The Bay of Naples and its islands: Capri, Ischia and Procida
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationEurope / Italy
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AgeFrom 16 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions149.01 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Ischia, Procida, Capri, and the Bay of Naples. Volcanic hikes, secret gardens, and the Mediterranean way of life. Off the coast of Naples, where the Mediterranean still gently steams, stretches a string of volcanic islands bathed in sunlight. Ischia, Capri, and Procida form a world apart: terraced vineyards clinging to the sea, villages with pastel facades, lush gardens, panoramic trails, and natural hot springs. This journey is a slow and sensitive immersion in one of Italy's most beautiful regions, combining accessible hikes, heritage, nature, and the art of living well.
The highlights
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The welcoming hotel with thermal pool in Ischia
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An immersion in volcanic and Mediterranean landscapes
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The discovery of Capri, Ischia and Procida
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Hikes on paths and trails suitable for experienced walkers, despite the accessible level of fitness. The ascent to Monte Epomeo is slightly more strenuous than the other days. Steps are present in some places, making certain slopes more difficult or technical.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 304 m
- Average daily descent: 408 m
Management
For this stay, we provide you with a digital travel file with free access to our application, which guides you throughout your stay from your smartphone.
Here you will find the list of your accommodations, the GPX tracks (also available in your personal space) and all the information useful for the smooth running of your trip.
If you wish, a paper version of the travel file can also be sent to you (maps, guidebook and travel pouch), just let us know when booking your stay.
It will then be sent to you by mail approximately 2 to 3 weeks before your departure. Multiple copies can be sent (at an additional cost).
In the case of a last-minute booking or an address abroad, your paper file will be sent to the first accommodation and given to you upon arrival.
Program
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Naples
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Naples and check-in at the hotel, ideally located near the port.
First encounter with Naples: an intense, vibrant, sometimes chaotic, always fascinating city. Naples is not visited, it is felt: lively alleyways, the smell of coffee, laundry hanging from windows and volcanoes in the background.
Day 1 -
Ischia and Monte Epomeo
- Transportation Ferry - 01h15 - 40km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 415 m
- Negative elevation 515 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Ferry crossing from Naples to Ischia. Upon arrival at the port of Ischia, luggage will be collected and transferred to the village of Fontana. A hike will then take you to Monte Epomeo (789 m), through cultivated terraces and high-altitude vineyards. At the summit, an exceptional 360° panorama awaits, encompassing the entire island and the Bay of Naples. The descent will be via a stunning panoramic trail to Serrara, followed by a return trip to the hotel by public bus.
Day 2 -
Ischia, Procida and Botanical Gardens
- Transportation Bus - 00h30 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Departure on foot from the hotel to visit the historic center of Forio and reach the gardens of the Mortella, a splendid Mediterranean and subtropical garden, considered one of the most beautiful private gardens in Italy.
After the visit, you hike through the forest and along the seafront to the villa where Luchino Visconti rests.
You continue on to reach Lacco Ameno, famous for its "Fungo", an amazing mushroom-shaped volcanic formation.
In the early afternoon, take a bus from Lacco Armeno to Casamicciola and embark for the island of Procida. Smaller than its neighbor, it offers a concentrated, unfiltered taste of Italy perched on the sea. Visit the iconic sites, then take a boat to Casamicciola and a bus to Forio.
Day 3 -
The vineyards of Ischia and the Aragonese castello
- Transportation Bus - 01h45 - 35km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 375 m
- Negative elevation 520 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Transfer by public bus to Casabona.
Hiking on the most beautiful trails on the island, bordered by dry stone walls.
Crossing vineyards perched between sky and sea, testaments to the intimate connection between humankind and this fertile volcanic land, leads to the hamlet of Piano Liguori. Continue to Ischia Ponte to explore the Aragonese Castle (approx. 2 hours visit), then stroll through the historic center to Ischia Porto where you will catch the return bus.
Day 4 -
Capri, the Island of Emperors
- Transportation Boat - 01h40 - 80km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h45
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 390 m
- Negative elevation 395 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Short bus transfer to reach the port and crossing by public boat to the island of Capri, a favorite holiday destination of Roman emperors.
Hike to the Belvedere overlooking the mythical Villa Malaparte, spectacular, perched on the side of a rock, between solitude and the vastness of the sea.
Return to Ischia by public boat in the late afternoon.
Day 5 -
Ischia and the fumarole beaches
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 13km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 140 m
- Negative elevation 310 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Private transfer to Barano d'Ischia, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, then a walk towards Sant'Angelo, a charming village in the south of the island. Along the way, discover Maronti Beach, famous for its fumaroles, visible evidence of the island's volcanic activity. Opportunities for swimming in the sea or relaxing at the Poseidon thermal baths, located about a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
These seaside thermal baths have more than twenty outdoor pools, supplied by thermal waters renowned for their curative properties, nestled in the heart of lush vegetation.
Day 6 -
Ischia - Naples
- Transportation Ferry - 01h15 - 40km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of stay after breakfast. Departure in the morning for the ferry to Naples.
Shuttle service available from the port to Naples airport.
Day 7
Note
The durations of our hikes are approximate. They may vary depending on several factors during our trip (participants' skill level, weather, trail conditions, etc.). Transfer times may also fluctuate depending on weather conditions and road conditions.
The program was established based on the latest information available at the time of writing and may be subject to change in the interest of quality. Furthermore, circumstances beyond our control may alter the course of your stay (weather, road closures, canceled or delayed flights, strikes, local festivals, etc.). Your satisfaction and safety are the primary considerations in any such decisions.
Accommodation
One night in Naples in a 3-star hotel : a family-run hotel located near the port, making it easy to travel to the islands and easily accessible from the airport via the Alibus shuttle (stop at the terminus). Located 1 km from the train station.
5 nights in Ischia in a 3-star hotel with outdoor pools (regular and thermal, water at 38°C). This family-run hotel, located between the sea and the mountains, will allow you to enjoy relaxing moments in the garden among palm trees, olive trees and various Mediterranean plants.
The types of accommodation described above are indicative only, particularly with regard to their amenities (swimming pool, etc.). In the event of unavailability in our usual accommodations, we will book a property of a similar category.
In Italy, single rooms generally consist of a single bed (90cm wide), or exceptionally a large double bed usually used for 2 people.
Access
Meet directly at your hotel in Naples on the first day.
Go to the starting point
- From Rome (Termini Station): approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo).
- From Paris: allow approximately 10 to 12 hours of travel time (TGV or Frecciarossa to Turin/Milan, then direct connection by high-speed train to Naples).
Flight from Paris or other French cities to Naples.
From the airport to Naples city center train station by public bus (15 min) + metro to reach the hotel (10 min)
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel for the entire stay
- Half-board accommodation in a hotel from day 2 to day 6 (breakfasts and dinners)
- Tourist taxes
- The private transfers scheduled in the program (day 2, day 6 and day 7)
- Access to our guide app: all the useful information for your stay, on your smartphone.
The price does not include
- Your round-trip transportation to and from the meeting point and from the dispersal point
- Lunches and dinner on Day 1
- Transfers by train, bus and boat (approximately €20 per person per week for bus travel + €150 per person for boat crossings)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Possible visits
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Additional night in Naples on a bed and breakfast basis (in a double room) : CHF86.91 / person
- Additional night in Naples with bed and breakfast (in a single room) : CHF132.65 / person
- Additional night in Ischia with half-board package (in a double room) : CHF128.07 / person
- Additional night in Ischia with half-board package (in a single room) : CHF196.68 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
During your stay, you must have your valid identity card or passport, your health insurance card, your personal insurance policy number and phone number (if you are not covered by our insurance), and for stays in Europe, your European Health Insurance Card. This card is very useful if you have any issues paying upfront for medical care in European countries; you must apply for it at least 15 days in advance at your social security office.
It is possible to travel to this European Union country without a passport, using only a national identity card. If your identity card was issued between January 2, 2004, and December 31, 2013, and you were an adult at the time of issuance, its validity has been automatically extended by 5 years (formalized agreement between France and your destination country).
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
LUGGAGE
- One travel bag per person (or a rolling suitcase; recommended for trips with public transport included for transfers). Oversized luggage should be avoided as it would cause problems with bus capacity or logistical organization.
- One 35-40 liter backpack with a flexible frame, hip belt, and well-ventilated back panel for your comfort (to carry your personal belongings for the day: camera, packed lunch, water bottle, snacks, windbreaker, sweater, rain gear, etc.). This bag is usually placed in the cabin for any air travel (10kg maximum per person, typically).
On multi-day or semi-multi-day trips, you are asked to limit the weight of your luggage to a reasonable extent, as difficult access to some accommodations could compromise luggage delivery. We also advise you to avoid leaving fragile and/or valuable items behind.
OTHERS
- 1 large plastic bag to slip into your backpack to protect your belongings from the elements and/or 1 rain cover
- 1 waterproof pouch containing: your assistance contract, your identity documents, health insurance card and any other document mentioned in the formalities section
- 1 sturdy and lightweight umbrella (optional but very useful in case of rain, or even heatwave)
- 1 pair of telescopic walking poles (depending on your habits or the technical level of the hikes, refer to the "Technical Level" section of the trip's technical sheet)
- 1 pair of good quality sunglasses (protection level 3 or 4) that provide good side coverage
- Sunscreen with a good protection factor (30 minimum)
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
- Earplugs made of wax or foam (against neighbors' snoring or other noise pollution)
- Handkerchiefs
- 1 headlamp or flashlight + survival blanket: these should always be in your backpack, as an unexpected delay due to an incident can occur even during an easy hike
- Spare glasses (if you wear prescription glasses)
- Camera
- Binoculars (optional)
Clothing to bring
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
- a light and breathable layer
- a warm layer
- a waterproof and breathable layer
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rainy or windy conditions, simply add this waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
Choose clothes that dry quickly, so avoid cotton. Opt for synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.
The complete and ideal list: (although this should be adapted depending on the hike, the season, and your habits)
- 1 sun hat or cap, or scarf
- 1 fleece hat or headband and/or a neck warmer
- 1 pair of lightweight gloves
- Short-sleeved T-shirts in breathable material preferred (1 for every 2 days of walking).
- 1 long-sleeved base layer in breathable material or a shirt (sometimes the peaks are windy and a light layer is welcome during the lunch break),
- 1 warm fleece-type jacket (or even water-repellent) or a warm and compressible type)
- 1 waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood
- 1 rain poncho (optional) and/or sleeping bag cover
- 1 pair of sturdy, loose-fitting, comfortable, water-repellent hiking trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof and breathable overtrousers
- 1 pair of shorts or capris, comfortable and durable
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 days of hiking). Opt for wool or specific hiking socks like terry cloth, which will prevent your feet from overheating prematurely.
- One pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with a sole that offers good grip on uneven terrain and is abrasion-resistant. Remember to test new boots and those that haven't been worn for a long time beforehand. Alternatively, if you're used to hiking, a pair of low-cut trail running shoes is ideal, especially for summer trips.
- 1 swimsuit and 1 quick-drying towel (optional in case of swimming)
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening, like sneakers, which can also be used for sightseeing or walks around town
