Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
The beach arcs along the eastern edge of Ischia Ponte, framed by a postcard view: the Aragonese Castle connected to the island by its ancient stone causeway, the green hump of Monte Epomeo behind, and directly offshore, the Scogli di Sant'Anna—jagged trachyte towers that erupt from water so clear you can trace the rocky contours all the way down. You lay your towel on sand that's finer than Forio's volcanic grit, a pale ochre that heats quickly once the sun clears the ridge. Wade in and you'll feel the temperature shift—patches of bathwater warmth where submarine fumaroles release volcanic heat, mingling with cooler currents from the open gulf. Snorkelers circle the Sant'Anna rocks, their fins breaking the surface as they dive to inspect the underwater grottos where damselfish shelter and octopus hide in crevices. A few paddleboarders navigate the channel between beach and rocks, their boards casting long shadows on the sandy bottom. By midday the beach fills with Neapolitan families and couples who've rented scooters in Ischia Porto. Someone's set up a portable gazebo; someone else is slicing watermelon on a cooler lid, the juice running pink onto the sand. You swim out toward Sant'Anna, the fortress growing larger in your peripheral vision with each stroke. The water here is a study in blues—cerulean in the shallows, deepening to sapphire where the rocks plunge down. This is the Ischia you came for: thermal, scenic, and utterly disarming.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Cartaromana Beach.
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Cartaromana Beach is generally safe for swimming, with calm, clear waters ideal for snorkeling around the Sant'Anna rocks. The sandy bottom slopes gently, making it suitable for most swimmers. However, be aware of boat traffic in the area, as it's a popular spot. Thermal springs occasionally create warm water patches, which are harmless. During peak season, the beach can get crowded, so arrive early for the best experience. Rocky areas near the shores require water shoes for comfortable exploration.
Visit Cartaromana Beach during May, June, or September for the best weather with fewer crowds compared to July and August. Early morning visits, especially before 10 AM, offer a more peaceful experience even in high season. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends when locals join tourists. The beach is accessible year-round, though swimming is most comfortable from May through October. Sunset hours provide stunning views of the Aragonese Castle with softer light, though the beach faces east, so morning light is actually more dramatic.
From Ischia Porto, take local bus lines CS or CD toward Ischia Ponte, then walk about 10-15 minutes downhill following signs to Cartaromana. The beach is located below the Aragonese Castle. Alternatively, take a taxi directly to the beach access point. You can also reach it by private boat or water taxi from the main harbor. The descent involves stairs, so pack light and wear comfortable shoes. Parking is limited near the beach, so public transport is recommended during summer months.
Several beach clubs and restaurants line Cartaromana Beach, offering fresh seafood, local Ischitan cuisine, and sun lounger rentals. Popular spots serve traditional dishes like spaghetti alle vongole and local white wines. Accommodation options are primarily in nearby Ischia Ponte, a 10-minute walk away, ranging from family-run B&Bs to boutique hotels with sea views. The Aragonese Castle area offers additional dining choices. For luxury stays, consider hotels in Ischia Porto, just a short bus ride away, which provide more amenities.
Cartaromana Beach offers the most dramatic perspective of Ischia's iconic Aragonese Castle, which rises on a rocky islet connected to the island by a stone bridge. From the beach, you get an unobstructed, picture-perfect view of the medieval fortress reflected in the calm waters, especially striking during golden hour. The Sant'Anna rocks in the foreground add layers to photographs. This vantage point allows you to appreciate the castle's imposing architecture and strategic coastal position better than from most other locations on Ischia.
