One of the main sights in Forio is La Mortella Gardens, a “garden museum” created by the English Walton family and opened to the public in 1990. There are more than 3000 species of plants on the estate, some exotic and rare, and a number of fountains and ponds. Concerts are often held on the grounds in summer.
Forio is known for its sunsets over the sea, best seen from the terrace in front of the Chiesa del Soccorso. If you're lucky, you can even spot the rare “green ray” as the sun dips below the horizon.
Another top attraction in Forio is the famous Giardini Poseidon, one of the most popular thermal parks on Ischia. You can spend an entire day here relaxing in the thermal water pools, springs, and on the Citara beach.
The Bay of Sorgeto, located in the nearby hamlet of Panza, has hot springs that bubble up directly under the seafloor, so you can soak in a mix of hot spring water and cool sea water here for free, one of the most unique experiences on the island.
One of the must-sees in Forio is the clutch of Saracen watchtowers built along the coastline centuries ago. The most famous is the Torrione, but there are others that have stood over the Bay of Naples throughout history, though they were not enough to stop the Dragut raids.
Forio is also home to a number of historic churches, including the Chiesa del Soccorso, Santa Maria di Visitapoveri, and the Papal Basilica of San Vito Martire, known by locals simply as the Church of San Vito.
Three things to do in Forio
- Visit La Mortella Gardens
- Relax at the Parco Termale Giardini Poseidon spa
- Admire the sunset from the Chiesa del Soccorso