Ischia is an island that offers many surprises to those who think only of the sea and spas. Its hilly profile, with Mount Epomeo (789 m) leading the way, affords spectacular views of the Gulf of Naples and the nearby islands of Procida and Capri. Thus, on Ischia, many trails (not just mountain trails) hide a natural balcony to the sea. In this article I take you by the hand into u n journey among Ischia’s lesser-known terraces with breathtaking views. Find out where to find them.
5 secret terraces of Ischia
Belvedere di San Nicola (Monte Epomeo) – Located at 789 m in the municipality of Serrara Fontana, this is the most spectacular viewpoint on Ischia. Reachable after a long hike from various points on the island (from Serrara Fontana, but also from Forio), once you pass the hermitage of San Nicola, you reach the viewpoint, from which you can embrace with your gaze the entire profile of the island. If you want to walk less, I recommend leaving your car or scooter near Miscillo Sapori, which can be reached from a small uphill road behind the square of Fontana.
Belvedere di Serrara Fontana (Sant’Angelo) – At the center of the town of Serrara Fontana, this terrace in the piazza (with panoramic bar) offers one of the most beautiful views of Ischia. From here you can see Sant’Angelo as if it were at your fingertips, the entire southern side of the island all the way to Punta Imperatore, with Capri and the Sorrento Peninsula in the background.
Belvedere of the Madonna di Candiano (Sentinella Nuova) – In the hamlet of Buonopane (Barano d’Ischia), climb up to the small chapel of the Madonna di Candiano. The path (a stone staircase rising from the Fonte di Buceto spring) leads to a scenic plateau just below 500 m above sea level. The view sweeps over the northeastern side of the island and invites unexpected glimpses along the way.
JosemarÃa Belvedere (Bosco di Zaro) – Just before the entrance to the Zaro forest in Forio is an isolated viewpoint dedicated to JosemarÃa Escrivá de Balaguer. It is less known and less frequented, but gives a wild perspective toward the open Tyrrhenian Sea and the sunset over the sea.
Village of Piano Liguori (Campagnano d’Ischia) – Climbing from the hinterland of central Ischia, one reaches the ancient village of Piano Liguori at 325 m above sea level. The place offers a view full of peace: starting from the square of Campagnano, “climbing” up to the village is tiring, but it is worth it to breathe in the quiet of the island and admire rural-chic views from above.
Publicly accessible private terraces
In addition to natural lookouts, several island hotels and restaurants have panoramic terraces open to guests. Here are some examples:
Hotel San Montano (Lacco Ameno) – Located 108 m above sea level on Monte Vico, it offers wonderful views of the northern coast of Ischia to the Pontine Islands and Vesuvius.
Hotel Miramare e Castello (Ischia Ponte) – The panoramic terrace overlooks the village of Ischia Ponte and the Aragonese Castle.
Hotel Royal Palm (Forio – Citara Bay) – Forio is famous for sunsets (and its green ray). The terrace of the Royal Palm gives a beautiful view of Citara Bay and even becomes superb from the adjacent restaurant and terrace.
Hotel Delfini (Ischia Ponte) – Hotel Delfini boasts proximity to the rocks of Sant’Anna and the Castle of Ischia Ponte, which are the hotel’s pride and joy, and a unique panorama to enjoy poolside.
How to reach them
Most of these scenic terraces require at least a short walk. For example, to climb to Monte Epomeo, one parks in Serrara Fontana and tackles a trail that takes about 30 minutes. The Borgo di Piano Liguori can also be reached from Campagnano by an easy route of a few kilometers. The Belvedere Madonna di Candiano is gained by climbing the steps of Fonte di Buceto (between Buonopane and Fiaiano). On the contrary, some points are almost within reach of motorcycles: for example, in Serrara Fontana you can go all the way to the town square by bus or by car, from which it is a snap to reach the terrace with bar. In general, getting comfortable shoes or renting a scooter is the best way to explore these secrets (mountain trails often offer the best views).
Tips for enjoying the sunset
To witness an unforgettable spectacle, Forio and Sant’Angelo are the preferred vantage points for sunset in Ischia. In Forio, the Green Ray phenomenon is an almost mystical experience: position yourself on the west coast, perhaps near the Soccorso Church, and wait for the precise moment when the last sliver of sun disappears over the horizon, tinging the sky with an intense emerald hue. Many bars and restaurants along the waterfront offer seats with prime views to accompany the moment with an aperitif.
In Sant’Angelo, the village itself turns into a living postcard as the sun goes down. Stroll through its picturesque alleys and find a table at one of the many terraces overlooking the small harbor. From here, you can admire the sky ablaze with color, the perfect atmosphere for a romantic evening or simply to savor the peace of the island as day gives way to night.
Ischia from a new perspective: breathtaking views are waiting for you!
Did you know that Ischia hides secret terraces with incredible views? From the peaks of Epomeo to the most intimate corners, discover natural balconies that will leave you breathless. Share your favorite photo and tag Visit Ischia!
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Panoramic Terraces of Ischia
Qual è la terrazza panoramica più alta di Ischia?
Il Belvedere di San Nicola sul Monte Epomeo, a 789 metri di altitudine, offre la vista più alta e completa dell’isola.
Si possono raggiungere le terrazze panoramiche senza fare lunghe camminate?
Sì, alcune come il Belvedere di Serrara Fontana sono facilmente accessibili in auto o bus, con un bar panoramico direttamente in piazza.
Ci sono terrazze panoramiche accessibili in hotel o ristoranti?
Sì, diversi hotel come il San Montano, Miramare e Castello, Royal Palm e Delfini offrono terrazze aperte agli ospiti, spesso con vista mozzafiato.
Quale terrazza offre una vista sul tramonto sull’open sea?
Il Belvedere JosemarÃa nel Bosco di Zaro a Forio è meno frequentato e regala una prospettiva selvaggia sul mare.
È consigliabile noleggiare uno scooter per visitare queste terrazze?
Sì, noleggiare uno scooter è un ottimo modo per raggiungere molti di questi punti panoramici. In alcuni casi, come per la strada verso l’Epomeo, bisogna però essere degli ottimi piloti: se non ve la sentite, è preferibile noleggiare un’auto.
