Lacco Ameno (Ischia)
Lacco Ameno is located between Casamicciola and Forio d'Ischia, and is the smallest town on the island of Ischia. That said, this tiny spot is the birthplace of Ischia's modeern luxury tourism.
In the 1950s, Italian publisher Angelo Rizzoli fell in love with Lacco Ameno, and made the 18th-century Villa Arbusto his island residence. He immediately understood the area's potential for tourism, and built Ischia's first luxury hotel here, the Regina Isabella. This resort with a private beach, pool, restaurant, and spa was the model for future spa grand hotels in other areas of the island, and soon the international jet set began to discover the charms of Ischia, for decades overshadowed by the neighboring hot spot of Capri.
How to Get to Lacco Ameno
How to Get to Lacco Ameno
You can reach the town of Lacco Ameno 'in just a few minutes by bus or taxi from both the port in Ischia and the port in Casamicciola, the two main ports on the island where ferries from Naples (Napoli), Pozzuoli, and Procida all dock. During the summer months, ferries from Capri, Sorrento, Positano, and other locations on the Amalfi Coast also dock here.
The bus routes that run between Lacco Ameno and the Ischia and Casamicciola Terme ports circulate the island to the left and right. You can also reach other towns on the island by bus from Lacco Ameno, including Ischia Porto, Ischia Ponte (home of the Aragonese Castle), Barano, Sant'Angelo, and Forio and its La Mortella gardens.
Bus schedules on Ischia
You can also embark your own vehicle to reach Lacco Ameno all year round (except for residents of the region of Campania), but we do not recommend bringing your car to the island in the summer due to the heavy traffic and lack of parking.
Sights in Lacco Ameno
Sights in Lacco Ameno
On the main square of Lacco Ameno, you can visit the Church of Santa Restituta, patron saint of the island. The waterfront promenade is also lovely, and on summer nights is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cafès playing live music.
Villa Arbusto and the Coppa di Nestore
Villa Arbusto was built in the 18th century and purchased in 1952 by the publisher Angelo Rizzoli. Today the villa houses a museum with a collection of archaeological finds dating from the neolithic to Roman times that were unearthed in this area. The most important is the “Coppa di Nestore”, one of the most ancient existing examples of writing using the Greek alphabet, dating from the eighth century BC when Ischia was known as Pithecusae.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 to 1:30
Closed Monday
Tickets: EUR 5
"Il Fungo" or "The Mushroom"
Just offshore, a tufa stone formation rises 10 meters above the water, created by the volcanic activity of Mount Epomeo (Monte Epomeo) and cooled by the sea in a unique mushroom shape.
Three things to do in Lacco Ameno
Soak in the hot springs at the Parco Termale del Negombo
Take an evening stroll along Corso Angelo Rizzoli
Swim in the breathtaking Bay of San Montano
The Beaches in Lacco Ameno
The Beaches in Lacco Ameno
Bay of San Montano: a half-moon-shaped bay lined by fine sand, part of which is included in the Negombo Gardens, a thermal park.
Spiaggia delle Monache or Varulo: accessible only via sea, and located behind the marina in Lacco Ameno.
Should I Stay in Lacco Ameno?
Should I Stay in Lacco Ameno?
Lacco Ameno is a quiet, laid-back town with a wide variety of lodgings but not much nightlife.
This town is ideal for:
Couples looking for a quiet getaway who also want to be able to take an evening walk in town.
Those who want a high level of service while on vacation
Hotels in Lacco Ameno
Hotels in Lacco Ameno
Dining in Lacco Ameno
Dining in Lacco Ameno
O' Pignatello: an elegant restaurant on the main street in Lacco Ameno.
Trattoria Casa Colonica: inside the Negombo Park, serving traditional dishes on a colorful terrace.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Villa Arbusto Museum: orari, biglietti e prezzi
Open: Monday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Rates:
Full ticket: €8
Reduced (groups of minimum 15 people): €6
Students aged 14–18 and university students: €6
Reduced (ages 6–13): €3
Residents: €3
Opening hours and prices may change; please check for updates before your visit.
How do you get to Lacco Ameno?
Lacco Ameno does not have its own scheduled ferry port, but it is easily reached from Ischia Porto and Casamicciola, the island's two main ports, by the CS and CD bus lines in just a few minutes. By taxi from Ischia Porto, the journey costs around €20. Those arriving by car ferry can drive directly to Lacco Ameno, though Campania residents cannot bring their vehicle to the island between Easter and October 31.
What is the best beach in Lacco Ameno?
Baia di San Montano is the main beach and one of the most beautiful on the whole island: a crescent of fine sand with calm, shallow, exceptionally clear water thanks to the bay's sheltered position. It is suitable for families and children. Part of the beach is free, another section falls within Parco Negombo with paid access. Near the harbor, there is also the small Fungo beach. Spiaggia delle Monache, accessible only by sea, is a more secluded little cove.
What is the Festa di Santa Restituta and when does it take place?
Santa Restituta is the patron saint of the entire island of Ischia, and her feast is celebrated in Lacco Ameno between May 16 and 18 every year. The three-day celebrations include religious ceremonies, processions, dramatic re-enactments of the saint's martyrdom and arrival on the island, and popular festivities. The Chiesa di Santa Restituta on Lacco Ameno's main square is the center of the celebrations and also houses a museum with underground archaeological excavations revealing layers of history from the Greek to the early Christian period.
What is there to do in the evening in Lacco Ameno?
In summer, the Lacco Ameno waterfront, Corso Angelo Rizzoli, is pleasantly lively with open shops, restaurants, bars, and a few piano bar venues. It is not the liveliest spot on the island, but the atmosphere is elegant and relaxed. An evening stroll with views of the Fungo and the small harbor is one of the most enjoyable moments. Those wanting more nightlife can reach Ischia Porto in 10 minutes by bus. In the low season, Lacco Ameno quiets down considerably and many venues close.
Is Lacco Ameno a good place to stay?
Yes, it is the ideal area for those seeking tranquility, quality, and an elegant atmosphere without giving up services. It has the highest concentration of upscale hotels on the island, including Albergo della Regina Isabella with its Michelin-starred Indaco restaurant. The waterfront is lively in summer with shops, restaurants, and piano bars, but without the bustle of Ischia Porto. It is particularly popular with couples and those who want thermal baths as a central part of their stay. It is not the best choice for those seeking an active nightlife or who want to be close to the main ferry port.
Is Lacco Ameno open in winter too?
Partially. The town center keeps some daily life going in the low season, with a few bars, restaurants, and grocery shops staying open. Parco Negombo closes in October, as do most hotels. Hotels with in-house thermal pools that stay open in winter are the best option for those who want thermal baths outside of peak season. Baia di San Montano and the Fungo are of course, visible year-round. Those looking for a quieter, more authentic side of the island may find Lacco Ameno in winter a pleasant surprise, but should expect a much smaller offering than in summer.
Do boat tours depart from Lacco Ameno?
Lacco Ameno has a small harbor, but organized boat tours, both group and private, depart mainly from Ischia Porto and Forio. Guests staying in Lacco Ameno who want to join a tour should check in advance with the operator whether a pickup in the area is available. Alternatively, Ischia Porto is reachable in about 10 minutes by bus. To book, check the Tours section of Ischia Insider.