Ischia Evening Walking Tour – Castello Aragonese & Ischia Porto Nightlife (4K)

Ischia Evening Walking Tour – Castello Aragonese & Ischia Porto Nightlife (4K)

Welcome to Ischia, a volcanic island in the Bay of Naples. This evening walk begins in Ischia Ponte, the island’s historic quarter. Lungomare Aragonese is a seaside promenade with views of Castello Aragonese. The ferry ride from Naples to Ischia takes between 50 and 90 minutes depending on the ferry. The ferry terminal is at the main port which is about a 35 minute walk from here. Up ahead is the Aragonese Castle which stands on a rocky islet connected to Ischia by a stone bridge. Built in 474 BC, it was first fortified by Hiero I of Syracuse. Ischia is never quite as busy as it’s neighboring towns of Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Over the centuries, the castle became a refuge for residents during pirate raids. By the 1700s, nearly 2,000 families lived within the castle walls. The Piazzale Aragonese is the main square facing the fortress. The pier provides sweeping views back toward the castle and town. Fishermen once launched wooden boats here to harvest the bay’s catch. The waters around Ischia are known for anchovies, clams, and sea urchins. Today, the pier is a favorite spot for evening walks and photographs. The stone bridge was built in 1441 by Alfonso of Aragon. He was also responsible for fortifying the walls of the castle to defend inhabitants against pirates. The castle is accessed through a tunnel with large openings overhead which let the light enter. The castle once held convents, churches, and even vineyards inside its walls. The castle also served as a prison under the Bourbon monarchy. From here, there are clear views back toward the Ischia Ponte bridge. Ischia has been known since Roman times for its thermal springs. The island was called Aenaria in antiquity, named after the hero Aeneas. Archaeological finds show Roman villas once lined this coast. Today, spas and thermal baths draw visitors from around the world. Ischia is a large island though, so if you are visiting, you will mostly likely be taking the bus to get around. The island measures about 6 miles (10 km) east to west and 4 miles (7km) north to south. It has about 34 km (21 miles) of coastline and a surface area of 47 square kilometers (18.1 sq mi). It is also almost entirely mountainous, which means biking around is not a great option. Shops here sell ceramics, limoncello, and handmade sandals. The street follows the shoreline, lined with pastel-colored buildings. Many shops also sell limoncello made from the island’s fragrant lemons. Every night, once it cools down, locals come out for their evening stroll known as a passeggiata. This is the main street through Ischia Ponte so it is lined with the most souvenir and gelato stands. Forza Napoli! “Forza Napoli!” is an Italian phrase meaning “Go Naples!” or “Go Napoli!” and is a passionate chant and slogan used by supporters of the S.S.C. Napoli football club to show their support and enthusiasm for the team. So if you’re walking by locals, all you have to say is “Forza Napoli” to get some smiles and cheers back. The first part of our walk ends here. We will pick things up again at the port. Ischia Porto is where the main ferry terminal is and as such, is the first place that most visitors to the island of Ischia see. There are six separate towns on the island, of which, Ischia Porto is the largest with 16,000 residents. This side of the port is known as the trendy Riva Destra, or Right Bank in English. It is an elegant pathway that houses dozens of bars and restaurants, each with a view across the port. During the summer this area is frequented by the owners of yachts who use the port as a base for the duration of their stay. Some of the world’s most influential and famous celebrities are known to have brought their super-yachts into this same port as word spreads of its fame. ….but aren’t we all kind of tired of hearing about the super wealthy and their giant yachts? I am. 🙂 To our right is a hill that separates the port from the beach on the other side. On the hill, there is a research institute called Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn. The institute is devoted to basic research in biology. It was founded in 1872 by Anton Dohrn. Let’s see what these kids have for sale. If they were doing this in the USA, they would be shut down because they don’t have a business license. Let’s check out the menu of the day! Grilled mussels, Linguine with seafood and Fried Shrimp and Squid – €25. Seafood risotto and fresh clams are among the harbor’s specialties. Many restaurants here serve catch-of-the-day directly from local boats. Ischia Porto is the commercial center of the island, full of shops and cafés…and boat dealers. This is futurnautica where you can purchase pleasure boats, fishing boats, motors and other nautical items. Futuranutica has been operating here in Ischia since 1953. This is a traditional fishing boat in Italy known as a paranza. Paranzi are typically painted white with blue accents. Blue is thought to bring luck at sea. The boats often use gillnets or trammei nets, which are set in the evening and hauled in at dawn. There is no outlet here, so we will have to turn around. This is just the back side of the warehouse here at the marina for boat supplies. In the background, you can see Mount Epomeo, the tallest peak on the island at 2589 ft (789 m). All dressed up for a night out in Ischia. …I, on the other hand, am wearing cargo shorts and a t-shirt. 🙂 Ferries depart daily for Naples, Capri, Procida, and Sorrento. Hydrofoils can make the crossing to Naples in just 40 minutes. The port is especially beautiful at night, when the lights reflect on the water. Ischia Porto became the island’s main hub after the 19th century. Before then, Ischia Ponte was the primary settlement and fortress. Many bars here serve local Biancolella and Forastera wines. These grapes are grown on terraced vineyards carved into the hills. Ischia is one of the oldest wine-producing islands in the Mediterranean. I should have asked Futurnautica if I could film their showroom. Vineyards on Ischia thrive in volcanic soil rich with minerals. The Greeks introduced grape cultivation here over 2,000 years ago. Ischia’s wines were praised by Roman writers like Pliny the Elder. Today, the island’s white wines pair perfectly with seafood dishes. Via Porto is also popular for aperitivo — drinks before dinner. Locals enjoy spritzes, wine, and small plates of appetizers. The outdoor atmosphere here continues late into the night. The entire walk way along the water was actually Via Porto, but this feels more like a street. One day I will buy a Piaggo Ape! One day! These are good prices. Via Roma is one of the most elegant shopping streets in Ischia. This street connects the port to Corso Vittoria Colonna. Here you’ll find fashion boutiques, jewelry shops, and cafés. Here is a local ceramic shop. Let’s go inside! Need some ceramic address numbers to put on your house? Many shops stay open late during the summer season. Window displays glow under the street lamps, adding to the atmosphere. The street to our left leads down to the beach, which is quiet and empty right now. Via Roma is considered the fashionable heart of Ischia Porto. Designer boutiques mix with souvenir shops along the street. Evenings bring a festive atmosphere, with music spilling from cafés. Street vendors sometimes set up stalls selling local crafts. The passeggiata tradition continues here late into the evening. Via Roma turns into Corso Vittoria Colonna at the next intersection. Vittoria Colonna was an Italian noblewoman and poet. Vittoria Colonna was the daughter of Fabrizio Colonna, grand constable of the Kingdom of Naples, and of Agnese da Montefeltro, daughter of the Duke of Urbino. I am the son of John and Martha. 🙂 Vittorio moved to Ischia with her family in 1501 after the Pope took all her family’s belongings. She got married in 1509 at the age of 19. Her husband died in 1525 from wounds in battle. When she was 46, she and Michelangelo, who was then 61, became friends. Their relationship is one of the most well-documented intellectual friendships of the Renaissance. At a time when few women were recognized in the arts, she broke barriers, publishing works that were respected alongside those of male contemporaries. This is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Built in the 18th century, it features a beautiful Baroque façade. Inside are frescoes and altars dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church remains a central place of worship for locals. Rucolino is a liqueur made from wild arugula grown on Ischia. “She will be mine. Oh yes, she will be mine!” Created in the 1800s by the Calise family, it’s now the island’s signature drink. Bitter-sweet and herbal, it’s served chilled after dinner as a digestivo We are now approaching Piazza San Girolamo, a lively town square. This piazza is a popular meeting place in the heart of Ischia Porto. The Church of San Girolamo stands on the square’s edge. Built in the 18th century, it honors Saint Jerome. The piazza is often filled with live music and street performers. Thank you for joining me on this evening tour of Ischia. Subscribe for more walking tours across Italy and beyond. Ciao! Ciao!

This evening walk around the Italian island of Ischia will take you around both Ischia Ponte with its historic Castello Aragonese and the lively streets of Ischia Porto.

📅 *Filmed on* Tuesday, June 10th, 2025
🌞 *Weather* 26°C | 79°F 🌡
🗺️ *Map of the Walk* https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Dle5ELDgJGVqhbDgy_4RhhEIKi9VfYI&usp=sharing 🗺️

⏱️ *Video Timeline*
*PART 1 – ISCHIA PONTE*
0:00 Intro and Map
0:29 Lungomare Aragonese
6:42 Piazza Aragonese
10:45 Ponte Aragonese
18:57 Via Luigi Mazzella
*PART 2 – ISCHIA PORTO*
25:14 Ischia Porto
45:58 Via Porto
48:28 Via Roma
56:41 Corso Vittoria Colonna
1:00:21 Santa Maria delle Grazie
1:07:45 Piazza San Girolamo

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