What to see in Sant'Angelo, Ischia: guide to the village of Serrara Fontana
The island's most charming pedestrian village: pastel-coloured alleys, natural thermal springs and the Maronti sea just steps away. The complete guide with practical tips and where to stay.
In Sant'Angelo, Ischia, the pedestrian village in the hamlet of Serrara Fontana, the must-sees are the Tower on the islet, the natural thermal springs of Cava Scura and Maronti Beach, reachable on foot or by boat. It's the only town on the island completely closed to traffic, open to visitors all year round.
The village of Sant'Angelo: what makes it special
Sant'Angelo began as a fishing village and in many ways still is: colourful boats pulled up near the little harbour, nets laid out to dry, a slow pace of life even in the busiest months. In recent decades it has also become one of the island's most elegant spots, with boutiques selling local ceramics, artisan sandal workshops and small venues overlooking the water — but its seafaring soul remains the main reason it's worth the visit.
Precisely because it's closed to traffic, it can only be visited on foot: a detail that changes the pace of the day and is worth knowing before you arrive, especially if you're travelling with luggage or a pushchair.
The islet and the Tower of Sant'Angelo
The village's symbol is the rocky islet connected to the mainland by a strip of sand, topped by the Tower of Sant'Angelo. It's the spot behind the island's most famous photos, but it's also worth seeing in person: at sunset, with the low light hitting the volcanic rock, the view over the bay is among the most beautiful on Ischia.
The natural thermal springs near Sant'Angelo: Cava Scura
A short walk from the village, towards Maronti Beach, lies Cava Scura: a narrow gorge between the rocks where natural thermal waters flow, used since ancient times for their healing properties. It's a different experience from the island's large organised thermal parks — wilder, more authentic — reached via a short walk along a path carved into the rock.
Maronti Beach: how to get there from Sant'Angelo
Maronti, Ischia's longest beach, is connected to Sant'Angelo both by land (a coastal footpath) and by sea, with water taxis running back and forth during the summer season. Those staying in Sant'Angelo therefore have easy access to two different sides of the island in the same day: the intimate village and the wide, open beach.
Wandering the alleys and workshops
Beyond the "postcard" attractions, Sant'Angelo is best enjoyed by simply wandering without a destination: the steps climbing towards the highest houses, the hand-painted ceramics workshops, the small bars on the little harbour square where you can stop for a coffee while watching the boats. The village is at its best in the quieter hours — early morning or after dinner — once the day-trippers have left.
Trekking: the trail to Serrara Fontana
For those who love walking, a trail leads up from Sant'Angelo to the centre of Serrara Fontana, through dry-stone walls, terraced vineyards and prickly pears, up to the Belvedere overlooking the whole bay. It's a different — and free — way to see Sant'Angelo from above, and it's one of the routes we organise with guided assistance included.
Discover the Panza – Sant'Angelo excursion →
Where to stay in Sant'Angelo and the surrounding area
Those who want to wake up to this view, not just spend a day there, can choose to stay directly in the Serrara Fontana area. Our partner in the area is designed exactly for this kind of stay, with panoramic pools and views over the island's most iconic village.
Discover Borgo Romantica Resort & Spa — Serrara Fontana →
How to get to Sant'Angelo (without a car)
Being entirely pedestrian, Sant'Angelo is reached by leaving your car or scooter in the guarded car parks at the entrance to the village, then continuing on foot down towards the little harbour (or, if you prefer, using the local shuttles that cover the steepest stretch). In high season it's worth allowing a few extra minutes for parking, especially at weekends.
When to visit Sant'Angelo
Sant'Angelo is enjoyable all year round, but with very different atmospheres: in summer it's the island's most lively village, with venues open until late; in autumn and winter it empties out and returns to being the fishing village it once was, with a more intimate charm and the thermal springs of Cava Scura still accessible.
Planning a stay in this area? Message us on WhatsApp or request a tailor-made quote: we'll reply within 24 hours with a proposal designed for the Sant'Angelo and Serrara Fontana area.
Frequently asked questions
Can you reach Sant'Angelo by car?
No, the village is entirely pedestrian. You leave your vehicle in the car parks at the entrance and continue on foot.
How much time do you need to visit Sant'Angelo?
A few hours are enough for the village itself, but to also include Maronti and Cava Scura it's worth setting aside half a day or a full day.
Which municipality is Sant'Angelo part of?
Administratively it's a hamlet of the municipality of Serrara Fontana, on the south-western side of Ischia.
Can you bathe in the Cava Scura thermal springs all year round?
Yes, the thermal water of Cava Scura stays warm even in the winter months, unlike the surrounding sea.
