Forio d'Ischia
Forio di Ischia is the largest and most populated of the six main towns on the Italian island of Ischia and is set on the western coast. There are almost 18,000 residents and the port has direct ferry connections to Naples (Napoli).
Forio is a favorite among visitors to the island both for the beauty of its beaches (including the famous Baia di Citara) and for its charming historic center with noble palazzi, art shops, and small artisan boutiques. Considered the cultural heart of the island, Forio Ischia is full of artisan and art workshops, and there are a number of cultural events held here each summer.
How to Get to Forio d'ischia
How to Get to Forio d'ischia
Forio has a harbor where ferries from Naples' Beverello port dock all year round. This ferry is the easiest way to reach Forio d'Ischia, of course, but you can also take a ferry from locations like Capri, Positano, or Amalfi to one of the other ports on the island (Ischia Porto or Casamicciola) and then reach Forio by land from there.
Book your ferry or hydrofoil from Naples to Ischia
If you arrive via Ischia Porto or Casamicciola Terme, you can take either the bus route to the right or left to Forio and other locations on the island of Ischia, including Ischia Ponte (home to the Aragonese Castle), Lacco Ameno, Sant'Angelo, etc.
Bus schedules on Ischia
You can also arrive at the Forio port via ferry with your own car (residents of Campania can't embark vehicles in spring or summer). Keep in mind that the island has heavy traffic and limited parking in high season, so you may want to leave your car on the mainland.
Sights in Forio
Sights in Forio
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
The Beaches at Forio
The Beaches at Forio
Forio has large sandy beaches that are sunny until dusk.
Spiaggia di Citara: considered the most beautiful beach on the island, and home to the Giardini di Poseidon.
Cava dell'Isola: a free public beach popular with kids.
San Francesco: a large beach with beach clubs, bars, and restaurants.
Should I stay in Forio?
Should I stay in Forio?
Together with Ischia Porto, Forio is one of the most vibrant and busy towns on the island, with beautiful beaches that are easy to access, tourist attractions, and ample dining and imbibing opportunities.
This town is ideal for:
Families with children of all ages, from tots to teens
Couples looking for an active holiday with days at the beach, excursions, hot springs, and walks
Hotels in Forio d'Ischia
Hotels in Forio d'Ischia
Dining in Forio
Dining in Forio
Umberto a Mare: the perfect spot for a romantic dinner on the seaside beneath the Chiesa del Soccorso.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Giardini La Mortella: hours, tickets and prices
Open: from April to October Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun 9 AM to 7 PM (last entry at 6 PM). Also open Easter Monday, 1 May, and 1 November.
Tickets: EUR 12 for adults; EUR 10 for children 12 to 18 and adults over 70; EUR 7 for children 6 to 11; free for children under 5.
What is the Chiesa del Soccorso and why is it worth visiting?
The Chiesa del Soccorso is a former Augustinian convent perched on a cliff over the sea, its white facade visible from a distance. It is not known for exceptional artworks, but for its panoramic view, where you can watch the island's most celebrated sunsets. In the right atmospheric conditions, this is one of the few places where you can witness the "green flash", a rare optical phenomenon where a brief green streak appears on the horizon at the exact moment the sun sets over the sea. It is one of Ischia's most iconic images, just a few dozen meters from Forio's main street.
What is Baia di Sorgeto and how do you get there?
Baia di Sorgeto is a rocky cove in the Panza district where natural thermal springs flow directly into the sea, creating natural pools at around 98–100°F (37–38°C). Access is free and available year-round. You can get there by descending about 200 steps from the road, a demanding but manageable walk, or by boat taxi from Sant'Angelo. There are no facilities, such as a bar or showers; water shoes are essential for the rocky bottom. August gets very crowded; spring and fall offer a quieter experience.
When do the Giardini Poseidon open and what are the hours?
Giardini Poseidon are open daily from mid-April through the end of October, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (October until 6:00 PM).
Full-day admission: €40–€47 depending on the season; afternoon entry (from 1:00 PM): €35–€42. Children aged 4–11: 50% off any rate; under 4 free. Children are not permitted in the thermal pool area.
Online booking is available on the official website. Opening hours and prices may change; please check for updates before your visit.
How do you visit the Torrione in Forio?
The Torrione is Forio's main 16th-century watchtower, in the historic center on Via Torrione. It now houses the Civic Museum with works by sculptor Giovanni Maltese on the second floor and rotating exhibitions on the first. The other towers in the historic center are viewable from the outside on foot.
Admission €2, free for residents, school groups, and under 16s. Open morning and evening with seasonal hours; closed Mondays.
Opening hours and prices may change; please check for updates before your visit.
How do you get to Forio d'Ischia?
Forio has its own tourist port with direct hydrofoils from Naples Molo Beverello, running year-round. This is the fastest way to arrive. Alternatively, you can land at Ischia Porto or Casamicciola and reach Forio by bus (Circular Right or Left) in about 25–35 minutes.
It is also possible to bring your car on the ferry directly to Forio, though expect heavy traffic and limited parking in peak season. Campania residents cannot bring their own vehicle to the island between April and October.
Is it worth visiting Forio d'Ischia in winter?
Forio in winter is a quieter place: the historic center is almost to yourself. The Chiesa del Soccorso is open year-round, and the sunset terrace feels even more special without the summer crowds. Baia di Sorgeto is accessible all year: the natural thermal pools at 95–99°F (35–37°C) stay warm even in December, making a winter swim a genuinely unusual experience. Giardini Poseidon and La Mortella close at the end of October, so those coming specifically for paid thermal parks should choose a different time of year. The Torrione and the historic center are open as normal. Many restaurants and shops close, but the port keeps direct hydrofoil connections to Naples running year-round, depending on marine weather conditions.
What is there to do in the evening in Forio d'Ischia?
In the evening, Forio comes alive along the main street and the small square near the Soccorso Church, with bars, gelaterias, and restaurants open late. Sunset from the Chiesa del Soccorso terrace is the highlight of the day. In summer, events, food festivals, concerts, and evenings organized by local venues add to the mix. Umberto a Mare, right below the church, is one of the most popular addresses for a sea-view dinner at sunset. In the low season, evening life winds down noticeably and many places close.