Ischia, an island in the Bay of Naples, is known for its thermal pools with healing waters and its health spas. The water from natural hot springs, heated by volcanic action, is believed to be the most radioactive in Europe and good for a variety of health treatments, including rheumatism. Hot springs have been popular since Greek and Roman times, and spas and resorts have been built around the best.
Ischia sees fewer tourists than its neighboring island, Capri, although in summer it is popular with Italians and Germans. The island is a good place for a relaxing vacation, especially in spring and fall. In addition to the thermal pools, there are beaches, geysers, gardens, ancient ruins, and a castle.
We asked Francesca Di Meglio, whose family comes from Ischia, about the spas and thermal pools in Ischia and she provided me with this information. She says that all thermal pools are helpful, based on her personal experience after three knee surgeries, and that they all help her skin tremendously.
The best thermal spas
You don’t actually need to stay in a luxurious hotel to take part in curative treatments. Yes, some of the hotels, especially the luxurious ones, have their own thermal pools and treatment spas, but you can just stay in a budget hotel and go to the gardens or spas or pay to enter the treatment centers in one of the hotels. . Most of them offer this type of service.
Here are the best thermal centers and spas in Ischia to go for curative treatments:
- Negombo on Lacco Ameno is Francesca’s favorite spot for thermal pools. The ten thermal pools are made of concrete and are located on the mountainside to blend in with nature. There is also a beach so you can swim in the sea. Negombo is a thermal pool park, and you don’t need a reservation. You can simply show up, pay the fee, and log in. However, if you want massages or some other personal treatment, you must call ahead and make a reservation.
- Poseidon is the most famous and largest of the thermal parks. It is charming, located by the sea where you can swim, and has around 20 pools of different temperatures, some with a waterfall or hydromassage. The thermal pools here are typical pools fed by natural hot springs. There are gardens, restaurants and a bar. It is a bit pricey. Poseidon Gardens is in Citara Bay, on the west side of Ischia.
- Cavascura , in Sant ‘Angelo, is probably considered the best spa for curative treatment and its thermal pools are believed to be the oldest.
- The Aphrodite Thermal Park in Maronti (near Sant ‘Angelo) has a great reputation. Aphrodite has eight thermal pools and a beach. Classic treatments such as mud baths and massages are offered.
- Castiglione is a cheaper option for thermal pools, so it is popular with children and families, so it can be crowded and less relaxing. If you are traveling with children, Castiglione would be a good option. The hot springs here have been known since Roman times. In addition to the nine thermal pools, there is an Olympic-size pool with seawater and two indoor pools.
- Nitrodi in Buonopane (in the Barano commune) has healing showers and the water is best known for helping with skin conditions.
