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The Giardini Poseidon Terme on Ischia
Poseidon Thermal Gardens Entry Ticket
The Giardini Poseidon Terme is in the Bay of Citara, and with 20 thermal pools on six hectares of terraced grounds, it is the largest thermal spa on the island of Ischia. Set among lush terraced gardens overlooking Citara Bay, the park also features three seawater pools, a natural steam grotto, and a fully equipped health centre. Visitors often praise the immaculate grounds and the relaxing atmosphere, highlighted in many recent reviews.
Info Poseidon Thermal Gardens
Opening hours:
April to September: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
October: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PMOpening dates:
Mid-April to the end of OctoberTickets:
€45 for the full day, €40 for the afternoon ticket. In August, there is a €5 surcharge on all tickets.
0-3 years: free; 4-11 years: 50% off the regular ticket price.
Children under 11 are not allowed in the thermal area. They are welcome on the beach and in the three seawater pools.Included in the entrance fee: access to 20 pools, the beach, the Japanese soaking tub, and the sauna, as well as use of the sun beds and deck chairs and showers. A deposit of EUR 5 must be left for the bracelet and you can rent towels and robes. You can also rent a private cabin to leave your belongings for EUR 7.
Seasonal rates vary between low, mid, and peak periods, with higher prices in August. Multi-day ticket booklets are also available and allow non-consecutive use. Children under 12 are not permitted in the thermal area, in line with current safety regulations. Guests can reserve exclusive beach or terrace spots, including VIP terraces equipped with loungers and private facilities. Reviews often note that knowing these options in advance helps plan the visit more effectively.Children
0-3 years: free
4-11 year: EUR 17.50
Children up to 12 cannot enter the thermal park, but can use the beach and the three sea-water swimming pools. Children have access only to the seawater pools, Olympia, Tortuga, and Medusa, and to the beach area, which are specifically designed for family use. To preserve the park’s calm environment, loud games, ball sports, and music without headphones are not allowed.
Guests must shower before entering the pools, avoid reserving loungers, and use shampoos only in designated shower areas. These rules, frequently noted by visitors, help maintain the park’s cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere.Pets are not allowed
Swim caps are required (sold at the spa).
Multi-day packages are available.
The park has a wheelchair-accessible path and some pools are accessible via lift.
Booking ahead is not required.
With 20 pools between 28 and 40 degrees, Poseidon is the largest spa on Ischia. It is also home to three sea-water pools, a steam grotto, a large sand beach, and a massage and treatment center. As opposed to Negombo, the Giardini Poseidon is largely flat, so a good choice for those who have trouble taking on stairs.
The park also offers hydrotherapy facilities, including Kneipp pools alternating between 40°C and 15°C, a Japanese treading pool, and a natural rock steam grotto built according to the Greek-Roman tradition. The 500 m² health centre provides massages, medical therapies, and physiotherapy treatments. The terraced gardens, carefully maintained and enriched with Mediterranean flora, are frequently praised in reviews for their beauty and tranquillity. Several areas are accessible via ramps or lifts, and guests with reduced mobility can request assistance or use the electric-car service for internal transfers.
Reviews at a glance
Reviews at a glance
Visitors consistently describe Poseidon Gardens as peaceful, well-kept, and ideal for a full day of relaxation. Many praise the beautiful gardens, clean pools, and calm atmosphere. While prices are noted as high, most guests feel the experience is worth it, especially with convenient dining and less crowded hours early or late in the day.
Visitors often mention the park as relaxing and ideal for a quiet, restorative day.
Many reviews describe the gardens as beautifully maintained and worth exploring slowly.
Several guests recommend arriving early to enjoy the pools before they get crowded.
Multiple reviewers highlight that the experience is expensive but still worth the cost.
People appreciate the combination of thermal pools and seaside access in the same location.
Reviewers often note that the sea-water pools are a pleasant alternative to the hot thermal ones.
Guests value the cleanliness of the park and consistently mention well-maintained facilities.
Many users describe the food options as good and convenient for a full-day stay.
Several comments highlight the calm, non-party atmosphere suitable for relaxation.
Some reviews point out that walking through the gardens is part of the overall experience.
Guests frequently appreciate the scenic views and photogenic corners of the park.
Multiple reviewers underline that the park is best enjoyed with plenty of time to unwind.
People emphasize the benefit of combining thermal baths with sunbathing for a balanced day.
Restaurants and Bars
Inside Giardini Poseidon Terme, there are three restaurants:
Il Fauno: a full-service restaurants with hot and cold dishes, pasta, meat, and fish
Caffè a Mare, specialized in salads and juices
Grotta del Vino: bruschetta, cheeses, and cold cuts served with wine
The Spring Waters
The waters at Giardini Poseidon Terme are thermal hot springs with saline-bromine-iodine characteristics that are therapeutic for skeletal issues, arthritis, eczema, and skin issues.
The thermal waters originate from volcanic springs and naturally reach temperatures between 25°C and 85°C before being channelled into the pools. The water is renewed daily and offers additional thalassotherapy benefits thanks to its mineral composition. Visitors often report relief from muscle tension and joint discomfort after alternating hot and cold pools, a sequence recommended by the park’s therapists to maximise therapeutic effects.
Getting to Giardini Poseidon Terme
Car or scooter: follow the signs to Forio and then for “Giardini Poseidon Terme”: there is a large park with a guarded parking lot. Parking all day costs EUR 5 for cars and EUR 3 for scooters.
Bus: take the 2 bus to the final stop on the Bay of Citara, 100 meters from the entrance.
Taxi: the fare from Ischia Porto is around EUR 30.
From Naples: Hydrofoils to Ischia depart mainly from Molo Beverello, while ferries leave from Porta di Massa. Once on the island, buses remain the most convenient option, as the line 2 stops about 100 meters from the entrance. During the high season, parking areas may fill quickly, and several visitors recommend arriving early or choosing public transport to avoid delays.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
What are the other thermal baths on the island?
One of the best-known thermal baths is Negombo, located in the bay of San Montano in Lacco Ameno. Other thermal baths include Terme Castiglione in Casamicciola, Parco Termale Aphrodite Apollon in Sant'Angelo, and Terme di Cavascura in Maronti.
What's included in the admission to Poseidon?
Admission to Poseidon includes the seawater pools, outdoor and indoor thermal pools, Kneipp baths, whirlpools, hydro jets and shoulder-massage waterfalls, thermal showers, access to the private beach, umbrellas, deck chairs and sunbeds, changing rooms and showers.
Admission does not include meals and drinks, medical-aesthetic treatments, and parking.
Are children allowed in the thermal pools?
Children under 12 years old are not permitted in the thermal pools due to safety regulations and water temperature. They may use the seawater pools and the large supervised beach area. The Citara Bay facilities include sunbeds, umbrellas, and family-friendly spaces. Reduced admission applies to children aged 4 to 11, and entry is free for ages 0 to 3.
Can tickets be purchased online?
Yes, tickets can be purchased online through Giardini Poseidon’s official channels, including full-day, afternoon, and "Exclusive" options. The platform displays updated availability, pricing, and peak periods. Online purchase helps streamline access upon arrival, especially during busy dates. Packages including transport or accommodation are available through authorized partner travel agencies.
What is included in the admission ticket?
Admission includes use of the thermal pools, private sandy beach, sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing facilities, and seawater pools. Guests also have access to the natural steam grotto and Kneipp pathways. Spa treatments, food and beverages, and rentals of towels, robes, or private cabins are not included. A refundable deposit is required for the electronic wristband.
How does the electronic wristband deposit work?
Are private cabins or lockers available?
Yes, lockers are included with admission and can be accessed using the electronic wristband. Private cabins are available for an additional daily fee, typically around €10 plus a deposit. They are located near the main changing rooms and the wellness centre, offering privacy and secure storage for personal items.
Are there restaurants or food outlets inside the park?
Three dining options are available: Il Fauno, set among gardens, Caffè a Mare near the beach, and Grotta del Vino offering panoramic views. They serve Mediterranean dishes, fresh salads, juices, and locally sourced products. Light meals and quick-service options are also available. All venues accept credit cards and operate according to park hours.
Is the park accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
Yes, the park offers accessible pathways, dedicated restrooms, and lifting devices in selected pools. An internal electric-cart service is available upon request for assisted movement. Wooden walkways facilitate access to the beach. Guests may request tailored assistance directly at the entrance desk.
Can I rent towels, robes, or private cabins?
Yes, towels and bathrobes can be rented at the ticket desks or at the wellness centre, with a refundable deposit. Private cabins are also available for about €10 per day plus deposit. This service is convenient for full-day visits and ensures extra comfort and privacy.
Are pets allowed inside the park?
Are wellness treatments and massages available?
Yes, the wellness centre provides relaxing massages, aesthetic treatments, and physiotherapy services within a dedicated 500 m² area. Appointments can be booked on-site or through official contacts, and early reservation is recommended in peak season. Prices vary depending on duration and treatment type.
What should I bring for a full day at the park?
Recommended essentials include a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a mandatory swim cap for all pools. Towels may be brought from home or rented on-site. Comfortable shoes are helpful for moving between terraces and natural pathways. Valuables can be securely stored in the lockers included with admission.
Can I reserve a fixed or exclusive spot?
Yes, visitors may book "Exclusive" ticket options that guarantee a dedicated area in the park or on the beach. Packages may include sunbeds, umbrellas, and additional amenities. During high-demand periods such as August, early booking is recommended to secure availability and preferred locations.
Where are Ischia’s free thermal springs and how do they work?
Ischia’s free thermal springs are natural hot-water spots where thermal water flows directly into the sea or into small rocky basins, offering a no-cost alternative to paid parks. The most popular areas include Sorgeto in Forio, reached by a staircase, and the Maronti Beach fumaroles near Cavascura. Temperatures at the source can exceed 90°C, cooling as they mix with seawater. Bringing water shoes is recommended, and visitors should check sea conditions before heading out.
What are the main differences between Negombo and Poseidon?
The main differences between Negombo and Giardini Poseidon concern location, scale, structure and visitor profile. Negombo is nestled in the scenic Baia di San Montano in Lacco Ameno, set within a botanical garden of over 9 hectares, offering thermal pools, private beach and even an open-air theatre for events.
Poseidon is located in the Baia di Citara in Forio, and is the largest thermal park on the island, featuring about 20-22 thermal pools at varying temperatures (16-40 °C or up to 85 °C at the source) and a direct-access private beach.
In terms of accessibility, Poseidon offers flatter terrain; Negombo emphasizes a nature-immersed pathway experience with some slopes and steps.