a Nymphaeum in the area, under the protection of the “Nitrodes” nymphs and the god Apollo. In 1759, several votive marbles were discovered near the springs; they were dated to the First Century B.C., and contained written inscriptions giving thanks to Apollo and the Nitrodes for the healing waters. 

Leaving the Nife Nitrodi and heading to Casamicciola, one finds the Thermal Park of Castiglione, with ten large thermal pools at temperatures between 86 and 104° F (30 to 40°C), as well as an Olympic-sized pool filled with seawater. The Park is nested inside a thriving green space of flower beds and high-trunked pine trees, an ideal location for restoring the mind, body and soul. Even Pliny and the Greek philosopher Strabone preferred this spot, leaving behind writings that gave testament to the revitalizing power of its waters!

The Aphrodite Apollon Thermal Park, near Sant'Angelo d'Ischia, other than containing 12 thermal pools, also boasts a relaxing sauna, inside a natural grotto.

The Park holds 12 thermal pools (from temperatures of 20 to 40° C, or 68 to 104° F); one of these pools is covered and contains a whirlpool bath, while two others consist of water from the sea. Guests at Aphrodite Apollon can also make use of the private beach outfitted with a fitness center.

Afterward, a visit to the Fumarole Beach (also in the vicinity of Sant’Angelo) should definitely not be passed up. The fumaroles, geysers of water vapor, often mixed with other gaseous substances, can be seen both underwater and aboveground. The innumerable fumaroles run in temperatures from 30 to 100° (86 to 212° F!), and taking a “bath” in these therapeutic sands is – as a unique and rare experience – essential.

At Ischia Ponte, rather, framed gorgeously by the Bay of Cartaromana, guests can regenerate in one of four pools framed the suggestive and rich vegetation of Garden of Eden.

And at Serrara Fontana lie the evocative Baths of Cavascura, dug into bare stone. Waterfalls and thermal water springs pour into tufo baths (with temperatures reaching as high as 90°C or 194° F), prompting sensations of extreme wellness for those who plunge into them.