Ischia’s east coast is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique geological adventure. This 5.5-hour hike promises breathtaking panoramic views, exploration of traditional villages, and encounters with volcanic wonders. Participants will traverse the island’s oldest geological area, uncovering pumice stones, obsidian, and the historic pilgrimage church of Madonna di Montevergine. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply seeking an immersive experience, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into Ischia’s rich natural and cultural heritage. What secrets await those who embark on this extraordinary journey through the island’s bays and sunken volcanoes?

Key Points

  • Explore the geologically oldest part of Ischia, featuring a 2,000-year-old volcano with volcanic craters and submerged shoals.
  • Discover unique volcanic landscapes, including feather-light pumice stones and shiny black obsidians in the Scarrupata ravine.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Vesuvius, and the island of Capri throughout the hike.
  • Visit the historic "Madonna di Montevergine" pilgrimage church and stop for a local lunch at an agriturismo.
  • Encounter restrictions on participants, including age, mobility, and prohibited items, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the challenging hike.

Tour Overview

The East Coast Hike in Ischia takes adventurous travelers on a 5.5-hour journey through the geologically oldest part of the island.

Starting from €75 per person, the tour explores Ischia’s rugged east coast, featuring traditional villages, a pilgrimage church, orchards, vineyards, and awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes.

The hike offers panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Vesuvius, and the island of Capri. Participants can enjoy a stop at a local agriturismo farm for a delicious lunch, and discover insider tips like the historical Madonna di Montevergine church.

The tour is led by live guides in German, English, and Italian, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Hiking Experience

Along Ischia’s geologically oldest part, the East Coast Hike takes adventurous travelers on a route featuring traditional villages, a pilgrimage church, orchards, vineyards, and rugged volcanic landscapes.

Panoramic views of Vesuvius, the sea, and Capri accompany the journey. The hike also offers a partial circumnavigation of a 2,000-year-old volcano, evidence of volcanic craters, and submerged volcano shoals.

Hikers will encounter feather-light pumice stones forming meter-high rock faces, as well as shiny black obsidians in the Scarrupata ravine.

The hike provides an original Ischia experience, immersing visitors in the island’s wild, romantic nature and rural tranquility.

Geologic Wonders

Ischia’s East Coast Hike immerses visitors in the island’s captivating geologic wonders. The hike traverses the geologically oldest part of Ischia, showcasing a partial circumnavigation of a 2,000-year-old volcano.

Hikers will encounter evidence of volcanic craters and submerged volcano shoals, remnants of Ischia’s dramatic volcanic past. Feather-light pumice stones rise into meter-high rock faces, while shiny black obsidians can be discovered in the Scarrupata ravine.

These geological features provide a fascinating glimpse into Ischia’s dynamic landscape, shaped by the powerful forces of nature over millennia. The hike offers a unique opportunity to explore Ischia’s rich geological heritage and gain deeper insights into the island’s volcanic origins.

Pilgrimage and Lunch

What better way to experience Ischia’s rich cultural heritage than by visiting the white pilgrimage church "Madonna di Montevergine"?

After a morning of hiking through the island’s geologic wonders, travelers will get to enjoy a lunch stop at a nearby agriturismo around 1:30 p.m. Here, they can savor local specialties not included in the tour price.

The visit to the pilgrimage church offers historical insights, while the lunch break provides a chance to:

  1. Refuel with traditional Ischian cuisine
  2. Soak in the tranquil rural setting
  3. Interact with the local community
  4. Recharge for the remainder of the adventure

Participant Restrictions

For this Ischia hiking tour, certain participant restrictions apply. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, heart problems, epilepsy, high blood pressure, motion sickness, and seniors over 75.

Participants should wear proper hiking shoes and bring water and sun/rain protection. High heels, baby strollers, mobility scooters, fishing gear, bikes, alcohol, drugs, and fireworks aren’t allowed.

The hike also can’t accommodate party groups or those who prefer to walk barefoot. These guidelines ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment on the challenging but rewarding Ischia East Coast Hike.

Meeting Point and Transport

Where exactly does the Ischia East Coast Hike depart from? The meeting point is the center of Barano d’Ischia, which is served by CD and CS bus lines. The Ferrari 2000 bar is located directly at the stop, making it an easy-to-find landmark.

There are a few transportation options to consider:

  1. Take an optional bus transfer from your hotel to the meeting point and back for €18.00.
  2. Arrive and depart independently for the tour only.
  3. Pay the tour guide in cash.
  4. Please note that meals during the lunch break aren’t included in the tour price.

Tour Payment

The tour payment is made in cash directly to the guide. This allows for a seamless and efficient transaction during the tour.

There are no electronic payment options available. The total cost of the tour starts from €75 per person. This price doesn’t include the cost of the lunch stop at the agriturismo, which participants can enjoy at their own expense around 1:30 pm.

For those requiring transportation, there’s an optional bus transfer from the hotel to the meeting point and back for an additional €18.00. Participants are responsible for arranging their own independent arrival and departure if they opt out of the transfer service.

Tour Highlights

One of the captivating highlights of this East Coast hike in Ischia is the opportunity to explore the island’s geologically oldest region.

Along the route, visitors can marvel at the panoramic views of Vesuvius, the sea, and Capri.

The hike also features:

  1. A partial circumnavigation of a 2,000-year-old volcano, with evidence of volcanic craters and submerged volcano shoals.

  2. The chance to discover feather-light pumice stones forming meter-high rock faces and shiny black obsidians in the Scarrupata ravine.

  3. A stop at an agriturismo around 1:30 p.m. to savor local specialties.

  4. A visit to the historic white pilgrimage church "Madonna di Montevergine" for a deeper understanding of Ischia’s heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for People With Joint Problems?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. It involves a challenging hike over uneven terrain, which could be difficult for those with joint problems. Those with limited mobility should consider a different tour option.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Hike?

According to the tour overview, pets are not allowed on the hike. The tour specifically prohibits bringing animals, as well as other items like bikes, alcohol, and fireworks. Participants should only bring essential hiking gear like hiking shoes and sun/rain protection.

Will There Be a Guide to Provide Historical Commentary?

Yes, the tour includes a live guide who will provide commentary in German, English, and Italian. The guide will share historical insights about the region and the landmarks along the hiking route.

Do We Have to Carry Our Own Lunch?

The tour does not include lunch, but participants can stop at an agriturismo around 1:30 p.m. to enjoy local specialties. Participants are responsible for bringing their own lunch or purchasing it during the break.

How Challenging Is the Hiking Terrain?

The hiking terrain is described as rugged, featuring traditional villages, orchards, vineyards, and meter-high rock faces formed by feather-light pumice stones. Participants should wear proper hiking shoes and be prepared for a challenging but rewarding nature experience.

Recap

This guided hike offers a unique opportunity to explore Ischia’s ancient volcanic landscapes and coastal villages. Participants will marvel at stunning sea views, unique geological formations, and a historic pilgrimage site, before indulging in a delicious local lunch. With careful planning and transportation provided, this comprehensive tour is an ideal way to discover the natural wonders of Ischia’s east coast.