The main hub of maritime connections with the mainland, the port of Ischia (municipality) is the most important infrastructure of the island.
During the winter months there are about 40 trips to Naples and Pozzuoli, but their number increases significantly during the tourist season (from Easter to October). In this period, moreover, from the port of Ischia it is also possible to reach Capri and Sorrento which are not directly connected in winter (it is necessary to go from Naples).
Another fundamental aspect, the port of Ischia (together with that of Casamicciola Terme) ensures territorial continuity with the nearby Procida all year round.
Ferries take on average from 70 to 90 minutes to reach Naples; from 60 to 70 minutes, instead, to reach Pozzuoli. Hydrofoils leave from the second pier not far from the Porto Salvo quay (from the name of the church opposite) and take from 50 to 60 minutes to reach Naples, while there are no hydrofoils connections with Pozzuoli. For both ferries and hydrofoils, any intermediate stop in Procida increases journey times.
The port of Ischia offers various services, including ticket offices, bars, restaurants and car and scooter rental activities. Then there are the bus terminal and the taxi rank (both close to ferries and hydrofoils).
Small historical note. The port of Ischia was a volcanic lake. It was transformed into a port by decision of Ferdinand II of Bourbon. The inauguration, in the presence of the royal family, took place on September 17, 1854. A fundamental date in the history of the island because the port ensured continuity in trade and tourism with the mainland. For this reason, the Municipality of Ischia celebrates the anniversary with a party that immediately won the favor of tourists and residents.
The port of Ischia can be reached by bus, taxi and car and scooter (useful info for those who are already on the island).
Bus: the terminus is located in Piazza Trieste and Trento near the port of Ischia. Almost all the buses in circulation on the island - with the exception of some secondary lines - lead to the port of Ischia. Two CIRCOLARE RIGHT (CD) and CIRCOLARE LEFT (CS) buses make the complete tour of the Island of Ischia, touching all 6 municipalities in which the territory is divided (Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Serrara Fontana, Barano d'Ischia). Tickets can be purchased at newsagents, bars, tobacconists and the EavBus ticket office in Piazza Trieste and Trento in the municipality of Ischia (possibility of purchasing day tickets and mini weekly passes). Tickets can almost always be purchased on board. Ask the driver before getting on.
Taxi: the distribution of taxis on the island of Ischia is widespread: from private car parks near the ports to those in front of hotels, tourists have a valid public service. Each municipality has its own taxi fare, so transit from one municipality to another is intended as an extra-urban route.
Car: the port of Ischia can also be reached by car and scooter. There are private car parks near the port. For parking on the road, however, it is necessary to know the ZTL timetables and the rates for paid parking (blue lines) if free parking spaces are not available (white lines).
Ferries and hydrofoils ticket offices are located along via Iasolino and are open every day. During the summer, the ferries doubles: those who need to board cars or scooters to Naples or Pozzuoli must go to the ticket offices located in the "Guerra Parking" on Provincial Road 270.
Along via Iasolino there are many activities: minimarkets, stationery, fishmongers, bars, newsagents, pubs, restaurants, pizzerias, car & scooter rental and a pharmacy.
Those arriving by ferry or hydrofoil at the port of Ischia can immediately begin their visit. The presence of the port, in fact, has favored the development of the surrounding areas with the opening of bars and restaurants.
Not only along via Iasolino, but also along the right bank, an area equipped for boating. Nautical tourism has facilitated the opening of pubs, restaurants, wine bars and night clubs. These activities, especially in the summer, catalyze the Ischia nightlife, attracting tourists from all over the island.
The same goes for the very central Via Roma and Corso Vittoria Colonna. In this case, in addition to bars and restaurants, various accommodation facilities have been created over the years. Among the reasons, the proximity to the port and the spa. It's not over, because Via Roma and Corso Vittoria Colonna are the shopping streets made in Ischia. A real natural shopping center with the presence of large designer boutiques, jewelers, antique shops, ceramics and souvenirs.
Attention also to the churches: right on the port is the Church of Santa Maria di Porto Salvo, visible from the sea due to the columns that divide the building from the busy via Iasolino. On Corso Vittoria Colonna, on the other hand, there's the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, also known by the name of San Pietro.