Of all the thermal spas on the island of Ischia, Negombo is our favorite. Its beauty lies in its lush, slightly untamed gardens that surround over a dozen pools, small relaxation areas, tiny private patios, and cool shady spots with contemporary art installations, including works by Arnaldo Pomodoro and Lucio Del Pezzo. There’s even a gorgeous beach on the Bay of San Montano.
Negombo by real guests: pros, cons, tips
Many visitors recommend claiming a sunbed on the beach upon arrival, then starting the thermal circuit from the upper-level pools.
The park is spread across multiple levels, with the most scenic and interesting pools located higher up and accessible via short uphill paths.
The circuits featuring waterfalls and natural grottoes are highly appreciated, but they tend to get crowded during peak midday hours.
Several guests describe the restaurant staff as polite and attentive, though service in other areas of the park can feel less welcoming.
Food and drink prices are often considered high compared to the quality, although the settings are undeniably beautiful.
Many guests prefer visiting on weekdays to enjoy a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere away from the weekend crowds.
Strengths (Pros)
Unique setting in San Montano Bay, surrounded by greenery and peace
Wide selection of thermal and seawater pools, each with distinct temperatures and features
Excellent cleanliness across pools and shared areas
Ideal for a full day of wellness, spa, and sea
Lush vegetation, shaded paths, and well-spaced relaxation areas
Scenic, terraced layout with upper-level pools and panoramic views
Professional wellness center with massages and specialized treatments
Weaknesses (Cons)
The park can become very crowded, with long queues especially during the peak summer months of July and August.
Limited availability of sunbeds and umbrellas in central areas
Some pools are small and get overcrowded quickly
On-site food prices are often seen as too high for the quality offered
Outdated restrooms and changing facilities in some areas
Not particularly suitable for families with small children or strollers
To make the most of your experience, it’s recommended to arrive early in the morning—especially during the summer—and to book in advance.
Opening Season: The park is open daily from May to October, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Admission Price: Starting at €40 for a half-day (afternoon entry). Season passes and child discounts are available. Negombo Price List – 2025 Season
Tickets can be purchased online or directly at the park entrance. The ticket includes a sunbed and umbrella, subject to availability. During summer and weekends, admission may be limited: arriving early and booking online is strongly recommended to avoid queues. Wellness treatments, massages, and spa packages can be added to your ticket for an extra fee.
What’s included in the admission ticket: Access to 13 thermal pools of varying types and temperatures, Turkish bath, whirlpools, Kneipp paths, private beach access, use of sunbed, umbrella, and deck chair (subject to availability), supervised cloakroom, showers, changing rooms, and lockers with keys. A luggage storage service is also available, and bathrobes and beach towels can be rented on site. Swim caps are not required.
Children are welcome and can access the two sea-water pools and beach. Entrance to the thermal baths is allowed for those taller than 1.4 meters. Pets are not allowed. The park is open even when it rains.
Negombo: a natural paradise
Negombo is located on the Bay of San Montano. It's unique for its lovely geography, as the springs are on a hillside that descends gradually to the seaside and on each level down the slope there is a pool at a different temperature than that above and below and a small patio to relax surrounded by thick vegetation that resembles a sort of Mediterranean jungle. Indeed, it was once a vertical park irrigated with a series of hydraulic pumps before becoming a spa. You can start at the top and follow the series of pools to the bottom, where you can end with pause on the sandy beach.
Botanical passion
Negombo wasn’t originally designed as a thermal park, but as a vertical garden irrigated by an ingenious system of pumps. The ambitious project began in 1947 under Duke Luigi Silvestro Camerini, though the current layout owes much to the work of renowned landscape architect Ermanno Casasco.
The name “Negombo” is inspired by a coastal village in Sri Lanka, evoking exotic landscapes and a deep harmony between water and nature. To fully immerse yourself in Negombo’s natural setting, you can start at the top of the hill and follow the path down through rare plants and Mediterranean scrub, resting along the way, and eventually reaching the sandy beach and the sea.
Each year in May, the park hosts Ipomea del Negombo, an exhibition of rare and unusual plants that also includes a popular plant market.
Getting to Negombo
Negombo is located outside Lacco Ameno on Via San Montano. Negombo is a unique wellness destination in southern Italy, easily reachable from Naples, Procida, and the rest of Campania.
Car and scooter: there is a large parking area at the spa entrance.
Bus: from Ischia Porto, take bus 1 and 2, from other towns take "la circolare destra" or "la circolare sinistra" (public bus timetables on Ischia). The nearest stop is adjacent Hotel San Lorenzo about 500 meters from the spa. Keep a lookout for the stairs to use as a shortcut.
Taxi: you can also arrive by taxi and there are usually taxis lined up for the return trip outside the parking area. The fare from Ischia Porto to Negombo is around EUR 25.
With 13 thermal and seawater pools, warm waterfalls, and natural grottoes, Negombo offers an incredible variety of experiences. You can enjoy the neck jets of the Templare circuit, where 30°C water massages your shoulders, or venture into the so-called Black Hole, a path featuring 32°C waterfalls and a deep thermal plunge pool set inside a volcanic cave.
The Maya Kneipp path is designed to stimulate circulation in the legs through alternating thermal water baths at 18°C and 38°C. The Small Seawater Pool, at ambient temperature, features a high-intensity hydromassage with revitalizing marine water.
Rounding out the experience are four additional thermal pools at varying temperatures, a large saltwater pool, and a kid-friendly pool with gently heated seawater.
The Waters
The spring waters in Negombo are mineral (with a sediment of more than 1 gram/liter) and thermal (they come out of the ground at more than 40 degrees Celius), in addition to being saline-alkaline (rich in sodium chloride).
The thermal springs in Negombo are also slightly radioactive, as they contain Radon released from the rocks, which favors the absorption of the mineral salts and stimulates muscle tone.
A day of wellness
Negombo Park in Ischia features a modern wellness center with experienced therapists and specialized staff. Here, you can book massages, inhalation therapies, and a variety of personalized treatments. The wellness offer also includes a Turkish bath and a Jacuzzi with water heated to 38°C (100°F).
Between treatments, relax on the equipped beach overlooking San Montano Bay—perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and unwinding by the sea.
There are a number of dining options inside Negombo, including cafès and restaurants serving lunch. We recommend La Casa Colonica, a trattoria with a colorful décor and a menu featuring delicious Neapolitan classics. For a lighter snack, try Bar Negombo the serves dishes based on the tomatoes grown in the nearby vegetable garden.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
What other thermal baths are on the island?
In addition to Negombo, thermal baths include Poseidon in Forio, Terme Castiglione in Casamicciola, and Parco Termale Aphrodite Apollon in Sant'Angelo.
What areas can children use?
Children can enjoy the beach and swim in the two seawater swimming pools (one of which is heated in some months), and they can accompany their parents in all areas of the park. Children between 4 ft. 4 in. and 4 ft. 7 in. inches tall (1 to 1.4 meters) pay a reduced entrance fee. Children under 4 ft. 4 in. inches are free. Anyone taller than 4 ft., 7 in. (1.4 meters) pays the adult admission price and can use all the pools in the park.
When does Negombo close for the season?
Negombo is open every day until October 4.
Can I book tickets online?
Yes, tickets can be purchased online on the official website or at the entrance. During summer and weekends, booking in advance is highly recommended to avoid waiting lines.
Is the park accessible to visitors with limited mobility?
Some paths have a slope and may not be fully suitable for those with mobility issues. It’s best to contact staff in advance to discuss possible accommodations.
How long should I plan to stay at the park?
To fully enjoy the thermal pools, beach, and services, plan to stay at least 4–6 hours. Many visitors spend the entire day.
Does the ticket include a sunbed and umbrella?
Yes, use of a sunbed and umbrella is included in the ticket, subject to availability. During busy times, they may not be guaranteed.
What else can I do at the park besides the pools?
The park also features a natural sauna, emotional showers, a Kneipp path, wellness treatments, art installations in the landscape, and a sandy beach.
Are there any rules I should be aware of?
Quiet behavior is expected in relaxation areas. Outside food is not allowed. Swimwear is required in all pools.
What’s the best time of year to visit Negombo?
The best months are May, June, and September when the park is less crowded. July and August can be very busy, with long lines and limited sunbed availability.
Are there shaded areas, or do I need an umbrella?
The park has many shaded spots among the vegetation, but an umbrella is recommended during hot months. It’s included in the ticket, subject to availability.
Are there any must-try circuits or paths?
Yes, visitors highlight the “Templare”, “Maya”, and “Black Hole” paths as not-to-miss experiences thanks to their variety and design.
What’s the food quality like?
The park restaurants serve Mediterranean dishes and fresh seafood, but many consider the prices high. Booking is recommended as soon as you arrive at the park.
Can I book a massage or other treatments?
Yes, but it’s best to book as soon as you enter, especially on weekends when availability is limited.
Is there luggage storage at the park?
Yes, there’s a supervised storage area, and you can rent bathrobes and beach towels if needed.
