A Culinary Journey Across Ischia
Ischia’s volcanic soil and mild maritime climate have blessed the island with an extraordinary food and wine tradition. From ancient vineyards clinging to steep hillsides to family-run trattorias serving recipes passed down through generations, a culinary tour of Ischia is a feast for all the senses. A rental car is ideal for this itinerary — it keeps your purchases safe, lets you travel in comfort between stops, and allows a designated driver to ensure everyone can enjoy the wine tastings.
Morning: The Vineyards of Ischia
Begin your day at Casa d’Ambra, the island’s most respected winery, located on the hillside above Forio. The Biancolella grape thrives on Ischia’s volcanic terraces, producing a white wine of remarkable elegance — crisp, mineral, and subtly aromatic. Casa d’Ambra offers guided tours of their cellars and vineyards, followed by tastings of their full range. The Piedirosso red, robust and earthy, pairs beautifully with the island’s meat dishes. Another excellent stop is Pietratorcia, a boutique winery in the hills above Forio with stunning views and organic wines.
Late Morning: Local Products and Markets
Drive to the centre of Ischia Porto and visit the small food shops along Corso Vittoria Colonna. Here you’ll find locally produced mozzarella, caciotta cheese aged in tuff caves, jars of home-preserved vegetables, and the island’s famous lemon liqueur (a variant of limoncello made with Ischia’s particularly fragrant lemons). The Saturday morning market in Forio is also excellent for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
Lunch: Traditional Trattoria Experience
For lunch, head to Il Focolare in Barano d’Ischia, an institution of Ischitan cuisine. The Iacono family has been cooking here for decades, using volcanic stone ovens and recipes that predate tourism on the island. The signature dish is coniglio all’ischitana — rabbit slow-cooked with tomatoes, garlic, white wine, and local herbs in a terracotta pot. It’s the quintessential Ischia dish, and nowhere does it better than Il Focolare. Pair it with a local Piedirosso for the full experience.
Afternoon: Honey, Herbs, and Hidden Farms
After lunch, drive up into the hills above Serrara Fontana to visit small farms producing honey, herbs, and olive oil. The island’s wildflower honey, with its complex flavours of chestnut and citrus, is a prized local product. Many farms welcome visitors informally — look for hand-painted signs along the road. The drive itself through terraced vineyards and ancient chestnut groves is beautiful, and the higher elevation offers cooler temperatures for a pleasant afternoon walk.
Aperitivo: Seaside Wine Bar
As the afternoon light turns golden, drive to one of Ischia’s coastal wine bars for aperitivo. Gardenia Mare in Ischia Ponte offers a terrace directly over the water with views of the Castello Aragonese, while Negombo Lounge in Lacco Ameno combines cocktails with a botanical garden setting. The local custom is to pair a glass of chilled Biancolella with taralli (savoury biscuits) and fresh seafood crudo.
Dinner: Seafood and Sea Views
For the culminating dinner, choose between two legendary restaurants. Ristorante Mosaico at the Terme Manzi Hotel in Casamicciola Terme holds a Michelin star and reinterprets Ischitan cuisine with contemporary flair. For a more traditional experience, Alberto in Ischia Porto serves the freshest seafood on the island — the fritto misto and spaghetti alle vongole are legendary. Both require reservations, especially in summer.
Practical Tips for Your Food Tour
A car is essential for this itinerary because the wineries and farms are scattered across the island’s hilly interior, far from bus routes. Designate a driver or pace the wine tastings so everyone can enjoy responsibly. Most restaurants welcome families and offer children’s portions. Book popular restaurants several days ahead in peak season. Our rental cars come with a cooler bag on request — perfect for keeping your wine purchases at the right temperature during the tour.