Casamicciola Terme (Ischia)
This small town on the northern shore of the island of Ischia is famous for its abundance of thermal springs, so much so that "thermal" is part of its name.
How to Get to Casamicciola Terme
How to Get to Casamicciola Terme
There are three ports on the Italian island of Ischia, and one is located right in the town of Casamicciola. Book a ferry or hydrofoil from Naples (Napoli) or Pozzuoli that docks directly at this port if you have booked lodgings in or near Casamicciola.
Book a ferry from Naples to Ischia
Otherwise, you can take a ferry to Ischia Porto, the main ferry port on the island, and then continue on to Casamicciola Terme via bus number 1 or 2 or by taxi (the taxi stand is located just opposite the ferry dock).
You can also embark your own vehicle on Ischia all year long, as long as you aren't a resident in the region of Campania. Just keep in mind that traffic can be heavy and parking expensive and limited in the busy summer months.
Sights in Casamicciola Terme
Sights in Casamicciola Terme
Given its rich thermal springs, Casamicciola is one of the top tourist destinations on the island. A number of the most important thermal spas are located here, including Pio Monte della Misericordia that once treated Naples' poor. Some of these historic thermal baths and their adjacent grand hotels were destroyed in the devastating earthquake in 1883. One of the few hotels that remain standing from before the quake is Terme Manzi Hotel & Spa, founded in 1860. After the earthquake, the town was rebuilt at a lower elevation on the Mediterranean seafront, and you can admire the Art Nouveau architecture from the beginning of the 20th century that lines Piazza Bagni and the waterfront promenade.
The Parco Termale del Castiglione
If you want to "take the waters" in Casamicciola, the best place to head is the “Parco Termale Oasi Castiglione”, or Castiglione Thermal Park. This large spa estate has ten swimming pools at a variety of temperatures, wellness treatments, a seafront, and two restaurants. Entrance is EUR 28.
Three things to do in Casamicciola
Stroll on the promenade
Relax in the Parco Termale del Castiglione
Sample the food at “Focolare”, a restaurant in the hills
Behind Casamicciola, the Bosco della Maddalena is a pleasant pine wood where you can walk uphill to Creatio. There are a number of steam vents and small volcanic cones that open up from the thick vegetation on the forest floor.
Beaches in Casamicciola
Beaches in Casamicciola
Spiaggia della Marina: located along the Gulf of Naples waterfront between Casamicciola and Lacco Ameno, this beach is perfect for families with children with shallow water and fine sand.
Bagnitiello: a rocky beach with thermal springs located near the Parco Termale del Castiglione.
Staying in Casamicciola Terme
Staying in Casamicciola Terme
Casamicciola is a lively town during the day, with a bustline promenade, restaurants, and beaches. After sunset, however, the town quiets down considerably and almost all cafés and clubs close by midnight. For this reason, the town is family friendly and a great place to relax. It has sandy beaches and mostly attracts visitors with children or those who are simply looking for a peaceful spot to recharge. There are also great hot springs and thermal water spas in the area.
Hotels in Casamicciola Terme
Hotels in Casamicciola Terme
Restaurants in Casamicciola Terme
Restaurants in Casamicciola Terme
If you are visiting this area, stop at the “ Il Focolare” farm restaurant run by the D’Ambra family, where you can sample local specialties like the famous "coniglio all'ischitana" rabbit dish. Ask to see the wine cellar carved from the tufo stone cliff!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Casamicciola Terme?
Casamicciola Terme has its own port, the island's second most important, with direct connections from Naples Molo Beverello and Pozzuoli. There is no need to pass through Ischia Porto. Some sailings stop at Procida along the way, adding a little time to the journey. The crossing from Naples takes about 60–75 minutes by ferry and less by hydrofoil. For those arriving at Ischia Porto, Casamicciola is reachable by bus on the CD or CS circular lines in about 15–20 minutes.
What are the thermal parks in Casamicciola Terme?
The main thermal parks in Casamicciola are Parco Termale Castiglione and the O'Vagnitiello bathing park. Castiglione is the island's second largest thermal park, with 9 pools at varying temperatures, saunas, mud treatments, and a private beach overlooking the gulf; it is part of the Italian National Health Service network for those with a medical prescription. O'Vagnitiello is a thermal bathing facility with direct sea access. Many hotels in Casamicciola also have their own in-house thermal pools. Opening hours and prices may change; please check for updates before your visit.
What is the Gurgitello spring?
The Gurgitello is Casamicciola's most famous thermal spring, located in the Piazza Bagni area. Its water is classified as chloride-sodium and bicarbonate-alkaline, with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and remineralizing properties. It has been known since antiquity for its benefits on rheumatic and joint conditions, and even Garibaldi used it to recover from war wounds. Today, its waters feed several thermal facilities in the municipality, including Parco Castiglione.
What beaches are in Casamicciola Terme?
Casamicciola has four main beaches. Marina beach is the largest and most family-friendly: sandy, with calm shallow water, equipped lidos, and a free public section along the promenade leading toward Lacco Ameno. Bagnitiello beach sits within the thermal park of the same name, with direct sea access. Fundera beach, near the heliport, is a small cove with shallow water. Convento beach requires descending about 50 steps from the main road and is the quietest of the four.
Is Casamicciola suitable for families with children?
Yes, Casamicciola is one of Ischia's most family-friendly areas. Marina Beach has shallow, calm water ideal for young children. The area is consistently breezy, which makes it more comfortable on hotter days. Thermal parks like Castiglione have pools at moderate temperatures suitable for younger visitors, though children under 4 are not allowed in the hottest pools. The port's direct connections from Naples also simplify logistics for families traveling with children who want to avoid transferring at Ischia Porto.
Is Casamicciola Terme a good base for visiting the rest of the island?
Yes, Casamicciola's position on the northern coast is well-placed for reaching the rest of the island. Lacco Ameno and Negombo are just a few minutes away on foot or by bus. Ischia Porto is 15–20 minutes by circular bus. Forio, with Giardini di Poseidon and Citara beach, is about 30 minutes away. For those exploring the whole island without a car, the SEPSA bus network covers all the main stops with regular service. Renting a scooter or car remains the most flexible option for independent travel.
What is there to see in Casamicciola Terme beyond the thermal spas?
Beyond the thermal facilities, Casamicciola offers the Geophysical Observatory, founded after the 1883 earthquake. It houses historic seismic instruments and offers one of the most unusual perspectives on the island's volcanic nature. The Bosco della Maddalena and the Rotaro volcano crater, reachable via trails from the town center, are worthwhile destinations for walkers. The seafront promenade and the small square near the port form the social heart of the town. The walk toward Lacco Ameno, with views of the beaches and the landmark Fungo rock, is one of the most enjoyable coastal paths on the northern side of the island.
Are the thermal facilities in Casamicciola open year-round?
Hotels in Casamicciola with in-house thermal pools that stay open in winter offer thermal access throughout the low season, making it one of the few areas on Ischia where thermal wellness is available year-round. Parco Castiglione follows its own seasonal schedule and scales back operations in winter months. Anyone planning a stay between November and March should check ahead to confirm which park and hotel are open. The Gurgitello natural springs remain active year-round, but not all facilities drawing from them stay open. Opening hours and prices may change; please check for updates before your visit.