How to Visit the Baia di Sorgeto: Free Ischia Hot Springs
Last Updated on 11th March 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.
Ischia is a magical island in the Bay of Naples where lush green hills give way to volcanic beaches and an aquamarine sea. One of the most interesting and relaxing things to do on the island for those who enjoy water based activities is to visit the hot thermal springs in the Baia di Sorgeto (the Bay of Sorgeto). Here’s how to visit the Sorgeto hot springs, as well as what to know before you go.
Sorgeto is an inlet with a rocky pebble beach that is surrounded on both sides by steep cliff faces. The shoreline is located 2 kilometres south of the small town of Panza and is only accessible by 300 steep steps, so be prepared to walk a fair bit.
The sea cove itself is blessed with outdoor natural thermal waters which are akin to lying in a bathtub and are a reward in of itself for those who hike down the stairs to reach the inlet. In times gone by, islanders would have used the thermal waters closest to the shore to cook eggs and the like.
How to visit the Baia di Sorgeto
The Baia di Sorgeto is located in southwest Ischia, close to the town of Sant’Angelo. There are regular water taxis (around €5 per person in each direction) that depart on a regular basis from the town.
Another option is to get a bus to Panza and walk the couple of kilometres down to the shoreline. Alternatively, you can do what we did while visiting the island of Ischia and rent a scooter.
We rented a scooter in the Port of Ischia, which was definitely a mission in of itself (book car/ scooter hire in advance of your arrival on the island if possible!) but gave us the freedom and flexibility to see the island on our own terms.
When you reach Sorgeto, there are a few options when it comes to parking. There is a car park directly above the steps which reach the cove where you can park both cars and scooters.
Alternatively, we parked in the car park which is part of the Da Gisella restaurant. There, we enjoyed drinks and snacks overlooking the sea before wandering down to bathe in the thermal waters.
Things to know before visiting the thermal springs of Sorgeto
Please note that this is a free activity and so can get really busy, particularly during weekends and evenings in the summer months. Though the sunset provides a great ambiance thanks to the lively mood of other thermal pool goers, if you want more of the place to yourself, then it’s better to visit earlier in the day and midweek if possible.
The water closest to the shoreline is very hot, scalding even. You can see the vapour rising up from the water and so avoid touching the pools closest to the cliffs and shore. Instead, there are several walkways to use where you can walk a little further out to sea and into more agreeable water temperatures.
As well as a swimming costume, you’ll need to bring water shoes as it is easy to cut yourself on the little rocks which are at the base of the water.
You’ll also need to pack a towel, suncream, sunglasses, and water. It’s worth noting that this is not really a place for swimming, but instead for bathing in the hot water.
There are several establishments at the cove where you can buy snacks and drinks. There is an upper cocktail bar, Bar Achille which sells juices, snacks, and cocktails.
Once at the shoreline itself, there is the restaurant and beach café of La Sorgente. This bar sells full meals, rents out transats, and even sells water shoes (for €10 per pair).
