A Calm Escape from Procida: Visiting Ischia’s Thermal Waters and Sant’Angelo
If you’re visiting Procida and craving a quiet day of pampering amidst beautiful scenery, this tour offers a chance to unwind at the Thermal Park Aphrodite Apollon on Ischia. It’s an experience ideal for those who love thermal baths, scenic seaside villages, and a touch of luxury — all wrapped into one relaxing day.
What really makes this tour stand out are the exclusive Thermal Park and its breathtaking location on Maronti Beach, as well as the opportunity to explore the charming, less-visited village of Sant’Angelo. On the downside, the day involves quite a bit of moving around — boat rides, transfers, and walking — which could be a consideration for travelers with mobility issues.
This experience suits travelers who want a mix of wellness, nature, and authentic local flavor without the hassle of planning each detail. If you appreciate natural thermal waters, scenic drives, and small seaside villages, you’ll find plenty to love here.
Key Points
- Exclusive Thermal Experience: The park features saline-bromine-iodine waters carved into the natural landscape—no chemicals added.
- Beautiful Setting: Located on Maronti Beach, offering stunning sea views and the chance to swim in both thermal and natural sea waters.
- Authentic Village Visit: Ending the day in Sant’Angelo provides charming streets, local shops, and picturesque photo opportunities.
- All-Inclusive Transfers: From ferry to park, all transportation is included, making the day smooth and stress-free.
- Self-Guided Relaxation: Multiple pools with different temperatures, a natural rock sauna, and plenty of loungers for sunbathing.
- Authentic and Quiet Experience: This is not a crowded tourist trap; the park is private, and Sant’Angelo retains its fishing village charm.
An Overview of the Experience
This tour offers a well-balanced day of relaxation and exploration, with transportation arranged to maximize your comfort. Starting early from Procida’s Marina, you’ll enjoy a short ferry ride past the coast of Procida — a scenic 20-minute crossing that kicks off your day with lovely views of the bay.
Once on Ischia, your driver will whisk you to the Aphrodite Apollon Thermal Park, located on the southern coast in the quiet village of Sant’Angelo. The park’s setting is one of its most appealing aspects: it’s not just another thermal spa but a private, exclusive sanctuary surrounded by lush greenery, overlooking the famed Maronti Beach.
You can check availability for your dates here:Inside the Thermal Park
Your entry grants access to eight pools with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 40°C — perfect for alternating between warm, soothing baths and cooling dips. The waters’ saline-bromine-iodine composition is maintained in its natural state, without chemical alterations, ensuring you enjoy their full health benefits.
A unique feature is the natural sauna carved into the rock, offering a heated, organic space to relax. Loungers and deck chairs are plentiful, inviting you to soak up the sun or unwind in shady spots. Showers and changing rooms are free, allowing you to refresh easily after your swim or sauna session.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sant Angelo.
Additional Wellness Options
For those inclined, massages and skincare treatments are available at the park’s beauty pharma area — a nice perk for a more indulgent experience. The on-site snack bar serves light, wholesome meals, and there’s an à-la-carte restaurant with sea views, perfect for a leisurely lunch after your thermal soak.
The Beach and Beyond
What sets this thermal experience apart is its proximity to Maronti Beach, where you can swim in the sea or simply relax with your toes in the sand. The park’s location offers a seamless switch between thermal waters and the Mediterranean Sea, creating an ideal day for those who love variety.
The Village of Sant’Angelo
After your time at the park, a small boat awaits you right on Maronti Beach to ferry you into Sant’Angelo — a postcard-perfect fishing village that’s a far cry from the busier tourist spots. You’ll have some free time to wander the cobbled streets, browse local shops, grab a gelato, or enjoy an aperitif with a view.
Many reviews highlight the charm of Sant’Angelo as a peaceful, authentic village, with some describing it as “a small jewel” and “a place to escape the crowds.” The vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere makes it a highlight for those wanting a taste of traditional island life.
More Great Tours NearbyReturning to Procida
At the end of your village visit, your driver will pick you up for the short return trip to the Ischia ferry port, concluding a day that blends wellness, scenic beauty, and cultural charm.
In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and Practical Details
Starting from Procida, the entire day is built around comfort and simplicity. The journey involves a quick ferry ride, which we found to be smooth and scenic — a gentle way to start the day. The ferry is operated by SNAV, a reputable company, and the departure times are flexible depending on availability.
Once on Ischia, a brief bus or coach ride of around 30 minutes takes you inland from the port to the thermal park. This part of the trip sets the tone for the peaceful environment awaiting you, away from the busier northern parts of the island.
The park itself is self-guided, giving you control over your time in the pools and sauna. The pools are of different temperatures, allowing you to tailor your relaxation — some prefer the hotter baths for muscle relief, while others enjoy the cooler pools for refreshment. The natural setting, with the sounds of the sea in the background, enhances the calming atmosphere.
You’ll spend around five hours at the park, enough time to enjoy multiple dips, sunbathe, and indulge in optional treatments. The inclusion of free amenities like showers and changing rooms adds value, making the experience more comfortable.
The boat ride to Sant’Angelo takes only a few minutes, and the village is small but charming. Many travelers enjoy wandering the streets, snapping photos of the colorful houses, and sampling local flavors. A particular highlight mentioned in reviews is the juice of oranges and lemons colaci, a vitamin-packed treat that’s highly recommended.
The return trip is straightforward, with a short bus ride back to the ferry port and a ferry crossing returning you to Procida. The entire day lasts roughly 8 hours, making it a manageable but fulfilling experience.
What You’ll Love and What to Consider
We loved the privacy and tranquility of the thermal park. Unlike larger, more crowded spas, Aphrodite Apollon feels like a hidden oasis, perfect for unwinding. The natural, chemical-free waters are a healthful treat, and the views of Maronti Beach are simply stunning.
You’ll also appreciate the authentic village atmosphere of Sant’Angelo — a genuine slice of island life with fewer travelers and plenty of charm.
A potential drawback is the amount of moving around involved — from ferry to bus, then boat, and walking through the village — which might be tiring for some. Also, lunch or drinks are not included, so you’ll want to budget for meals at the park or in Sant’Angelo.
Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
This experience is best suited for travelers who value wellness and scenic beauty over adventure or high-energy activities. If you love soaking in thermal waters, relaxing in quiet seaside villages, and prefer a more authentic, less commercialized experience, this day trip will resonate with you.
Families with older children, couples looking for romance, and wellness enthusiasts will find this to be a peaceful, rejuvenating escape. However, those with mobility challenges might want to consider the amount of walking and transfers involved.
Final Thoughts
This tour offers a well-paced day of thermal relaxation, scenic views, and culture. The combination of a private thermal park with stunning sea views, combined with a stroll through a genuine fishing village, makes for a memorable experience that balances leisure and local flavor.
The included transfers and the flexible, self-guided nature of the day give you control over your pace and activities. It’s an excellent way to enjoy the best of both islands — Procida’s charm and Ischia’s famed thermal waters — without the stress of self-organizing.
If your goal is a tranquil escape with plenty of opportunities to relax, take in beautiful scenery, and experience local life, this tour could be just what you’re seeking.
FAQs
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, all transfers — from ferry to park and village — are included in the price, making the trip smooth and hassle-free.
How long do I spend at the thermal park?
You’ll have about five hours to enjoy the pools, sauna, and relax in the park’s peaceful setting.
What should I bring with me?
Swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, flip-flops, and possibly sunscreen. The park offers free showers and changing rooms.
Can I get treatments at the park?
Yes, massages and body or facial treatments are available at the beauty pharma area, but they are not included in the basic ticket.
Is the park crowded?
Not at all. It’s described as very private and exclusive, ideal for those seeking peace rather than large crowds.
How far is Sant’Angelo from the park?
Just a few minutes on a small boat right on Maronti Beach. It’s a quick, scenic ride into this authentic fishing village.
Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You can purchase light meals or snacks at the park or in Sant’Angelo.
What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While the tour details don’t specify season, the warm months are ideal for thermal baths and seaside strolling. Check availability for specific dates.
In essence, this tour delivers a gentle, scenic, and restorative day that combines natural thermal waters with authentic village charm — perfect for those seeking authentic relaxation away from the crowds.
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