Castello Aragonese d'Ischia — Attraction in Ischia

Visiting the Castello Aragonese was one of the most beautiful and memorable museum experiences I’ve ever had—absolutely breathtaking from start to finish! The entire site is incredibly well curated, with a thoughtfully designed path that guides you past all the key historical and cultural highlights. For students it’s just €10 (and €12 for adults), which is more than fair for everything this place offers.

The island is full of peaceful corners where you’ll want to slow down and just be—listening to birdsong, taking in the sea views, and enjoying the incredible atmosphere. I stopped at both bars on the island, and each has its own unique energy. Both are beautifully furnished and offer spectacular views—different, but equally magical.

The Casa del Sole had a stunning art exhibition with powerful and beautifully curated works of contemporary art. Another highlight is the IoStudio shop, which features a great selection of high-quality, creative, and locally inspired products—perfect if you’re looking for something special to take home.

Take your time when visiting—2 to 3 hours is ideal to explore, pause, and truly take it all in.

A few fascinating facts about Castello Aragonese: • The fortress was originally built by the Greeks in 474 BC, and later transformed by Alfonso of Aragon in 1441, who connected the rocky islet to Ischia with a stone bridge. • At its peak, it housed over 2,000 people, including monks, nuns, nobles, and common families. It also had churches, gardens, and even a prison. • The castle played a major role in defending the island against pirate attacks for centuries. • Today, it’s privately owned and lovingly maintained—a rare place where history, nature, art, and peace come together in harmony.

This is so much more than a castle—it’s a place that moves you. Absolutely unmissable when...

Beautiful castle with amazing views around. The place is very well maintained, super clean and easy to navigate without ugly signs and fences as it's usually the case for similar historical spots. While walking there you feel like you are just exploring the ancient castle on your own, not just follow a path somebody decided you should walk, but you will still see everything and will not get lost. You can wander into the smallest corners which would normally be closed in other castles as there is nothing to see, but not here. I loved the feeling of freedom, and that I never saw a single red rope blocking passage somewhere or a traffic "stop" sign: even if some areas are not ment to be visited by tourists they are separated by barriers that blend perfectly with the rest of the castle. There are toilets every now and then, an elevator to get to the top (make sure to go right directly after the ticket office to take it), and a cafe with amazing view. With a ticket you get a small printout containing the most essential information so that you know what you are looking at yet it's not too much and you would actually read it while visiting the sites. I took us around 2.5-3 hours to see the whole castle, but one can definitely spend more time there. Oh, and there...

Aragonese Ischia Castle is an incredible place on countless levels. the site is extremely well preserved and very well laid out, accompanied by small exhibitions of very high quality. there are very interesting things to see and discover. the exteriors are splendid and offer countless spectacular views. the staff is qualified, discreet and friendly. there is a serene and quality atmosphere. we made the visit at the end of the day from 6 p.m. until sunset (doors closing at 7pm - must out at 8.30pm) in order to be calm and enjoy the sublime light which makes the place even more magical. the higher you go, the more you will be delighted by the beauty of the place and the atmosphere that reigns there. you will pass by a first bar at the monastery, and finally a 2nd bar with undoubtedly one of the most beautiful terrace in the world. in any case, the moment was very special, there were not many people left around 7:30 p.m., and sitting and drinking fresh water in this incredible light with the sky which merges with the infinity of the sea is magic. I really recommend it, as I have traveled a lot, I have rarely seen a site so well maintained, managed with simplicity...