Phlegraean Islands
Islands Volcanic archipelago west of Naples with thermal activity
The Phlegraean Islands off Naples include Ischia and Procida; travelers come for thermal springs, coastal villages, archaeology and sea activities around a volcanic coastal system.
The Phlegraean Islands (Isole Flegree) are a small volcanic island group off the Bay of Naples in southern Italy, forming part of the wider Campi Flegrei volcanic area. The group includes larger inhabited islands and several smaller nature reserves and is significant for volcanic geology and coastal landscapes.
Ischia, the largest island at about 46 km², and Procida, around 4 km², are the principal islands with ports, settlements and tourist facilities; smaller islets such as Vivara are protected for wildlife. The islands together offer beaches, thermal springs, and coastal scenery across multiple sheltered bays and inlets.
The islands are products of volcanic activity associated with the Campi Flegrei system; human settlement on the larger islands dates back to antiquity and the islands developed fishing, agriculture and tourism economies over centuries. Some islets have been designated nature reserves to protect seabirds and native vegetation.
Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Naples, the Phlegraean Islands sit west and northwest of the city and form part of the metropolitan coastal archipelago. Ferries and hydrofoils connect the inhabited islands to Naples and nearby mainland ports.
- Volcanism: Volcanic activity is responsible for the islands' formation and ongoing geothermal features, so thermal springs and fumaroles occur on some islands.
What to See #
- Ischia: The largest island in the group, covering about 46 km² and featuring volcanic soils, thermal springs and the townships of several coastal communities.
- Procida: A small island of roughly 4 km² known for its compact historic centre and sheltered bays; linked ecologically to nearby islets.
- Vivara: A tiny, crescent-shaped islet between Procida and Ischia that is designated a nature reserve and connected to Procida by a narrow channel.
How to Get to Phlegraean Islands #
The Phlegraean Islands (including Ischia, Procida and smaller islets) are reached by ferry or hydrofoil from the Naples area. Regular ferries and fast hydrofoils depart Naples from Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa, and there are also ferry services from the port of Pozzuoli on the Phlegraean coast.
By car, Pozzuoli is roughly a 20-30 km drive west of central Naples (follow the SS162/SS7 or local coastal roads). From the ports you disembark directly on each island; local walking or bus/taxi services cover short distances on the islands.
Tips for Visiting Phlegraean Islands #
- Plan island-hopping in the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) when seas are calmer and visitor numbers are lower than mid-summer.
- Use ferries from Pozzuoli or Naples and pick morning sailings for the calmest water and the most reliable schedules; always check the seasonal timetables in advance.
- Include quieter islands such as Procida and Vivara if your itinerary allows - they give a different, less touristy perspective than Ischia and are easy to combine on a day trip.
Best Time to Visit Phlegraean Islands #
Late spring to early autumn is generally best: spring and early autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds, while summer is warmer but busier.
